The topic of describing an encouraging person is a popular one in IELTS Speaking tests. It has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being a common theme in future tests. This topic allows examiners to assess candidates’ ability to discuss personal relationships, character traits, and the impact of positive influences in their lives.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask some general questions about encouragement and support. Here are a few potential questions:

1. Do you think it’s important to encourage others?
2. Who usually encourages you in your daily life?
3. How do you encourage your friends or family members?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:

Examiner: Do you think it’s important to encourage others?

Candidate (Band 8-9 response): Absolutely, I believe encouragement plays a vital role in personal and professional development. When people receive positive reinforcement, it boosts their confidence and motivates them to push beyond their perceived limitations. Encouragement can be the catalyst that propels someone to achieve their goals or overcome challenges they might otherwise shy away from. In my experience, a few words of support can make a world of difference in someone’s outlook and performance.

describe a person who motivates you to be your best

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:

Describe A Person Who Always Encourages Others
You should say:

• Who this person is
• How you know this person
• What this person does to encourage others
• And explain why you think this person always encourages others

Sample Answer (Band 8-9)

I’d like to talk about my high school English teacher, Mrs. Thompson, who has been a constant source of encouragement for her students, including myself.

I first met Mrs. Thompson when I was 15 years old, and she taught me for three consecutive years. From the very beginning, her infectious enthusiasm for both the English language and her students’ success was evident.

What sets Mrs. Thompson apart is her ability to tailor her encouragement to each student’s needs. For those struggling with the language, she would patiently guide them through difficult concepts, always emphasizing their progress rather than their mistakes. For more advanced students, she would challenge them to push their boundaries, encouraging participation in debates and writing competitions.

One of her most effective techniques was to provide specific, constructive feedback. Instead of generic praise, she would highlight particular strengths in a student’s work, whether it was a well-structured essay or a creative use of vocabulary. This approach not only boosted confidence but also gave students clear goals for improvement.

I believe Mrs. Thompson’s dedication to encouragement stems from her genuine passion for teaching and her belief in the potential of every student. She often shared stories of her own learning journey, including her struggles and triumphs, which humanized the learning process and made success seem attainable for all.

Her encouragement extended beyond the classroom as well. She would often stay after school to help students with college applications or to discuss their future aspirations. This holistic approach to support demonstrated her commitment to her students’ overall growth and success.

In essence, Mrs. Thompson’s constant encouragement created an environment where students felt valued, supported, and capable of achieving their goals. Her positive influence has undoubtedly shaped the lives of countless students, fostering not just academic success but also personal growth and self-belief.

Encouraging teacher supporting students in classroom

Follow-up Questions

1. How has Mrs. Thompson’s encouragement affected your personal growth?
2. Can you give an example of a time when her encouragement made a significant difference?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9): Mrs. Thompson’s encouragement has had a profound impact on my personal growth. Her unwavering belief in my abilities gave me the confidence to pursue my passion for writing. I vividly remember a time when I was hesitant to enter a national essay competition. Mrs. Thompson not only encouraged me to participate but also spent countless hours helping me refine my writing. Her support was instrumental in my eventual success in the competition, which opened up numerous opportunities for me. This experience taught me the power of perseverance and the importance of having a supportive mentor.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: Do you think people need different types of encouragement at different stages of their lives?

Candidate (Band 8-9 response): Absolutely, I believe the nature of encouragement needs to evolve as individuals progress through different life stages. In childhood, encouragement often focuses on building basic confidence and self-esteem, with an emphasis on praise for effort and small achievements. As people enter adolescence and young adulthood, encouragement might shift towards supporting independence, decision-making skills, and resilience in the face of more complex challenges.

In adulthood, encouragement often becomes more nuanced, tailored to specific professional or personal goals. It might involve mentoring, constructive feedback, or support during major life transitions. For older adults, encouragement could center around maintaining a sense of purpose, staying active, and continuing to contribute to society.

The key is to adapt the approach to the individual’s current needs and circumstances. For instance, a young professional might benefit from encouragement that focuses on skill development and career advancement, while a new parent might need support that acknowledges the challenges of balancing work and family life.

Moreover, as people accumulate life experiences, the source of encouragement may shift from external validation to more intrinsic motivations. Therefore, effective encouragement at later life stages might involve helping individuals recognize and capitalize on their own strengths and experiences.

describe a person who inspires you to pursue your dreams

Examiner: How do cultural differences affect the way people give and receive encouragement?

Candidate (Band 8-9 response): Cultural differences play a significant role in shaping how encouragement is both given and received across different societies. In some cultures, encouragement is expressed openly and effusively, with verbal praise and physical gestures like hugs or pats on the back being common. In contrast, other cultures may have a more reserved approach, where encouragement is implied rather than explicitly stated.

For instance, in many Western cultures, there’s often an emphasis on individual achievement and personal growth, so encouragement might focus on boosting self-esteem and recognizing personal accomplishments. However, in more collectivist societies, encouragement might be framed in terms of contributing to the group or fulfilling one’s role within the community.

The directness of communication also varies culturally. Some cultures value straightforward, explicit encouragement, while others prefer more subtle, indirect forms of support. In Japan, for example, encouragement might be conveyed through non-verbal cues or by creating opportunities for success rather than through overt praise.

Additionally, the context of encouragement can differ. In some cultures, public praise is highly valued, while in others, it might cause embarrassment, and private acknowledgment is preferred. The relationship between the encourager and the recipient also influences the dynamic – in cultures with strong hierarchical structures, encouragement from a superior might carry more weight and be expressed differently than encouragement between peers.

It’s also worth noting that globalization is leading to some blending of these cultural norms, especially in multicultural environments. This creates a need for cultural intelligence in giving and interpreting encouragement, particularly in diverse workplaces or educational settings.

Understanding these cultural nuances is crucial for effective cross-cultural communication and for creating inclusive environments where everyone feels genuinely supported and motivated.

describe a new hobby you would like to start

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

1. Constant source of encouragement (phrase) – /ˈkɒnstənt sɔːs əv ɪnˈkʌrɪdʒmənt/ – A person or thing that consistently provides support and motivation.

2. Infectious enthusiasm (phrase) – /ɪnˈfekʃəs ɪnˈθjuːziæzəm/ – Excitement or passion that easily spreads to others.

3. Tailor (verb) – /ˈteɪlə/ – To adapt or adjust to suit a particular purpose or person.

4. Push boundaries (phrase) – /pʊʃ ˈbaʊndəriz/ – To extend the limits of what is possible or acceptable.

5. Constructive feedback (phrase) – /kənˈstrʌktɪv ˈfiːdbæk/ – Helpful and specific comments aimed at improvement.

6. Humanize (verb) – /ˈhjuːmənaɪz/ – To make something more understandable or relatable to people.

7. Holistic approach (phrase) – /həˈlɪstɪk əˈprəʊtʃ/ – A method that considers the whole person or situation, not just parts.

8. Profound impact (phrase) – /prəˈfaʊnd ˈɪmpækt/ – A deep and significant effect.

9. Instrumental (adjective) – /ˌɪnstrʊˈmentl/ – Serving as a crucial means or agency in achieving a result.

10. Power of perseverance (phrase) – /ˈpaʊər əv ˌpɜːsɪˈvɪərəns/ – The strength gained from consistently pursuing a goal despite difficulties.

Example usage: “The teacher’s infectious enthusiasm for science pushed the boundaries of what students thought they could achieve, having a profound impact on their academic aspirations.”

describe a person who always supports you

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a person who always encourages others:

1. Use varied vocabulary: Incorporate advanced words and phrases related to encouragement, personality traits, and impact.

2. Provide specific examples: Don’t just say the person is encouraging; describe specific instances and their effects.

3. Develop your ideas: Explain the reasons behind the person’s actions and their impact on others.

4. Use a range of grammatical structures: Demonstrate your ability to use complex sentences, conditionals, and different tenses accurately.

5. Maintain fluency: Practice speaking on this topic to improve your ability to discuss it smoothly and confidently.

6. Show reflection: Analyze why encouragement is important and how it affects people differently.

7. Connect ideas: Link your thoughts coherently, using appropriate transition words and phrases.

8. Engage with the questions: Listen carefully to the examiner and ensure your answers are relevant and fully address the questions asked.

Remember, regular practice with a variety of encouraging figures in your life will help you speak more naturally and confidently on this topic during the test.

describe a person you find very creative

IELTS Speaking practice on encouragement

By following these guidelines and incorporating the provided vocabulary and phrases, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss the topic of a person who always encourages others in your IELTS Speaking test. Good luck with your preparation!