IELTS Speaking Part 2: Describe a person who has had a significant influence on your life

How to use the preparation minute

This is a plan, not a script. Examiners are trained to recognise memorised answers and mark them down, so the aim is to know what you will cover — not which words you will use.

1. Seconds 0–15 · commit to one examplePick a real, specific instance and write its name down. Candidates who spend the preparation minute hunting for the perfect example start the long turn with nothing concrete to say.
2. Open with · who this person isSay who they are to you before you describe them. The relationship is what makes the rest of the answer make sense.
3. Then cover · how you know themDescribe the process step by step. Sequencing language — first, once that was done, after a while — is exactly what fluency is marked on.
4. Then cover · what they have doneGive the specific over the general, then one detail that could only be true of your example.
5. Then cover · why they are important to youThis bullet carries the marks. It asks for a judgement, so give the reason behind it — and a reason personal to you scores better than one anybody could give.
6. If you run out before the time doesSay what you would change about it now, or how it compares with something similar. Stopping at ninety seconds costs more than an imperfect extra sentence.

What comes next

The long turn does not end the topic. The examiner moves straight into Part 3 with something broader, often along these lines:

Do you think role models are important for young people?

What is being marked

Every part of the test is scored on the same four criteria, each carrying equal weight in the final band.

Voxtis is an independent practice tool and is not affiliated with the British Council, IDP, or Cambridge Assessment English. Band estimates are indicative.