As an experienced IELTS examiner, I’ve seen countless candidates tackle the topic of describing someone who inspires their professional ambitions. This theme frequently appears in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Part 2, and can significantly impact your overall score. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore strategies to excel when discussing a person who motivates you to achieve your career goals, complete with sample answers and expert analysis.

Understanding the IELTS Speaking Test Structure

Before we dive into the specifics, let’s briefly review the structure of the IELTS Speaking test:

1. Part 1: Introduction and Interview (4-5 minutes)
2. Part 2: Long Turn (3-4 minutes)
3. Part 3: Two-way Discussion (4-5 minutes)

Each part presents unique challenges and opportunities to showcase your English language skills. Let’s examine how to approach this topic in each section.

IELTS Speaking Test Structure

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

While the main topic of describing a motivational person typically appears in Part 2, the examiner may ask related questions in Part 1 to warm you up. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

Q: Do you have any role models in your professional life?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I do. I really look up to my college professor who taught me marketing. She’s very knowledgeable and has inspired me to pursue a career in digital marketing.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely. I find myself particularly inspired by my former marketing professor from university. Her vast expertise in the field, coupled with her innovative approach to digital strategies, has been instrumental in shaping my career aspirations. Her guidance has been a catalyst for my decision to specialize in data-driven marketing techniques.

Q: How important do you think mentorship is in career development?

Band 6-7 Answer:
I think mentorship is very important. Having someone experienced to guide you can help you avoid mistakes and learn faster in your career.

Band 8-9 Answer:
In my opinion, mentorship plays a pivotal role in career development. A seasoned mentor can provide invaluable insights, helping to navigate the complexities of a chosen field. This guidance not only accelerates learning but also fosters professional growth by offering a broader perspective on industry trends and challenges. The mentor-mentee relationship often proves to be a cornerstone of successful career trajectories.

Part 2: Long Turn

In this section, you’ll receive a cue card with a topic and several prompts. Here’s a sample cue card related to our theme:

Describe a person who motivates you to achieve your career goals.

You should say:

• Who this person is
• How you know them
• What they do
• And explain how they motivate you to achieve your career goals

You’ll have one minute to prepare and should aim to speak for 1-2 minutes. Here’s a sample answer that would score well:

Band 8-9 Answer:

The individual who has been a profound source of motivation in my professional journey is Dr. Sarah Chen, a renowned data scientist and AI researcher. I first encountered Dr. Chen at a tech conference in Singapore three years ago, where she delivered a captivating keynote on the future of machine learning in healthcare.

Dr. Chen’s work primarily focuses on developing AI algorithms to enhance early disease detection and personalized treatment plans. Her groundbreaking research has not only revolutionized medical diagnostics but has also paved the way for more accessible healthcare solutions in developing countries.

What truly sets Dr. Chen apart and motivates me is her unwavering commitment to ethical AI development. She consistently emphasizes the importance of creating technology that benefits humanity while addressing potential biases and privacy concerns. This holistic approach to innovation resonates deeply with my own values and career aspirations.

Dr. Chen’s journey from a small town in Malaysia to becoming a global leader in her field is nothing short of inspirational. Her ability to bridge the gap between complex technical concepts and real-world applications has shown me the immense potential of AI in solving critical global challenges.

Moreover, Dr. Chen’s dedication to mentoring young professionals, particularly women in STEM, has been a driving force behind my own career decisions. She actively promotes diversity in the tech industry and has established several initiatives to support underrepresented groups in AI research.

In essence, Dr. Chen motivates me by exemplifying the perfect blend of technical expertise, ethical consideration, and social responsibility. Her work continually pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in AI, inspiring me to pursue innovative solutions in my own career while always considering the broader implications of technological advancements.

Examiner’s Follow-up Questions

After your long turn, the examiner may ask additional questions. Here are some possibilities with sample answers:

Q: How has this person’s influence shaped your career choices?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Dr. Chen’s work has really influenced me to focus on AI in healthcare. I’ve decided to take more courses in machine learning and data analysis because of her.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Dr. Chen’s influence has been transformative in shaping my career trajectory. Her work has ignited a passion within me for exploring the intersection of AI and healthcare. Inspired by her approach, I’ve redirected my focus towards specializing in machine learning algorithms for medical imaging. Additionally, her emphasis on ethical AI has prompted me to incorporate courses on tech ethics and policy into my professional development plan, ensuring a well-rounded skill set that aligns with the evolving needs of the industry.

Q: In what ways do you hope to emulate this person in your own career?

Band 6-7 Answer:
I hope to be as innovative as Dr. Chen in my work. I want to create AI solutions that really help people, just like she does in healthcare.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Emulating Dr. Chen’s career path involves several key aspects that I aspire to incorporate into my own professional journey. Firstly, I aim to cultivate her interdisciplinary approach, blending technical expertise with a deep understanding of the field’s practical applications. Secondly, I hope to mirror her commitment to ethical innovation, ensuring that any AI solutions I develop are not only cutting-edge but also socially responsible. Lastly, I strive to adopt her mentorship mindset, actively seeking opportunities to guide and inspire the next generation of AI professionals, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this final section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions and high-scoring answers:

Q: How do you think the role of mentors in career development has changed in recent years?

Band 8-9 Answer:
The role of mentors in career development has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, largely due to technological advancements and shifting workplace dynamics. Traditionally, mentorship was often limited to face-to-face interactions within a single organization. However, the digital age has expanded the scope of mentorship opportunities exponentially.

Today, we’re seeing the rise of virtual mentorship programs that transcend geographical boundaries, allowing professionals to connect with industry leaders globally. This shift has democratized access to expertise, enabling individuals from diverse backgrounds to benefit from guidance that was once reserved for a select few.

Moreover, the concept of mentorship has evolved from a hierarchical model to a more collaborative approach. Many organizations now encourage reverse mentoring, where younger employees share insights on emerging technologies and trends with senior colleagues. This bidirectional flow of knowledge fosters a more dynamic and inclusive learning environment.

The gig economy and increasing career mobility have also influenced mentorship dynamics. Instead of lifelong mentors, professionals now often seek multiple mentors for different aspects of their careers. This multi-faceted approach allows for more specialized guidance and adaptability in a rapidly changing job market.

Lastly, there’s a growing emphasis on mentorship for soft skills development. While technical expertise remains crucial, mentors are increasingly focusing on nurturing qualities like emotional intelligence, adaptability, and cross-cultural communication – skills that are indispensable in today’s globalized workplace.

Q: Do you believe that having a career role model is essential for success? Why or why not?

Band 8-9 Answer:
While having a career role model can be incredibly beneficial, I wouldn’t say it’s absolutely essential for success. The value of role models lies in their ability to provide inspiration, offer guidance, and demonstrate pathways to success. However, success is a highly individualized concept, and there are multiple routes to achieving it.

For many, a role model serves as a catalyst for ambition, offering a tangible example of what can be achieved. This can be particularly powerful for individuals from underrepresented groups who may not see themselves reflected in traditional positions of success. A role model can challenge preconceptions and expand one’s vision of what’s possible.

However, it’s crucial to recognize that innovation and groundbreaking success often come from those who chart their own unique paths. Some of the most successful individuals in history didn’t have direct role models in their fields because they were creating something entirely new. In these cases, the absence of a predetermined path can foster creativity and out-of-the-box thinking.

Moreover, over-reliance on a single role model can sometimes limit one’s perspective. It’s often more beneficial to draw inspiration from multiple sources, synthesizing various influences to create a personalized approach to career development.

What’s perhaps more important than having a specific role model is cultivating certain qualities and mindsets that contribute to success. These might include resilience, adaptability, continuous learning, and ethical decision-making. These traits can be developed through various means, including but not limited to emulating role models.

In conclusion, while a career role model can be a powerful tool for motivation and guidance, true success often comes from integrating various influences, learning from both successes and failures (of oneself and others), and ultimately forging a path that aligns with one’s unique strengths, values, and aspirations.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To elevate your responses and aim for those higher band scores, incorporate these sophisticated vocabulary items and phrases:

1. Catalyst /ˈkætəlɪst/ (noun): A person or thing that precipitates an event or change.
   Example: “Her mentor’s advice acted as a catalyst for her career change.”

2. Pivotal /ˈpɪvətl/ (adjective): Of crucial importance in relation to the development or success of something else.
   Example: “His guidance played a pivotal role in shaping my professional path.”

3. Resonates /ˈrezəneɪts/ (verb): To evoke a feeling of shared emotion or belief.
   Example: “Her dedication to ethical research resonates strongly with my own values.”

4. Groundbreaking /ˈɡraʊndbreɪkɪŋ/ (adjective): Innovatively new and advanced.
   Example: “Her groundbreaking work in AI has revolutionized the field of healthcare.”

5. Emulate /ˈemjuleɪt/ (verb): To match or surpass (a person or achievement), typically by imitation.
   Example: “I strive to emulate her approach to problem-solving in my own projects.”

6. Trajectory /trəˈdʒektəri/ (noun): A path, progression, or line of development.
   Example: “Her influence has significantly altered my career trajectory.”

7. Holistic /həʊˈlɪstɪk/ (adjective): Characterized by the belief that the parts of something are interconnected and can be explained only by reference to the whole.
   Example: “She takes a holistic approach to technological innovation, considering its broader societal impacts.”

8. Transcend /trænˈsend/ (verb): To go beyond the range or limits of something.
   Example: “Her influence transcends the boundaries of her specific field, inspiring professionals across various disciplines.”

Expert Tips for Success

1. Practice Regularly: Dedicate time each day to speaking English, focusing on fluency and natural expression.

2. Expand Your Vocabulary: Continuously learn new words and phrases, particularly those related to your field of interest.

3. Stay Informed: Keep up with current events and developments in your industry to provide relevant examples in your responses.

4. Record Yourself: Listen to your own responses to identify areas for improvement in pronunciation, intonation, and fluency.

5. Seek Feedback: Practice with native speakers or English teachers who can provide constructive criticism.

6. Be Authentic: While it’s important to use sophisticated language, ensure your responses reflect your genuine thoughts and experiences.

7. Manage Time Effectively: In Part 2, use your one-minute preparation time wisely to organize your thoughts and key points.

By following these strategies and incorporating the provided language tools, you’ll be well-equipped to excel in describing a person who motivates your career goals in the IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the key to success lies in consistent practice and genuine engagement with the language. Good luck with your IELTS journey!

For more insights on IELTS preparation, check out our guides on describing a person who has influenced your values and describing a time when you worked under pressure.