The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about influential people in our lives. One common topic is describing a person who motivates you. This theme has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being a popular choice for examiners. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions related to this topic and maximize your speaking score.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In the first part of the speaking test, you may encounter questions like:

1. Do you have someone who motivates you in your life?
2. How does this person motivate you?
3. What qualities do you admire in motivational people?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:

Examiner: Do you have someone who motivates you in your life?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I do. My older sister is a big source of motivation for me. She’s always been there to support me and push me to do better in my studies and personal life.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely. I’d say my older sister has been an incredible source of inspiration for me throughout my life. Her unwavering support and ability to push me beyond my comfort zone have been instrumental in shaping my personal and academic growth. She’s not just a family member, but a role model who consistently exemplifies the values of hard work, perseverance, and compassion.

describe a person who motivates you to be successful

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card related to our topic:

Describe A Person Who Motivates You

You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What this person does
- And explain why this person motivates you

Band 6-7 Answer:
The person who motivates me is my high school English teacher, Mrs. Johnson. I met her when I was 15 years old, and she taught me for three years. Mrs. Johnson is a dedicated teacher who always goes above and beyond for her students. She motivates me because of her passion for teaching and her belief in her students’ potential. She encouraged me to pursue my dreams and helped me improve my English skills significantly.

Band 8-9 Answer:
The individual who profoundly motivates me is my high school English teacher, Mrs. Sarah Johnson. I had the privilege of being her student for three consecutive years, starting when I was 15. Mrs. Johnson is an exceptionally dedicated educator who consistently goes above and beyond the call of duty for her students.

Her role extends far beyond merely teaching English; she’s a mentor and a guiding light for many. What sets her apart is her unwavering commitment to nurturing not just our academic abilities, but also our personal growth. She organizes extracurricular activities, initiates community service projects, and even conducts one-on-one sessions with students who need extra support.

Mrs. Johnson’s infectious enthusiasm for literature and language is truly awe-inspiring. She has this remarkable ability to bring stories to life, making even the most challenging texts accessible and engaging. Her teaching methods are innovative and dynamic, often incorporating multimedia elements and real-world applications to make lessons more relatable.

The reason Mrs. Johnson motivates me so deeply is multi-faceted. Firstly, her unwavering belief in her students’ potential is incredibly empowering. She has this knack for identifying and nurturing individual strengths, which has helped me discover abilities I never knew I possessed. Secondly, her passion for her subject is contagious. Through her, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for literature and language that extends far beyond the classroom.

Moreover, Mrs. Johnson’s dedication to personal growth is truly inspiring. She constantly encourages us to step out of our comfort zones, take on new challenges, and learn from our failures. This approach has instilled in me a growth mindset that has been invaluable in all aspects of my life.

Lastly, her genuine care for her students’ well-being is deeply touching. She’s always there to offer support, whether it’s academic guidance or personal advice. This holistic approach to education has shown me the importance of balancing academic success with personal development and emotional well-being.

In essence, Mrs. Johnson epitomizes what it means to be not just a teacher, but a true mentor and inspiration. Her influence has been instrumental in shaping my academic journey, personal growth, and future aspirations.

Student inspired by dedicated teacher

Examiner’s follow-up questions:

1. How has this person’s motivation affected your life choices?
2. Do you think you could motivate others in the same way?

Band 6-7 Answer for question 1:
Mrs. Johnson’s motivation has greatly influenced my life choices. Because of her encouragement, I decided to study English literature at university. Her support gave me the confidence to pursue this path, even though it wasn’t a common choice among my peers.

Band 8-9 Answer for question 1:
Mrs. Johnson’s motivational influence has had a profound impact on my life trajectory. Her unwavering support and belief in my potential were instrumental in my decision to pursue English literature at university, a path less traveled among my peers. Beyond this academic choice, her emphasis on personal growth has instilled in me a lifelong love for learning and a commitment to continuous self-improvement. This mindset has permeated every aspect of my life, from my career choices to my personal relationships. Moreover, her example of dedication and passion for one’s vocation has inspired me to seek a career that aligns with my values and allows me to make a positive impact, much like she does through teaching.

describe a person who motivates you to pursue your passions

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: How do you think role models in society can motivate young people?

Band 6-7 Answer:
I believe role models in society can motivate young people in several ways. They can set good examples of success and hard work, which young people can try to follow. Role models can also show that it’s possible to overcome challenges and achieve goals, which can inspire young people to do the same in their own lives.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Role models in society can play a pivotal role in motivating young people through various means. Firstly, they serve as living proof of what can be achieved through dedication, perseverance, and hard work. This tangible evidence of success can be incredibly inspiring, sparking ambition and driving young individuals to set high goals for themselves.

Moreover, role models often share their journey, including the challenges they’ve faced and overcome. This transparency is crucial as it demystifies the path to success, showing young people that setbacks and failures are a normal part of any success story. It cultivates resilience and teaches the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity.

Additionally, role models can broaden horizons for young people, exposing them to diverse career paths, lifestyles, and possibilities they might not have considered otherwise. This expansion of perspective can be particularly impactful for youth from underprivileged backgrounds, opening doors they might have thought were closed to them.

Furthermore, when role models actively engage with young people through mentorship programs, public speaking, or community involvement, they create a powerful ripple effect. This direct interaction can provide guidance, boost confidence, and offer valuable networking opportunities, all of which are instrumental in a young person’s personal and professional development.

Lastly, role models who use their platform to advocate for social causes can inspire civic engagement and social responsibility among youth. This not only motivates young people to succeed individually but also encourages them to consider how they can contribute positively to society, fostering a new generation of socially conscious leaders.

describe a person who inspires you to give back to society

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Profoundly motivates /prəˈfaʊndli ˈməʊtɪveɪts/ (adv. + v.): Inspires deeply or significantly
   Example: “Her dedication to social causes profoundly motivates me to volunteer more.”

2. Unwavering commitment /ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ kəˈmɪtmənt/ (adj. + n.): Steady and determined dedication
   Example: “His unwavering commitment to environmental protection inspired the whole community.”

3. Infectious enthusiasm /ɪnˈfekʃəs ɪnˈθjuːziæzəm/ (adj. + n.): Excitement that spreads easily to others
   Example: “The coach’s infectious enthusiasm motivated the team to push harder during practice.”

4. Epitomizes /ɪˈpɪtəmaɪzɪz/ (v.): Represents or embodies perfectly
   Example: “She epitomizes the qualities of a great leader: vision, empathy, and decisiveness.”

5. Instrumental /ˌɪnstrəˈmentl/ (adj.): Serving as a means or influence in bringing about a result
   Example: “My mentor’s guidance was instrumental in my career success.”

describe a person who motivates you to take on new challenges

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a person who motivates you:

1. Use a variety of advanced vocabulary and complex sentence structures.
2. Provide specific examples and personal anecdotes to support your points.
3. Speak fluently and coherently, using appropriate linking words.
4. Show a range of grammatical structures and tenses accurately.
5. Pronounce words clearly and use natural intonation patterns.
6. Engage with the examiner and elaborate on your answers without going off-topic.

Remember to practice regularly, record yourself speaking, and listen back to identify areas for improvement. Familiarize yourself with common IELTS speaking topics and prepare some relevant examples and vocabulary in advance.

IELTS speaking practice session

By following these guidelines and continuously working on your English skills, you can significantly improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a person who motivates you.