The IELTS Speaking test often includes topics related to personal experiences and relationships. One common theme that candidates might encounter is describing a time when they encouraged someone to achieve a goal. This topic allows examiners to assess your ability to narrate events, express emotions, and discuss interpersonal dynamics. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions on this subject and maximize your speaking score.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In the first part of the speaking test, you may be asked general questions about encouragement and goal-setting. Here’s an example question with a sample answer:

Question: “Do you often encourage others to achieve their goals?”

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, I’d say I’m quite supportive of my friends and family when it comes to their aspirations. I believe that a little encouragement can go a long way in helping someone stay motivated and focused on their objectives. For instance, I regularly check in with my younger sister, who’s training for a marathon, to see how her preparation is going and offer words of encouragement when she feels like giving up. It’s rewarding to see how my support can make a difference in someone’s journey towards their goals.”

describe a person who motivates you to follow your dreams

Part 2: Long Turn

In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic to speak about for 1-2 minutes. Here’s a sample cue card related to our theme:

Describe A Time When You Encouraged Someone To Achieve A Goal

You should say:
- Who the person was
- What their goal was
- How you encouraged them
- And explain the outcome of your encouragement

Sample answer (Band 6-7):

“I’d like to talk about a time when I encouraged my best friend, Sarah, to pursue her dream of becoming a professional photographer. Sarah had always been passionate about photography, but she was hesitant to turn it into a career due to financial concerns and lack of confidence in her skills.

Her goal was to quit her office job and start her own photography business. I encouraged her by reminding her of the incredible photos she had taken over the years and how much people admired her work. I also helped her create a portfolio website to showcase her best shots.

To boost her confidence, I suggested she offer free photo sessions to friends and family to gain more experience and build her portfolio. I constantly reminded her of her talent and the progress she was making.

The outcome was truly inspiring. With my encouragement and support, Sarah gradually built up her confidence and skills. She started getting paid gigs and eventually felt ready to take the leap into full-time photography. Now, she’s running her own successful photography business and couldn’t be happier with her decision.”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to recount an instance where I played a pivotal role in encouraging my colleague, Alex, to pursue his ambition of securing a promotion to a managerial position in our company. Alex had been contemplating this career move for quite some time but was plagued by self-doubt and apprehension about the increased responsibilities.

His primary goal was to advance from his current role as a senior developer to the position of project manager, which would require him to oversee a team and liaise directly with clients. Recognizing Alex’s potential and innate leadership qualities, I took it upon myself to bolster his confidence and provide tangible support.

My encouragement manifested in various forms. Firstly, I engaged in regular dialogues with Alex, helping him identify and articulate his strengths and unique value proposition. I also mentored him on key managerial skills, such as effective communication and conflict resolution. Furthermore, I encouraged him to take on additional responsibilities in our current projects, gradually exposing him to the demands of a leadership role.

To further solidify his candidacy, I suggested he enroll in relevant online courses to enhance his project management skills. I even introduced him to other managers in our network, facilitating valuable connections and insights into the role he aspired to.

The outcome of my encouragement was remarkably positive. Over the course of several months, I witnessed a profound transformation in Alex’s demeanor and capabilities. His confidence grew exponentially, and he began to naturally assume leadership roles in team projects. When the opportunity for promotion arose, Alex was well-prepared and delivered an impressive interview.

I’m elated to say that Alex successfully secured the managerial position he had been aspiring to. This experience not only validated the power of encouragement but also reinforced my belief in the potential for growth when individuals are provided with the right support and motivation. Seeing Alex thrive in his new role has been immensely gratifying, and it’s strengthened our professional relationship, fostering a culture of mutual support within our workplace.”

Describe a person who has a positive impact on your life

Follow-up questions:

1. How did encouraging this person make you feel?
2. Do you think it’s important for people to have someone encouraging them?
3. What are some effective ways to encourage others?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

1. “Encouraging Alex in his professional journey was profoundly fulfilling. It instilled in me a sense of purpose and satisfaction, knowing that I was contributing to someone else’s growth and success. The experience also bolstered my own confidence in my mentoring abilities and reinforced the idea that we can all play a part in elevating those around us.”

2. “Absolutely. Having a support system is crucial for personal and professional development. Encouragement from others can provide the necessary motivation, perspective, and confidence boost needed to overcome challenges and pursue ambitious goals. It’s particularly valuable during moments of self-doubt or when facing obstacles, as external encouragement can reignite one’s determination and resilience.”

3. “There are several effective ways to encourage others. Firstly, active listening is key – understanding someone’s aspirations and concerns allows for more targeted and meaningful encouragement. Secondly, offering specific praise and recognition for efforts and achievements, no matter how small, can be incredibly motivating. Additionally, providing practical support, such as sharing resources or knowledge, can be immensely helpful. Lastly, leading by example and sharing personal experiences of overcoming similar challenges can inspire and encourage others to persevere in their own journeys.”

Encouraging a colleague to achieve career goal

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions with sample answers:

Question: “What role do you think encouragement plays in achieving success?”

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I believe encouragement plays a crucial role in achieving success. It acts as a catalyst, motivating individuals to push beyond their perceived limitations and strive for their goals. Encouragement can provide the emotional support needed to overcome obstacles and maintain focus, especially during challenging times. Moreover, it can boost self-confidence, which is often a key factor in success. When people feel supported and believed in, they’re more likely to take risks and persist in the face of setbacks, ultimately increasing their chances of success.”

Question: “Do you think there’s a difference between how younger and older generations give encouragement?”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“There are indeed notable differences in how younger and older generations tend to offer encouragement, largely influenced by their life experiences, cultural norms, and technological adaptations.

Older generations often lean towards more traditional forms of encouragement, emphasizing perseverance, hard work, and learning from past experiences. Their approach might be more direct and based on long-term perspective, drawing from their wealth of life experiences. They might prefer face-to-face interactions or phone calls to offer support and advice.

In contrast, younger generations tend to adopt a more flexible and diverse approach to encouragement. They’re more likely to leverage technology, using social media platforms, instant messaging, or video calls to offer real-time support and motivation. Their encouragement might focus more on work-life balance, personal fulfillment, and breaking conventional norms. They might also be more open to alternative paths to success and emphasize the importance of mental health and self-care in the pursuit of goals.

That being said, it’s important to note that these are generalizations, and individual variations exist within each generation. The most effective encouragement often combines elements from both approaches, balancing traditional wisdom with modern perspectives and communication methods.”

describe a person who always encourages others

Question: “How can societies encourage young people to set and achieve ambitious goals?”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Societies can play a pivotal role in fostering ambition and goal-oriented behavior among young people through a multi-faceted approach.

Firstly, education systems should be designed to not only impart knowledge but also to nurture critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. This could involve integrating project-based learning and real-world applications into curricula, helping students see the relevance and potential impact of their efforts.

Secondly, mentorship programs can be invaluable. Pairing young individuals with successful professionals in their fields of interest can provide guidance, inspiration, and practical insights into achieving ambitious goals. These relationships can also help young people expand their networks and access opportunities they might not have otherwise.

Furthermore, societies should strive to create an environment that celebrates diverse forms of success and provides equitable access to resources. This might involve showcasing a variety of role models from different backgrounds and career paths, challenging stereotypes about what success looks like.

Investment in youth entrepreneurship and innovation programs can also be highly effective. Providing funding, resources, and support for young people to pursue their ideas can encourage ambitious thinking and risk-taking.

Lastly, it’s crucial to promote a culture that values effort and learning from failure as much as it does success. By destigmatizing failure and reframing it as a learning opportunity, societies can encourage young people to set more ambitious goals without fear of falling short.

By implementing these strategies, societies can create a supportive ecosystem that not only encourages young people to dream big but also equips them with the tools and resilience needed to turn those dreams into reality.”

describe a member of a team you admire

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To enhance your speaking performance, incorporate these advanced vocabulary items and phrases:

1. To bolster confidence /ˈboʊl.stər ˈkɑːn.fə.dəns/ (phrasal verb): To increase or strengthen someone’s confidence.
   Example: “My constant encouragement helped bolster my friend’s confidence in her abilities.”

2. Pivotal /ˈpɪv.ə.t̬əl/ (adjective): Of crucial importance in relation to the development or success of something else.
   Example: “Encouragement plays a pivotal role in helping individuals achieve their goals.”

3. To foster /ˈfɑː.stər/ (verb): To encourage the development of something, especially something desirable.
   Example: “Good mentors foster a sense of self-belief in their mentees.”

4. Resilience /rɪˈzɪl.jəns/ (noun): The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.
   Example: “Encouragement can help build resilience in the face of challenges.”

5. To galvanize /ˈɡæl.və.naɪz/ (verb): To shock or excite someone into taking action.
   Example: “Her words of support galvanized me into pursuing my dream career.”

describe a person who motivates you to be your best

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing topics like encouraging others, consider the following tips:

1. Use personal anecdotes: Incorporate relevant personal experiences to make your answers more engaging and authentic.

2. Demonstrate range: Showcase your vocabulary by using a mix of common and more sophisticated words and phrases.

3. Maintain fluency: Practice speaking on various topics to improve your ability to speak at length without hesitation.

4. Show critical thinking: In Part 3, don’t just give simple answers. Analyze the questions and provide thoughtful, nuanced responses.

5. Use appropriate body language: Maintain eye contact and use natural gestures to appear confident and engaged.

6. Practice active listening: Ensure you fully understand the questions before answering. Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification if needed.

By following these guidelines and incorporating the sample answers and vocabulary provided, you’ll be well-equipped to discuss the topic of encouraging others to achieve their goals in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the key is to speak naturally and confidently while showcasing your English language skills.