The IELTS Speaking test often includes topics related to personal experiences and influential people in our lives. One such topic that frequently appears is describing someone who has encouraged you to follow your dreams. This article will guide you through answering questions on this theme, providing sample responses and valuable tips to help you achieve a high band score.
IELTS Speaking Test
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about your interests and passions. Here are some possible questions:
- What are your main interests or hobbies?
- Has anyone ever encouraged you to pursue these interests?
- Do you think it’s important to have someone support your passions?
Let’s look at a sample answer for question 2:
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, my high school art teacher, Ms. Johnson, greatly encouraged me to pursue my passion for painting. She recognized my potential early on and consistently motivated me to develop my skills. Her unwavering support and constructive feedback played a crucial role in my decision to study fine arts at university.”
Part 2: Long Turn
In this part, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic to speak about for 1-2 minutes. Here’s a potential cue card related to our theme:
Describe a person who has encouraged you to pursue your passions
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know them
- What they did to encourage you
- And explain how their encouragement has affected you
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about my uncle, Mark, who has been a significant influence in encouraging me to pursue my passion for writing. He’s my mother’s younger brother, and I’ve known him since I was a child. As a successful novelist himself, he has always been someone I’ve looked up to.
Uncle Mark recognized my flair for storytelling when I was in my early teens. He would patiently read my amateur attempts at short stories and provide insightful feedback. What sets him apart is his ability to offer constructive criticism without dampening my enthusiasm.
One of the most impactful things he did was to enroll me in a young writers’ workshop when I was 16. This exposure to like-minded peers and professional writers was instrumental in developing my skills and confidence. He also introduced me to his literary agent, giving me a glimpse into the publishing world and demystifying the process of becoming a professional writer.
His encouragement has profoundly affected my life choices and career path. Thanks to his support, I pursued a degree in Creative Writing and have recently published my first novel. More than just practical help, his belief in my abilities has given me the courage to persevere through rejections and setbacks.
Uncle Mark’s encouragement has taught me the value of mentorship and the power of believing in someone’s potential. It’s not just about my writing career; his support has instilled in me a sense of confidence that extends to other areas of my life. I hope to pay it forward someday by encouraging other young aspiring writers in the same way.”
Examiner’s Follow-up Questions:
- Do you think everyone needs encouragement to pursue their passions?
- How can society encourage young people to follow their dreams?
Sample Answer for Question 1 (Band 8-9):
“While I believe that intrinsic motivation is crucial, I think most people benefit significantly from external encouragement, especially when facing challenges or self-doubt. Encouragement can provide validation, offer new perspectives, and bolster resilience in the face of setbacks. However, the degree of encouragement needed may vary from person to person. Some individuals are naturally self-driven and may require less external motivation, while others thrive on regular support and guidance. Ultimately, a balance between self-motivation and external encouragement is ideal for most people to successfully pursue their passions.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Examiner: What role do you think mentors play in helping people achieve their goals?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Mentors play a pivotal role in helping individuals achieve their goals. They provide invaluable guidance based on their own experiences, helping mentees navigate challenges and avoid common pitfalls. A good mentor can offer a broader perspective, helping mentees see opportunities they might otherwise miss. They also serve as role models, demonstrating what success in a particular field looks like.
Moreover, mentors often provide access to networks and resources that can be crucial for career advancement. This can include introductions to key industry figures or information about job opportunities. Perhaps most importantly, mentors offer emotional support and encouragement, which can be vital in maintaining motivation during difficult times.
However, it’s important to note that the effectiveness of mentorship depends on the chemistry between the mentor and mentee, as well as the mentee’s receptiveness to guidance. When these elements align, mentorship can be a powerful catalyst for personal and professional growth.”
Examiner: How has the concept of pursuing one’s passions changed in recent years?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“The concept of pursuing one’s passions has undergone significant evolution in recent years, largely due to technological advancements and shifting societal values. With the rise of the digital age, there are now more diverse opportunities for people to monetize their interests, whether through social media platforms, online marketplaces, or remote work arrangements. This has expanded the definition of viable career paths and made it more feasible for individuals to turn their hobbies into full-time professions.
Additionally, there’s been a cultural shift towards prioritizing personal fulfillment over traditional markers of success. Many millennials and Gen Z individuals, in particular, place a higher premium on job satisfaction and work-life balance than previous generations did. This has led to the popularization of concepts like the ‘side hustle’ and the ‘gig economy’, where people pursue their passions alongside or instead of conventional careers.
However, this shift has also brought challenges. The pressure to ‘follow your passion’ can sometimes be overwhelming, and there’s a risk of romanticizing the process without acknowledging the hard work and potential financial instability involved. Furthermore, the increased competition in many creative fields due to lower barriers to entry can make it more difficult to stand out.
Overall, while the emphasis on pursuing passions has intensified, it’s now often balanced with a more pragmatic approach that considers financial stability and market demands. This nuanced view perhaps represents a more sustainable and realistic interpretation of following one’s dreams in the modern world.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
To achieve a high band score, use a variety of advanced vocabulary and expressions. Here are some examples:
Significant influence (noun phrase) – /sɪɡˈnɪfɪkənt ˈɪnfluəns/ – A person or thing that has a major impact on someone or something.
Example: “My professor was a significant influence on my career choice.”Instrumental (adjective) – /ˌɪnstrəˈmentl/ – Serving as a crucial means or agency in achieving a result.
Example: “Her advice was instrumental in helping me secure the job.”Demystify (verb) – /diːˈmɪstɪfaɪ/ – To make something clearer and easier to understand.
Example: “The workshop helped demystify the publishing process for aspiring authors.”Pay it forward (idiom) – /peɪ ɪt ˈfɔːwərd/ – To respond to kindness by being kind to someone else.
Example: “After receiving so much support, I want to pay it forward by mentoring young writers.”Pivotal role (noun phrase) – /ˈpɪvətl roʊl/ – A very important or essential role.
Example: “Mentors play a pivotal role in shaping young professionals’ careers.”
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing a person who has encouraged you to pursue your passions:
- Use specific examples and personal anecdotes to illustrate your points.
- Employ a range of advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions.
- Vary your sentence structures to demonstrate linguistic flexibility.
- Show your ability to analyze and reflect on the impact of encouragement.
- Practice speaking on this topic to improve fluency and coherence.
Remember, the key to a high band score is not just what you say, but how you say it. Aim for clear pronunciation, natural intonation, and a confident delivery.
For more tips on how to describe influential people in your life, check out our guide on how to describe a person who has had a significant impact on your life in IELTS Speaking.
By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss this topic in your IELTS Speaking test. Good luck!