59. Topic: A Famous Speech
– Question 59: Describe a famous speech that left an impact on you.
– You should say:
– Who delivered the speech, and on what occasion?
– When and where did you hear or read the speech?
– What message or ideas did it convey?
– How has it influenced your perspective?
Model answer by Lifestyle Training Centre
One of the most impactful speeches that has left a lasting impression on me is the Sermon on the Mount, delivered by Jesus Christ. This profound sermon is considered one of the most influential speeches in history, often regarded as a guide to living a moral and righteous life. It took place on a hillside near Capernaum in Galilee, as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew, and is thought to have occurred around 2,000 years ago.
I first encountered the Sermon on the Mount during my youth, when I read it in the Bible. The words of Jesus resonated deeply with me, and I’ve revisited them several times throughout my life. The speech covers various aspects of life, from humility and mercy to the importance of forgiveness and peacekeeping. The famous Beatitudes, such as “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven,” were particularly striking. The sermon emphasizes inner virtues over external achievements, encouraging people to focus on their moral compass rather than material wealth or social status.
One of the key ideas conveyed in the sermon is the importance of loving one’s neighbour, even those who oppose us. Jesus’ words, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,” are timeless and powerful. The idea that compassion and kindness should transcend any animosity is something that has stuck with me, shaping the way I approach relationships and conflicts in my life. The speech also encourages individuals to live simply and avoid the pursuit of material wealth, stressing that true fulfillment comes from spiritual richness and generosity.
The influence of the Sermon on the Mount has been immense in my life. It has shaped my perspective on compassion, kindness, and forgiveness. It has taught me that true strength lies not in domination or wealth, but in the ability to lead a life that is in harmony with others. I try to live with the understanding that humility and grace are powerful virtues, and I constantly strive to embody these ideals in my daily interactions. The Sermon on the Mount has not only influenced my spiritual journey but has also provided a moral framework for dealing with life’s challenges.
In conclusion, the Sermon on the Mount is not just a historical speech but a timeless piece of wisdom that continues to shape my worldview. Its message of love, peace, and humility is as relevant today as it was over two millennia ago, making it a truly life-changing speech.
List of vocabulary used:
- Impactful speeches – Speeches that have a significant effect or influence on the listener.
- Sermon on the Mount – A famous speech delivered by Jesus Christ, focusing on moral teachings and ethical guidance.
- Jesus Christ – The central figure of Christianity, regarded as the Son of God and the Messiah.
- Moral and righteous life – A life that aligns with ethical principles, virtues, and justice.
- Capernaum – A town in Galilee, significant in the life and ministry of Jesus.
- Youth – The period of life between childhood and adulthood, typically associated with adolescence.
- Beatitudes – A collection of teachings from the Sermon on the Mount that describe the blessings given to those who embody virtues like humility, mercy, and peacemaking.
- Humility – The quality of being humble, modest, and unassuming.
- Mercy – Compassion or forgiveness shown towards someone whom it is within one’s power to harm or punish.
- Forgiveness – The action of pardoning someone for an offense or wrongdoing.
- Peacekeeping – The act of maintaining or promoting peace, often by mediating or resolving conflict.
- Inner virtues – Internal qualities such as kindness, honesty, and integrity that guide moral behaviour.
- Moral compass – An internal guide that helps individuals distinguish between right and wrong.
- Compassion and kindness – Empathy and understanding, often leading to acts of goodwill towards others.
- Animosity – Strong hostility or ill will towards someone.
- True fulfillment – A sense of deep satisfaction and contentment that comes from within, rather than external success.
- Influence – The capacity to have an effect on someone’s character, development, or behaviour.
- Perspective – A particular attitude toward or way of regarding something, especially one’s worldview.
- Grace – Elegance or beauty of form, manner, motion, or action; often associated with divine favour or unearned blessings.
- Spiritual journey – The personal path one takes in search of spiritual growth, enlightenment, or understanding.
- Worldview – The overall perspective from which an individual sees and interprets the world.
Idioms and Phrases
- Left a lasting impression – Had a significant and enduring effect.
- One of the most influential speeches in history – A speech that has had a profound impact on the world or society.
- Guide to living a moral and righteous life – A set of principles or teachings that help people lead an ethical and virtuous life.
- Resonated deeply with me – Had a strong emotional or intellectual impact.
- Revisited them several times throughout my life – Reflected on or returned to these teachings at various points in life.
- Striking – Remarkable or noticeable.
- Emphasizes inner virtues over external achievements – Stresses the importance of internal qualities rather than outward success or material gains.
- Focus on their moral compass – Pay attention to one’s sense of right and wrong.
- Transcend any animosity – Go beyond any hostility or ill feelings.
- Stick with me – Remain in my mind; have a lasting effect on me.
- Shape the way I approach relationships and conflicts – Influence how I deal with personal interactions and disagreements.
- Live simply and avoid the pursuit of material wealth – Embrace a simple lifestyle and avoid excessive focus on money or possessions.
- True fulfillment comes from spiritual richness and generosity – Real contentment comes from inner growth and selflessness rather than material accumulation.
- Shaped my perspective – Influenced or altered my way of thinking.
- True strength lies not in domination or wealth – Real power is not in control or money, but in other qualities such as wisdom or kindness.
- Life that is in harmony with others – A way of living that promotes peace and cooperation with those around us.
- Strive to embody these ideals – Make a conscious effort to live by these values.
- Provided a moral framework – Offered a set of principles or guidelines for ethical decision-making.
- Not just a historical speech but a timeless piece of wisdom – More than just an event of the past; it’s enduringly valuable and relevant.
- As relevant today as it was over two millennia ago – Still as important or meaningful today as it was thousands of years ago.
- Life-changing speech – A speech that has had a profound and transformative effect on me.
IELTS Speaking Task Topics
Click on any topic to explore more!
Names
Learn about the importance of names and their cultural significance.
Study / Job
Discuss various aspects of studying and working in different fields.
Hometown
Explore the charm of your hometown and its unique features.
Accommodation
Understand various types of accommodation and living situations.
Weather
Learn about how weather influences daily life and activities.
Time
Discuss the concept of time, its importance, and time management.
Television
Talk about the role of television in modern entertainment.
Museum
Discuss the cultural importance of museums and historical exhibits.
Holidays
Explore the significance of holidays and different celebrations.
Films
Learn about the impact of films on culture and society.
Leisure Time
Discuss how leisure activities impact personal well-being.
Sport
Talk about the role of sports in health, entertainment, and culture.
Vegetables and Fruits
Discuss the health benefits and importance of fresh produce.
Maths
Explore the role of mathematics in various aspects of life.
Sky
Discuss the beauty and scientific significance of the sky.
Clothes and Fashion
Explore how clothing reflects culture and personal expression.
Weekend
Discuss the importance of weekends and ways people relax.
Reading
Learn about the importance of reading and various reading habits.
Sleep
Explore how sleep impacts physical and mental well-being.
Trees and Plants
Discuss the environmental and health benefits of plants.
Newspaper
Discuss the evolving role of newspapers in the digital age.
Text Messages
Explore the role of text messaging in modern communication.
Memorizing
Learn techniques for improving memory and memorization.
Traveling
Discuss the importance and impact of traveling in modern society.
Letters or Emails
Explore the differences and significance of letters vs. emails.
Swimming
Discuss the benefits of swimming for health and fitness.
Snacks
Explore the role of snacks in daily nutrition and lifestyle.
Photography
Discuss photography’s cultural and artistic significance.
Help
Talk about the importance of offering and receiving help.
History
Discuss historical events and their impact on modern society.
Handwriting
Explore the significance of handwriting in education and culture.
Music
Learn about the influence of music on emotions and society.
Colours
Discuss how colours affect perception and mood.
Teachers
Explore the role of teachers in shaping students’ futures.
Being Alone
Talk about the experience and benefits of spending time alone.
Teamwork
Learn the importance of teamwork in professional and social contexts.
Countryside
Explore the charm and benefits of living in the countryside.
Social Media
Discuss the impact of social media on society and relationships.
Friends
Explore the importance of friendships in life.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Talk about the future of AI and its role in society.
Climate Change
Discuss the causes and consequences of climate change.
Sustainable Transportation
Explore ways to make transportation more environmentally friendly.
Space Exploration
Learn about the latest advancements in space exploration.
Shopping
Explore how shopping influences culture and the economy.
Modern Technology
Discuss how modern technology is reshaping society.
Technology
Learn about the role of technology in everyday life.
Sustainable Living
Explore ways to live sustainably for the future of the planet.
Globalisation
Learn about the effects of globalisation on society and economies.
Global Warming
Discuss the causes, effects, and solutions to global warming.
Gender Equality
Explore the importance of gender equality in modern society.
Health and Fitness
Discuss the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Renewable Energy
Learn about renewable energy sources and their impact on the environment.
Cultural Traditions in Kerala
Explore the unique cultural traditions of Kerala, your hometown.
Cultural Traditions in Your Country
Learn about the cultural traditions in your country.
Education System
Discuss the education system in your country and its effectiveness.
Traditional Cuisine
Explore the significance of traditional cuisines in your culture.
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