How To Excel In IELTS Speaking: Describing A Person Who Motivated You To Pursue Excellence

The IELTS Speaking test often includes topics related to personal experiences and influences. One such topic that frequently appears is describing a person who has motivated you to pursue excellence. This article will provide you with valuable insights and strategies to tackle this subject effectively in your IELTS Speaking exam.

Table of Contents

Understanding the Topic

Before we dive into the specifics, it’s essential to understand what the examiner is looking for when asking about a person who motivated you to pursue excellence. They want to assess your ability to:

Describe a person and their qualities
Explain how they influenced you
Discuss the concept of excellence and motivation
Use appropriate vocabulary and grammar
Speak fluently and coherently

Now, let’s break down the IELTS Speaking test into its three parts and explore how you can excel in each when discussing this topic.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask you some general questions about motivation and excellence. Here are a few examples:

Do you think it’s important to have role models?
What qualities do you admire in successful people?
How do you stay motivated in your studies or work?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:

Examiner: Do you think it’s important to have role models?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
Yes, I believe having role models is crucial for personal growth and development. Role models can inspire us to set higher goals and push our boundaries. They provide us with real-life examples of success and can guide us through challenges we might face. However, it’s important to choose role models wisely and not just idolize someone blindly.

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
Absolutely, I consider role models to be instrumental in shaping one’s character and aspirations. They serve as living proof that our goals are attainable and often illuminate the path to success. Role models can instill valuable qualities such as perseverance and integrity, which are indispensable for personal and professional growth. That being said, it’s paramount to discern between mere celebrity worship and genuine admiration for someone’s achievements and values. The most effective role models are those whose principles and journey resonate with our own ambitions and circumstances.

Role model inspiring excellence

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic and some bullet points. Here’s an example related to our main topic:

Describe A Person Who Has Motivated You To Pursue Excellence

You should say:

Who this person is
How you know this person
What qualities this person has
And explain how this person motivated you to pursue excellence

Here’s a sample answer:

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):

The person who has significantly motivated me to pursue excellence is my high school physics teacher, Mr. Johnson. I first met him when I was in 10th grade, and he left an indelible impression on me from day one.

Mr. Johnson is an exceptionally knowledgeable individual with a passion for science that’s truly infectious. What sets him apart is his ability to make complex concepts accessible and his unwavering belief in his students’ potential. He’s also incredibly patient and always willing to go the extra mile to help us understand difficult topics.

One of the most admirable qualities about Mr. Johnson is his dedication to continuous learning. Despite being in his 50s, he’s always up-to-date with the latest developments in physics and technology. This commitment to self-improvement has really inspired me.

Mr. Johnson motivated me to pursue excellence by challenging me to think beyond the textbook. He would often pose thought-provoking questions that required us to apply our knowledge to real-world scenarios. His enthusiasm for the subject was contagious, and I found myself spending extra hours studying physics, not because I had to, but because I wanted to.

Moreover, Mr. Johnson believed in me even when I doubted myself. When I struggled with a particularly difficult concept, he encouraged me to persevere, saying, “Excellence isn’t about being perfect; it’s about constantly striving to be better than you were yesterday.” This perspective changed my outlook on learning and success.

Thanks to Mr. Johnson’s influence, I’ve learned to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. His motivation has inspired me to pursue excellence not just in academics, but in all aspects of my life. I’m genuinely grateful for his guidance and the positive impact he’s had on my personal development.

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

The individual who has been instrumental in motivating me to pursue excellence is my high school physics teacher, Dr. Elizabeth Chen. I had the privilege of being her student during my junior and senior years, a period that proved transformative in shaping my academic and personal trajectory.

Dr. Chen is an epitome of academic excellence, holding a Ph.D. from a prestigious university and having several published research papers to her name. However, what truly sets her apart is her unparalleled ability to spark curiosity and foster critical thinking in her students. Her teaching style is remarkably engaging, seamlessly blending theoretical concepts with practical applications, which makes even the most abstract ideas tangible.

One of Dr. Chen’s most commendable qualities is her unwavering commitment to her students’ success. She consistently goes above and beyond the call of duty, offering additional support through after-school study sessions and mentorship programs. Her approachability and genuine interest in each student’s progress create an environment where asking questions and making mistakes are seen as integral parts of the learning process.

Dr. Chen’s impact on my pursuit of excellence has been profound and multifaceted. Firstly, she instilled in me a deep appreciation for the scientific method and its application beyond the realm of physics. Her emphasis on rigorous analysis and evidence-based reasoning has significantly enhanced my critical thinking skills.

Moreover, Dr. Chen’s own journey in academia served as a powerful example of what can be achieved through perseverance and passion. She often shared anecdotes from her research days, illuminating the challenges and breakthroughs she experienced. These stories resonated deeply with me, inspiring me to set ambitious goals and work diligently towards them.

Perhaps most importantly, Dr. Chen cultivated in me a growth mindset. She consistently emphasized that intelligence and ability are not fixed traits but can be developed through effort and learning. This perspective has been invaluable, encouraging me to embrace challenges and view setbacks as opportunities for growth rather than indicators of limitation.

In conclusion, Dr. Chen’s influence has transcended the boundaries of the physics classroom. Her guidance has instilled in me a relentless pursuit of knowledge, a commitment to academic rigor, and the confidence to tackle complex problems. The lessons I’ve learned from her continue to shape my approach to both academic and personal challenges, driving me to strive for excellence in all my endeavors.

Follow-up Questions

How has this person’s influence affected your career or study choices?
Do you think you’ll be able to motivate others in the same way?

Sample Answer for Question 1 (Band 7-8):
Mr. Johnson’s influence has significantly impacted my career choices. His passion for physics sparked my interest in the sciences, leading me to pursue a degree in engineering. The problem-solving skills and analytical thinking he taught me have been invaluable in my studies and internships. Moreover, his emphasis on continuous learning has inspired me to seek out additional courses and workshops to enhance my knowledge and skills in my field.

Sample Answer for Question 1 (Band 8-9):
Dr. Chen’s influence has been pivotal in shaping my academic and career trajectory. Her exceptional teaching and mentorship ignited a passion for scientific research that I hadn’t previously considered. As a result, I’ve chosen to pursue a degree in Biophysics, a field that allows me to apply the rigorous analytical skills she instilled in me to solve complex biological problems. Furthermore, her emphasis on the importance of interdisciplinary approaches has encouraged me to seek out collaborative research opportunities and expand my knowledge beyond my immediate field of study. This holistic approach to science, which I learned from Dr. Chen, has opened doors to exciting research projects and internships that I might not have considered otherwise.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner will ask you more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some examples:

What role do mentors play in a person’s success?
How has the concept of excellence changed in modern society?
Do you think the pressure to excel can sometimes be harmful?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:

Examiner: What role do mentors play in a person’s success?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
Mentors play a crucial role in a person’s success. They provide guidance and share their experiences, which can help mentees avoid common pitfalls and make better decisions. Mentors can also open doors to new opportunities and expand their mentees’ networks. Moreover, they offer emotional support and encouragement, which is essential when facing challenges. A good mentor can inspire their mentee to set higher goals and push their boundaries, ultimately leading to greater success.

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
Mentors play an indispensable role in catalyzing an individual’s success. Their influence is multifaceted and often profound. Firstly, mentors serve as repositories of wisdom and experience, offering invaluable insights that can significantly accelerate a mentee’s learning curve and professional development. They provide a unique perspective that allows mentees to see beyond their immediate circumstances and envision greater possibilities.

Moreover, mentors act as critical sounding boards, offering constructive feedback and challenging mentees to refine their ideas and approaches. This process of intellectual discourse and reflection is crucial for personal and professional growth. Mentors also often serve as powerful advocates, leveraging their networks and influence to create opportunities that might otherwise be inaccessible to their mentees.

Perhaps most importantly, mentors provide emotional scaffolding during times of uncertainty or setback. Their unwavering belief in their mentees’ potential can be a source of resilience and motivation, encouraging perseverance in the face of adversity. This psychological support is often as valuable as any practical advice or opportunity a mentor might provide.

In essence, while individual effort and talent are undoubtedly crucial, the guidance, support, and inspiration provided by mentors can be the differentiating factor that propels individuals from mere competence to true excellence in their chosen fields.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, it’s crucial to use a wide range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures. Here are some key terms and phrases related to the topic of motivation and excellence:

Inspire (verb) /ɪnˈspaɪə(r)/ – To fill someone with the urge or ability to do or feel something, especially to do something creative.
Example: “Her dedication to her work inspires everyone around her.”
Influential (adjective) /ˌɪnfluˈenʃl/ – Having great influence on someone or something.
Example: “He was one of the most influential figures in modern physics.”
Perseverance (noun) /ˌpɜːsɪˈvɪərəns/ – Continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition.
Example: “Her success was a result of her talent and perseverance.”
Emulate (verb) /ˈemjuleɪt/ – To try to equal or excel; imitate with effort to equal or surpass.
Example: “Many young scientists try to emulate her research methods.”
Catalyst (noun) /ˈkætəlɪst/ – A person or thing that precipitates an event or change.
Example: “His encouragement was the catalyst for my decision to pursue a PhD.”
Paradigm shift (noun phrase) /ˈpærədaɪm ʃɪft/ – A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.
Example: “Her mentorship caused a paradigm shift in my understanding of scientific research.”

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing a person who has motivated you to pursue excellence:

Prepare in advance: Think about someone who has genuinely inspired you and reflect on specific examples of how they influenced you.
Use a variety of descriptive language: Don’t just say someone is “good” or “nice”. Use more sophisticated adjectives and provide specific examples to illustrate their qualities.
Practice speaking fluently: Work on reducing hesitations and fillers (um, uh, like) in your speech.
Develop your ideas: Don’t just give short answers. Expand on your points and provide explanations and examples.
Use a range of grammatical structures: Incorporate complex sentences, conditionals, and different tenses to demonstrate your language proficiency.
Stay relevant: Always keep the question in mind and ensure your answer directly addresses it.
Be authentic: While it’s good to prepare, don’t memorize answers. Speak naturally and genuinely about your experiences.

By following these tips and using the sample answers as inspiration, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss a person who has motivated you to pursue excellence in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, practice makes perfect, so try to incorporate these strategies into your everyday English conversations as well.

For more IELTS speaking practice, you might find these related topics helpful:

Good luck with your IELTS preparation!

How to Excel in IELTS Speaking: Describing a Person Who Motivated You to Pursue Excellence