The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about influential people in our lives. One common topic is describing someone who encourages you to pursue your dreams. This theme allows candidates to showcase their language skills while discussing personal experiences and inspirations. Let’s explore how to effectively answer such questions and maximize your score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions related to people who inspire you. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:
Question: “Do you have someone who encourages you to follow your dreams?”
Answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely! My high school English teacher, Mrs. Thompson, has been a constant source of encouragement for me. She recognized my potential early on and has always pushed me to aim higher. Her unwavering belief in my abilities has been instrumental in shaping my aspirations and giving me the confidence to pursue my dreams.”
Describe a person who has achieved something important can be another relevant topic that may come up in this part of the test. Being prepared for such questions can help you perform better overall.
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a person who encourages you to pursue your dreams
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What this person does to encourage you
- And explain why this encouragement is important to you
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about my uncle, Mark, who has been a tremendous source of inspiration and encouragement in my life. He’s my mother’s younger brother, and I’ve known him since childhood. What sets Uncle Mark apart is his unwavering support for my aspirations and his ability to ignite my passion for personal growth.
Uncle Mark is a successful entrepreneur who built his business from scratch. His journey from a small start-up to a thriving company has always fascinated me. What’s truly remarkable is how he uses his experiences to guide and motivate me.
One of the ways he encourages me is through our regular mentoring sessions. Every month, we sit down for a chat where he listens attentively to my goals and challenges. He then shares relevant anecdotes from his own life, offering practical advice and helping me develop strategies to overcome obstacles.
Moreover, Uncle Mark consistently pushes me out of my comfort zone. He often challenges me to take on projects or pursue opportunities that I might have otherwise deemed too difficult. His favorite saying is, “Growth happens at the edge of discomfort,” which has become a personal mantra for me.
The importance of his encouragement cannot be overstated. It has instilled in me a sense of self-belief and resilience that I didn’t know I possessed. Thanks to his guidance, I’ve learned to view setbacks as learning opportunities rather than failures. His support has been instrumental in shaping my ambitions and giving me the courage to chase after them relentlessly.
In essence, Uncle Mark’s encouragement has been a catalyst for my personal and professional development. It has taught me the value of having a strong support system and the importance of paying it forward by encouraging others to pursue their dreams as well.”
Follow-up questions:
- How has this person’s encouragement affected your life choices?
- Do you think it’s important for everyone to have someone who encourages them?
Sample answers:
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Band 6-7: “Uncle Mark’s encouragement has greatly influenced my decisions. For example, I chose to study business management at university because of his advice and success story. His support also gave me confidence to apply for internships at top companies, which I might not have done otherwise.”
Band 8-9: “Uncle Mark’s encouragement has been pivotal in shaping my life trajectory. His mentorship has instilled in me a growth mindset, which has profoundly impacted my approach to challenges and opportunities alike. For instance, inspired by his entrepreneurial spirit, I’ve ventured into starting my own small business alongside my studies, something I would have considered too risky without his guidance and support.”
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Band 6-7: “Yes, I believe having an encouraging figure is crucial for everyone. Such people can provide motivation and support during tough times, helping us to keep going when we feel like giving up. They can also offer valuable advice based on their own experiences.”
Band 8-9: “Absolutely, I consider having a supportive mentor indispensable for personal growth and success. An encourager serves as a catalyst for realizing one’s potential, often helping to unveil hidden talents and aspirations. Moreover, they provide a safety net for risk-taking, which is essential for innovation and personal development. However, it’s equally important to cultivate self-motivation and not become overly reliant on external encouragement.”
Describe a book you would recommend to others is another topic that can help you practice articulating your thoughts on inspirational subjects.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to encouragement and pursuing dreams. Here are some sample questions with suggested answers:
Q1: “How important is encouragement in achieving one’s goals?”
Answer (Band 7-8):
“Encouragement plays a vital role in goal achievement. It provides the necessary motivation to persevere through challenges and setbacks. When someone believes in us, it boosts our self-confidence and helps us maintain focus on our objectives. Moreover, encouragement often comes with valuable advice and support, which can be instrumental in overcoming obstacles and finding innovative solutions to problems.”
Answer (Band 8-9):
“Encouragement is absolutely crucial in the pursuit of one’s goals. It serves as a psychological scaffold, supporting individuals through the inevitable ups and downs of any significant endeavor. Beyond mere motivation, genuine encouragement often entails constructive feedback and practical guidance, which can be invaluable in refining one’s approach and strategies. Furthermore, encouragement from others can broaden our perspective, helping us recognize opportunities and potential that we might otherwise overlook. It’s important to note, however, that while external encouragement is beneficial, it should ideally be coupled with intrinsic motivation for sustainable success.”
Q2: “Do you think society puts too much pressure on people to pursue ambitious dreams?”
Answer (Band 7-8):
“There’s definitely a growing trend in society that emphasizes the pursuit of ambitious dreams. While this can be inspiring, it can also create undue pressure, especially on young people. Not everyone may want or be suited for highly ambitious career paths, and that’s perfectly fine. It’s important to strike a balance between encouraging people to reach their potential and respecting individual choices and circumstances.”
Answer (Band 8-9):
“This is a nuanced issue that warrants careful consideration. On one hand, societal encouragement towards ambition can be a powerful catalyst for innovation and progress. It can inspire individuals to transcend perceived limitations and contribute significantly to various fields. However, there’s a fine line between motivation and undue pressure. The relentless pursuit of ambitious dreams, often amplified by social media, can lead to burnout, anxiety, and a skewed perception of success. It’s crucial to foster a more holistic view of fulfillment, one that values personal growth, well-being, and societal contribution equally. We need to create a culture that celebrates diverse paths to success, including those that may not align with conventional notions of ambition.”
Describe a person who motivates you to be a better version of yourself is a related topic that can help you practice discussing personal growth and inspiration in more depth.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To elevate your responses and aim for higher band scores, incorporate these sophisticated vocabulary items and phrases:
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Catalyst (noun) – /ˈkætəlɪst/ – a person or thing that precipitates an event or change
Example: “Her encouragement was the catalyst for my career change.” -
Pivotal (adjective) – /ˈpɪvətl/ – of crucial importance in relation to the development or success of something else
Example: “His mentor’s advice played a pivotal role in shaping his business strategy.” -
Unwavering (adjective) – /ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ/ – not changing or becoming weaker
Example: “Her unwavering support gave me the strength to persevere.” -
Instrumental (adjective) – /ˌɪnstrəˈmentl/ – serving as a means of pursuing an aim
Example: “His guidance was instrumental in helping me achieve my goals.” -
Resilience (noun) – /rɪˈzɪliəns/ – the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties
Example: “Through her encouragement, I developed greater resilience in face of challenges.”
Describe a person who has positively influenced your life can provide more opportunities to practice using such advanced vocabulary in context.
Tips from an Examiner
As an experienced IELTS examiner, I recommend the following strategies to excel in the Speaking test:
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Practice regularly: Engage in daily English conversations to build fluency and confidence.
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Expand your vocabulary: Learn new words and phrases related to common IELTS topics, including those about personal influences and aspirations.
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Use a variety of sentence structures: Incorporate complex sentences and idiomatic expressions to showcase your language proficiency.
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Develop your ideas: Don’t just give short answers. Elaborate on your points with examples and explanations.
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Listen carefully: Make sure you understand the questions fully before answering.
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Stay calm: Remember, the examiner is there to assess your English, not to trick you.
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Be authentic: While it’s good to prepare, avoid memorizing answers. Speak naturally about your own experiences and opinions.
Describe a person who motivates you to achieve your goals can be an excellent topic to practice these strategies, allowing you to combine personal experiences with advanced language skills.
By following these guidelines and consistently practicing, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss topics like describing a person who encourages you to pursue your dreams in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the key is to communicate your ideas clearly and confidently while showcasing your English language skills.