The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about influential people in our lives. One common topic is describing someone who has motivated you to enhance your skills. This article will guide you through answering such questions effectively, helping you achieve a high band score in your IELTS Speaking test.
Understanding the Topic
The topic “Describe a person who has motivated you to improve your skills” is a frequent one in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows examiners to assess your ability to discuss personal experiences, express opinions, and use a range of vocabulary related to motivation and skill development. This topic has appeared in various forms in past IELTS exams and is likely to continue being relevant in future tests.
IELTS Speaking Test Room
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask you general questions about motivation and skill improvement. Here are some possible questions:
- Do you think it’s important to have role models?
- How do you stay motivated when learning new skills?
- Have you ever motivated someone else to improve their skills?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:
Examiner: Do you think it’s important to have role models?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Absolutely, I believe having role models is crucial for personal growth and development. Role models can serve as a source of inspiration and provide us with tangible examples of success in our chosen fields. They can motivate us to set higher goals and push our boundaries. Moreover, by observing their journey and learning from their experiences, we can gain valuable insights into overcoming challenges and achieving our aspirations. In my opinion, role models play a pivotal role in shaping our ambitions and driving us towards excellence.”
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a person who has motivated you to improve your skills
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What skills this person helped you improve
- And explain why this person motivated you
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I’d like to talk about my high school English teacher, Mrs. Johnson, who greatly influenced my language skills. I met her when I was 15, and she was my English teacher for two years. Mrs. Johnson helped me improve my writing and speaking skills significantly. She always encouraged us to participate in class discussions and gave us interesting writing assignments.
What really motivated me about Mrs. Johnson was her passion for teaching. She went above and beyond to help her students, often staying after class to provide extra guidance. Her dedication inspired me to work harder on my English skills. She believed in my potential even when I doubted myself, which gave me the confidence to take on more challenging tasks.
Thanks to her motivation, I started reading English books regularly and practicing my speaking skills more often. Her influence played a crucial role in my decision to pursue English studies at university.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to discuss my mentor, Dr. Sarah Chen, a renowned computer scientist who has been instrumental in honing my programming skills. I was fortunate to meet Dr. Chen during a tech conference three years ago, where her captivating presentation on artificial intelligence left an indelible impression on me.
Dr. Chen has significantly enhanced my coding abilities, particularly in machine learning algorithms and data structures. Her guidance has been invaluable in helping me navigate complex programming challenges and develop innovative solutions. What sets her apart is her ability to break down intricate concepts into manageable components, making even the most daunting tasks seem achievable.
What truly motivates me about Dr. Chen is her unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology. Her groundbreaking research and relentless pursuit of knowledge have inspired me to constantly challenge myself and strive for excellence in my own work. Her ethical approach to AI development has also instilled in me a strong sense of responsibility as a programmer.
Dr. Chen’s influence has been transformative, not just in terms of technical skills, but also in shaping my professional ethos. Her mentorship has fueled my passion for programming and propelled me to explore new frontiers in the field of computer science.”
Follow-up Questions:
- How has this person’s influence affected your career choices?
- Do you think you’ll be able to motivate others in the same way?
Sample Answer for Question 1 (Band 8-9):
“Dr. Chen’s influence has been pivotal in shaping my career trajectory. Her mentorship has not only enhanced my technical prowess but also broadened my perspective on the potential impact of technology. Inspired by her work, I’ve gravitated towards more challenging projects in AI and machine learning, areas I might have found intimidating before. Moreover, her emphasis on ethical AI development has prompted me to consider the societal implications of my work, leading me to seek out roles that align with these values. In essence, Dr. Chen’s influence has steered me towards a more ambitious and socially responsible career path in technology.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: How do you think technology has changed the way people motivate each other?
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I think technology has changed motivation in several ways. Social media platforms allow people to share their achievements, which can inspire others. Online courses and tutorials make it easier for people to learn new skills, which can be motivating. Also, apps that track progress, like fitness apps, can help people stay motivated by showing their improvement over time.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Technology has revolutionized the landscape of motivation in numerous ways. Social media platforms have created a global stage for sharing achievements and inspirational stories, fostering a culture of mutual encouragement. The proliferation of online learning platforms has democratized access to knowledge, empowering individuals to pursue skill development at their own pace, which can be inherently motivating. Furthermore, the advent of gamification in various apps has tapped into our intrinsic motivators, making the process of self-improvement more engaging and rewarding. However, it’s worth noting that this digital motivation can be a double-edged sword. While it can spark initial enthusiasm, the constant exposure to others’ successes might lead to comparison and demotivation for some. Therefore, it’s crucial to strike a balance and use technology as a tool for personal growth rather than a measure of self-worth.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
Instrumental (adjective) /ˌɪnstrəˈmentl/ – serving as a means of pursuing an aim
Example: “Her advice was instrumental in my success.”Hone (verb) /həʊn/ – to refine or perfect something over time
Example: “I spent years honing my writing skills.”Captivating (adjective) /ˈkæptɪveɪtɪŋ/ – capable of attracting and holding interest
Example: “His captivating speech held everyone’s attention.”Indelible impression (phrase) – a lasting effect or influence
Example: “The experience left an indelible impression on my mind.”Unwavering commitment (phrase) – firm dedication that does not falter
Example: “Her unwavering commitment to the project inspired the whole team.”
Tips from an IELTS Examiner
- Practice describing influential people in your life using specific examples and rich vocabulary.
- Focus on explaining not just what the person did, but how they motivated you and the impact they had.
- Use a variety of sentence structures and advanced vocabulary to demonstrate your language proficiency.
- Prepare for follow-up questions by thinking deeply about the topic and its broader implications.
- Remember to speak clearly and confidently, maintaining good eye contact with the examiner.
By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you can improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing people who have motivated you to enhance your skills.