The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about people who have influenced or inspired us. One common topic is describing a person who motivates you to be more active. This article will provide you with strategies and sample answers to help you excel in this task.
Understanding the Topic
The topic “Describe A Person Who Inspires You To Be More Active” is frequently featured in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows examiners to assess your ability to talk about personal experiences, describe people, and express your thoughts on motivation and inspiration. Being well-prepared for this topic can significantly boost your chances of achieving a high band score.
IELTS Speaking Test
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you some general questions related to the topic. Here are a few possible questions and sample answers:
Q: Do you consider yourself an active person?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I would say I’m fairly active. I try to exercise regularly and stay busy with various activities.
Band 8-9 Answer:
I’d definitely describe myself as an active individual. I make a concerted effort to maintain a balanced lifestyle, which includes regular physical exercise, engaging in various hobbies, and constantly seeking new challenges to keep both my body and mind active.
Q: What kind of activities do you enjoy?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I enjoy playing sports like basketball and swimming. I also like going for walks in nature when I have free time.
Band 8-9 Answer:
I have a penchant for a diverse range of activities. Primarily, I’m enthusiastic about team sports such as basketball and volleyball, which not only keep me physically fit but also enhance my social skills. Additionally, I find great pleasure in outdoor pursuits like hiking and cycling, as they allow me to connect with nature while staying active.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a person who inspires you to be more active.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What this person does to stay active
- And explain why this person inspires you to be more active
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
I’d like to talk about my friend Sarah, who has been a tremendous source of inspiration for me in terms of leading an active lifestyle. I met Sarah about five years ago when we were both starting our postgraduate studies at university.
Sarah is a remarkably energetic individual who seems to have an inexhaustible supply of enthusiasm for physical activities. She’s a dedicated marathon runner and participates in at least two major races every year. But what’s truly impressive is how she integrates activity into her daily routine. She cycles to work, takes the stairs instead of the elevator, and often suggests active social gatherings like hiking or rock climbing instead of the usual coffee meetups.
What truly sets Sarah apart is her approach to staying active. She doesn’t view it as a chore or something she has to do; rather, it’s an integral part of her lifestyle that brings her joy and fulfillment. She’s always exploring new activities and challenges, whether it’s trying out a new yoga class or learning a martial art.
Sarah inspires me to be more active for several reasons. Firstly, her unwavering commitment to an active lifestyle is truly admirable. Despite her busy schedule as a professional, she always prioritizes her health and fitness. Secondly, her positive attitude towards physical activity is infectious. She’s shown me that being active doesn’t have to be a mundane task, but can be an exciting and rewarding part of life.
Moreover, Sarah’s approach has broadened my horizons when it comes to staying active. Through her influence, I’ve discovered enjoyable activities that I never would have considered before. Lastly, the visible benefits of her active lifestyle – her energy, confidence, and overall well-being – serve as a tangible reminder of why staying active is so important.
In essence, Sarah’s example has fundamentally changed my perspective on leading an active life. She’s shown me that with the right mindset, staying active can be a fulfilling and enjoyable journey rather than a burden.
Follow-up Questions
- How has this person’s influence changed your lifestyle?
Band 8-9 Answer: Sarah’s influence has profoundly impacted my lifestyle. I’ve become more conscious of incorporating physical activity into my daily routine. I now opt for walking or cycling for short trips instead of driving, and I’ve taken up regular yoga classes. Moreover, I’ve adopted her positive attitude towards physical activity, viewing it as an opportunity for personal growth and enjoyment rather than a chore.
- Do you think it’s important to have role models for staying active?
Band 8-9 Answer: Absolutely. Role models can be instrumental in motivating us to lead more active lives. They provide tangible examples of the benefits of an active lifestyle and can offer practical strategies for overcoming common obstacles. Furthermore, seeing someone we admire prioritize physical activity can shift our perception of its importance, making us more likely to commit to it ourselves.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Q: How can society encourage people to be more physically active?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Society can encourage people to be more active by promoting sports and exercise. Schools and workplaces can organize fitness programs. The government can also build more parks and sports facilities.
Band 8-9 Answer:
There are several multifaceted approaches society can adopt to promote physical activity. Firstly, educational institutions can play a pivotal role by integrating comprehensive physical education programs into their curricula, fostering a lifelong appreciation for active living. Secondly, urban planning can be oriented towards creating more pedestrian and cyclist-friendly environments, encouraging active transportation. Additionally, workplace initiatives such as standing desks, on-site gyms, or sponsored fitness classes can significantly contribute to a more active workforce. Lastly, media campaigns highlighting the benefits of an active lifestyle and showcasing diverse forms of physical activity can help shift societal norms and inspire more people to embrace an active lifestyle.
Q: Do you think technology has made people less active? Why or why not?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I think technology has made people less active. Many people spend a lot of time on their phones or computers instead of doing physical activities. However, some fitness apps and devices can help people exercise more.
Band 8-9 Answer:
The relationship between technology and physical activity is rather complex. On one hand, the proliferation of screens and digital entertainment has undoubtedly contributed to more sedentary lifestyles for many individuals. The convenience of remote work, online shopping, and digital communication can reduce the need for physical movement in daily life.
However, it would be overly simplistic to paint technology as purely detrimental to physical activity. Many technological innovations have actually facilitated and encouraged active lifestyles. Fitness trackers, for instance, have gamified physical activity, motivating users to meet daily step goals or engage in regular exercise. Similarly, smartphone apps offering guided workouts or connecting users with local sports teams have made it easier for people to engage in physical activities suited to their interests and schedules.
Moreover, technology has democratized access to fitness information and training resources, allowing people to learn proper exercise techniques or follow professional workout routines from the comfort of their homes. Virtual reality and exergaming have also emerged as novel ways to combine physical activity with technological engagement.
In conclusion, while technology has the potential to promote sedentary behavior, it also offers numerous tools and opportunities to enhance physical activity. The key lies in harnessing these technological advancements mindfully to support, rather than replace, active lifestyles.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
-
Concerted effort (phrase) – /kənˈsɜːrtɪd ˈefərt/ – A jointly arranged, planned, or made effort
Example: Making a concerted effort to exercise regularly can significantly improve your health. -
Penchant for (phrase) – /ˈpentʃənt fɔːr/ – A strong liking for something or habit of doing it
Example: She has a penchant for outdoor activities, especially hiking and camping. -
Inexhaustible (adjective) – /ˌɪnɪɡˈzɔːstəbl/ – Never able to be entirely consumed or used up
Example: Despite her busy schedule, Sarah seems to have an inexhaustible supply of energy. -
Infectious (adjective) – /ɪnˈfekʃəs/ – Likely to spread or affect others
Example: His enthusiasm for sports was infectious, inspiring his friends to join him in various activities. -
Broaden one’s horizons (idiom) – To expand the range of one’s knowledge, interests, or experiences
Example: Trying new physical activities can broaden your horizons and make staying fit more enjoyable. -
Tangible reminder (phrase) – A physical or concrete reminder of something
Example: The marathon medal serves as a tangible reminder of her dedication and achievement. -
Multifaceted approach (phrase) – An approach that has many different aspects or features
Example: Promoting physical activity in society requires a multifaceted approach, including education, urban planning, and media campaigns.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a person who inspires you to be more active:
- Use a variety of vocabulary and complex sentence structures to demonstrate your language proficiency.
- Provide specific examples and personal anecdotes to support your points and make your answer more engaging.
- Practice speaking on this topic beforehand, but avoid memorizing entire answers as this can sound unnatural.
- Show your ability to analyze and reflect on the impact this person has had on your life and attitudes towards physical activity.
- Be prepared to discuss broader issues related to physical activity and health in Part 3 of the test.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Confidence, fluency, and the ability to express your ideas clearly are all crucial factors in achieving a high band score.
For more tips on how to excel in your IELTS Speaking test, you might find these articles helpful:
- Describe a Person Who Is Known for Their Achievements
- Describe a Person Who Inspires You to Keep Learning
- Describe a Person Who Has a Positive Impact on Others
By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle this topic and similar ones in your IELTS Speaking test. Good luck with your preparation!
