How to Describe a Person Who Inspires You to Improve Yourself in IELTS Speaking

The topic “describe a person who inspires you to improve yourself” is a common theme in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows candidates to showcase their vocabulary, fluency, and ability to express personal experiences. This topic has appeared frequently in past IELTS exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests due to its universal appeal and potential for rich discussion.

IELTS Speaking Test

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about inspiration and self-improvement. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

Question: Do you have any role models?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I do. My role model is my high school teacher. She always encouraged us to work hard and believe in ourselves. Her dedication to teaching really inspired me to do better in my studies.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely. I’ve always looked up to my high school English teacher, Mrs. Thompson. Her unwavering commitment to nurturing her students’ potential and her infectious enthusiasm for learning have profoundly influenced my academic journey. She instilled in me a passion for continuous self-improvement that extends far beyond the classroom.

Question: How do you motivate yourself to improve?

Band 6-7 Answer:
I usually set goals for myself and try to achieve them. I also read books about successful people to get inspiration. Sometimes, I reward myself when I reach my goals to stay motivated.

Band 8-9 Answer:
I employ a multi-faceted approach to self-motivation. Firstly, I’m a firm believer in setting SMART goals – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This provides a clear roadmap for improvement. Additionally, I immerse myself in inspirational literature and podcasts, which offer valuable insights from accomplished individuals. To maintain momentum, I’ve implemented a personal reward system that celebrates milestones, no matter how small. This positive reinforcement keeps me driven and focused on my journey of self-improvement.

Part 2: Long Turn

Cue Card:

Describe a person who inspires you to improve yourself.
You should say:

• Who this person is
• How you know this person
• What qualities this person has
• And explain why this person inspires you to improve yourself

Band 6-7 Answer:
The person who inspires me to improve myself is my older sister, Sarah. I’ve known her all my life, of course, as we grew up together. Sarah is five years older than me, so I’ve always looked up to her.

Sarah has many great qualities that I admire. She’s very hardworking and dedicated to her goals. She always gets good grades in school and now she’s successful in her career as a doctor. She’s also very kind and always helps others when they need it.

The main reason Sarah inspires me is because of her determination. When she sets a goal, she always works hard to achieve it. For example, when she decided to become a doctor, she studied really hard for years to get into medical school. Even when things got tough, she never gave up.

Seeing her success makes me want to work harder and be more focused on my own goals. She shows me that with hard work and dedication, you can achieve almost anything. That’s why she inspires me to keep improving myself.

Band 8-9 Answer:
The individual who profoundly inspires me to elevate myself is my elder sister, Sarah. As siblings raised under the same roof, our bond spans my entire lifetime, with Sarah being my senior by five years. This age gap has naturally positioned her as a role model and mentor figure in my life.

Sarah embodies a myriad of admirable qualities that continually fuel my aspiration for self-improvement. Her unwavering work ethic and laser-focused dedication to her objectives are truly awe-inspiring. Throughout her academic journey, she consistently excelled, maintaining stellar grades that paved the way for her current flourishing career as a medical practitioner. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Sarah’s innate kindness and altruistic nature shine through in her constant readiness to extend a helping hand to those in need.

The primary reason Sarah serves as such a powerful source of inspiration for me lies in her indomitable spirit and unshakeable determination. When she sets her sights on a goal, her tenacity in pursuing it is nothing short of remarkable. A prime example of this was her journey to become a doctor. The path was fraught with challenges, requiring years of rigorous study and unwavering commitment. Even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Sarah’s resolve never wavered.

Witnessing Sarah’s trajectory of success has been a catalyst for my own personal growth. Her journey serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and dedication. She has instilled in me the belief that with sufficient determination and focused effort, even the loftiest aspirations can be realized. This realization has been transformative, propelling me to continually strive for self-improvement and to approach my own goals with renewed vigor and commitment.

Follow-up Questions:

1. How has this person’s influence changed over time?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Sarah’s influence on me has grown stronger over time. When we were younger, I just thought she was a good student. But as we’ve gotten older, I’ve realized how much her hard work has paid off in her career and personal life. Now, I try to apply her work ethic to my own life more.

Band 8-9 Answer:
The impact of Sarah’s influence on my life has undergone a significant evolution over the years. In our formative years, my perception of her was primarily that of an academically gifted sibling. However, as we’ve matured, I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the far-reaching effects of her unwavering dedication and perseverance. Witnessing the tangible fruits of her labor in both her professional realm and personal sphere has been truly enlightening. This realization has prompted me to actively incorporate her exemplary work ethic and resilient mindset into various facets of my own life, fostering a more holistic approach to personal growth and achievement.

2. Do you think it’s important to have role models?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I think having role models is very important. They can show us what’s possible if we work hard and give us something to aim for. Role models can also teach us important values and skills that we might not learn otherwise. They can motivate us when things get difficult.

Band 8-9 Answer:
I firmly believe that having role models is crucial for personal development. Role models serve as living examples of what can be achieved through dedication and perseverance, effectively expanding our horizons of possibility. They provide tangible blueprints for success, allowing us to visualize and internalize the steps required to reach our aspirations. Moreover, role models often embody key values and skills that may not be readily apparent in our immediate environment, thus broadening our perspective and enriching our personal growth. In times of adversity, the narratives of our role models can serve as a wellspring of motivation, reminding us that challenges are often stepping stones to greater achievements. Ultimately, role models catalyze our journey of self-improvement by inspiring us to set higher standards for ourselves and providing guidance on how to meet those standards.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Question: How do you think society benefits from people who constantly strive to improve themselves?

Band 6-7 Answer:
I think society benefits a lot from people who always try to improve themselves. These people often come up with new ideas and solutions to problems. They can be good leaders because they’re always learning and growing. Also, they can inspire others around them to improve too, which can lead to progress in many areas of society.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Society reaps numerous benefits from individuals who consistently pursue self-improvement. These self-driven individuals often become the catalysts for innovation and progress within their communities. Their relentless pursuit of knowledge and skills frequently leads to groundbreaking ideas and novel solutions to long-standing problems. Moreover, such individuals tend to emerge as natural leaders, their continuous growth mindset inspiring and motivating those around them. This ripple effect of personal development can permeate through various sectors of society, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and adaptability. Ultimately, a society populated by self-improving individuals is likely to be more resilient, innovative, and progressive, better equipped to navigate the challenges of our rapidly evolving world.

Question: Do you think social media influencers can be good role models for self-improvement?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Social media influencers can be good role models for self-improvement, but it depends on the influencer. Some influencers share helpful advice about fitness, mental health, or personal development, which can inspire their followers. However, we need to be careful because not all influencers promote healthy or realistic lifestyles. It’s important to choose influencers who are authentic and promote positive values.

Band 8-9 Answer:
The potential of social media influencers to serve as effective role models for self-improvement is a nuanced issue. On one hand, many influencers leverage their platforms to disseminate valuable insights on personal growth, mental well-being, and skill development, potentially inspiring a wide audience to embark on their own journeys of self-improvement. Their relatability and accessibility can make the concept of personal development more approachable for many individuals.

However, we must exercise caution and critical thinking when considering influencers as role models. The curated nature of social media can often present an unrealistic or overly idealized version of self-improvement. Some influencers may inadvertently or intentionally promote unsustainable lifestyles or quick-fix solutions that don’t align with genuine, long-term personal growth.

Therefore, while social media influencers can indeed serve as catalysts for self-improvement, it’s crucial for followers to discern between authentic, value-driven content and mere performative self-help. The most effective role models in this space are likely those who maintain transparency about their own struggles and growth processes, fostering a more realistic and attainable vision of self-improvement for their audience.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. To look up to (phrasal verb) /tə lʊk ʌp tuː/: To admire or respect someone.
   Example: Many young athletes look up to professional players as role models.

2. Unwavering (adjective) /ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ/: Steady, constant, not changing.
   Example: Her unwavering dedication to her studies impressed all her teachers.

3. To instill (verb) /ɪnˈstɪl/: To gradually but firmly establish an idea or attitude in a person’s mind.
   Example: Good teachers instill a love of learning in their students.

4. Multi-faceted (adjective) /ˌmʌlti’fæsɪtɪd/: Having many different aspects or features.
   Example: Successful self-improvement often requires a multi-faceted approach.

5. To embody (verb) /ɪmˈbɒdi/: To represent or express an idea, quality, or feeling.
   Example: She embodies the qualities of a great leader – confidence, empathy, and vision.

6. Catalyst (noun) /ˈkætəlɪst/: A person or thing that causes a change.
   Example: Her success was a catalyst for my own ambition.

7. Trajectory (noun) /trəˈdʒektəri/: The path followed by someone or something moving through space and time.
   Example: His career trajectory has been impressive, moving from entry-level to CEO in just a decade.

8. To foster (verb) /ˈfɒstə(r)/: To encourage or promote the development of something.
   Example: A good work environment fosters creativity and innovation.

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve high scores in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a person who inspires you to improve yourself:

1. Use a variety of vocabulary and avoid repetition. Incorporate idiomatic expressions and phrasal verbs naturally.

2. Develop your ideas fully. Don’t just state facts, but explain your thoughts and feelings in detail.

3. Use a range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences. This demonstrates your language proficiency.

4. Practice speaking on this topic beforehand, but avoid memorizing entire answers. Examiners appreciate natural, spontaneous responses.

5. When discussing abstract ideas in Part 3, try to provide specific examples to support your points.

6. Maintain good fluency by speaking at a natural pace. It’s okay to use fillers like “um” or “well” occasionally, but don’t overuse them.

7. Show enthusiasm in your voice when talking about the person who inspires you. This can positively impact your pronunciation score.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is to communicate effectively and confidently while showcasing your English language skills.

For more tips on describing inspirational figures, you might find these resources helpful:

• Describe a person who motivates you to work harder
• Describe a person who inspires you to be kind