Are you preparing for the IELTS Speaking test and wondering how to effectively describe an ambitious person? You’re in the right place! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore expert tips and strategies to help you articulate the qualities of a highly driven individual, boosting your chances of achieving a high band score in your IELTS Speaking exam.
Understanding the IELTS Speaking Test Structure
Before we dive into the specifics of describing an ambitious person, let’s briefly review the structure of the IELTS Speaking test:
- Part 1: Introduction and Interview (4-5 minutes)
- Part 2: Long Turn (3-4 minutes)
- Part 3: Two-way Discussion (4-5 minutes)
Now, let’s explore how you can tackle questions about ambitious individuals in each part of the test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner might ask you general questions about ambition and ambitious people. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Sample Question 1: Do you consider yourself an ambitious person?
Sample Answer: “Yes, I’d say I’m fairly ambitious. I constantly set goals for myself, both in my personal and professional life. For instance, I’m currently working towards advancing my career in marketing while simultaneously learning a new language. I believe that having ambition drives personal growth and helps me stay motivated in the face of challenges.”
Sample Question 2: What qualities do you think ambitious people have?
Sample Answer: “In my opinion, ambitious people typically possess several key qualities. Firstly, they tend to be highly motivated and have a clear vision of what they want to achieve. They’re often extremely determined and willing to work hard to reach their goals. Additionally, ambitious individuals usually demonstrate resilience in the face of setbacks and have the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. They also tend to be proactive and take initiative rather than waiting for opportunities to come to them.”
Part 2: Long Turn
In this section, you might be given a cue card related to describing an ambitious person. Here’s a sample cue card and response:
Sample Cue Card:
Describe a person you know who is very ambitious.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know them
- What they do
- And explain why you think they are ambitious
Sample Answer:
“I’d like to talk about my friend Sarah, who I consider to be one of the most ambitious people I know. I met Sarah during our university days when we were both studying business management.
Sarah is currently working as a junior executive at a multinational corporation, but her aspirations go far beyond her current role. What sets her apart is her unwavering determination to climb the corporate ladder and eventually start her own company.
I believe Sarah is exceptionally ambitious for several reasons. Firstly, she consistently sets high goals for herself and works tirelessly to achieve them. For instance, she recently completed an MBA while working full-time, which demonstrates her commitment to self-improvement and career advancement.
Moreover, Sarah is always seeking new challenges and opportunities to expand her skill set. She volunteers for additional projects at work and actively networks with industry professionals to broaden her horizons. Her proactive approach to career development is truly admirable.
Another aspect that highlights Sarah’s ambition is her long-term vision. She has a clear roadmap for her career progression and is not afraid to take calculated risks to reach her goals. For example, she recently turned down a comfortable promotion in favor of a more challenging role that aligns better with her ultimate objective of gaining diverse industry experience.
In conclusion, Sarah’s relentless drive, strategic thinking, and willingness to step out of her comfort zone make her stand out as an exceptionally ambitious individual. Her approach to personal and professional growth is truly inspiring, and I’m confident she’ll achieve great things in the future.”
Follow-up Questions:
- How has Sarah’s ambition influenced her personal life?
- Do you think there are any downsides to being as ambitious as Sarah?
Sample Answers:
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“Sarah’s ambition has significantly impacted her personal life. While her dedication to her career has led to impressive achievements, it has also meant making sacrifices in terms of her social life and leisure time. She often works long hours and spends weekends studying or networking, which leaves limited time for relaxation or socializing. However, Sarah views these sacrifices as necessary investments in her future and remains committed to maintaining a balance between her professional goals and personal well-being.”
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“While ambition can be a powerful driving force, there can be potential downsides to being highly ambitious like Sarah. One concern is the risk of burnout due to consistently pushing oneself to achieve more. Additionally, an intense focus on career goals might lead to neglecting other important aspects of life, such as relationships or personal health. There’s also the possibility of experiencing increased stress and pressure to constantly perform at a high level. However, I believe that with proper self-awareness and time management, these potential drawbacks can be mitigated, allowing ambitious individuals like Sarah to thrive both professionally and personally.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to ambition and ambitious people. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Question 1: Do you think society benefits from having ambitious people?
Sample Answer: “Absolutely, I believe that ambitious individuals play a crucial role in driving society forward. Their innovative spirit and determination to succeed often lead to groundbreaking discoveries, technological advancements, and economic growth. Ambitious entrepreneurs, for instance, create jobs and stimulate economic development. Moreover, ambitious people in fields like science, medicine, and education push the boundaries of human knowledge and capabilities, ultimately benefiting society as a whole.
However, it’s important to note that ambition should be balanced with ethical considerations and social responsibility. When ambitious individuals channel their drive towards positive change and the greater good, society reaps the most benefits. This could involve developing sustainable technologies, improving healthcare systems, or working towards social equality.
That being said, we must also recognize that a society composed entirely of highly ambitious individuals might face challenges in terms of cooperation and work-life balance. Therefore, a healthy mix of ambition and other qualities is ideal for a well-functioning society.”
Question 2: How has the concept of ambition changed in recent years?
Sample Answer: “The concept of ambition has undergone significant changes in recent years, largely due to shifting societal values and technological advancements. Traditionally, ambition was often associated with climbing the corporate ladder or accumulating wealth. However, in today’s world, we’re seeing a more diverse and nuanced understanding of what it means to be ambitious.
One notable change is the increasing emphasis on work-life balance. Many ambitious individuals are now seeking success not just in their careers, but also in personal fulfillment and well-being. This has led to a rise in entrepreneurship and alternative career paths that offer more flexibility and autonomy.
Another shift is the growing importance of social and environmental responsibility. Ambitious people today are often driven by a desire to make a positive impact on the world, rather than solely focusing on personal gain. This has given rise to social entrepreneurship and a greater focus on sustainable business practices.
The digital age has also reshaped ambition. With the rise of social media and the gig economy, there are now more diverse paths to success. Influencers, freelancers, and digital nomads represent new forms of ambition that didn’t exist a few decades ago.
Lastly, there’s an increasing recognition of the importance of continuous learning and adaptability. In a rapidly changing world, ambitious individuals are focusing more on developing a broad skill set and staying relevant in their fields rather than aiming for a specific, fixed career goal.
In conclusion, while the core essence of ambition – the drive to succeed and achieve one’s goals – remains the same, the ways in which this ambition is expressed and pursued have become more diverse and holistic in recent years.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for Describing Ambitious People
To enhance your IELTS Speaking performance when describing ambitious individuals, consider using these sophisticated words and phrases:
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Driven /ˈdrɪvən/ (adjective): Motivated to work or succeed very hard
Example: “She’s an incredibly driven individual who never settles for mediocrity.” -
Tenacious /təˈneɪʃəs/ (adjective): Very determined and not giving up easily
Example: “His tenacious pursuit of his goals is truly admirable.” -
Go-getter /ˈɡəʊ ˌɡetə(r)/ (noun): An ambitious and energetic person
Example: “As a real go-getter, she’s always looking for new opportunities to advance her career.” -
Aspiring /əˈspaɪərɪŋ/ (adjective): Hoping and working hard to achieve something
Example: “The company is full of aspiring leaders eager to make their mark.” -
Self-starter /ˌselfˈstɑːtə(r)/ (noun): A person who is able to work without needing to be told what to do
Example: “Employers value self-starters who can take initiative and work independently.” -
Visionary /ˈvɪʒənəri/ (noun/adjective): A person with original ideas about what the future will or could be like
Example: “As a visionary in her field, she’s always thinking several steps ahead of her competitors.” -
To have a fire in one’s belly (idiom): To have a strong determination to succeed
Example: “You can see the fire in her belly whenever she talks about her business plans.” -
To set one’s sights on (phrasal verb): To have a particular goal or ambition
Example: “He’s set his sights on becoming the youngest CEO in the company’s history.”
Tips for Achieving a High Score in IELTS Speaking
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Practice regularly: Dedicate time each day to speaking English, focusing on describing people and their characteristics.
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Expand your vocabulary: Learn and use a wide range of words and phrases related to ambition and personal qualities.
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Use idiomatic expressions: Incorporate relevant idioms and colloquial phrases to make your speech more natural and fluent.
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Provide specific examples: Support your descriptions with concrete examples and personal anecdotes.
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Work on pronunciation: Pay attention to your pronunciation and intonation to ensure clear communication.
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Develop your ideas: Don’t just give short answers. Expand on your thoughts and provide reasoning for your opinions.
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Stay calm and confident: Remember that the examiner is interested in your language skills, not judging your personal views.
By following these tips and using the sample answers as inspiration, you’ll be well-prepared to describe ambitious people effectively in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep working on your skills, and you’ll see improvement in no time!
For more IELTS Speaking tips, check out our guides on how to describe a time you were very determined and how to describe a person who is very hardworking. These resources will further enhance your ability to discuss qualities related to ambition and determination in the IELTS Speaking test.