The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about people who have positively impacted our lives. One common topic is describing someone who excels at encouraging others. This article will guide you through answering such questions effectively, helping you achieve a high band score in your IELTS Speaking test.
Understanding the Topic
Describing a person who is very good at encouraging others is a popular subject in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows examiners to assess your ability to discuss personal experiences, express emotions, and use descriptive language. This topic has appeared frequently in past tests and is likely to remain relevant in future examinations.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about encouragement and supportive people. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:
Question: Do you think encouragement is important in daily life?
Answer: Absolutely! I believe encouragement plays a crucial role in our daily lives. It can boost morale, enhance productivity, and foster positive relationships. When people receive encouragement, they often feel more confident and motivated to tackle challenges. In my experience, even a small word of encouragement can make a significant difference in someone’s day or even their life.
Part 2: Long Turn
In this section, you’ll receive a cue card with a topic to speak about for 1-2 minutes. Here’s a sample cue card related to describing an encouraging person:
Cue Card
Describe a person who is very good at encouraging others.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What this person does to encourage others
- And explain why you think this person is good at encouraging others
Encouraging person giving support
Sample Answer
I’d like to talk about my high school English teacher, Mrs. Thompson, who excels at encouraging her students. I had the privilege of being in her class for two years during my junior and senior years of high school.
Mrs. Thompson has an innate ability to inspire confidence in her students. She does this through various means, but what stands out most is her genuine interest in each student’s progress. She always takes the time to provide detailed, constructive feedback on our work, highlighting not just areas for improvement but also our strengths.
One of her most effective encouragement techniques is setting achievable challenges for each student. She has a knack for identifying our individual potential and pushing us just beyond our comfort zones. This approach helps us grow without feeling overwhelmed.
Moreover, Mrs. Thompson creates a supportive classroom environment where students feel safe to take risks and make mistakes. She often says, “Mistakes are stepping stones to success,” which fosters a growth mindset among her students.
I believe Mrs. Thompson is exceptionally good at encouraging others because she combines empathy with high expectations. She truly understands the struggles students face but never lets us use them as excuses. Instead, she helps us see obstacles as opportunities for growth. Her encouragement isn’t just about making us feel good momentarily; it’s about empowering us to believe in ourselves and strive for continuous improvement.
Follow-up Questions
- How has Mrs. Thompson’s encouragement affected your academic performance?
Answer: Mrs. Thompson’s encouragement has had a profound impact on my academic performance. Her belief in my abilities boosted my confidence significantly, which in turn motivated me to put in extra effort in my studies. As a result, I saw a marked improvement in my grades, particularly in English. But more importantly, her encouragement fostered a love for learning that extended beyond just getting good grades. It instilled in me a desire for continuous self-improvement, which has been beneficial not just in academics but in various aspects of my life.
- Can you describe a specific instance where Mrs. Thompson’s encouragement made a difference?
Answer: Certainly. I recall a time when I was struggling with a particularly challenging essay. I was on the verge of giving up when Mrs. Thompson noticed my frustration. She sat down with me and, instead of simply telling me what to do, she asked thought-provoking questions that helped me approach the topic from a different angle. Her encouragement didn’t just help me complete the essay; it transformed my entire approach to writing. This experience boosted my confidence in tackling difficult tasks and taught me the value of perseverance.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions with sample answers:
Question 1: How important do you think encouragement is in a professional setting?
Answer: I believe encouragement is absolutely crucial in a professional environment. It can significantly impact employee morale, productivity, and overall job satisfaction. When managers or colleagues provide encouragement, it creates a positive work atmosphere where individuals feel valued and motivated to perform at their best.
Encouragement in the workplace can take various forms, such as recognizing achievements, providing constructive feedback, or offering support during challenging projects. These actions can boost an employee’s confidence and foster a sense of belonging within the organization.
Moreover, encouragement can promote innovation and creativity. When employees feel supported and encouraged to share their ideas without fear of criticism, it can lead to breakthrough solutions and improved processes.
However, it’s important to note that encouragement should be genuine and specific to be truly effective. Generic praise might not have the same impact as thoughtful, personalized encouragement that acknowledges an individual’s unique contributions and efforts.
Question 2: Do you think the ability to encourage others is an innate skill or can it be learned?
Answer: While some people may have a natural inclination towards being encouraging, I firmly believe that the ability to effectively encourage others is a skill that can be developed and honed over time.
Encouragement involves several components that can be learned and practiced. These include active listening, empathy, effective communication, and the ability to recognize and appreciate others’ efforts and achievements. These are all skills that can be improved with conscious effort and practice.
Moreover, understanding the psychology behind motivation and what drives different individuals can greatly enhance one’s ability to provide meaningful encouragement. This knowledge can be acquired through study and experience.
That being said, the effectiveness of encouragement often depends on its authenticity. While the techniques can be learned, the sincerity behind the encouragement is crucial. This is where those with a natural disposition towards encouragement might have an advantage. However, with genuine care and interest in others’ well-being, anyone can learn to be more encouraging.
In professional settings, many leadership training programs now include modules on how to effectively encourage and motivate team members, which further supports the idea that this is a learnable skill.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Innate ability (adjective + noun)
/ɪˈneɪt əˈbɪləti/
Definition: A natural or inborn talent or skill.
Example: She has an innate ability to make people feel at ease.Foster (verb)
/ˈfɒstə(r)/
Definition: To encourage the development of something, especially something desirable.
Example: The teacher’s approach fosters creativity in her students.Constructive feedback (adjective + noun)
/kənˈstrʌktɪv ˈfiːdbæk/
Definition: Helpful and useful criticism given to someone in a friendly and supportive way.
Example: The manager provided constructive feedback to help improve the project.Growth mindset (noun phrase)
/ɡrəʊθ ˈmaɪn(d)set/
Definition: The belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort, learning, and persistence.
Example: Adopting a growth mindset can lead to greater success in various aspects of life.Empowerment (noun)
/ɪmˈpaʊəmənt/
Definition: The process of becoming stronger and more confident, especially in controlling one’s life and claiming one’s rights.
Example: The company’s mentorship program focuses on employee empowerment.
Examiner’s Advice
To score high in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing an encouraging person:
Use a variety of descriptive language: Incorporate adjectives and adverbs to make your description vivid and engaging.
Provide specific examples: Instead of general statements, give concrete instances that illustrate the person’s encouraging nature.
Show, don’t just tell: Describe the person’s actions and their effects, rather than simply stating that they are encouraging.
Use advanced vocabulary: Incorporate sophisticated words and phrases relevant to the topic of encouragement and personal qualities.
Maintain fluency: Practice speaking on this topic to ensure you can talk smoothly without long pauses.
Develop your ideas: Don’t just list facts, but explain your thoughts and feelings about the person and their impact.
Use appropriate tenses: Be mindful of using the correct tenses when describing past events or ongoing qualities.
Remember, regular practice is key to improving your speaking skills. Try recording yourself answering these questions and listen back to identify areas for improvement.
For more tips on acing your IELTS Speaking test, check out our articles on describing a person who is very good at making others feel comfortable and describing a person who is very good at resolving conflicts.