Describe a person who has had a strong influence on your life
Official IELTS Speaking Part 2 candidate card with Band 9 model answer transcript, 1-minute planning notes, advanced vocabulary collocations, audio narration, and Part 3 examiner follow-up questions.
Describe a person who has had a strong influence on your life
You should say:
- \u2022Who this person is and how you know them
- \u2022What qualities this person possesses
- \u2022What life lessons or skills you learned from them
- \u2022And explain why they have had such a profound influence on you.
Band 9 Sample TranscriptNative Fluency
Listen to the native narration and study advanced cohesive structures and lexical collocations.
If I were to single out one individual who has profoundly shaped my worldview, it would undoubtedly be my grandfather. He was a retired high school physics educator whose insatiable curiosity about the universe was truly infectious.
I grew up in close proximity to him, spending countless afternoons tinkering with mechanical clocks and discussing astronomical phenomena in his modest study. What always struck me about him was his remarkable equanimity; regardless of how chaotic circumstances became, he remained thoroughly composed and analytical.
Beyond imparting foundational scientific concepts, he taught me the indispensable art of critical thinking. Whenever I posed an inquisitive question, rather than providing an immediate, superficial answer, he would gently prompt me with Socratic questions, encouraging me to deduce the underlying principles myself. This pedagogical approach fundamentally altered how I process information.
Ultimately, his influence permeates virtually every facet of my academic and personal pursuits. He demonstrated that true intellect is inseparable from humility and empathy. Even today, whenever I encounter intricate dilemmas or setbacks, I instinctively channel his methodical mindset, which continues to guide my decisions and ambitions.
Key Lexical Resource & Collocations
High-level vocabulary and idiomatic phrases used in this sample answer for Band 8+ Lexical Resource.
Definition: A desire to know that cannot be satisfied; constant eagerness to learn
Definition: Mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper, especially in a difficult situation
Definition: Relating to the methods and theory of teaching
Definition: Enduring pain or adversity without complaining or displaying distress
Examiner Band 9 Assessment Breakdown
Official IELTS Speaking assessment criteria analysis demonstrating why this response scores Band 9.
Fluency & Coherence
Seamless transitions ('If I were to single out', 'What always struck me', 'Beyond imparting', 'Ultimately') with exceptional flow.
Lexical Resource
Precise academic terminology ('insatiable curiosity', 'equanimity', 'Socratic questions', 'pedagogical approach').
Grammatical Range & Accuracy
Sophisticated conditional structures ('If I were to...', 'it would undoubtedly be'), relative clauses, and passive constructions.
Pronunciation & Rhythm
Natural sentence stress, clear intonation contours for discourse markers, and smooth linking across thought groups.
Part 3 Follow-Up Discussion Questions
Abstract discussion questions linked to this topic with Band 9 structured sample answers.
In contemporary society, while familial figures like parents and grandparents historically held pre-eminence, digital influencers and peer groups increasingly wield enormous sway due to ubiquitous social media saturation.
\u23f1 1-Minute Prep Planner
\ud83c\udf99 Record Your 2-Min Answer
Record your speech to evaluate your pacing, natural pauses, and fluency.
Want Instant Band Score Feedback?
Practice this cue card in real-time with our interactive AI IELTS examiner with instant scoring on all 4 criteria.