The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about people who have influenced our lives. One common topic is describing someone who inspires you to work hard. This theme has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests. Let’s explore how to tackle this topic effectively and boost your speaking score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about hard work and inspiration. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:
Q: Do you think hard work is important for success?
A: Absolutely. I believe hard work is crucial for achieving success in any field. While natural talent certainly plays a role, it’s the consistent effort and dedication that truly set high achievers apart. In my experience, those who put in the hours and persevere through challenges are the ones who ultimately reach their goals.
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a person who inspires you to work hard.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What they do
- And explain why this person inspires you to work hard
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
The person who inspires me to work hard is my uncle, John. He’s my mother’s younger brother, and I’ve known him since I was a child. He works as a software engineer at a big tech company.
What really inspires me about my uncle is his dedication to his job and his constant desire to learn. He always seems to be working on something new, whether it’s a project for work or a personal coding challenge. Even after long hours at the office, he often spends his evenings studying new programming languages or attending online workshops.
I admire how he balances his work life with his personal life. Despite his busy schedule, he always makes time for family and his hobbies. He’s shown me that with hard work and good time management, you can achieve your professional goals without sacrificing your personal life.
His success in his career is a result of his hard work, and that really motivates me. Whenever I feel lazy or want to give up on a difficult task, I think of my uncle and how he would approach the situation. It pushes me to try harder and not give up easily.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
The individual who serves as a constant source of inspiration for my work ethic is my uncle, John. As my mother’s younger sibling, he’s been a prominent figure in my life since childhood. John holds a position as a senior software engineer at a cutting-edge tech company, where he’s made significant strides in his field.
What truly sets John apart and fuels my motivation is his unwavering commitment to both his profession and continuous self-improvement. He consistently pushes the boundaries of his knowledge, immersing himself in new projects at work while simultaneously tackling personal coding challenges. Even after putting in grueling hours at the office, he dedicates his evenings to mastering new programming languages or participating in online workshops to stay at the forefront of technological advancements.
I’m particularly impressed by John’s ability to strike a balance between his professional aspirations and personal life. Despite his demanding schedule, he unfailingly makes time for family gatherings and pursues his hobbies with enthusiasm. This exemplary time management has demonstrated to me that with diligence and effective prioritization, one can achieve professional excellence without compromising on personal fulfillment.
John’s meteoric rise in his career is a direct result of his tireless work ethic, which serves as a powerful motivator for me. In moments of lethargy or when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges, I find myself reflecting on John’s approach. This introspection invariably reignites my determination, compelling me to redouble my efforts and persevere in the face of adversity.
Follow-up Questions:
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How has this person’s influence changed your work habits?
Band 6-7 Answer: My uncle’s influence has definitely improved my work habits. I’ve started to manage my time better and focus more on learning new skills. I try to be more disciplined in my studies and work, just like he is with his job.
Band 8-9 Answer: My uncle’s influence has profoundly transformed my approach to work. I’ve adopted a more structured and disciplined routine, prioritizing tasks more effectively and allocating dedicated time for skill development. His example has instilled in me a hunger for knowledge and a commitment to continuous improvement, which has markedly enhanced my productivity and professional growth.
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Do you think it’s important to have role models for professional development?
Band 6-7 Answer: Yes, I think role models are very important for professional development. They give us something to aim for and show us what’s possible if we work hard. Having someone to look up to can motivate us to improve ourselves and our skills.
Band 8-9 Answer: Absolutely. Role models play a pivotal role in professional development by providing tangible examples of success and the path to achieve it. They serve as beacons, illuminating potential career trajectories and exemplifying the attributes necessary for success in a given field. Moreover, role models can offer invaluable insights into overcoming industry-specific challenges and navigating professional landscapes, thereby accelerating one’s learning curve and fostering a growth mindset.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some sample questions with suggested answers:
Q: How do you think society benefits from having hardworking individuals?
Band 6-7 Answer: I believe society benefits a lot from hardworking people. They contribute more to the economy and often come up with new ideas that can help solve problems. Hardworking individuals can also inspire others around them to work harder, which can lead to overall progress in society.
Band 8-9 Answer: Hardworking individuals are the backbone of any thriving society. They drive economic growth through their increased productivity and innovation, often spearheading advancements in various fields. Moreover, their work ethic tends to be contagious, creating a ripple effect that elevates the performance standards across their communities. This collective elevation of standards can lead to breakthroughs in science, technology, and social development, ultimately propelling society forward. Additionally, hardworking individuals often serve as role models, inspiring future generations to strive for excellence and contribute meaningfully to society.
Q: Do you think the concept of hard work differs across generations?
Band 6-7 Answer: Yes, I think the idea of hard work has changed over generations. In the past, hard work was often associated with long hours and physical labor. Now, with technology, hard work might mean being more efficient or creative. Younger generations might focus more on working smart rather than just working long hours.
Band 8-9 Answer: The concept of hard work has indeed evolved significantly across generations, reflecting broader societal and technological shifts. While previous generations often equated hard work with sheer physical exertion or prolonged working hours, contemporary interpretations tend to place greater emphasis on efficiency, innovation, and adaptability. The digital revolution has redefined productivity, making it possible to accomplish tasks more rapidly and with greater precision. Consequently, younger generations often prioritize working smart over working long, valuing output and impact over time spent. This shift also encompasses a growing recognition of the importance of work-life balance and mental well-being, aspects that were perhaps less prominent in traditional notions of hard work.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
- Unwavering commitment /ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ kəˈmɪtmənt/ (noun phrase): Steady dedication without hesitation.
Example: Her unwavering commitment to the project ensured its success despite numerous obstacles. - Exemplify /ɪɡˈzemplɪfaɪ/ (verb): To be a typical example of.
Example: His career exemplifies the power of perseverance in overcoming challenges. - Meteoric rise /ˌmiːtiˈɔːrɪk raɪz/ (noun phrase): A swift and spectacular increase in success.
Example: The company’s meteoric rise in the tech industry took everyone by surprise. - Introspection /ˌɪntrəˈspekʃn/ (noun): The examination of one’s own thoughts and feelings.
Example: Regular introspection helps her identify areas for personal growth and improvement. - Pivotal role /ˈpɪvətl roʊl/ (noun phrase): A vitally important or essential function.
Example: Mentors play a pivotal role in shaping the careers of young professionals.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing someone who inspires you to work hard:
- Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and coherently. Use a variety of sentence structures and vocabulary to express your ideas.
- Develop your answers fully, providing specific examples and personal experiences to support your points.
- Work on your fluency by speaking regularly in English. Try to reduce hesitations and fillers (um, uh, like).
- Expand your vocabulary, especially words and phrases related to work, inspiration, and personal qualities.
- Listen carefully to the questions and make sure your answers are relevant and on-topic.
- Use idiomatic expressions and collocations naturally to demonstrate a high level of English proficiency.
- Maintain good eye contact and positive body language to show confidence and engagement.
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 complex ideas clearly are all crucial factors in achieving a high score.
By following these guidelines and incorporating the suggested vocabulary and phrases, you’ll be well-equipped to describe a person who motivates you to pursue your passions and achieve a high score in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, practice makes perfect, so take every opportunity to speak English and refine your skills. Good luck with your IELTS journey!