IELTS HUB
Full test with Band 9 answers

Speaking test #659

Part 1 · Interview

4 to 5 minutes. The examiner asks about you and familiar topics.

Introduction · Q1

Can you tell me your full name?

Introduction · Q2

Where are you from?

Introduction · Q3

Do you work or are you a student?

Age · Q1

Are you happy to be the age you are now?

I am quite content with my current age. I feel that I have reached a stage in my life where I have a good balance of experience and youthful energy, which enables me to make the most of my life.

Age · Q2

When you were a child, did you think a lot about your future?

As a child, I did not give much thought to my future. I was more focused on enjoying the present moment and exploring the world around me. However, as I grew older, I began to consider my aspirations and goals for the future.

Age · Q3

Do you think you have changed as you have got older?

Definitely. As I have grown older, I have learned a lot about myself and the world around me. I have gained new perspectives and experiences that have shaped my character and outlook on life. I have also learned to be more adaptable and open-minded, which has helped me to grow and evolve as a person.

Age · Q4

What will be different about your life in the future?

I am optimistic that my life in the future will be even more fulfilling and meaningful than it is now. I hope to have a successful career, a loving family, and a sense of purpose that guides me through my daily life. Additionally, I hope to continue to grow and evolve as a person, learning new skills and perspectives that will help me to live a rich and fulfilling life.

Collecting Things · Q1

Do you collect anything?

Yeah, I'm definitely a bit of a collector. I've always loved picking up unique items and adding them to my collection. Right now, I'm really into vintage cameras and have a pretty impressive collection going on.

Collecting Things · Q2

Is there anything that you keep from childhood?

Definitely. I have a lot of sentimental value attached to certain items from my childhood, so I try to hold onto them as much as possible. For example, I still have my favorite stuffed animal from when I was a kid, and I could never bring myself to get rid of it.

Collecting Things · Q3

Would you keep old things for a long time? Why?

Absolutely. I think there's something really special about being able to hold onto old things and being able to look back on them and remember certain memories or moments in your life. Plus, I just think it's a really cool way to add character and history to your home.

Collecting Things · Q4

Where do you usually keep things you need?

I'm pretty organized, so I like to have a designated spot for everything. For example, I keep my keys and wallet in a designated drawer in my bedroom, and I have a specific spot in my kitchen for all of my cooking supplies. It just makes it easier to find things when I need them.

Part 2 · Cue card
Person Present Role modelsPersonal growthMotivation

You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you are going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.

Describe a person who has influenced you to do better

You should say:

  • Who the person is
  • How they influenced you
  • What changes or improvements you made because of their influence
  • How your life has changed as a result
252 words · 4 paragraphs
Point 1

Who the person is

The person who has profoundly influenced me to strive for excellence is my high school English teacher, Mrs. Sharma. She was not just a teacher but a mentor who saw potential in her students and pushed them to do better. Mrs. Sharma's unwavering belief in me and her dedication to nurturing my skills have had a lasting impact on my life.

Point 2

How they influenced you

Mrs. Sharma influenced me by constantly challenging me to go beyond my comfort zone. She encouraged me to participate in various literary competitions, even though I was initially hesitant. With her guidance and support, I started gaining confidence in my writing and public speaking abilities. She provided constructive feedback on my work, which motivated me to improve continuously.

Point 3

What changes or improvements you made because of their influence

Under Mrs. Sharma's influence, I started taking my academics more seriously. I began devoting more time to studying and honing my writing skills. As a result, my grades improved significantly, and I developed a deeper appreciation for literature and language. Her influence also inspired me to explore new opportunities and interests outside the classroom, leading to personal growth and self-discovery.

Point 4

How your life has changed as a result

Overall, Mrs. Sharma's impact on my life has been transformative. Her belief in my potential and her guidance have shaped me into a more confident and driven individual. I now approach challenges with a positive mindset, knowing that with hard work and dedication, I can achieve my goals. Mrs. Sharma's influence continues to resonate in my academic pursuits and personal endeavors, serving as a constant reminder of the power of mentorship and encouragement.

The Band 9 answer in numbers
Words
252
Sentences
21
Words per sentence
12.0
Speaking time
about 1.9 min

Counted at 130 words a minute. The exam gives you one to two minutes.

Part 3 · Discussion

4 to 5 minutes. The examiner asks broader questions linked to the cue card topic.

Discussion · Q1

How can a mentor's influence be different from a family member's?

That's a fascinating question! The influence of a mentor often comes from a place of expertise and experience, which can provide a unique perspective that family members might not have. Mentors generally offer tailored advice based on their professional journeys, helping mentees navigate specific challenges in their careers or personal growth. On the other hand, family members typically provide emotional support and a sense of belonging, which can be incredibly grounding. While both influences are invaluable, a mentor might challenge you to step out of your comfort zone in ways that a family member might not, pushing you towards personal development more aggressively. Ultimately, both roles can complement each other beautifully, enriching one’s life in different but equally important ways!

Discussion · Q2

Some people think outside factors matter more than personal drive. What do you think about this?

That’s a fascinating question! I believe both external influences and internal motivation play crucial roles in shaping our actions and decisions, but I tend to lean towards the idea that external factors can often have a more pronounced impact. For instance, the environment we grow up in, the people we surround ourselves with, and even societal expectations can significantly shape our aspirations and drive. However, internal motivation is undeniably important as it fuels our passion and persistence. A person might be inspired by external influences, but without that inner drive, it's challenging to push through obstacles. Ultimately, I think it’s a dynamic interplay between the two; while external influences can spark interest or ambition, it’s our internal motivation that sustains and propels us forward.

Discussion · Q3

How important is it for people to have role models in their lives?

Having role models in our lives is incredibly important. They often serve as a source of inspiration, guiding us through challenges and helping us to define our own values and aspirations. When we observe someone who has achieved greatness, it can ignite a sense of ambition within us, encouraging us to strive for our own goals. Moreover, role models can offer practical advice and life lessons, often sharing their experiences and insights that we might not have access to otherwise. Ultimately, having someone to look up to can profoundly impact our personal growth and development, shaping the way we navigate our own journeys.

Discussion · Q4

Why do you think some people are more affected by others than by their own experiences?

That's a fascinating question! I believe that some individuals are more susceptible to external influences due to a variety of factors, including their social environment and psychological predispositions. For instance, those who are part of a close-knit community may feel a stronger urge to conform to the beliefs and behaviors of their peers, often placing a higher value on what others think rather than relying on their own experiences. Additionally, people who lack confidence or have a low sense of self-worth might find it easier to adopt the opinions of others, as it feels safer than trusting their own judgment. This dynamic can sometimes lead to a disconnect from one's own values and experiences, making it crucial for individuals to cultivate a strong sense of self-awareness.

Discussion · Q5

What changes could happen in society if more people had good influences around them?

If more people had positive influences in their lives, I believe we would see a significant shift towards a more supportive community. Individuals would likely feel more empowered to pursue their goals, leading to greater levels of personal development. This could foster a culture of collaboration and understanding, as people would be more inclined to help one another and share resources. Additionally, we might observe a decrease in societal issues such as crime and mental health challenges, as positive role models often inspire others to make better choices. Ultimately, a society enriched with positive influences could lead to an overall enhancement in well-being and resilience.

Discussion · Q6

What steps can be taken to help people look for inspiring role models in their personal and work lives?

To encourage individuals to seek out inspiring figures, I believe it’s crucial to foster a culture of mentorship and community engagement. Schools and workplaces could implement structured mentorship programs, pairing seasoned professionals with younger individuals to facilitate knowledge sharing and inspiration. Additionally, hosting workshops or speaker events featuring renowned figures in various fields can ignite passion and curiosity, motivating people to look for role models. Social media platforms also have a significant role to play; by promoting stories of inspiring individuals, we can create a ripple effect that encourages others to follow suit. Ultimately, it's about building an environment where seeking inspiration is not just encouraged but celebrated!

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