In the IELTS Speaking test, candidates are expected to demonstrate their ability to communicate effectively in English. The examiner evaluates you on criteria such as fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. Questions about describing a person who is good at motivating others are quite common in the IELTS Speaking test. Let’s delve into how to tackle such questions effectively to achieve high scores.
Part 1: Common Questions
Common Questions in Part 1: Introduction and Interview
- Can you tell me about the people who you live with?
- What do you enjoy doing with your friends?
- Have you ever been motivated by someone to achieve a goal?
Sample Answer for Question 3:
Question: Have you ever been motivated by someone to achieve a goal?
Sample Answer: Yes, I have. My high school teacher once motivated me to participate in a science competition. She encouraged me by highlighting my strengths and providing me with the necessary materials and moral support to succeed.
Part 2: Long Turn
Sample Cue Card:
Describe a person who is good at motivating others. You should say:
- Who the person is
- How you know the person
- What the person does to motivate others
- And explain why you think this person is good at motivating others
Cue Card Answer:
Sample Answer:
One person who comes to mind is my uncle, John. He is someone whom I have known since childhood and who has always been a source of inspiration and encouragement. My uncle is a life coach by profession, and he excels at motivating others.
John often uses positive reinforcement and personalized motivational techniques to encourage people. For instance, he spends time understanding an individual’s strengths and weaknesses before offering advice. His ability to empathize and provide constructive feedback makes him particularly effective.
I believe he is outstanding at motivating others because he has a unique way of connecting with people and making them feel valued. His own success stories also serve as a powerful example, illustrating that hard work and determination can overcome any obstacle.
Additional Questions and Answers:
Question: How does your uncle balance between being supportive and pushing someone to achieve more?
Sample Answer: He strikes a balance by setting realistic goals and celebrating small victories. This approach helps individuals to stay motivated without feeling overwhelmed.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner Questions and Sample Answers:
Question: Why do you think some people are better at motivating others than the rest?
Sample Answer: I think it largely boils down to emotional intelligence. People who are good at understanding and managing their emotions, as well as those of others, are naturally better at motivating others. They can engage people more effectively by resonating with their aspirations and challenges.
Question: How important is motivation in achieving success?
Sample Answer: Motivation is crucial for success as it serves as the driving force that keeps individuals focused and resilient. Without motivation, maintaining the enthusiasm and energy needed to overcome obstacles and achieve goals becomes challenging.
Motivational Leadership
Vocabulary and Essential Phrases
Key Vocabulary:
- Inspiration (/ˌɪn.spɪˈreɪ.ʃən/): Something that makes someone feel enthusiastic and encouraged.
- Positive reinforcement (/ˈpɒz.ɪ.tɪv riː.ɪnˈfɔːrs.mənt/): The act of rewarding someone to encourage a particular behavior.
- Empathize (/ˈem.pə.θaɪz/): To understand and share the feelings of another.
- Realistic goals (/ˌriː.əˈlɪs.tɪk ɡəʊlz/): Achievable objectives that are practical and attainable.
- Constructive feedback (/kənˈstrʌk.tɪv ˈfiːd.bæk/): Advice that is helpful and aimed at improving performance.
Example Usage:
- “His inspiration has been a significant factor in my career choice.”
- “Using positive reinforcement, she consistently motivated her team.”
- “She was able to empathize with the challenges faced by her clients.”
- “Setting realistic goals helps keep individuals focused.”
- “His constructive feedback made a noticeable difference in my performance.”
Examiner Tips for High Scores
- Be Fluent and Coherent: Practice speaking fluently without pausing excessively. Organize your thoughts logically.
- Use a Rich Lexical Resource: Incorporate a wide range of vocabulary, including idiomatic expressions.
- Demonstrate Grammatical Range: Use varied sentence structures and tenses correctly.
- Clear Pronunciation: Pay attention to your intonation, stress, and rhythm.
Related Reading
- Describe a Time When You Were Very Satisfied with Your Work
- Describe a Time When You Were Inspired by Someone’s Actions
- Describe a Famous Person You Would Like to Meet
- The Importance of Soft Skills in the Workplace
- What Are Your Best Skills and Abilities?
By following these guidelines and engaging in regular practice, you can significantly improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking test. Remember that the key is to be confident, articulate, and expressive in your responses.