Discussing someone who has had a significant impact on your life is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This subject allows candidates to showcase their ability to describe people, express emotions, and reflect on personal experiences. In this article, we’ll explore how to ace this topic in your IELTS Speaking exam.

Understanding the Topic’s Relevance in IELTS Speaking

This topic frequently appears in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Parts 2 and 3. It’s an excellent opportunity for examiners to assess your vocabulary, fluency, and ability to express personal opinions and experiences.

IELTS Speaking Test

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, you might encounter questions related to influential people in your life. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:

Examiner: “Who has had the biggest influence on your life?”

Candidate: “Without a doubt, my grandmother has been the most influential person in my life. She’s been a constant source of inspiration and has shaped my values in countless ways. Her resilience in the face of adversity and her unwavering kindness towards others have profoundly impacted how I view the world and interact with people around me.”

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Here’s a sample cue card on this topic:

Describe a person who has had a significant impact on your life.

You should say:

• Who this person is
• How you know this person
• What they have done that has impacted you
• And explain why this person has been so influential in your life

Here’s a suggested response:

“I’d like to talk about my high school history teacher, Mr. Johnson, who has had a profound impact on my life. I first met him when I was 15, in my sophomore year of high school.

Mr. Johnson stood out from other teachers because of his passionate approach to teaching history. He didn’t just recite facts and dates; he brought historical events to life through vivid storytelling and engaging discussions. His classes were always thought-provoking and challenged us to think critically about historical events and their relevance to the present day.

What Mr. Johnson did that impacted me the most was believing in my potential when I didn’t believe in myself. He encouraged me to participate in a national history essay competition, which I was initially hesitant about. With his guidance and support, I not only entered the competition but ended up winning second place nationally. This experience boosted my confidence tremendously and ignited my passion for history and writing.

Mr. Johnson has been so influential in my life because he went above and beyond his role as a teacher. He took a genuine interest in his students’ personal growth and inspired us to pursue our passions. His dedication and enthusiasm for teaching showed me the power of education to transform lives. Thanks to him, I developed a love for learning that has stayed with me throughout my academic journey and beyond.

Moreover, Mr. Johnson taught me valuable life lessons about perseverance, critical thinking, and the importance of questioning the status quo. These lessons have shaped my worldview and continue to guide my decisions in both my personal and professional life.”

Possible follow-up questions:

• How has this person’s influence affected your career choices?
• Do you think you would be a different person if you hadn’t met them?

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: “Do you think teachers have more influence on young people’s lives now than in the past?”

Candidate: “That’s an intriguing question. I believe the influence of teachers on young people’s lives has evolved rather than diminished or increased. In the past, teachers were often the primary source of knowledge for students, which gave them significant influence. Today, while students have access to a vast array of information through the internet and other sources, teachers still play a crucial role in guiding students on how to critically evaluate and apply this information.

Moreover, in our increasingly complex world, teachers now have the opportunity to influence students beyond academics. They can shape students’ worldviews, help them develop essential life skills, and provide emotional support in ways that might not have been as common or recognized in the past. So, while the nature of their influence might have changed, I’d argue that teachers today have the potential to make an even more profound impact on young people’s lives, particularly in terms of personal development and preparing them for the challenges of the modern world.”

Examiner: “How can influential people in society positively impact young people?”

Candidate: “Influential people in society can have a tremendously positive impact on young people in several ways. Firstly, they can serve as role models, demonstrating values such as integrity, hard work, and perseverance. When young people see successful individuals embodying these qualities, it can inspire them to adopt similar values in their own lives.

Secondly, influential figures can use their platforms to raise awareness about important issues affecting youth, such as mental health, education, or climate change. By drawing attention to these topics, they can motivate young people to engage with these issues and take action.

Furthermore, influential people can create opportunities for young people through mentorship programs, internships, or scholarships. This kind of direct support can be life-changing for many young individuals who might otherwise lack access to such opportunities.

Lastly, when influential figures share their own stories of struggle and success, it can help normalize failure and encourage resilience among young people. This can be particularly impactful in today’s social media-driven world, where young people often feel pressure to present a perfect image of themselves.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Profound impact /prəˈfaʊnd ˈɪmpækt/ (adj. + n.): A deep and significant effect.
   Example: “Her mentor’s advice had a profound impact on her career choices.”

2. Influential /ˌɪnfluˈenʃl/ (adj.): Having great influence on someone or something.
   Example: “His grandfather was an influential figure in local politics.”

3. Shape one’s values (phrase): To form or influence someone’s principles or standards.
   Example: “My parents shaped my values through their own actions and teachings.”

4. Resilience /rɪˈzɪliəns/ (n.): The ability to recover quickly from difficulties.
   Example: “Her resilience in the face of adversity was truly inspiring.”

5. Thought-provoking /ˈθɔːt prəˌvoʊkɪŋ/ (adj.): Stimulating careful consideration or attention.
   Example: “The documentary raised several thought-provoking questions about climate change.”

6. Ignite a passion (phrase): To spark a strong enthusiasm or interest in something.
   Example: “That art class ignited my passion for painting.”

Examiner’s Advice

To score high in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing influential people:

1. Use a variety of descriptive vocabulary to paint a vivid picture of the person and their impact.
2. Provide specific examples to illustrate your points, making your answers more authentic and engaging.
3. Practice expressing your thoughts fluently by regularly discussing influential figures in your life with others.
4. Develop your ability to analyze and reflect on personal experiences, as this will help you in Part 3 discussions.
5. Work on linking your ideas coherently, using appropriate transition words and phrases.

Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about having good English skills, but also about effectively communicating your thoughts and experiences. Regular practice and exposure to English will help you achieve this goal.