How to Effectively Describe a Person Who Has Positively Influenced You in IELTS Speaking

IELTS Mentor

4 months ago

When it comes to the IELTS Speaking test, one common topic that candidates may encounter is describing a person who has had a positive influence on their life. This topic not only allows you to showcase your language skills but also gives you an opportunity to share a personal experience. In this article, we’ll explore how to approach this topic effectively, providing sample answers and useful vocabulary to help you achieve a high band score.

Understanding the Task

Before we dive into the specifics, it’s important to understand that this topic could appear in any part of the IELTS Speaking test. Let’s break down how it might be presented in each part:

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, you might be asked some simple questions about influential people in your life. Here are some potential questions:

Who has had the biggest influence on your life?
Do you have any role models?
How important are role models for young people?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:

Sample Answer: “The person who has had the biggest influence on my life is undoubtedly my grandmother. She’s been a constant source of inspiration and support throughout my life. Her unwavering determination and positive outlook, even in the face of adversity, have taught me valuable life lessons that I carry with me every day.”

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

In Part 2, you might receive a cue card like this:

Describe a person who has positively influenced you.

You should say:

Who this person is
How you know this person
What this person does
And explain how this person has influenced you positively

Sample Answer:

“I’d like to talk about my high school English teacher, Mr. Johnson, who has had a profound impact on my life.

I first met Mr. Johnson when I was 15 years old, in my sophomore year of high school. He was our new English literature teacher, and from the very first class, I knew he was different from other teachers.

Mr. Johnson is an incredibly passionate educator who goes above and beyond his role as a teacher. He doesn’t just teach the curriculum; he instills a love for learning in his students. He organizes literature clubs, writing workshops, and even coordinates an annual school play to help students engage with language and literature in creative ways.

The way Mr. Johnson has influenced me positively is multi-faceted. Firstly, he ignited my passion for the English language and literature. His engaging teaching style and enthusiasm made even the most challenging texts accessible and enjoyable.

Secondly, he boosted my confidence in my writing abilities. He always provided constructive feedback and encouraged me to participate in writing competitions, which helped me discover my talent for creative writing.

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, Mr. Johnson taught me the value of perseverance and lifelong learning. He often shared stories of his own learning journey, emphasizing that education doesn’t stop after school. This perspective has motivated me to continually seek knowledge and improve myself, even after graduating.

In conclusion, Mr. Johnson’s influence has shaped my academic interests, boosted my self-confidence, and instilled valuable life lessons that continue to guide me today. His positive impact on my life extends far beyond the classroom, and I’m incredibly grateful for his mentorship.”

IELTS Speaking Teacher

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In Part 3, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

Examiner: How do you think role models influence young people’s career choices?

Sample Answer: “Role models can have a significant impact on young people’s career aspirations. When young individuals see someone succeeding in a particular field, it can inspire them to pursue similar paths. This influence can be both direct and indirect. For instance, a student might be directly inspired by a teacher to become an educator themselves. Alternatively, seeing a successful businessperson from their community might indirectly motivate them to explore entrepreneurship. However, it’s important to note that this influence isn’t always positive. Sometimes, young people might feel pressured to emulate their role models’ career choices, even if it doesn’t align with their own interests or strengths. Therefore, it’s crucial for mentors and parents to encourage young people to explore diverse options and find careers that genuinely interest them, rather than simply following in someone else’s footsteps.”

Examiner: Do you think the influence of parents on children is decreasing in modern society?

Sample Answer: “This is a complex issue with various factors at play. On one hand, the increasing influence of technology and social media might suggest that parents’ influence is diminishing. Children today have access to a wide array of information and role models online, which can shape their views and behaviors. Additionally, busy work schedules often mean parents spend less time with their children than in previous generations.

However, I believe that parental influence remains fundamentally important, albeit in evolving ways. Parents still play a crucial role in shaping their children’s values, work ethic, and interpersonal skills. What’s changing is the nature of this influence. Modern parents often need to be more proactive in their approach, actively engaging with their children’s digital lives and helping them navigate the complexities of the modern world.

Moreover, as society becomes more aware of the importance of mental health and emotional intelligence, many parents are focusing more on these aspects of their children’s development. This shift could actually be strengthening the parent-child bond in many families.

In conclusion, while the dynamics of parental influence may be changing, I don’t believe it’s necessarily decreasing. Rather, it’s adapting to the challenges and opportunities presented by modern society.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

To score high in your IELTS Speaking test, it’s important to use a range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures. Here are some key terms and phrases that can help you describe a person who has positively influenced you:

Mentor /ˈmentɔːr/ (noun): An experienced and trusted adviser.
Example: “My professor acted as a mentor throughout my research project.”
Inspiring /ɪnˈspaɪərɪŋ/ (adjective): Encouraging and motivating.
Example: “Her inspiring words gave me the courage to pursue my dreams.”
Role model /rəʊl ˈmɒdl/ (noun): A person looked to by others as an example to be imitated.
Example: “As a successful businesswoman, she’s a role model for many young entrepreneurs.”
Influence /ˈɪnflʊəns/ (verb/noun): The capacity to have an effect on someone’s character, development, or behavior.
Example: “His dedication to community service has greatly influenced my own volunteer work.”
Admire /ədˈmaɪər/ (verb): To respect and approve of someone or their behavior.
Example: “I deeply admire her resilience in the face of adversity.”
Guidance /ˈɡaɪdns/ (noun): Advice or information aimed at resolving a problem or difficulty.
Example: “Her guidance was invaluable when I was deciding on my career path.”
Profound impact /prəˈfaʊnd ˈɪmpækt/ (phrase): A very significant or deep effect.
Example: “Meeting her had a profound impact on my perspective on life.”

Tips from an IELTS Examiner

As an IELTS examiner, here are some tips to help you excel in describing a person who has positively influenced you:

Be specific: Provide concrete examples of how this person has influenced you. This adds authenticity to your answer.
Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions, but ensure you use them correctly and naturally.
Show reflection: Demonstrate your ability to analyze the impact this person has had on your life. This showcases your critical thinking skills.
Structure your answer: Especially in Part 2, organize your thoughts logically. Use discourse markers to link your ideas.
Practice: Regularly practice speaking about influential people in your life. This will help you feel more comfortable with the topic and improve your fluency.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Speak confidently, maintain good eye contact, and show enthusiasm for the topic. With practice and preparation, you’ll be well-equipped to discuss influential people in your life effectively.

For more tips on IELTS Speaking, you might find these articles helpful:

By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss influential people in your IELTS Speaking test and achieve a high band score.