Topic Sample: Describing a famous individual - IELTS Speaking Example

Sentence structure and vocabulary commonly used for the topic Describe a famous person you know

The information table below provides top-notch language for describing people that you can fully apply while studying IELTS at home and to have a great exam.

Sample topic: Describing a famous person - IELTS Speaking Part 2

1. Kim Nam Joon - BTS - Describe a well-known person

Let's listen to the Mytour Part 2 podcast sample:

Example

The celebrity I admire the most is Kim Nam Joon, also known as RM, a member of the Korean boy band BTS. Apart from being the group's leader, he is a talented male rapper, songwriter, and music producer.

When I first knew about him three years ago, I was captivated by his appearance, with short black hair and a tall, slim frame that represents both elegance and sportiness. RM can pull off almost any clothing style, from a charming, lovely boy to an attractive gentleman.

In addition to his handsome look and leadership skills, he possesses a high IQ of 151 and was previously classified in the top one percent in his high school examination. He taught himself how to speak fluent English, and successfully attained a TOEIC score of 900 as a result of his unrelenting effort in many years.

Among the nine members of BTS, RM leaves the strongest impression on me because of his diligence and passion for music, as he consistently introduces creative ideas to his performances on stage. His innovative concepts have always left fans in awe. His remarkable musical intelligence is another thing that blows my mind. As an extremely rhythmically sensitive person, he can listen to music and dance to each and every beat.

But all in all, I think what I love the most about RM is that he always shows concern for other people. His ability to steer the band away from controversy, mediating ugly fights is a true sign of emotional intelligence. It’s no wonder that the rest of his members practically worship him and express their admiration for how he has led them to success. If possible, I’d definitely like to have a coffee date with him, so I could express my feelings for my biggest celebrity crush.

Vocabulary

• Be captivated by s.o/ s.th: bị ai đó, điều gì đó hớp hồn
• Pull off (v): chinh phục được 
• Unrelenting effort (n): nỗ lực không ngừng nghỉ
• Leave a strong impression on s.o: để lại ấn tượng sâu sắc đối với ai
• Diligence (n): sự chăm chỉ 
• Passion (n): sự đam mê 
• Leave s.o in awe: khiến ai ngưỡng mộ 
• Musical intelligence (n): trí thông minh âm nhạc 
• Rhymistically sensitive (adj): Nhạy bén với nhạc, giai điệu
• Steer s.o/ s.th away from s.o/ s.th: Lái, hướng ai/ cái gì khỏi ai/ cái gì khác 
• Controversy (n): những ý kiến trái chiều
• Mediate (v): hoà giải
• Ugly fight (n): cuộc chiến với mục đích xấu
• Worship (v): tôn thờ
• Celebrity crush (n): người nổi tiếng mình “mê” nhất 

Besides that, you can listen to another sample for this topic!

2. Komuro Mako – Japanese princess – Describe a famous person

Let's listen to the Mytour Part 2 podcast sample:

Example

I’m going to talk about Komuro Mako, who was a princess in Japan until recently. She had to give up her royal title to marry her long-time boyfriend, who is a commoner. I didn’t really know about Japan’s marital practices. However, from what I’ve read, when a Japanese woman marries, she must change her last name to that of her husband. Since her husband is just a regular citizen, she also becomes one. The wedding has attracted so much drama and the couple must have been under much pressure.

A little bit more on Mako, I just got to know her from what the press has written about as well as the videos I’ve seen on social media. To me, she looks like what I expect from a princess. She’s always well-dressed in an elegant way and not too showy. Her demeanour is calm and when she answers the press, her gesture is polite and composed. She seems to be highly educated, in fact, her husband is her college sweetheart, whom she referred to as “irreplaceable” in an interview.

The reason why I’m interested in her is that her story seems like a modern-day fairy tale. She and her husband have endured so much just to be together. It’s very brave of her to follow her heart. That’s something that the rest of us can learn from. I wish her all the best with her new life.

Từ vựng

• Give up: từ bỏ
• Royal title: tước hiệu hoàng tộc
• Marital practice: nghi thức hôn nhân
• Be under pressure: chịu áp lực
• Well-dressed (adj): ăn mặc đẹp
• Elegant (adj): sang trọng, quý phái
• Showy (adj): lộ liễu, khoe
• Demeanour (n): thái độ, cử chỉ
• Gesture (n): cử chỉ (hình thể)
• Composed (adj): điềm đạm
• College sweetheart: mối tình từ thời đại học
• Fairy tale: chuyện cổ tích 

3. Sơn Tùng M-TP – Mô tả một người nổi tiếng

Xin mời quý vị cùng nghe đoạn Podcast mẫu Phần 2 của Mytour nhé:

Mẫu

Today, I'd like to introduce you to one of the most prominent figures in my country. His real name is Nguyễn Thanh Tùng, known professionally as Son Tung M-TP. At 28 years old, he has made significant contributions to the music industry as a singer, songwriter, and producer. 

With regard to how I know this person, I need to say that I am a big fan of music so I usually listen to pop songs to let off steam after long working hours. About 3 years ago, I stumbled upon him in an MV on Youtube and my first impression of him was that he was a medium-built man with short black hair and a charming smile. And his trendy, fashionable costumes was what really caught my attention. It’s no wonder that he is highly-acclaimed as a fashion icon among the younger generation.

Moving on to why he became famous, it all started with his biggest hit “Em cua ngay hom qua”, which quickly went viral on all music streaming platforms, creating a phenomenon on the Internet. The catchy tunes and happy-sounding lyrics were lingering in everyone’s mind for the following months, reminding them of a new-born music talent. After the success of this single, the man kept on his singing career with many more albums about love and life, and his strong vocal and performing abilities were what propelled him to stardom.

I also have to underline the fact that he acts as an exemplary model for adolescents because he was from a poverty-stricken family, but he has always tried his best to follow his dreams despite many hardships. His ambition and perseverance really inspire me to study and work harder. In spite of all the fame and money he has earned now, Son Tung is a warm-hearted person who constantly takes part in various charity campaigns to help the unlucky, just like how he used to be.

Từ vựng

• Big fan of s.o/ s.th: fan cuồng của ai/ điều gì 
• Let off steam: xả hơi
• Stumble upon s.th: tình cờ bắt gặp
• Medium-built (adj): có thân hình cân đối 
• Catch one’s attention: khiến ai đó chú ý
• Highly-acclaimed (adj): nổi tiếng
• Fashion icon (n): biểu tượng thời trang
• Go viral (v): nổi như cồn trên mạng 
• Phenomenon (n): hiện tượng
• Linger in one’s mind: lưu lại trong tâm trí 
• Propel s.o to stardom: đẩy lên tới danh vọng 
• Exemplary model (n): hình mẫu lý tưởng
• Adolescents (n): thanh thiếu niên
• Poverty-stricken (adj): nghèo khó 
•  Hardship (n): khó khăn, nghịch cảnh 
•  Perseverance (n): sự gan lỳ, bền bỉ
• Warm-hearted (adj): tốt bụng  
• The unlucky (n): những người kém may mắn

4. Rosé – BLACKPINK – Mô tả một người nổi tiếng

Xin mời quý vị cùng nghe đoạn Podcast mẫu Phần 2 của Mytour nhé:

Example

It’s really hard for me to pick just one BLACKPINK member as a favorite because all of the girls are equally talented and worthy of all the love. But if I had to make a choice, Rosé with her angelic voice would be the one who leaves the strongest impression on me.

As the group’s main vocalist, Rosé keeps blowing audiences away with her singing ability — whether it’s through her awe-inspiring high notes or calming, soft tone. Her distinct vocal style has earned her the title of a “golden voice” in Korea. What’s even more amazing is that she can perform a variety of styles, whether it be R&B, soul, alternative, or pop. The multi-talented girl showed huge potential as an artist at such a young age, adding guitar and piano to her list of talents aside from singing.

Besides, she is undeniably a charismatic dancer, who always brings her A-game when it comes to dancing on stage. Complete with facial expressions and sleek dance moves, she definitely adds fire to BLACKPINK’s performances.

But what makes me fall head over heels for Rose is indeed her cute and funny personality. Beyond appearances, Rosé is just like a friendly girl next door who loves to play jokes and engage in funny conversations. She has an all-around bright disposition that makes fans love her even more.

She got the nickname “chipmunk” for her cute, cheeky facial expressions and childlike reactions when being around her close friends. She is sure to liven up the mood everywhere she goes, and that kind of positive energy always cheers me up when I’m down in the dumps.

Từ vựng

• Angelic voice: giọng hát như thiên thần 
• Leave a strong impression on s.o: để lại ấn tượng sâu sắc 
• Blowing s.o away: Khiến ai đó choáng ngợp 
• Awe-inspiring (adj): đáng kinh ngạc
• Distinct (adj): khác biệt
• Multi-talented (adj): đa tài 
• Undeniably (adv): không còn bàn cãi gì nữa
• Charismatic (adj): cuốn hút
• Brings one’s A-game: cố gắng hết sức
• Sleek (adj): thời thượng
• Fall head over heels for s.o: yêu ai đó 
• Engage in s.th (v): tham gia vào cái gì 
• Bright disposition: thái độ tươi vui
• Liven up the mood (v): tạo bầu không khí vui tươi
• Childlike (adj): giống như con nít
• Cheer s.o up: khiến ai vui lên
• Be down in the dumps: cảm thấy buồn chán

5. Mô tả một người giỏi trong công việc của mình

Xin mời quý vị cùng nghe đoạn Podcast mẫu Phần 2 của Mytour nhé:

Example

Today I would like to describe a person who does very well at work, and that is no other than Ms. My Tam, a very famous singer in Vietnam. Of all the celebrities, My Tam has always been beacon of light not just for her fame but also for her great passion for the work that she has committed to.

The first time got to know My Tam was, like, 10 years ago when I came across her albums in a music store near my house. Her smoldering eye makeup and iconic hairstyle instantly got into my heart, and you know what’s better than that? her amazing mezzo-soprano voice. I instantly got hooked on her voice upon hearing it played in the music store.

Besides her angelic voice, My Tam is also known for her dedication to her work. She once told the press that she loves her job, and she said that she was willing to be a singer for the rest of her life without getting married, which was quite a statement and made the headline for weeks to come at that particular time. Well you know, I always look up to any well-known public figures who were able to devote all aspects their lives to their line of work.

My Tam struck at people’s heartcore by delivering down-to-earth music that inspired thousands of audiences regard- less of ages, genders or social status, she was also known for her tireless charity work. She was such a busy-bee that sometimes she did not care about herself. At one time, she dropped everything to sing live in the concert held by the disadvantaged and donated a huge sum of money for them. She is, by all means, the greatest woman that I have ever seen.

Vocab highlights:

• A beacon of light (n.p): ngọn hải đăng
• Come across: tình cờ thấy
• Smoldering (adj): chảy bỏng, nồng nàn
• Get hooked on: bị nghiện
• Mezzo-soprano (n): giọng nữ trung
• dedication (n) sự tận tụy
• Make the headline (idiom): trở thành tiêu đề nóng
• Public figure (n): người của công chúng
• Struck at people’s heartcore: lay động con timmọi người
• Down -to -earth (adj): gần gũi
• Busy-bee (n): người bận rộn, chăm chỉ

Bài viết trong cùng chuyên mục: Chủ đề Clothes – IELTS Speaking Part 3

6. Mô tả một nữ lãnh đạo bạn muốn gặp

Please join in listening to Podcast sample Part 2 by Mytour:

Example

Okay I’m gonna talk about Thái Vân Linh – also known as Shark Linh – a female leader l’d love to see in person. I will refer to her as ‘Shark Linh’ in this small talk.

Although born in Vietnam, Shark Linh was brought to the US with her family when she was very little. Therefore, whereas she has an impressive command of English, she’s still occasionally struggling in getting her ideas across in Vietnamese. However, the language barrier does not hinder her from embarking on a new venture in Vietnam. she rejected great offers from American corporations to become the CEO at VietnamCapital, and later launched her own start-up – Rita Phil – a company that sells tailor – made bridal gowns.

Shark Linh is most famous for her role as a Shark in Shark Tank Vietnam – the Vietnamese version of the famous reality TV series. Though she’s usually the calmer Shark among the four who usually take a gentler approach when she makes coments on others, she’s also very sharp upon making decisions. From what l’ve observed throughout the series, Shark Linh only invested in fields she had great knowledge of.

Shark Linh has been a great role model for Vietnamese young women. Her famous saying “I see no discrepancy in agility and ability between men and women” and her appearance in the show has inspired thousands of Vietnamese women, encouraging them to work in the field of finance.

Key Vocabulary Highlights:

• See in person: gặp ngoài đời
• Has an impressive command of: có năng lực xuất sắc về lĩnh vực gì
• Get one’s ideas across: truyền đạt thông tin/ý tường
• Language barrier: rào cản ngôn ngữ
• Hinder somebody from: cần trở ai làm gì
• Embark on: bắt đầu
• venture: công việc kinh doanh (có yếu tố mạo hiểm) 
• Tailor – made: được may đo, điều chinh riêng cho từng đối tượng
• bridal gown: váy cưới
• Take a gentler approach: có cách tiếp cận nhẹ nhàng
• Role model: là hình mẫu
• Discrepancy: sự khác biệt

7. Describe an intriguing elderly individual you'd like to meet

Please join us in listening to Podcast sample Part 2 by Mytour:

Example

An interesting old person I would like to meet is Bà Tân Vlog, which can be roughly translated into English as “Grandma Tân the Vlogger”. Grandma Tân is not a ordinary elderly woman who sees knitting as her hobby – she is a Youtube superstar! Her Youtube channel has roughly 1.5 million subscribers now – an impressive feat for an elderly Youtuber.

Grandma Tân is famous for her ability to make big and spicy dishes, as she usually put it “massive and fiery”. One day she might surprise you with a “massive and fiery” hot pot; another day you might see her serving everyone in her village 100 “massive and fiery” chicken drumsticks. Her catchphrase “massive and fiery” has become a running joke among Internet users.

Reception towards Grandma Tân and her videos are mixed. Some people think that her videos do not deserve that much spotlight – They are neither good songs nor great MVs. Some others, however, think that she is a great entertainer.

Key Vocabulary Highlights:

• Roughly translated: tạm dịch là
• Impressive feat: kì tích
• Massive and fiery: siêu cay khổng lồ
• Catchphrase: cụm từ lặp đi lặp lại, cụm từ hay nói của một người
• Running joke: trò đùa hay được nhắc tới
• Reception: sự tiếp nhận
• Deserve: xứng đáng
• Spotlight: sự chú ý của công chúng

• Bài mẫu Talk about your school
• Bài mẫu Competitions and Awards: IELTS Speaking Part 1,2,3
• Bài mẫu Topic Activities – IELTS Speaking Part 2,3