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The IELTS speaking topic ‘Describe a famous person that you are interested in’ should be presented clearly using appropriate words and phrases. You are required to give an introduction about the person and narrate how his/ her work has influenced you.
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Introduction: Understanding the ‘Describe’ Cue Card Questions
The “Describe” cue card questions in the IELTS Speaking Test assess your ability to speak at length about a specific topic. The assessment criteria is as follows:
Fluency: Ability to speak smoothly and logically.
Vocabulary: Use of a variety of words and phrases.
Grammar: Range and accuracy of grammatical structures.
Pronunciation: Clarity and naturalness of speech.
In this part, the examiner gives you a cue card with a topic you need to talk about for 1 to 2 minutes. You’ll be given a cue card with a topic along with a few bullet points to guide your response.
How to Approach “Describe a famous person that you are interested in”
1: Most university students ........................ on campus in their first year.
You can effectively approach the prompt “Describe a famous person that you are interested in,” by following these steps:
1. Choose the Right Person
Select someone who genuinely interests or inspires you. This could be due to their achievements, personality, or impact on your life. Ensure you know enough about them to provide meaningful details.
2. Organize Your Response
Structure your description into clear sections:
a) Introduction
Briefly introduce the person, their profession, and why they are famous. Mention why you are personally drawn to them.
b) Background
Provide key details about their early life and how they started their journey.
c) Achievements
Highlight their most notable accomplishments.
d) Impact
Explain how their work or legacy has influenced their field or the world.
e) Personal Connection
Conclude with why you admire them and how they influence your perspective.
3. Use Descriptive Language
Be specific and vivid in your descriptions. Instead of just saying “He was inspiring,” explain how or why they inspire you.
4. Practice Brevity and Clarity
Keep your response focused and avoid unnecessary details.
By combining a clear structure with personal insights, your answer will be engaging and well-rounded.
Structuring Your Answer: The Ideal Format for “Describe a famous person that you are interested in”
To structure the answer effectively, follow these steps:
1. Introduction
Begin with a brief overview of the person and why they are famous. Mention why is he/ she your personal favourite.
2. Background Information
Provide details about their early life and how they rose to prominence.
3. Achievements
Highlight their most notable accomplishments in their field(s).
4. Impact
Explain their influence on their field and the world.
5. Why You’re Interested
Conclude with your personal connection or admiration for this individual.
Example Answer: A Model Response for “describe a famous person that you are interested in”
I am deeply interested in Marie Curie, a renowned scientist who made ground breaking contributions to the field of physics and chemistry. She is most famous for discovering the elements polonium and radium, and for her pioneering research on radioactivity.
Marie Curie was born in 1867 in Warsaw, Poland, and faced numerous challenges in pursuing her education due to societal restrictions on women. Despite this, she excelled academically and later moved to Paris to study at the prestigious Sorbonne. Along with her husband, Pierre Curie, she conducted experiments that would earn her the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1903, making her the first woman to receive the award. Later, in 1911, she won a second Nobel Prize in Chemistry, becoming the first person to achieve this feat in two different sciences.
What fascinates me about Marie Curie is not just her scientific achievements, but also her perseverance in overcoming gender barriers and her commitment to using her discoveries for the betterment of humanity. During World War I, she developed portable X-ray machines to help treat wounded soldiers, showcasing her dedication to practical applications of science.
Marie Curie’s legacy continues to inspire generations of scientists and advocates for equality. I admire her determination, intellect, and the lasting impact of her work on medicine, physics, and chemistry.
Tips for Practicing and Preparing for the ‘Describe’ Cue Cards
Preparing for “Describe” cue cards in the IELTS speaking test requires strategic practice to build confidence, fluency, and the ability to organize your thoughts effectively. Here are some tips to help you practice:
- Familiarize Yourself with Common Topics
- Master the structure to organize your response effectively
- Build your vocabulary
- Focus on pronunciation and intonation
- Practice regularly with a friend or a partner
- Attempt mock tests
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