A PERSON YOU ADMIRE

In this lesson you will review IELTS speaking part 2 tips and learn some key vocabulary by listening to a sample answer for a part 2 question related to 'A person you admire'. Make sure to take note of any phrases or words you want to remember!

01 Vocabulary

Read the below definitions. Then complete the quiz that follows.

• Inspiring (adj) - to make someone want to do something. (usually positive)
• Influential(adj) -having the power to change things. 
• Legacy(n)- something that a person leaves when they die. 
• To follow in the footsteps(p) - to do the same thing as someone else did in the past.
• To revolutionize (v) - to change something a lot.
• Epitome of (n)- the best example of.
• To strive to (v) – to try very hard to do something.
• To be in awe of (someone) - to have great respect for someone.

Now, take the quiz. More than one answer may be possible. Choose the most appropriate answer.

02 Listening - Fill in the blanks

Listen to the audio recording of the sample answers. Use a notebook to take note of the answers. Then check your answers.

03 Practice

Now it's your turn! Prepare and practice answering the above questions. Remember to get a high score you need to to the following.

• Answer the question by paraphrasing.
• Use different tenses/structures.
• Include fluency markers.
• Use some idiomatic vocabulary and phrasal verbs.
• Make a complex opener.
• Use linking words to organise your answer.

Describe a person you admire. 

You should say. 

• Who he/she is.
• What he/she is like.
• How you know about this person.
• Why you admire this person.

Although, I am in awe of many people for different reasons, I’m going to talk about Steve Jobs as he has always been an inspiring figure for me. 

First of all, Steve Jobs was the founder of Apple computer, a company that revolutionized the computer industry. I suppose, one could call him an influential entrepreneur. 

From watching interviews on Youtube, I know that he was an amazing public speaker. I’ve also heard that Jobs was a particularly creative person and maintained high standards in his company. Unfortunately, he was diagnosed with a terminal illness a few years ago and as a result passed away ,but he left a huge legacy. 

I first became aware of Jobs when I saw his speech introducing the original Iphone. I remember being so amazed by both the device and his passionate presentation. It seemed clear to me that Jobs truly loved his job. Since then, I’ve watched all of his product release presentations and read his biography. 

I desire to follow in the footsteps of Jobs for two main reasons. 

Firstly, for me, he was the epitome of resilience. In fact, in 1985 Jobs was let go from the company he created. He returned as CEO over a decade later and saved Apple from bankruptcy. 

Second of all, he taught me that creativity can be rewarded. While many people nowadays believe that ideas are worthless, Job's story taught me that, with the correct skills and enthusiasm, big ideas can have a huge impact on the world.

I strive to be as confident and creative as Jobs.