IELTS VocabMaster

Describe a time you watched a famous person being interviewed.

Describe a time you watched a famous person being interviewed. You should say: - who the famous person was - when and where you watched the interview - what the interview was about - and explain how you felt about the interview

Part 2 model answer

One interview that really left an impression on me was with Ayman Sadiq, the founder of 10 Minute School, which is one of the most popular online learning platforms in Bangladesh. I watched it on YouTube about a year ago, late at night on my phone, when I was supposed to be studying.

The interview was part of a talk show where successful young people share their life stories. The host asked him about how he started his platform, the challenges he faced, and his advice for students. He explained that he began by uploading simple lesson videos with very little equipment, and that in the beginning, hardly anyone watched them. He also talked about facing a lot of criticism and even online harassment, but he never gave up.

What I liked most was how honest and down-to-earth he was. He didn't just talk about his success; he openly shared his failures and moments of self-doubt. He also gave some really practical advice, for example, that students shouldn't wait for perfect conditions to start something, and that consistency matters more than talent.

Honestly, I felt really motivated after watching it. At that time, I was struggling with my own projects and thinking that, since I only have a phone, I couldn't achieve much. But his story made me realise that you can start small with whatever resources you have. I actually ended up watching the whole interview twice, and I even wrote down some of his points in my notes. It was definitely one

Part 3 discussion

Why do people like watching interviews with famous people?

Mainly because they're curious about celebrities' personal lives and how they became successful. Interviews show a more personal side that people don't usually see. Many viewers also find them inspiring and pick up useful advice from people they admire.

What makes a good interviewer?

A good interviewer should be well-prepared and ask thoughtful questions rather than just repeating common ones. They also need to be a good listener, so they can ask follow-up questions naturally. Most importantly, they should make the guest feel comfortable enough to speak openly.

Do you think famous people always tell the truth in interviews?

Not always. Many celebrities are trained by their PR teams on what to say and what to avoid, so their answers can feel a bit scripted. They also want to protect their public image. That said, some famous people are surprisingly honest, especially in long, relaxed interviews like podcasts.

How have interviews changed with the rise of the internet?

In the past, interviews were mostly on TV or in newspapers. Now, podcasts and YouTube channels have made interviews much longer, more casual, and easier to access. Viewers can also comment and interact instantly. As a result, even ordinary people with interesting stories now get interviewed.

Should famous people be role models for young people?

Ideally, yes, because young people naturally look up to them and copy their behaviour. So celebrities have a responsibility to set a good example. However, I think young people shouldn't blindly follow celebrities, and parents and teachers are often better role models in real life.