The IELTS Speaking test often includes topics related to personal experiences and influences. One such topic that frequently appears is describing a person who inspires you to stay positive. This article will guide you through answering questions on this subject, providing sample responses and valuable tips to help you achieve a high band score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about positivity and inspiration. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
Sample Question 1: Do you consider yourself a positive person?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I’d say I’m generally quite positive. I try to look on the bright side of things, even when faced with challenges.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Absolutely. I pride myself on maintaining an optimistic outlook in most situations. I firmly believe that a positive attitude can significantly impact one’s experiences and outcomes in life.”
Sample Question 2: What do you do to stay positive when you face difficulties?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“When I face difficulties, I usually talk to my friends or family. Their support helps me stay positive and find solutions.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“To maintain a positive mindset during challenging times, I employ various strategies. Firstly, I practice mindfulness and meditation to center myself. Additionally, I seek inspiration from role models who have overcome similar obstacles, which bolsters my resilience and helps me reframe difficulties as opportunities for growth.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe A Person Who Inspires You To Stay Positive.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What qualities this person has
- And explain why this person inspires you to stay positive
Sample Answer (Band 6-7)
“I’d like to talk about my high school teacher, Mrs. Johnson, who inspires me to stay positive. I met her when I was 15 years old, and she was my English literature teacher.
Mrs. Johnson has many great qualities. She’s always cheerful and enthusiastic, even when things get tough. She’s also very patient and understanding with her students.
What really inspires me about Mrs. Johnson is her ability to find the good in every situation. Even when we had difficult assignments or exams, she would encourage us and help us see the positive side of challenges.
Her positive attitude has had a big impact on me. Whenever I face problems now, I try to think about how Mrs. Johnson would approach them. This helps me stay optimistic and motivated, even in tough times.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
“I’d like to elaborate on an individual who has been a profound source of inspiration for me in terms of maintaining a positive outlook – my former high school English literature teacher, Mrs. Emily Johnson.
I had the privilege of being under her tutelage during my formative years, from the age of 15 to 18. Mrs. Johnson stood out among her peers due to her exceptional qualities and unwavering positivity.
One of her most striking attributes is her infectious enthusiasm. She approaches each day with a zest for life that is truly remarkable. Even when faced with daunting challenges, such as preparing an entire class for a difficult exam, she maintains her composure and radiates optimism.
Mrs. Johnson’s patience and empathy are equally noteworthy. She has an uncanny ability to understand and connect with each student on a personal level, tailoring her approach to suit individual needs.
What truly sets Mrs. Johnson apart and inspires me to emulate her positive attitude is her remarkable skill in finding silver linings in every situation. She consistently demonstrates that challenges are not obstacles, but opportunities for growth and learning.
Her influence on my life has been profound and long-lasting. Whenever I encounter difficulties, I find myself channeling Mrs. Johnson’s optimistic spirit. This mental shift allows me to approach problems with a constructive mindset, seeking solutions rather than dwelling on setbacks.
In essence, Mrs. Johnson has instilled in me a fundamental belief in the power of positivity. Her example serves as a constant reminder that maintaining an optimistic outlook can transform our experiences and lead to personal growth and success.”
Follow-up Questions
- How has this person’s positive attitude affected others around them?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Mrs. Johnson’s positive attitude has had a good effect on her students and colleagues. Many of us feel more confident and motivated because of her encouragement.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Mrs. Johnson’s unwavering optimism has had a ripple effect on both her students and colleagues. Her positive demeanor has fostered a more conducive learning environment, where students feel empowered to take on challenges. Moreover, her colleagues have noted an improvement in workplace morale, attributing it to Mrs. Johnson’s infectious enthusiasm and supportive nature.”
- Do you think it’s important for leaders to have a positive attitude? Why or why not?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I think it’s very important for leaders to be positive. It helps motivate their team and creates a better work environment.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Absolutely. A positive attitude is crucial for effective leadership. Leaders with an optimistic outlook can inspire and motivate their teams, fostering a more productive and innovative work culture. Furthermore, positivity in leadership often translates to improved problem-solving skills and resilience in the face of adversity, which are essential qualities for navigating the complexities of modern business environments.”
IELTS Speaking Test
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: Do you think society places too much emphasis on always being positive?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I think there’s definitely a lot of pressure to be positive all the time. While it’s good to have a positive outlook, it’s also important to acknowledge negative emotions. Sometimes, the emphasis on positivity can make people feel bad when they’re not happy.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“This is a nuanced issue that warrants careful consideration. While the promotion of positivity can undoubtedly yield benefits such as improved mental health and increased resilience, there’s a valid concern that an overemphasis on maintaining a positive attitude may lead to the suppression of genuine emotions.
Toxic positivity, a phenomenon where individuals feel pressured to maintain a cheerful facade regardless of their true feelings, can be detrimental to emotional well-being. It’s crucial to strike a balance between fostering a positive outlook and acknowledging the full spectrum of human emotions.
A more holistic approach would involve promoting emotional intelligence and teaching individuals how to process and learn from negative experiences, rather than simply avoiding or masking them. This would lead to more authentic personal growth and healthier coping mechanisms in the long run.”
Examiner: How can schools or workplaces encourage a more positive atmosphere?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Schools and workplaces can encourage positivity by organizing team-building activities and recognizing people’s achievements. They could also provide support for people who are struggling and create a friendly environment where everyone feels valued.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“There are several strategic approaches that schools and workplaces can adopt to cultivate a more positive atmosphere:
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Implement recognition programs: Regularly acknowledging and celebrating individual and team achievements can boost morale and foster a sense of accomplishment.
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Promote work-life balance: Encouraging employees to maintain a healthy equilibrium between their professional and personal lives can reduce stress and increase overall job satisfaction.
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Provide mental health resources: Offering access to counseling services and mental health workshops can equip individuals with tools to manage stress and maintain a positive outlook.
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Encourage open communication: Creating channels for feedback and open dialogue can help address issues proactively and make individuals feel valued and heard.
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Design collaborative spaces: Physical environments that facilitate interaction and teamwork can naturally promote a more positive and engaging atmosphere.
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Offer professional development opportunities: Investing in employees’ growth not only improves their skills but also demonstrates the organization’s commitment to their success.
By implementing these strategies, schools and workplaces can create an environment that nurtures positivity, leading to increased productivity, improved retention, and a more fulfilling experience for all involved.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Profound source of inspiration /prəˈfaʊnd sɔːrs əv ɪnspɪˈreɪʃən/ (phrase): A deep and significant origin of motivation or creativity.
Example: “My grandmother’s resilience has been a profound source of inspiration throughout my life.” -
Unwavering positivity /ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ ˌpɒzəˈtɪvəti/ (phrase): Consistent and unchanging optimism.
Example: “Despite facing numerous setbacks, her unwavering positivity never faltered.” -
Infectious enthusiasm /ɪnˈfekʃəs ɪnˈθjuːziæzəm/ (phrase): Excitement or interest that easily spreads to others.
Example: “The new teacher’s infectious enthusiasm quickly spread throughout the classroom.” -
Emulate /ˈemjuleɪt/ (verb): To try to equal or excel; imitate with effort to equal or surpass.
Example: “Many young athletes try to emulate the success of their sporting heroes.” -
Silver lining /ˈsɪlvə ˈlaɪnɪŋ/ (idiom): A positive aspect in an otherwise negative situation.
Example: “The silver lining of losing my job was that it gave me time to pursue my true passion.” -
Ripple effect /ˈrɪpl ɪˈfekt/ (noun): The continuing and spreading results of an event or action.
Example: “His act of kindness had a ripple effect, inspiring others to do good deeds as well.” -
Toxic positivity /ˈtɒksɪk ˌpɒzəˈtɪvəti/ (phrase): The excessive and ineffective overgeneralization of a happy, optimistic state across all situations.
Example: “Constantly telling someone to ‘just be positive’ when they’re dealing with genuine hardships can be a form of toxic positivity.” -
Holistic approach /həˈlɪstɪk əˈprəʊtʃ/ (phrase): Dealing with or treating the whole of something or someone and not just a part.
Example: “The new wellness program takes a holistic approach, addressing both physical and mental health.”
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing topics like describing a person who inspires you to stay positive, consider the following tips:
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Use varied vocabulary: Incorporate a range of descriptive words and phrases to paint a vivid picture of the person and their impact on you.
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Provide specific examples: When explaining why the person inspires you, give concrete instances of their positive influence.
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Demonstrate critical thinking: In Part 3, show your ability to analyze the topic from different angles and consider its broader implications.
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Maintain fluency: Practice speaking on this topic to improve your ability to express your thoughts smoothly and coherently.
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Use appropriate tenses: When describing past experiences or ongoing inspiration, use the correct tenses consistently.
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Show enthusiasm: Let your genuine appreciation for the person shine through in your tone and expressions.
Remember, regular practice and exposure to a variety of topics will help you feel more confident and perform better in the IELTS Speaking test.
For more tips on improving your IELTS Speaking skills, you might find our article on describing a person who motivates you to stay active helpful. Additionally, if you’re interested in discussing social issues, our guide on describing a person who is passionate about social issues could provide valuable insights.
