How to Ace the IELTS Speaking Task: Describing a Motivational Figure

The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about influential people in our lives. One common topic is describing someone who has motivated you to be more active. This article will provide you with strategies and sample answers to help you excel in this task.

IELTS Speaking Test Session

Understanding the Task

When asked to Describe A Person Who Has Motivated You To Be More Active, the examiner is looking for your ability to:

1. Provide specific details about the person
2. Explain how they motivated you
3. Discuss the impact of their motivation on your life

This topic allows you to showcase your vocabulary, fluency, and ability to structure a coherent response.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, you may be asked general questions about motivation and physical activity. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

Q: Do you consider yourself an active person?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I’d say I’m fairly active. I try to exercise regularly and stay on my feet throughout the day.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“Absolutely. I make a concerted effort to lead an active lifestyle. This includes a rigorous exercise regimen and consciously choosing active options in my daily routine, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator.”

Q: What kind of activities do you enjoy?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“I enjoy various activities like jogging, swimming, and playing basketball with friends. They help me stay fit and have fun.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“I’m particularly drawn to a mix of individual and team sports. I find great satisfaction in the solitude and self-reflection that comes with long-distance running, while also relishing the camaraderie and strategic elements of team sports like basketball. Additionally, I’ve recently taken up rock climbing, which offers both a physical challenge and a mental puzzle.”

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:

Describe a person who has motivated you to be more active.
You should say:

• Who this person is
• How you know them
• What they did to motivate you
• And explain how their motivation has affected your life

Sample Answer (Band 8-9)

“I’d like to talk about my high school physical education teacher, Mr. Johnson, who profoundly influenced my attitude towards physical activity and health.

I first met Mr. Johnson when I was 15 years old, feeling rather unenthusiastic about sports and exercise. He stood out from other teachers due to his infectious enthusiasm and personalized approach to physical education.

What set Mr. Johnson apart was his ability to inspire and motivate each student individually. He recognized that not everyone excelled in traditional sports, so he introduced a variety of activities ranging from rock climbing to yoga. He took the time to understand each student’s interests and strengths, then tailored his encouragement accordingly.

For me, Mr. Johnson noticed my interest in music and suggested I try dancing as a form of exercise. He even organized a dance fitness class after school. This personalized recommendation was a turning point for me. I discovered that I loved the combination of music and movement, which made exercise enjoyable rather than a chore.

Mr. Johnson’s motivation has had a lasting impact on my life. Thanks to him, I’ve developed a lifelong passion for staying active. I now regularly attend dance fitness classes and even participate in dance competitions. Moreover, his approach taught me the importance of finding joy in physical activity, which has helped me maintain a consistent exercise routine.

Beyond the physical benefits, this journey has boosted my confidence and introduced me to a wonderful community of like-minded individuals. Mr. Johnson’s influence extended far beyond the classroom, shaping my lifestyle and outlook on health and fitness.”

Follow-up Questions

1. How has this person’s motivation changed your daily routine?
2. Have you inspired others to be more active as a result?

Band 8-9 Answer:
“Mr. Johnson’s influence has revolutionized my daily routine. I now prioritize physical activity, setting aside time each day for exercise, whether it’s a dance class, a jog, or even active commuting like cycling to work. This habit has improved my energy levels and overall well-being.

Interestingly, my transformation has had a ripple effect on those around me. Several friends have joined me in dance classes, inspired by my enthusiasm and the positive changes they’ve observed in me. I’ve found myself naturally assuming a motivational role, much like Mr. Johnson did for me, encouraging others to find physical activities they enjoy. It’s been rewarding to see how one person’s motivation can create a chain reaction of positive change.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to motivation and physical activity.

Q: How do you think society’s approach to physical activity has changed in recent years?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“I think people are more aware of the importance of being active now. There are more gyms and fitness classes available, and many companies encourage their employees to exercise.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“There’s been a paradigm shift in society’s approach to physical activity in recent years. We’ve moved from viewing exercise as a purely aesthetic pursuit to recognizing its integral role in overall well-being. This shift is evident in various spheres:

1. Workplace wellness programs have become increasingly common, with companies investing in on-site gyms, standing desks, and even ‘walking meetings’.

2. There’s been a surge in diverse fitness options, from boutique studios offering specialized workouts to tech-driven solutions like fitness apps and wearables, catering to different preferences and lifestyles.

3. Public health initiatives have placed greater emphasis on promoting active lifestyles, with campaigns encouraging people to incorporate more movement into their daily routines.

4. The integration of physical activity into urban planning, such as the development of bike lanes and public parks, reflects a societal commitment to facilitating active living.

This multifaceted approach underscores a growing recognition of physical activity as a cornerstone of public health and individual well-being.”

Q: Do you think motivation to be active comes from within or is influenced by external factors?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“I believe it’s a mix of both. Some people are naturally motivated to be active, while others need encouragement from friends or family. External factors like having access to good facilities can also help.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“The interplay between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation in physical activity is complex and multifaceted. While the ultimate drive to be active often stems from within, external factors can play a crucial role in igniting and sustaining this internal motivation.

Intrinsic motivation, such as the desire for personal growth or the enjoyment of a particular activity, provides a solid foundation for long-term commitment to an active lifestyle. This internal drive is often what gets people out of bed for an early morning run or pushes them to complete that last set in the gym.

However, external factors can significantly influence this internal motivation. These may include:

1. Social support from friends, family, or community groups
2. Environmental factors like access to parks, gyms, or safe walking paths
3. Cultural norms that value and promote physical activity
4. Technological advancements like fitness trackers that provide feedback and goal-setting tools

These external elements can act as catalysts, helping to initiate and reinforce healthy behaviors. For instance, joining a running club might provide the initial push to start exercising regularly, but over time, the personal satisfaction of improving one’s fitness becomes the primary motivator.

Ultimately, I believe the most sustainable approach to staying active involves harnessing both internal and external motivational factors. It’s about creating an environment that supports and encourages physical activity while also cultivating a personal appreciation for the benefits and enjoyment of an active lifestyle.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Profoundly influenced /prəˈfaʊndli ˈɪnfluənst/ (adverb + verb): Had a deep and significant effect on.
   Example: “The experience profoundly influenced my career choice.”

2. Infectious enthusiasm /ɪnˈfekʃəs ɪnˈθjuːziæzəm/ (adjective + noun): Excitement that spreads easily to others.
   Example: “Her infectious enthusiasm for the project motivated the entire team.”

3. Tailored encouragement /ˈteɪləd ɪnˈkʌrɪdʒmənt/ (adjective + noun): Support or motivation specifically adapted for an individual.
   Example: “The coach provided tailored encouragement to each player based on their strengths and weaknesses.”

4. Lasting impact /ˈlɑːstɪŋ ˈɪmpækt/ (adjective + noun): An effect that continues for a long time.
   Example: “The mentor’s advice had a lasting impact on my personal development.”

5. Revolutionized /ˌrevəˈluːʃənaɪzd/ (verb): Completely changed something.
   Example: “The invention of smartphones revolutionized the way we communicate.”

6. Paradigm shift /ˈpærədaɪm ʃɪft/ (noun): A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.
   Example: “The move towards renewable energy represents a paradigm shift in how we think about power generation.”

Tips from an IELTS Examiner

1. Practice storytelling: Develop your ability to narrate personal experiences coherently and engagingly.

2. Expand your vocabulary: Focus on learning and using a range of descriptive adjectives and idiomatic expressions.

3. Work on fluency: Regular speaking practice will help you maintain a natural flow of speech during the test.

4. Develop your ideas: Don’t just provide simple answers. Expand on your points with examples and explanations.

5. Use a variety of grammatical structures: Showcase your language skills by using a mix of simple and complex sentences.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Confidence, fluency, and the ability to express your ideas clearly are all crucial factors in achieving a high score.

For more tips on acing your IELTS Speaking test, check out our article on how to describe a person who is very supportive of your ambitions. This will help you further develop your skills in discussing influential people in your life.