IELTS Speaking Test Interview Between Examiner and Candidate
Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
Common questions examiners ask about role models and admiration:
- Who do you look up to in your life?
- Do you have any role models?
- What qualities make someone admirable?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I greatly admire my university professor who taught International Relations. She’s not only incredibly knowledgeable in her field but also demonstrates exceptional dedication to her students’ growth. What I find most inspiring is her ability to break down complex concepts into understandable pieces while maintaining her passion for teaching.”
Similar to how candidates express emotions in describe a situation where you felt very emotional, sharing personal experiences about meeting role models requires genuine expression.
Part 2: Cue Card
Task
Describe a time when you met someone you look up to
You should say:
- Who this person is
- When and where you met them
- What they do
- And explain why you look up to them
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
“I’d like to talk about meeting Dr. Sarah Chen, a renowned neuroscientist who has made groundbreaking discoveries in Alzheimer’s research. I encountered her at an international medical conference in Singapore last year, where she was the keynote speaker.
Dr. Chen captivated the entire audience with her presentation on neural plasticity. What truly sets her apart is not just her intellectual brilliance but her humanitarian approach to science. She’s dedicated her life to finding treatments for neurodegenerative diseases while also mentoring young researchers from developing countries.
Just as people often share their excitement about describe a foreign food you want to try, I was thrilled to have a personal conversation with her after her speech. She was remarkably humble despite her achievements and showed genuine interest in my research proposals.
I look up to her because she embodies the perfect balance between academic excellence and social responsibility. Her work has directly impacted thousands of lives, and she continues to inspire young scientists like myself to pursue meaningful research.”
Professional Scientist Presenting Research at International Conference
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Q1: What qualities make someone a good role model?
Band 8-9 Response:
“I believe the most admirable qualities in a role model are authenticity and resilience. They should demonstrate integrity in both their professional and personal lives, while also showing how they’ve overcome challenges. Additionally, their ability to inspire others through actions rather than just words is crucial, much like those who describe a time when you celebrated a personal achievement.”
Q2: How has social media changed the way people choose their role models?
Band 8-9 Response:
“Social media has fundamentally transformed how people identify and interact with role models. While it has democratized access to inspiring figures, it has also created a culture of superficial admiration based on carefully curated online personas. However, platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter have made it possible to gain insights into the daily practices and thought processes of industry leaders.”
Key Vocabulary and Expressions
- Look up to (phrasal verb) – to admire and respect someone
- Exemplary (adj) – serving as a desirable model
- Influential (adj) – having great influence on someone or something
- Mentor (n/v) – an experienced person who advises and helps someone with less experience
- Inspirational (adj) – providing or showing creative or spiritual inspiration
- Profound impact (phrase) – having a deep and significant effect
- Visionary (n/adj) – thinking about or planning the future with imagination or wisdom
Examiner’s Tips
- Focus on specific details and personal experiences
- Use a variety of descriptive language
- Include emotional responses and personal reflections
- Structure your answer clearly with proper transitions
- Support main points with relevant examples
Remember, just as describe a person you know who is very kind-hearted, sharing genuine admiration for someone requires both emotional depth and articulate expression.
