Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe an Inspirational Quote You Read

An inspirational quote can be a powerful topic in IELTS Speaking. This theme has appeared in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests. It allows candidates to showcase their language skills while discussing personal experiences and abstract ideas. Let’s explore how to effectively tackle this topic in each part of the IELTS Speaking test.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about quotes and inspiration. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:

Question: Do you often read inspirational quotes?

Answer (Band 7-8):
Yes, I do. I find myself regularly coming across inspirational quotes on social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter. They often provide a quick burst of motivation or food for thought, especially when I’m scrolling through my feed during breaks at work or before bedtime. I particularly enjoy quotes that challenge my perspective or encourage personal growth.

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:

Describe An Inspirational Quote You Read

You should say:
- What the quote was
- Where you read it
- Why you found it inspirational
- And explain how it has influenced you

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):

The quote I’d like to talk about is “The only way to do great work is to love what you do” by Steve Jobs. I first came across this quote while reading an article about successful entrepreneurs on a business website.

I found this quote inspirational because it emphasizes the importance of passion in one’s work. It made me realize that success isn’t just about making money or gaining fame, but also about finding fulfillment in what you do.

This quote has influenced me by encouraging me to pursue a career that aligns with my interests and values. It has motivated me to explore different fields and discover what truly excites me. As a result, I’ve become more proactive in seeking out opportunities that allow me to develop my skills in areas I’m passionate about.

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

The quote that has left an indelible impression on me is by the renowned author Maya Angelou: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

I stumbled upon this profound statement while perusing a compilation of inspirational quotes in a thought-provoking self-help book. The quote resonated deeply with me, as it encapsulates the essence of human interactions and the lasting impact of our actions.

What I find particularly inspiring about this quote is its emphasis on emotional intelligence and the power of empathy. It serves as a poignant reminder that our words and actions, while important, pale in comparison to the emotional imprint we leave on others. This perspective challenges the conventional notion of success and achievement, shifting the focus from tangible accomplishments to the intangible yet profound influence we can have on people’s lives.

The quote has profoundly influenced my approach to both personal and professional relationships. It has prompted me to be more mindful of how I interact with others, constantly encouraging me to prioritize kindness, understanding, and genuine connection. In my professional life, it has shaped my leadership style, inspiring me to create a positive and supportive work environment where colleagues feel valued and appreciated.

Moreover, this quote has sparked a journey of self-reflection, pushing me to contemplate the legacy I wish to leave behind. It has instilled in me a desire to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives, not just through grand gestures, but through small, everyday acts of compassion and understanding.

In essence, Angelou’s words have become a guiding principle in my life, serving as a constant reminder of the profound impact we can have on others simply by being mindful of their feelings and experiences.

Inspirational quote by Steve Jobs about success and passion

Follow-up Questions:

1. Do you think social media is a good platform for sharing inspirational quotes?

Answer (Band 7-8):
Yes, I believe social media can be an excellent medium for sharing inspirational quotes. Its wide reach and instant accessibility make it easy for people to encounter uplifting messages throughout their day. However, it’s important to be discerning about the sources of these quotes and to reflect on their true meaning rather than just passively consuming them.

Answer (Band 8-9):
While social media undoubtedly provides an unparalleled platform for disseminating inspirational quotes, I believe its effectiveness is a double-edged sword. On one hand, the viral nature of social media allows powerful messages to reach a vast audience rapidly, potentially inspiring millions with just a few words. It also democratizes inspiration, allowing anyone to share thoughts that might resonate with others.

However, this ease of sharing also leads to an oversaturation of quotes, many of which may be misattributed or taken out of context. This abundance can dilute the impact of truly profound statements and lead to a kind of “inspiration fatigue” where people become desensitized to meaningful messages.

Moreover, the brevity imposed by social media often doesn’t allow for the nuanced exploration of complex ideas, which can lead to oversimplification of profound concepts. Therefore, while social media is undoubtedly powerful for sharing quotes, it’s crucial for users to approach these snippets of wisdom critically, seek out their original context, and take time to reflect deeply on their meaning rather than simply scrolling past them.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to inspirational quotes and their impact on society. Here’s an example:

Question: How do you think inspirational quotes influence society?

Answer (Band 6-7):
I think inspirational quotes can have a positive impact on society. They often spread messages of hope and encouragement, which can help people feel more motivated in their daily lives. These quotes can also promote good values like kindness and perseverance, which are important for a healthy society. However, it’s important to remember that quotes alone aren’t enough to create real change – people need to take action based on the inspiration they receive.

Answer (Band 8-9):
Inspirational quotes, I believe, play a multifaceted role in shaping societal attitudes and behaviors. At their best, they serve as concise distillations of wisdom, offering profound insights in an easily digestible format. This accessibility allows complex philosophical or motivational concepts to permeate popular culture, potentially influencing the collective consciousness.

These quotes can act as catalysts for personal and social change, providing individuals with new perspectives or the courage to take action. In times of societal upheaval or personal struggle, a well-timed inspirational quote can offer solace, hope, or a call to action, potentially sparking movements or inspiring individuals to persevere through challenges.

However, it’s crucial to acknowledge the potential drawbacks. The oversimplification of complex ideas into pithy statements can lead to misinterpretation or a superficial understanding of profound concepts. There’s also a risk of these quotes becoming mere platitudes, losing their power through overuse or commercialization.

Furthermore, in our current social media-driven culture, there’s a tendency to share quotes without deep reflection or fact-checking, potentially spreading misinformation or misattributed wisdom. This highlights the importance of critical thinking and seeking out the broader context of inspirational messages.

In essence, while inspirational quotes can be powerful tools for positive societal influence, their true impact depends on how they are understood, internalized, and acted upon by individuals and communities.

The impact of inspirational quotes on social media

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Resonate (verb) /ˈrezəneɪt/ – to have particular meaning or importance for someone
   Example: “The quote about perseverance really resonated with me during my difficult times.”

2. Profound (adjective) /prəˈfaʊnd/ – very great or intense; having or showing great knowledge or insight
   Example: “Her words had a profound impact on my life decisions.”

3. Encapsulate (verb) /ɪnˈkæpsjuleɪt/ – express the essential features of something succinctly
   Example: “This quote perfectly encapsulates my philosophy on life.”

4. Paradigm shift (noun) /ˈpærədaɪm ʃɪft/ – a fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions
   Example: “Reading that inspirational quote led to a paradigm shift in how I viewed success.”

5. Introspection (noun) /ˌɪntrəˈspekʃn/ – the examination or observation of one’s own mental and emotional processes
   Example: “The quote prompted deep introspection about my goals and values.”

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing inspirational quotes:

1. Elaborate on your ideas: Don’t just state the quote; explain its context, meaning, and personal significance in detail.

2. Use advanced vocabulary: Incorporate sophisticated words and phrases naturally in your responses.

3. Provide specific examples: Illustrate how the quote has influenced your life or others’ lives with concrete instances.

4. Discuss broader implications: Connect the quote to wider societal issues or universal human experiences.

5. Show critical thinking: Analyze the quote from different angles, including potential limitations or criticisms.

6. Practice fluency: Aim for smooth delivery with minimal hesitation, but don’t sacrifice depth for speed.

Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about discussing the topic, but demonstrating your language skills through a person who has motivated you to improve yourself. Use this opportunity to showcase your vocabulary, grammatical range, and ability to express complex ideas clearly and coherently.