As an IELTS instructor with over two decades of experience, I’ve encountered countless questions that frequently surface in the IELTS Speaking test. One such question is, “Which living person do you admire the most?” This question often leaves students feeling stumped, unsure of who to choose and how to articulate their admiration effectively. This comprehensive guide aims to equip you with the tools and strategies needed to confidently tackle this IELTS Speaking cue.
Understanding the Question’s Intent
The examiner isn’t expecting you to talk about a celebrity or a historical figure. They want to understand your values and how you articulate your respect for someone who embodies them. This question assesses:
- Your vocabulary: Can you use a range of adjectives and descriptive language to portray this person?
- Your storytelling skills: Can you narrate a compelling story that illustrates why you admire this person?
- Your fluency and coherence: Can you speak naturally, link your ideas smoothly, and maintain a logical flow?
Choosing Your Person of Admiration
While you might be tempted to choose a well-known figure, selecting someone closer to home can make your answer more genuine and impactful. Consider:
- Family members: Do you admire a parent’s resilience, a sibling’s determination, or a grandparent’s wisdom?
- Teachers or mentors: Has a teacher inspired your love for learning, or has a mentor guided you on your career path?
- Friends or colleagues: Do you have a friend who embodies kindness and empathy, or a colleague known for their unwavering work ethic?
Structuring Your Answer
A structured response will help you deliver a clear and concise answer. Consider this framework:
1. Introduction:
- Briefly state who you admire.
- Example: “The living person I admire most is actually my older sister…”
2. Body Paragraphs:
- Dedicate one or two paragraphs to elaborating on their admirable qualities.
- Provide specific examples or anecdotes to support your points.
- Example: “Her dedication to her patients is truly inspiring. I remember one instance when…”
3. Conclusion:
- Briefly summarise why their qualities resonate with you.
- Example: “Her unwavering commitment to her passions and her genuine compassion for others make her a true role model for me.”
Tips for Success
- Don’t memorize: While practicing beforehand is essential, avoid memorizing an entire answer. Your response should sound natural and unrehearsed.
- Be specific: Avoid generic statements. Use descriptive language and concrete examples to make your answer vivid and engaging.
- Connect to your values: Explain why this person’s qualities resonate with you and how they’ve influenced your own outlook.
- Maintain a positive tone: While you can mention challenges they’ve overcome, keep the overall tone of your answer positive and respectful.
Example Answer
“The living person I admire most is actually my older sister, Sarah. She’s a dedicated nurse working in the intensive care unit, and her resilience and compassion never cease to amaze me. I remember one instance when she worked tirelessly for 36 hours straight during a particularly challenging shift, tending to critically ill patients without a single complaint. What’s remarkable is that even after such demanding shifts, she always manages to remain positive and uplifting to her colleagues and patients alike. Her unwavering commitment to her profession and her genuine empathy for others make her not only a fantastic nurse but also an exceptional human being. She inspires me to approach every challenge with grace and determination and to always prioritize compassion in my interactions with others.”
By following this guide and practicing your responses, you’ll be well-equipped to answer the “Which living person do you admire the most?” question with confidence and fluency on your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the key is to be genuine, specific, and articulate in expressing your admiration.