The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about influential people in our lives. One common topic is describing someone who has motivated you to improve yourself. This article will provide you with valuable tips and sample answers to help you excel in this part of the exam.
Understanding the Topic
The topic “Describe a person who has motivated you to improve yourself” is a popular one in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows examiners to assess your ability to talk about personal experiences, express emotions, and use descriptive language. This topic has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being relevant in future tests.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you general questions about motivation and personal improvement. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
Q: Do you think it’s important to have role models?
Band 6-7 Answer: Yes, I believe role models are important. They can inspire us and show us what’s possible if we work hard.
Band 8-9 Answer: Absolutely. Role models play a crucial role in our personal development. They not only inspire us but also provide tangible examples of success, which can help us set realistic goals and develop effective strategies for achieving them.
Q: How do you stay motivated in your daily life?
Band 6-7 Answer: I try to set goals for myself and remind myself of them regularly. I also like to read inspirational quotes and stories.
Band 8-9 Answer: I employ a multi-faceted approach to maintain motivation. Firstly, I set SMART goals – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Additionally, I practice visualization techniques, imagining my success vividly. I also maintain a gratitude journal, which helps me stay positive and focused on my progress.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a person who has motivated you to improve yourself.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What this person did to motivate you
- And explain how you felt about this person’s influence on you
Sample Answer (Band 6-7)
The person who has motivated me to improve myself is my high school physics teacher, Mr. Johnson. I met him when I was 15 years old, and he taught me for three years.
Mr. Johnson motivated me by showing a genuine interest in my progress. He always encouraged me to ask questions and think critically. He would stay after class to explain difficult concepts and even lent me advanced books on physics.
His influence made me feel more confident in my abilities. I started to enjoy physics more and even participated in science competitions. Thanks to him, I realized I could achieve more than I thought possible.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
The individual who has been a catalyst for my personal growth is my high school physics teacher, Mr. Johnson. I had the privilege of being his student for three consecutive years, starting when I was 15.
Mr. Johnson’s approach to motivation was multi-dimensional and profound. He didn’t merely teach physics; he ignited a passion for learning within me. His teaching methods were innovative and engaging, often incorporating real-world examples that made complex concepts accessible. What truly set him apart was his unwavering belief in my potential, even when I doubted myself.
One particular instance that stands out is when he encouraged me to participate in a national physics olympiad. Despite my initial reluctance, he spent countless hours after school, patiently guiding me through advanced problems and bolstering my confidence. His dedication went beyond the call of duty; he even procured advanced textbooks to supplement my learning.
Inspiring Teacher Guiding Student
The impact of Mr. Johnson’s influence on me was transformative. I felt a surge of self-belief and discovered a latent passion for scientific inquiry. His mentorship broadened my horizons and made me realize that with dedication and the right guidance, I could surpass my perceived limitations. This experience not only improved my academic performance but also instilled in me a lifelong love for learning and a desire to continually improve myself.
Follow-up Questions
- What qualities do you think make someone a good motivator?
Band 6-7 Answer: I think good motivators are positive, supportive, and passionate about what they do. They should also be good listeners and able to give constructive feedback.
Band 8-9 Answer: In my opinion, an effective motivator possesses a unique blend of qualities. Firstly, they must have genuine empathy and the ability to connect on a personal level. Additionally, they should demonstrate unwavering belief in the potential of others, even when those individuals doubt themselves. A good motivator also needs to be adept at communication, able to articulate ideas clearly and tailor their message to resonate with different individuals. Moreover, they should lead by example, embodying the principles they advocate. Lastly, the ability to provide constructive feedback in a way that inspires rather than discourages is crucial.
- Do you think people need external motivation to improve themselves?
Band 6-7 Answer: While internal motivation is important, I believe external motivation can be very helpful. It can provide support and encouragement when we face challenges.
Band 8-9 Answer: While intrinsic motivation is undoubtedly powerful, I believe that external motivation plays a vital complementary role in personal development. External motivators can serve as catalysts, igniting the initial spark of interest or determination. They can also provide crucial support during challenging times when our internal resolve may waver. However, the most sustainable growth occurs when external motivation cultivates and nurtures our intrinsic drive. Ideally, external motivation should aim to empower individuals to ultimately become self-motivated, creating a virtuous cycle of continuous improvement.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: Do you think the role of motivators has changed in the digital age?
Band 6-7 Answer: Yes, I think it has changed. With social media and the internet, motivators can now reach more people. They can share their ideas and inspire others online, not just in person.
Band 8-9 Answer: The digital age has profoundly transformed the landscape of motivation. Motivators now have unprecedented reach through social media platforms and online courses, allowing them to impact a global audience. This shift has democratized access to motivational content, making it available to anyone with an internet connection. However, this ubiquity also presents challenges. The oversaturation of content can make it difficult for truly impactful voices to stand out. Additionally, the lack of personal interaction in digital motivation can sometimes diminish its effectiveness, as the nuanced, personalized approach often crucial in motivation is harder to achieve online. Nevertheless, innovative motivators are finding ways to leverage technology to create more interactive and personalized experiences, such as through AI-driven coaching apps or virtual reality seminars.
Examiner: How can schools better motivate students to learn?
Band 6-7 Answer: Schools can motivate students by making lessons more interactive and relating them to real life. They can also recognize and reward students’ efforts and progress, not just their grades.
Band 8-9 Answer: Schools can enhance student motivation through a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, implementing project-based learning can make education more engaging and relevant, allowing students to see the real-world applications of their studies. Additionally, fostering a growth mindset culture where effort and progress are valued over innate ability can significantly boost motivation. Schools should also consider personalizing learning experiences to cater to individual interests and learning styles, perhaps through the use of adaptive learning technologies. Furthermore, integrating elements of gamification into the curriculum can tap into students’ intrinsic motivation. Lastly, schools should focus on cultivating a supportive environment where students feel safe to take risks and learn from failures, as this can foster resilience and a love for learning.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Catalyst (noun) /ˈkætəlɪst/ – a person or thing that precipitates an event or change
Example: “Her encouragement was the catalyst for my career change.”Empower (verb) /ɪmˈpaʊə(r)/ – to give someone the authority or power to do something
Example: “Good leaders empower their team members to make decisions.”Innovative (adjective) /ˈɪnəveɪtɪv/ – featuring new methods; advanced and original
Example: “His innovative teaching methods made learning enjoyable.”Profound (adjective) /prəˈfaʊnd/ – very great or intense
Example: “The experience had a profound impact on my life.”Cultivate (verb) /ˈkʌltɪveɪt/ – to try to acquire or develop a quality or skill
Example: “She worked hard to cultivate a positive attitude.”
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a person who has motivated you:
- Use a variety of descriptive language to paint a vivid picture of the person and their impact.
- Provide specific examples to support your points, demonstrating the person’s influence on you.
- Use advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions naturally throughout your response.
- Maintain fluency by speaking at a natural pace, using appropriate pauses and intonation.
- Demonstrate critical thinking by reflecting on how this person’s motivation has affected your life and outlook.
Remember, practice is key. Try recording yourself answering these questions and listen back to identify areas for improvement. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!
For more IELTS Speaking practice, check out our guides on describing a place you have visited more than once and describing something you did that made you feel proud.