Describe a Famous Person You Admire: An Ultimate Guide for IELTS Speaking
The Speaking section of the IELTS exam consists of three parts: Introduction and Interview, Long Turn, and Two-Way Discussion. Each part has specific requirements and focuses, and an IELTS Speaking Examiner evaluates candidates based on …
Written by: IELTS Mentor
Published on: August 10, 2024
Among various topics, describing a famous person you admire is a common prompt in the IELTS Speaking test. This article will provide a comprehensive guide to mastering this topic, complete with sample answers and detailed analysis for high scores.
Table of Contents
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner asks personal questions to assess your ability to converse about familiar topics. These questions could include:
- Have you ever met a famous person?
- What do you think makes a person famous?
- Who is your favorite famous person and why?
Sample Response:
Question: Who is your favorite famous person and why?
Answer: My favorite famous person is Elon Musk because he is a pioneer in technology and space exploration . His innovative vision and drive have led to groundbreaking achievements with companies like Tesla and SpaceX . I admire his relentless pursuit of progress despite numerous challenges.
Analysis: This response uses specific examples (Tesla, SpaceX) and positive attributes (innovative, relentless pursuit) to demonstrate admiration. Keywords such as “pioneer,” “groundbreaking achievements,” and “technology” align well with the topic.
Part 2: Long Turn
Describe A Famous Person You Admire . You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know about this person
- What they do
- Why you admire this person
Sample Answer:
The famous person I admire most is Marie Curie . I first learned about her in school when we studied pioneers in science . Marie Curie was a physicist and chemist who conducted pioneering research on radioactivity. She was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and remains the only person to win Nobel Prizes in two different scientific fields. Her dedication and contributions to science are truly inspiring. Despite the obstacles she faced as a woman in her era, she persevered with unwavering commitment . I admire her intellectual brilliance and resilience , which have made a profound impact on the world.
Examiner Follow-up Questions:
- Do you think it’s important to have role models? (Yes, role models can inspire and motivate us to achieve our goals and improve ourselves.)
- In your opinion, what qualities make someone admirable? (Qualities like perseverance, integrity, and the ability to overcome challenges make someone admirable.)
Analysis: This answer provides detailed information on Marie Curie and uses specific achievements (Nobel Prizes) to illustrate why she is worth admiring. Words like “dedication,” “commitment,” “intellectual brilliance,” and “resilience” are key terms that contribute to a high band score.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, the conversation shifts to a broader discussion related to the topic in Part 2. The following questions could be asked:
Examiner Questions and Sample Answers:
Question: How do famous people influence society? Answer: Famous people can significantly influence society by setting trends and serving as role models. For instance, influential figures in science and technology , like Elon Musk , can inspire young minds to pursue education and careers in STEM fields. Celebrities can also impact social and cultural norms through their advocacy and public behavior.
Question: Do you think all famous people deserve their fame? Answer: Not necessarily. While some individuals gain fame through genuine accomplishments and positive contributions, others might achieve fame due to controversial or sensational activities. True merit-based fame should ideally reflect real achievements and contributions to society.
Analysis: These responses highlight the ability to discuss abstract and broader implications of fame. Using terms like “influence,” “role models,” “advocacy,” and “merit-based fame” indicates a higher level of analytical thinking and sophisticated language use.
Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Key vocabulary:.
- Example: His innovative ideas transformed the industry.
- Example: She was a pioneer in developing new teaching methods.
- Example: His relentless pursuit of excellence led to success.
- Example: The groundbreaking research changed the course of medicine.
- Example: Her resilience in facing challenges is admirable.
In conclusion, describing a famous person you admire requires specific examples, sophisticated vocabulary, and structured thinking. Practice consistently with these guidelines in mind to enhance your fluency and coherence. Consider reviewing related topics for a broader understanding, such as how celebrities influence society or what makes people famous .
Examiner’s Tips for High Scores:
- Fluency and Coherence: Practice speaking continuously and logically.
- Lexical Resource: Use varied vocabulary and avoid repetition.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Utilize complex sentences and proper tenses.
- Pronunciation: Work on clear and accurate pronunciation, including stress and intonation.
By following these strategies and continuously practicing, you’ll be well-prepared to achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking section.
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IELTS Essay
How to answer the ielts speaking question: “describe a time when you had a disagreement with someone”, mastering the ielts speaking test: describe a time when you were on a boat.
Describe a famous person you admire and why.
You should say:
- Who is the famous person you admire, and what is their background and accomplishments?
- How did you first come to know about this person, and what inspired you to admire them?
- What specific qualities or attributes of this person do you find most admirable, and how have they influenced you personally?
- Can you share any anecdotes or moments from their life or work that exemplify why you admire them so much?
Sample Answer 1 (Band 7):
The famous person I admire greatly is Mahatma Gandhi. He was a renowned leader in the Indian independence movement and a champion of nonviolent resistance. There are several reasons why I hold him in high regard.
Mahatma Gandhi’s life was marked by his tireless efforts to end British colonial rule in India. What I admire most about him is his unwavering commitment to nonviolence, even in the face of oppression and violence from the British authorities. He demonstrated that peaceful protests and civil disobedience can bring about significant social and political change.
Furthermore, Gandhi’s ability to mobilize and inspire millions of people is truly remarkable. His leadership in the Salt March and the Quit India Movement, among others, showcased his capacity to unite people for a common cause. His dedication to the principles of truth, nonviolence, and simplicity served as a guiding light for millions.
In addition, Gandhi’s impact extends far beyond India’s borders. His ideas on nonviolence have influenced civil rights movements and leaders worldwide, including Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela. His philosophy of “satyagraha” or truth force has left a profound mark on global movements for justice and equality.
In conclusion, I admire Mahatma Gandhi for his unwavering commitment to nonviolence, his ability to inspire and mobilize masses, and his global influence on movements for justice and equality. He has not only been a pivotal figure in India’s history but has also left a lasting legacy on the world stage.
Sample Answer 2 (Band 9):
The person I profoundly admire is Albert Einstein, a brilliant physicist known for his groundbreaking theories of relativity and contributions to the field of theoretical physics. My admiration for him is not only because of his remarkable intellect but also because of the profound impact he had on our understanding of the universe.
Einstein’s most famous equation, E=mc^2, is a fundamental equation in physics that relates mass to energy, revolutionizing our understanding of the physical world. His theory of relativity challenged conventional wisdom and reshaped the way we think about space, time, and gravity. I greatly admire his ability to think beyond the boundaries of contemporary knowledge and question the status quo.
Moreover, Einstein’s personal attributes, such as his relentless curiosity and perseverance, are qualities that I find truly inspirational. He faced numerous obstacles in his life, including escaping Nazi Germany during World War II, and yet he continued to pursue his scientific inquiries with unwavering determination.
In addition to his scientific contributions, Einstein was a passionate advocate for civil rights, pacifism, and world peace. His strong stance against the use of atomic weapons and his involvement in the anti-nuclear weapons movement demonstrated his commitment to the betterment of humanity.
In summary, Albert Einstein is a person I deeply admire for his intellectual brilliance, his curiosity and perseverance, and his dedication to the well-being of humanity. His legacy in the fields of physics and human rights advocacy is an enduring source of inspiration for me and countless others.
Follow up questions:
- Question: Can you elaborate on the specific accomplishments of this famous person that you admire?
Sample Answer: Certainly, the person I admire, Mahatma Gandhi, achieved several remarkable accomplishments during his lifetime. He played a pivotal role in India’s struggle for independence through nonviolent means, led various movements and campaigns, and successfully negotiated with the British authorities to bring about change. His dedication to nonviolence and civil disobedience, such as the Salt March, are some of his most significant accomplishments.
- Question: How has this famous person’s work or ideas influenced your own life or beliefs?
Sample Answer: The influence of Mahatma Gandhi on my life has been profound. His philosophy of nonviolence, simplicity, and truth has shaped my own beliefs and actions. I strive to resolve conflicts peacefully and advocate for justice and equality in my own community, inspired by Gandhi’s teachings.
- Question: Can you share a specific quote or saying from this famous person that resonates with you, and explain why?
Sample Answer: One of Gandhi’s quotes that deeply resonates with me is, “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” This quote emphasizes personal responsibility and the power of individual actions to bring about positive change. It has motivated me to actively contribute to the betterment of society and make a positive impact.
- Question: Do you think the famous person you admire faced any significant challenges or criticism during their lifetime?
Sample Answer : Absolutely, Mahatma Gandhi faced numerous challenges and criticisms throughout his life. His commitment to nonviolence and civil disobedience was often met with resistance from both the British authorities and some factions within the Indian community. He endured imprisonment, opposition, and criticism, but he remained resolute in his beliefs.
- Question: How has this famous person’s influence extended beyond their own country or region?
Sample Answer : Gandhi’s influence extended far beyond India. His philosophy of nonviolence and civil disobedience inspired many other leaders and movements worldwide, including Martin Luther King Jr. in the United States and Nelson Mandela in South Africa. Gandhi’s principles continue to be a source of inspiration for advocates of justice and civil rights globally.
- Question: Can you describe any public events or movements associated with the famous person you admire?
Sample Answer : One of the most well-known events associated with Mahatma Gandhi is the Salt March, which took place in 1930. It was a 240-mile journey to the Arabian Sea, where Gandhi and his followers collected salt from the seashore, defying the British monopoly on salt production. The Salt March became a symbol of nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience against British colonial rule.
- Question: How do you think the world would be different if this famous person had not existed?
Sample Answer: If Mahatma Gandhi had not existed, the struggle for Indian independence might have taken a different course. His leadership and philosophy of nonviolence played a pivotal role in shaping the Indian independence movement. Moreover, his influence on the global stage regarding nonviolence and civil rights would have been greatly diminished, potentially altering the course of history.
- Question: Are there any controversies or debates surrounding the life or work of the famous person you admire?
Sample Answer: Yes, there have been debates and controversies surrounding Gandhi’s views on certain topics, including his personal life and relationships. Some have questioned his approach to various issues. However, it’s essential to consider the context of his time and the broader impact of his work on nonviolence and civil rights.
- Question: How has the famous person’s legacy been preserved or celebrated in your country or around the world?
Sample Answer : In India, Gandhi’s legacy is celebrated on his birth anniversary, October 2nd, which is observed as a national holiday. There are also numerous statues, museums, and educational institutions dedicated to him. Internationally, his legacy is commemorated through various events, awards, and organizations promoting peace and social justice.
- Question: Can you suggest any books or documentaries that provide more insights into the life and work of the famous person you admire?
Sample Answer: Certainly, there are many excellent resources to learn more about Mahatma Gandhi. One of the most famous books about his life is “The Story of My Experiments with Truth,” his autobiography. Additionally, the documentary film “Gandhi” directed by Richard Attenborough provides a detailed and cinematic portrayal of his life and work.
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