IELTS Speaking Part 2 & 3 Topic: Describe a famous person that you admire

Topic: Describe a famous person that you admire

You should say:

– Who is this person

– What is their specialty

– Why do you admire him

In my to-meet list, there are so many well – respected celebrities whom I am desired to meet and spend time with. However, I would like to share about Pele, who is nicknamed as the greatest soccer player in the Globe. Initially, I really need to kick off with the point that Pele was just seventeen when he first played in World Cup in Sweden of 1958 for Brazil. Despite his very young age, he was selected as to the national team participating in one of the biggest sports competition on the planet. Back then, he was not the star player but when his teammate was hurt, Pele went into the game. He

immediately scored goal and Brazil won the World Cup. With his amazing aptitudes and skills, Pele was feared by other teams. The Brazilian government even named him as a national treasure. It is not doubtful to say that Pele is one of the biggest factors making Brazil’s soccer so well – known. His last World Cup was in Mexico in 1970. Brazil scored 4 goals against Italy to win the World Cup for the third time. Another point that I would like to share is that Pele owns an admirable career that every soccer players crave for. Pele holds many soccer records such as having over 1000 goals in his career. He was nominated athlete of the Century in 1980 and became a member of a Soccer Hall of Fame in 1993. Although he’s now retired from professional competition, Pele is still considered as a great inspiration for soccer players and lovers.

QUESTIONS FOR PART 3

1. In general, how do people become famous?

In the era of technology, being famous has never been easier. People who have extraordinary skills or abilities /talents in any field would be able to become famous with the assistance of the media.

2. What kinds of people become famous?

In my opinion, there are two kinds of fame that are consistent with two types of people. The first type is well-reputed people with admirable skills or dedication to the civilization. They are usually scientists, researchers, athletes, or soldiers spending their lifetime working toward success without the desire to become well-known. The other type is attention/publicity-seeking people, who often are celebrities in the entertainment industry, politicians or those becoming famous overnight.

19.3. Do you think to be famous, a person needs to have some special talent (or ability)?

No, I don’t think so. Besides incredible aptitudes, people can also be famous for other qualities such as beauty or charity work.

4. What are some general qualities of famous people? Do they have any qualities that are different from ordinary people?

The basic benchmark of famous people is special talent or ability, which not so many people can possess. However, there are other qualities which are common that anyone can have such as beauty or kindness because these are not difficult to achieve, for example, undergoing cosmetic surgery or doing charity work.

5. Compare how people become celebrities today with how people became celebrities years ago, for example, 30 or 50 years ago.

Nowadays, thanks to the modernization of technology, it takes only a few seconds to change a person’s life. The invention of smart devices, as well as social networking, has made a person famous at one fell swoop whereas, in the past, the only way to be celebrities was appearing on the television or the radio.

6. Can you give me some examples of celebrities in your grandfather’s time (i.e., about 50 years ago)?

Hmm…50 years represent a considerable generation gap, therefore, I only know a few celebrities in that time. They are actress Marilyn Monroe, rock star Elvis Presley, and the pop music band The Beatles.

7. Compare what kinds of people were famous in China in the past (e.g„ when your grandfather was young) to the kinds of people who are famous today.

In my grandfather’s era, only people who dedicated their talents and knowledge to achieve great feats were respected by the public in China. However, the young Chinese generation today is familiar with social networking where they can easily gain either good or bad public attention. For instance, videos about a group of bullying girls were so popular on the Internet that school violence became phenomenal in the country.

8. In your opinion, were the standards for judging who is famous before better than they are now?

From my personal point of view, the qualities of being famous in the past were by far more appropriate than they are at the present. Today, the invention of smart devices, as well as social networks, has made it easier to be famous. People can gain public attention just by sharing controversial photos or videos regardless of common sense.

VOCABULARY

 extraordinary [adjective] very unusual, special, unexpected, or strange.

Example: She has an extraordinary memory that is able to remember small details in a novel after the first time reading it.

 with the assistance of [phrase] helped by something

Example: With the assistance of her private tutor, she passed the final exams with flying colors.

 prominent [adjective] very well known and important

Example: The shop occupies a very prominent position on the main street.

 reputation [noun] the positive beliefs or opinions that are generally held about someone or something

Example: Harvard University has a worldwide reputation for quality of higher education.

 notorious [adjective] famous for something bad

Example: Although its dishes are delicious, the restaurant is notorious for poor customer service.

 becoming famous overnight [phrase]

Example: There are various ways to become famous overnight on the Internet since many people are using social networks.

 aptitudes [noun] a natural ability or skill

Example: Apart from her passion for swimming, this youngest swimming athlete also possesses an aptitude for this sport.

 undergoing cosmetic surgery [phrase]

Example: Being ashamed of her round face, Mary decided to undergo cosmetic surgery to obtain a V-line jowl.

 at one fell swoop [idiom] all at once.

Example: I got all my Christmas shopping done at one fell swoop.

 Considerable [adjective] large amount or of noticeable importance

Example: You wouldn’t have failed the exam if you had put considerable effort and time into revision.

 Familiar with [phrase] Having a good knowledge of something. Example: Our English teacher tries not to use too much local idioms or slangs during lectures as other students may not familiar with the language.

 phenomenal [adjective] extremely popular or special, especially in a surprising way.

Example: His first movie was quite phenomenal which brought him two nominations for the Oscar.

 by far by a great amount

Example: She is by far the best student in the class.

 Regardless of [phrase] without being influenced by any other events or conditions.

Example: She deserved to know the truth, regardless of how desperate it was.