IELTS Speaking examiners frequently ask candidates to describe people who have influenced their lives. One popular topic is describing someone who motivates you to pursue your dreams. This question allows candidates to demonstrate their ability to talk about personal experiences, relationships, and aspirations. Let’s explore how to effectively answer this question and achieve a high band score in your IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about motivation and inspiration. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:
Q: Do you find it easy to stay motivated?
A: Generally speaking, I find maintaining motivation quite challenging. Like many people, I tend to have bursts of enthusiasm followed by periods of lower energy. However, I’ve discovered that setting clear goals and breaking them down into smaller, manageable tasks helps me stay on track. Additionally, I’ve found that surrounding myself with positive, driven individuals significantly boosts my motivation levels.
describe a person who always encourages others
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a person who motivates you to follow your dreams.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What this person does to motivate you
- And explain why this person’s motivation is important to you
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
The person who motivates me to follow my dreams is my high school English teacher, Mrs. Johnson. I met her when I was 15 years old, and she had a profound impact on my life. Mrs. Johnson always encouraged me to pursue my passion for writing and literature.
What makes her motivational is her unwavering belief in her students’ potential. She would often stay after class to discuss my essays and provide constructive feedback. Mrs. Johnson also introduced me to various writing competitions and helped me prepare for them.
Her motivation is important to me because she helped me build confidence in my abilities. Thanks to her encouragement, I decided to major in English Literature at university and pursue a career in writing.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
The individual who serves as a constant source of inspiration in my pursuit of dreams is my former mentor, Dr. Amelia Hartwell. I had the privilege of working under her guidance during my undergraduate research internship at a renowned biotechnology firm.
Dr. Hartwell’s approach to motivation is multifaceted and profoundly impactful. She has an uncanny ability to identify and nurture potential in her protégés. Rather than simply offering praise, she challenges us to push beyond our perceived limitations. For instance, when I expressed doubts about my capacity to lead a research project, she entrusted me with a small team, providing support while allowing me to develop my leadership skills organically.
What sets Dr. Hartwell apart is her emphasis on holistic growth. She doesn’t just focus on academic or professional achievements but also stresses the importance of maintaining a work-life balance and pursuing personal passions. Her own journey from a small-town girl to a leading figure in biotechnology serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and adaptability.
The significance of Dr. Hartwell’s motivation in my life cannot be overstated. Her unwavering belief in my abilities has been a cornerstone of my self-confidence. Moreover, she has instilled in me the importance of paying it forward – inspiring me not only to chase my own dreams but also to mentor others along their journeys. Thanks to her influence, I’ve learned that true success lies not just in personal achievements, but in the positive impact we can have on others’ lives.
Follow-up Questions
Q: How do you think someone can become a good motivator for others?
A: To become an effective motivator, one must possess a combination of empathy, experience, and communication skills. It’s crucial to understand the individual’s goals and challenges, share relevant personal experiences, and provide constructive feedback. Additionally, a good motivator should lead by example and create a supportive environment that fosters growth and self-belief.Q: Do you think external motivation is as effective as self-motivation?
A: While external motivation can be powerful, I believe that self-motivation is ultimately more sustainable and effective in the long run. External motivators can provide initial inspiration and guidance, but intrinsic drive is what fuels perseverance through challenges and setbacks. The most successful individuals often combine both forms of motivation, using external support to reinforce their internal determination.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Q: How has the concept of motivation changed in recent years?
A (Band 6-7):
I think motivation has changed quite a bit recently. In the past, it was mostly about money and status. Now, people care more about personal growth and making a difference. Social media has also changed things, with people sharing their successes online. This can be motivating but also puts pressure on others to achieve similar goals.
A (Band 8-9):
The landscape of motivation has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, reflecting broader societal shifts. Traditionally, extrinsic motivators such as financial rewards and social status were predominant. However, there’s been a palpable shift towards intrinsic motivation, with individuals increasingly prioritizing personal fulfillment, work-life balance, and societal impact.
The advent of social media and the gig economy has also reshaped motivational paradigms. The constant exposure to others’ achievements can serve as inspiration but may also lead to comparison anxiety and unrealistic expectations. Moreover, the rise of remote work and flexible careers has emphasized self-motivation and discipline.
Another notable change is the growing recognition of diverse motivational factors across different generations and cultures. Companies and educational institutions are now adopting more personalized approaches to motivation, acknowledging that what drives one individual may not resonate with another.
describe a person who inspires you to pursue your dreams
Q: Do you think schools should teach students how to stay motivated?
A (Band 6-7):
Yes, I believe schools should teach motivation skills. Many students struggle with staying focused on their goals, especially when facing difficulties. If schools included lessons on setting goals, managing time, and staying positive, it could really help students in their studies and future careers. However, it might be challenging to fit this into an already busy curriculum.
A (Band 8-9):
Absolutely, I firmly believe that incorporating motivation strategies into the educational curriculum is not just beneficial, but essential in today’s rapidly evolving world. The ability to stay motivated, particularly in the face of adversity, is a crucial life skill that transcends academic boundaries.
By teaching students the science behind motivation, schools can equip them with valuable tools for self-regulation and goal achievement. This could include lessons on growth mindset, resilience, and the neurological basis of habit formation. Moreover, understanding different motivational theories can help students identify what drives them personally, leading to more effective self-motivation techniques.
However, it’s important to note that teaching motivation isn’t about imposing a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, it should focus on helping students discover their unique motivators and develop personalized strategies. This approach not only enhances academic performance but also prepares students for the challenges they’ll face in their personal and professional lives.
Integrating motivation into the curriculum does present challenges, such as time constraints and the need for specialized training for educators. Nevertheless, the long-term benefits – including improved student engagement, higher achievement rates, and better prepared graduates – far outweigh these initial hurdles.
describe a goal you set for yourself and achieved
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
Unwavering belief /ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ bɪˈliːf/ (noun phrase): A strong and steady confidence in something or someone.
Example: Her unwavering belief in my abilities helped me overcome self-doubt.Multifaceted /ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd/ (adjective): Having many different aspects or features.
Example: Dr. Hartwell’s multifaceted approach to mentoring addressed both professional and personal growth.Holistic growth /həʊˈlɪstɪk grəʊθ/ (noun phrase): Development that considers the whole person, including mental, physical, and emotional aspects.
Example: The program focuses on holistic growth, not just academic achievement.Pay it forward /peɪ ɪt ˈfɔːwəd/ (idiom): To respond to a person’s kindness by being kind to someone else.
Example: Inspired by my mentor’s support, I now try to pay it forward by helping younger students.Intrinsic drive /ɪnˈtrɪnsɪk draɪv/ (noun phrase): Motivation that comes from within, based on personal enjoyment or satisfaction.
Example: His success was largely due to his intrinsic drive to excel in his field.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high band score in the IELTS Speaking test, consider the following tips:
Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced words and phrases relevant to the topic of motivation and personal growth.
Provide specific examples: When describing the person who motivates you, offer concrete instances of their impact on your life.
Develop your ideas: Don’t just list facts; explain the significance of the person’s motivation and how it has shaped your aspirations.
Maintain fluency: Practice speaking on this topic to improve your ability to express ideas smoothly and coherently.
Show reflection: Demonstrate your ability to analyze the concept of motivation and its importance in different contexts.
Use appropriate tenses: Ensure you use a mix of past, present, and future tenses accurately when discussing your experiences and plans.
Employ complex sentence structures: Combine simple and complex sentences to showcase your language proficiency.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Regular practice and exposure to English will help you improve your overall performance.
describe a person who encourages you to pursue your dreams
IELTS Speaking test preparation strategies
By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss the person who motivates you to follow your dreams in your IELTS Speaking test. Good luck with your preparation!