The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about influential people in our lives. One common topic is describing someone who has motivated you to work harder. This article will provide you with strategies and sample answers to excel in this topic, helping you achieve a higher band score in your IELTS Speaking test.
Understanding the Topic
The topic “Describe a person who has motivated you to work harder” is frequently asked in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Part 2. It allows examiners to assess your ability to speak about personal experiences, describe people, and express your thoughts and feelings coherently.
Motivational person inspiring others
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions related to motivation and hard work. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
Q: Do you consider yourself a motivated person?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I think I’m quite motivated. I usually set goals for myself and work hard to achieve them.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely. I’d say I’m intrinsically motivated in most aspects of my life. I tend to set ambitious goals for myself and derive a great sense of satisfaction from pushing my boundaries and achieving what I set out to do.
Q: What usually motivates you to work hard?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I’m motivated by the desire to improve myself and achieve my goals. Seeing progress in my work also keeps me motivated.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Several factors drive my motivation. Primarily, I’m fueled by a deep-seated desire for personal growth and self-improvement. Additionally, the prospect of overcoming challenges and the satisfaction of tangible achievements act as powerful motivators. I also find that positive feedback and recognition for my efforts significantly boost my drive to excel.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a person who has motivated you to work harder
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What this person did to motivate you
- And explain why this person’s actions motivated you
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
The person who has motivated me to work harder is my high school physics teacher, Mr. Johnson. I met him when I was in 11th grade, and he taught our class for two years.
Mr. Johnson motivated me by showing a genuine interest in my progress. He often stayed after class to help me with difficult concepts and encouraged me to participate in science competitions. He believed in my potential even when I doubted myself.
His actions motivated me because they made me feel valued and capable. His confidence in my abilities inspired me to push myself harder and aim for higher goals. Thanks to his motivation, I developed a strong interest in physics and decided to pursue it in college.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
The individual who has profoundly influenced my work ethic is my former mentor, Dr. Sarah Chen, a renowned researcher in the field of artificial intelligence. I had the privilege of working under her guidance during my postgraduate studies at MIT.
Dr. Chen’s approach to motivation was multifaceted and inspiring. She consistently challenged me intellectually, assigning complex projects that pushed me beyond my perceived limits. Her feedback was always constructive and insightful, providing a clear pathway for improvement. Moreover, she led by example, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to her work that was truly awe-inspiring.
What set Dr. Chen apart was her ability to strike a balance between demanding excellence and offering support. She created an environment where failure was viewed as a stepping stone to success, encouraging me to take calculated risks and learn from my mistakes. Her unwavering belief in my potential, even in moments of self-doubt, was a powerful motivator.
The impact of Dr. Chen’s mentorship was transformative. Her actions ignited a passion for continuous learning and self-improvement that has become a cornerstone of my professional life. She instilled in me the importance of resilience and the value of pushing boundaries in pursuit of innovation. The work ethic and mindset I developed under her guidance have not only propelled my career but have also enriched my personal growth in ways I couldn’t have anticipated.
Follow-up Questions:
- How has this person’s motivation affected your life long-term?
- Do you think you could motivate others in the same way?
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this part, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to motivation and influential people. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
Q: What qualities do you think make someone a good motivator?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I think good motivators are passionate, supportive, and able to communicate well. They should also be able to lead by example and show others how to achieve their goals.
Band 8-9 Answer:
In my opinion, exceptional motivators possess a unique blend of qualities. Firstly, they have an infectious enthusiasm that naturally inspires others. They’re also empathetic and perceptive, able to understand and respond to individual needs and concerns. Effective communication is crucial – they can articulate ideas clearly and tailor their message to resonate with different individuals.
Moreover, great motivators lead by example, demonstrating the very qualities and work ethic they encourage in others. They have the ability to identify potential in people, often seeing capabilities that individuals may not recognize in themselves. Lastly, they’re resilient and persistent, maintaining their motivational spirit even in the face of setbacks, which instills a sense of determination in those they’re guiding.
Q: Do you think external motivation is as effective as internal motivation?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I believe both types of motivation can be effective, but internal motivation is often more lasting. External motivation like rewards can work well in the short term, but internal motivation helps people stay committed to their goals over time.
Band 8-9 Answer:
While both external and internal motivation have their merits, I’d argue that internal motivation tends to be more sustainable and impactful in the long run. External motivators, such as rewards or recognition, can certainly provide a short-term boost and are effective in specific scenarios. However, they often create a dependency on external factors for continued motivation.
Internal motivation, on the other hand, stems from personal values, passions, and goals. It’s intrinsically tied to an individual’s sense of purpose and self-fulfillment. This type of motivation tends to foster greater resilience in the face of challenges and setbacks. It also promotes a deeper engagement with tasks, as the drive comes from within rather than from external pressures or rewards.
That being said, I believe the most effective approach is often a combination of both. External motivators can serve as catalysts, igniting initial interest or providing milestones, while internal motivation sustains effort and commitment over time. The key is to strike a balance and gradually shift towards fostering more internal motivation for long-term success and personal growth.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
To achieve a high band score, incorporate these advanced vocabulary items and phrases into your responses:
Intrinsically motivated [ɪnˈtrɪnsɪkli ˈməʊtɪveɪtɪd] (adjective): Motivated by internal factors rather than external rewards.
Example: “I’m intrinsically motivated to learn new languages because I enjoy the process.”To fuel [fjuːəl] (verb): To provide the energy or motivation for something.
Example: “Her passion for science fueled her desire to pursue a career in research.”To push boundaries [pʊʃ ˈbaʊndəriz] (phrase): To extend the limits of what is possible or acceptable.
Example: “The innovative company constantly pushes boundaries in technology development.”Transformative [trænsˈfɔːmətɪv] (adjective): Causing a major change in someone or something.
Example: “The mentor’s guidance had a transformative effect on my career path.”To instill [ɪnˈstɪl] (verb): To gradually but firmly establish an idea or attitude in a person’s mind.
Example: “Good teachers instill a love of learning in their students.”
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in describing a person who has motivated you to work harder:
- Be specific: Provide concrete examples of how the person motivated you and the impact it had.
- Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced words and phrases related to motivation and personal development.
- Show reflection: Demonstrate how this experience has influenced your thinking or behavior long-term.
- Structure your answer: Organize your thoughts logically, using discourse markers to connect ideas.
- Practice: Regularly rehearse describing different influential people in your life to improve fluency and confidence.
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Aim for clarity, fluency, and depth in your responses.
For more tips on excelling in IELTS Speaking, check out our guide on how to stay motivated at work, which can provide additional insights into discussing motivation in a professional context.