The IELTS Speaking test is a crucial component of the overall IELTS exam, designed to assess your ability to communicate effectively in English. One common topic that frequently appears in the test is describing a person who inspires you to stay motivated. This article will provide you with valuable insights, sample answers, and tips to help you excel in this particular speaking task.
Understanding the Topic
Describing a person who inspires you to stay motivated is a popular topic in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows examiners to assess your ability to express personal experiences, emotions, and opinions. This topic has appeared in various forms in past IELTS exams and is likely to continue being a recurring theme in future tests.
Inspiring Person
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you some general questions about motivation and inspiration. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
Question: Do you find it easy to stay motivated?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Well, I’d say it depends on the situation. Sometimes I find it quite easy to stay motivated, especially when I’m working on something I’m passionate about. However, there are times when I struggle a bit, particularly with tasks I find less interesting.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“That’s an interesting question. I’d say my ability to stay motivated fluctuates depending on various factors. When I’m engrossed in projects that align with my personal goals or interests, I find motivation comes naturally. However, I’ve noticed that for less engaging tasks, I often need to employ specific strategies, such as setting small, achievable milestones or reminding myself of the long-term benefits, to maintain my motivation levels.”
Question: Who usually inspires you in your daily life?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“In my daily life, I’m often inspired by my older sister. She’s very hardworking and always seems to achieve her goals. Seeing her success motivates me to work harder on my own goals.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I draw inspiration from a variety of sources in my daily life, but if I had to pinpoint one particular individual, it would be my mentor at work. Her unwavering dedication to personal growth and her ability to overcome challenges with grace and determination are truly admirable. Observing her approach to both professional and personal obstacles has profoundly influenced my own mindset and work ethic.”
Part 2: Long Turn
In this section, you will be given a cue card with a topic and some bullet points. You’ll have one minute to prepare, then you should speak for 1-2 minutes on the topic. Here’s a sample cue card:
Describe a person who inspires you to stay motivated.
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 stay motivated
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“The person who inspires me to stay motivated is my high school physics teacher, Mr. Johnson. I met him when I was 15 years old and struggling with science subjects. Mr. Johnson has several qualities that I find inspiring. Firstly, he’s incredibly passionate about physics and always manages to make complex concepts easy to understand. He’s also very patient and supportive, always willing to spend extra time helping students who are having difficulties.
What I find most inspiring about Mr. Johnson is his dedication to lifelong learning. Even though he’s been teaching for over 20 years, he’s always excited to learn new things and share them with his students. This attitude has really motivated me to keep pushing myself, even when things get tough.
Mr. Johnson inspires me to stay motivated because he showed me that with the right mindset and hard work, I can overcome any challenge. His belief in my abilities gave me the confidence to pursue my interest in science, and now I’m studying engineering at university. Whenever I face difficulties in my studies, I think about Mr. Johnson’s encouragement and it helps me stay focused and motivated.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“The individual who serves as a constant source of motivation for me is my former mentor, Dr. Sarah Chen, a renowned researcher in the field of renewable energy. I had the privilege of working under her guidance during my postgraduate studies at the University of Cambridge.
Dr. Chen possesses an extraordinary array of qualities that make her truly inspirational. Her intellectual curiosity is boundless, and she approaches each new challenge with an infectious enthusiasm that permeates her entire research team. Her ability to think critically and creatively, often connecting seemingly unrelated concepts to form groundbreaking theories, is nothing short of remarkable.
What sets Dr. Chen apart, however, is her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on the world. She views her research not just as an academic pursuit, but as a means to address pressing global issues such as climate change and energy scarcity. This sense of purpose infuses every aspect of her work and has profoundly influenced my own approach to my career.
Dr. Chen inspires me to stay motivated for several reasons. Firstly, her resilience in the face of setbacks is truly admirable. I’ve witnessed her transform failed experiments into opportunities for learning and innovation, which has taught me to embrace challenges rather than fear them. Secondly, her ability to maintain a work-life balance while excelling in her field has shown me that it’s possible to pursue professional success without sacrificing personal fulfillment.
Perhaps most importantly, Dr. Chen’s mentorship style has instilled in me a deep-seated belief in my own potential. She has a unique ability to identify and nurture the strengths of those around her, pushing us to exceed our own expectations. This combination of high standards and unwavering support has been instrumental in shaping my professional journey and continues to motivate me to strive for excellence in all my endeavors.”
Follow-up Questions:
- How has this person’s influence changed your life?
- Do you think you could inspire others in the same way?
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask you more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
Question: Do you think society needs role models? Why or why not?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I believe society needs role models. They can inspire people, especially young people, to work hard and achieve their goals. Role models can show us what’s possible if we put in effort and dedication. However, it’s important to remember that role models are human too and can make mistakes.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I firmly believe that role models play a crucial role in shaping society. They serve as living examples of what can be achieved through perseverance, integrity, and dedication. Role models can inspire individuals to push beyond their perceived limitations and strive for excellence in their chosen fields. Moreover, they often bring attention to important social issues and can be catalysts for positive change.
However, it’s essential to approach the concept of role models with a nuanced perspective. While they can be powerful sources of inspiration, we must be cautious about placing them on pedestals. It’s important to recognize that role models are human beings with flaws and complexities. A more balanced view would be to appreciate their achievements and positive qualities while also acknowledging their imperfections. This approach can lead to a more realistic and sustainable form of inspiration, encouraging individuals to aspire to greatness while maintaining a sense of empathy and understanding for human fallibility.”
Question: How do you think technology has changed the way people find inspiration?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Technology has definitely changed how people find inspiration. With the internet and social media, we can easily access stories and ideas from people all over the world. This gives us more opportunities to find inspiring people and content. However, it can also be overwhelming sometimes with so much information available.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Technology has revolutionized the landscape of inspiration in profound and multifaceted ways. The democratization of information through the internet has exponentially expanded our access to diverse sources of inspiration. Social media platforms and online communities have created virtual spaces where individuals can connect with like-minded people, share experiences, and draw motivation from a global network of peers and mentors.
Moreover, technology has enabled the rapid dissemination of inspiring stories, innovative ideas, and groundbreaking achievements, allowing them to reach a wider audience than ever before. This has the potential to spark creativity and ambition on an unprecedented scale.
However, this technological shift also presents challenges. The sheer volume of information available can lead to inspiration overload, making it difficult for individuals to focus on meaningful sources of motivation. Additionally, the curated nature of social media can create unrealistic standards and foster comparison, potentially undermining genuine inspiration.
On balance, I believe technology has significantly enhanced our ability to find inspiration, but it requires a discerning approach. The key lies in developing digital literacy skills to navigate this vast landscape effectively, focusing on authentic sources of inspiration that align with our personal values and goals.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Unwavering dedication (noun phrase) /ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ ˌdedɪˈkeɪʃn/: Steady and determined commitment.
Example: Her unwavering dedication to her studies impressed all her teachers.Profoundly influenced (verb phrase) /prəˈfaʊndli ˈɪnfluənst/: Deeply affected or changed.
Example: Reading that book profoundly influenced my perspective on life.Infectious enthusiasm (noun phrase) /ɪnˈfekʃəs ɪnˈθjuːziæzəm/: Excitement that easily spreads to others.
Example: The team leader’s infectious enthusiasm motivated everyone to work harder.Resilience in the face of setbacks (phrase) /rɪˈzɪliəns ɪn ðə feɪs əv ˈsetbæks/: The ability to recover quickly from difficulties.
Example: Her resilience in the face of setbacks was truly admirable.Catalyst for positive change (phrase) /ˈkætəlɪst fə ˈpɒzətɪv tʃeɪndʒ/: Something that causes or accelerates positive transformation.
Example: Education can be a powerful catalyst for positive change in society.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a person who inspires you to stay motivated:
- Use a variety of vocabulary and complex sentence structures to showcase your language proficiency.
- Provide specific examples and personal anecdotes to support your points.
- Practice speaking on various topics to improve your fluency and confidence.
- Listen carefully to the examiner’s questions and address all parts of the question in your response.
- Don’t be afraid to express your opinions, but be sure to justify them with logical reasoning.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about knowing the language, but about using it effectively to communicate your thoughts and ideas.
For more tips on improving your IELTS Speaking skills, check out our guide on how to describe a person who inspires you to be a better person.