Of course! Talking about a famous person is a very common topic in the IELTS Speaking test. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you structure your answers, with different levels of vocabulary and example answers.

Part 1: Introduction & Interview

In Part 1, the questions are simple and personal. The key is to give a direct answer and then add a little extra information.

Possible Questions:

1. Who is a famous person from your country?
2. Would you like to be famous? Why or why not?
3. What kinds of people become famous in your country?
4. Is it good to be famous?

How to Answer (with Examples)

Question: Who is a famous person from your country?

Basic Answer: "I'd like to talk about Yao Ming. He is a very famous basketball player from China. He used to play in the NBA and now he works in the basketball association."

Good Answer (using more vocabulary and structure): "I'd like to talk about Yao Ming, who is arguably one of the most renowned figures to come out of China. He is a former professional basketball player who had an incredibly successful career in the NBA. These days, he's more involved in sports administration, working with the Chinese Basketball Association."

Why this is better:

• "Arguably one of the most renowned figures" is more sophisticated than "a very famous person."
• "Former professional basketball player" is more specific.
• "Incredibly successful career" adds emphasis.
• "Sports administration" is a precise term for his current job.

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

This is where you need to speak for 1-2 minutes. The key is to structure your talk clearly. Use the prompts on the card to guide you.

Cue Card:

Describe a famous person you are interested in. You should say:

• Who this person is
• How you first learned about them
• What they are famous for
• And explain why you are interested in this person.

How to Structure Your Answer

A good structure is:

1. Introduction: State who the person is and briefly state your interest.
2. Body Paragraph 1 (How you learned & what they're famous for): Combine these two points. Tell a short story about how you discovered them and what their main achievements are.
3. Body Paragraph 2 (Why you're interested): This is the most important part. Give 2-3 specific reasons. Use examples.
4. Conclusion: Summarize your feelings or a final thought.

Sample Answer (Jack Ma)

(Introduction) The famous person I'm really interested in is Jack Ma, the founder of the Alibaba Group. He's a massive inspiration to me, not just because of his incredible wealth, but because of his extraordinary life story.

(Body Paragraph 1: How I learned & what he's famous for) I first learned about him a few years ago when I was researching successful entrepreneurs for a school project. At the time, Alibaba was just starting to become a global name. He's famous for co-founding Alibaba, which has grown into one of the world's largest e-commerce and technology companies. What's truly fascinating is that he came from very humble beginnings. He was rejected from university multiple times and was even turned down for numerous jobs, including one at KFC before he finally succeeded.

(Body Paragraph 2: Why I'm interested) I'm interested in him for several key reasons. Firstly, I admire his resilience and tenacity. His story is a powerful reminder that failure is not the opposite of success; it's a part of success. Secondly, I'm fascinated by his vision. He saw the potential of the internet in China long before most people did, and he built an empire to connect small businesses with a global market. Finally, he has a very charismatic and philosophical way of speaking. He often shares simple but profound wisdom about life and business, which I find very motivating.

(Conclusion) In conclusion, Jack Ma is much more than just a billionaire businessman. For me, he represents the idea that with passion, perseverance, and a bit of luck, you can overcome any obstacle. He’s a true role model for young people everywhere.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In Part 3, the examiner will ask more abstract and complex questions related to the topic. You need to develop your ideas and provide a well-reasoned opinion.

Possible Questions:

1. What are the main reasons why people become famous nowadays?
2. Is there a difference between being famous for a positive reason and a negative reason?
3. How has the internet changed the way people become famous?
4. Do you think famous people have a responsibility to be good role models?

How to Answer (with Examples)

Question: What are the main reasons why people become famous nowadays?

Basic Answer: "People become famous for different reasons. Some are good at sports, like football or basketball. Others are actors or singers. Some people become famous on the internet, like YouTubers."

Good Answer (developing the idea): "I believe there are several key avenues to fame in the modern era. Firstly, there's traditional fame, which comes from excelling in established fields like sports, acting, or music. Think of global superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo or Taylor Swift. Secondly, and increasingly common, is 'internet fame' or 'influence'. Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have created a new breed of celebrities. These individuals gain massive followings by creating unique content, from comedy sketches to educational videos, and can become influential without any traditional media training. Finally, some people achieve fame through controversy or infamy. Sometimes, being involved in a scandal or having a strong, polarizing opinion can also attract a huge amount of public attention, albeit not always positive."

Why this is better:

• Clear Structure: Uses "Firstly," "Secondly," and "Finally" to organize the points.
• Sophisticated Vocabulary: Uses terms like "avenues to fame," "traditional fame," "internet fame," "influence," "controversy," and "infamy."
• Specific Examples: Mentions real platforms (TikTok, Instagram) and concepts (scandal, polarizing opinions) to support the points.

Question: Do you think famous people have a responsibility to be good role models?

Good Answer: "That's a fascinating question, and I think it's a double-edged sword. On one hand, it's undeniable that celebrities, especially those admired by young people, have a significant platform. Their actions and words can have a powerful influence on their fans' behaviour and values. For instance, if a famous athlete promotes a healthy lifestyle or supports a charitable cause, it can inspire millions of people to do the same. In this sense, they do have a moral obligation to act responsibly. On the other hand, they are still human beings with the right to their own private lives and personal choices. We shouldn't expect them to be perfect. Ultimately, I believe the responsibility should be shared. While celebrities should be mindful of their influence, parents, educators, and society itself also play a crucial role in teaching young people how to distinguish between a celebrity's public persona and their own values."

Why this is better:

• Balanced View: Acknowledges both sides of the argument ("double-edged sword").
• Strong Vocabulary: Uses phrases like "significant platform," "moral obligation," "private lives," and "public persona."
• Complex Sentences: Uses linking words like "On one hand," "On the other hand," and "Ultimately" to create a fluent, well-developed argument.
• Concluding Thought: Provides a nuanced conclusion that the responsibility is "shared."

By using these structures and vocabulary, you can demonstrate a high level of English and score well in the IELTS Speaking test. Good luck