The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about people who have influenced or intrigued us. One common topic is describing an interesting person you want to meet. This article will provide valuable insights and sample answers to help you excel in this task, drawing from my experience as an IELTS examiner and English language instructor.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about people you admire or find interesting. Here are some typical questions and sample answers:
- Do you have a role model?
- What kind of people do you find interesting?
- Is there anyone famous you’d like to meet?
Let’s focus on question 3:
Examiner: Is there anyone famous you’d like to meet?
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
Yes, I’d really like to meet Elon Musk. He’s a famous entrepreneur and inventor who’s done a lot of interesting things. I think it would be fascinating to talk to him about his ideas for the future and how he manages to run so many companies at once.
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
Absolutely! If I had the opportunity, I’d be thrilled to meet Malala Yousafzai. As a young activist and the youngest Nobel Prize laureate, her courage and dedication to education rights are truly inspirational. I’d be keen to discuss her experiences and gain insights into how she maintains her resolve in the face of adversity. Her perspective on global education challenges would be invaluable.
Describe a person who has made a positive change in your life is another common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. The strategies used to answer this question can also be applied when describing an interesting person you want to meet.
Part 2: Long Turn
In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic and some bullet points. Here’s a sample cue card related to our theme:
Describe an interesting person you want to meet.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know about this person
- What achievements this person has
- And explain why you want to meet this person
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
I’d like to talk about an interesting person I want to meet, and that’s Michelle Obama. She’s the former First Lady of the United States, and I know about her from the news and social media.
Michelle Obama has achieved a lot in her life. She’s a lawyer and writer, and she’s done a lot of work to promote education and healthy living. Her book “Becoming” was a bestseller, and she’s given many inspiring speeches around the world.
I want to meet her because I think she’s a great role model for women. She’s smart, confident, and uses her position to help others. I’d love to ask her about her experiences in the White House and how she balances her personal life with her public role. I think talking to her would be really motivating and could give me some good ideas for my own life and career.
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
I’d be absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to meet Jane Goodall, the world-renowned primatologist and anthropologist. I first learned about her groundbreaking work through a documentary series on wildlife conservation and have since been captivated by her contributions to science and environmental advocacy.
Dr. Goodall’s achievements are truly remarkable. Her pioneering research on chimpanzees in Gombe, Tanzania, revolutionized our understanding of these primates and their similarities to humans. She made several groundbreaking discoveries, such as observing tool use among chimpanzees, which challenged the prevailing definition of human uniqueness. Beyond her scientific work, she has been a tireless advocate for environmental conservation, founding the Jane Goodall Institute and the Roots & Shoots program to inspire youth engagement in conservation efforts worldwide.
The prospect of meeting Dr. Goodall fills me with excitement for several reasons. Firstly, I’m deeply curious about her personal experiences during her early days in Gombe and how she persevered in a male-dominated field. I’d love to gain insights into her research methodology and how she developed such a profound connection with the chimpanzees she studied. Moreover, I’m eager to discuss her views on the current state of conservation and what she believes are the most pressing environmental challenges we face today. Her lifetime of dedication to her cause is incredibly inspiring, and I believe a conversation with her would be both enlightening and motivational, potentially shaping my own approach to environmental stewardship and scientific inquiry.
Follow-up questions:
- What qualities do you admire most in this person?
- How do you think meeting this person could impact your life?
Sample answer (Band 8-9) for question 1:
The qualities I admire most in Jane Goodall are her unwavering dedication to her work and her profound compassion for both animals and humans. Her perseverance in the face of skepticism early in her career demonstrates remarkable resilience. I’m also in awe of her ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to the general public, making her research accessible and inspiring to people of all ages. Her lifelong commitment to conservation and her optimism in the face of environmental challenges are truly admirable traits that I strive to emulate in my own life and work.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
Examiner: Why do you think people are often interested in meeting famous individuals?
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
I think people are interested in meeting famous individuals because they’re curious about their lives. Famous people often have interesting stories and experiences that we don’t get to hear about in the media. Also, meeting someone famous can be exciting and make us feel special. Some people might want to get advice or inspiration from successful individuals in their field.
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
The fascination with meeting famous individuals stems from a complex interplay of psychological and social factors. Primarily, I believe it’s driven by our innate curiosity about success and achievement. Famous personalities often embody aspirational qualities that many people admire and wish to emulate. Meeting them provides a tangible connection to these ideals and can be incredibly inspiring.
Moreover, there’s a certain vicarious thrill in interacting with someone who has experienced extraordinary circumstances or achieved remarkable feats. It allows us to momentarily step out of our ordinary lives and glimpse a world that’s often inaccessible to us.
Additionally, in our increasingly digital age, where we’re constantly exposed to curated versions of celebrities’ lives, there’s a desire for authenticity. A face-to-face meeting offers the opportunity to see beyond the public persona and gain insights into the real person behind the fame. This can either reinforce our admiration or provide a more nuanced understanding of the individual.
Lastly, I think there’s an element of social currency involved. Meeting a famous person can be a unique experience that enhances one’s own status or provides interesting anecdotes to share with others, thus fulfilling a social need for recognition and connection.
Examiner: In what ways can meeting influential people shape one’s personal or professional development?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
Meeting influential people can have a profound impact on one’s personal and professional development in several ways. Firstly, these encounters can provide invaluable mentorship opportunities. Influential individuals often possess a wealth of experience and wisdom that they can share, offering insights that might take years to acquire otherwise. This guidance can help in making more informed decisions about one’s career path or personal goals.
Secondly, such meetings can significantly expand one’s network. Influential people typically have extensive connections across various fields, and an introduction from them can open doors to opportunities that might have been otherwise inaccessible. This network expansion can be crucial for professional advancement and personal growth.
Moreover, interacting with influential figures can broaden one’s perspective. These individuals often have unique viewpoints shaped by their exceptional experiences, which can challenge our preconceptions and encourage us to think more critically and creatively about the world around us.
Additionally, these encounters can serve as a source of inspiration and motivation. Hearing first-hand accounts of how influential people overcame obstacles and achieved their goals can be incredibly empowering, potentially catalyzing our own ambitions and driving us to push beyond our perceived limitations.
Lastly, such meetings can boost self-confidence. The realization that influential people are, at their core, human beings just like us can demystify success and make our own goals seem more attainable. This increased self-belief can be a powerful driver for personal and professional growth.
Describe a place in your city that you frequently visit is another common IELTS Speaking topic. While it may seem unrelated, the skills used to describe a place can also be applied when talking about an interesting person, as both require detailed descriptions and personal reflections.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To elevate your responses and aim for higher band scores, incorporate these sophisticated vocabulary items and phrases:
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Groundbreaking (adjective) /ˈɡraʊnd.breɪ.kɪŋ/ – Innovative; pioneering
Example: Her groundbreaking research changed the field of primatology. -
Advocate (noun/verb) /ˈæd.və.kət/ /ˈæd.və.keɪt/ – A person who publicly supports a cause; to publicly support
Example: She has been a tireless advocate for environmental conservation. -
Perseverance (noun) /ˌpɜː.səˈvɪə.rəns/ – Continued effort and determination
Example: Her perseverance in the face of adversity is truly admirable. -
Captivated (adjective) /ˈkæp.tɪ.veɪ.tɪd/ – Fascinated; very interested
Example: I was captivated by her eloquent speech on climate change. -
Profound (adjective) /prəˈfaʊnd/ – Very great or intense; having deep insight
Example: Meeting her had a profound impact on my career choices. -
Emulate (verb) /ˈem.jə.leɪt/ – To try to be like someone by copying their behavior or qualities
Example: Many young scientists aspire to emulate her dedication to research.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in describing an interesting person you want to meet in the IELTS Speaking test:
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Prepare diverse examples: Have a range of interesting people in mind, from different fields like science, arts, politics, or sports.
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Practice structure: Organize your thoughts logically, covering who the person is, their achievements, and why you find them interesting.
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Use rich vocabulary: Incorporate sophisticated words and phrases to describe personality traits and accomplishments.
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Show genuine interest: Demonstrate enthusiasm about the person through your tone and detailed knowledge of their work.
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Make personal connections: Explain how this person’s work or life relates to your own interests or aspirations.
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Be specific: Provide concrete examples of the person’s achievements or qualities that intrigue you.
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Extend your answers: In Part 3, be prepared to discuss broader topics related to fame, influence, and role models.
Remember, the key to a high score is not just about who you choose to describe, but how articulately and engagingly you can express your thoughts about them.
By following these guidelines and consistently practicing, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle questions about interesting people you want to meet in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, authenticity and fluency are key – speak from the heart while showcasing your language skills.
Describe a lesson that you remember well is another topic you might encounter in IELTS Speaking. The techniques used to describe a memorable lesson can also be applied when talking about an interesting person, as both require you to explain why something or someone made a lasting impression on you.