The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about influential people in our lives. One common topic is describing someone who motivates you to achieve your goals. This theme allows candidates to showcase their language skills while discussing personal experiences and inspirations. Let’s explore how to excel in answering such questions across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about motivation and people who inspire you. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Sample Question 1: 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 supportive and pushes me to do my best.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Absolutely. I’d say my older sister has been an immense source of inspiration for me throughout my life. She’s not only incredibly supportive but also consistently challenges me to push my boundaries and strive for excellence in everything I do.”
Sample Question 2: How do people usually motivate others?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“People often motivate others by giving encouragement and setting a good example. They might also offer advice or help when needed.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“There are various ways people can motivate others. Some lead by example, demonstrating what’s possible through their own achievements. Others might offer words of encouragement or constructive feedback. Additionally, some people motivate by providing mentorship or creating supportive environments that foster growth and development.”
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic to speak about for 1-2 minutes. Here’s a sample cue card related to our theme:
Cue Card:
Describe a person who motivates you to achieve your goals. You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What goals this person has motivated you to achieve
- And explain why this person motivates you
Band 6-7 Sample Answer:
“The person who motivates me to achieve my goals is my university professor, Dr. Smith. I met her during my first year of college when I took her Introduction to Psychology course. She has motivated me to pursue a career in research psychology.
Dr. Smith motivates me because she’s very passionate about her work and always encourages students to think critically. She helped me realize my potential in the field and supported my decision to apply for internships.
Her enthusiasm for psychology is contagious, and she always shares interesting studies and findings with us. This has inspired me to read more about psychology outside of class and consider pursuing a Ph.D. in the future.
Dr. Smith also provides practical advice on how to succeed in academia and research. She’s helped me improve my writing skills and taught me how to design effective experiments. Her guidance has been invaluable in shaping my academic and career goals.”
Band 8-9 Sample Answer:
“I’d like to talk about my university professor, Dr. Emily Smith, who has been an extraordinary source of motivation in my academic journey. I first encountered her during my freshman year when I enrolled in her Introduction to Psychology course, and since then, she has become a pivotal figure in shaping my career aspirations.
Dr. Smith has been instrumental in motivating me to pursue a career in research psychology. Her unwavering passion for the subject and her ability to inspire critical thinking have been truly transformative. She possesses an uncanny ability to recognize potential in her students, and in my case, she identified and nurtured my aptitude for psychological research.
What sets Dr. Smith apart is her infectious enthusiasm for psychology. She consistently goes above and beyond the curriculum, sharing cutting-edge studies and groundbreaking findings that ignite curiosity and foster a deep love for the subject. This has not only motivated me to immerse myself in extracurricular reading but has also planted the seed for my ambition to pursue a Ph.D. in the future.
Moreover, Dr. Smith’s motivation extends beyond mere encouragement. She provides invaluable practical guidance on navigating the complexities of academia and research. Under her tutelage, I’ve honed my academic writing skills and learned the intricacies of designing robust experiments. Her mentorship has been pivotal in cultivating the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful career in psychology.
In essence, Dr. Smith motivates me because she embodies the perfect blend of passion, expertise, and mentorship. Her unwavering belief in my abilities, coupled with her practical support, has not only helped me set ambitious goals but has also given me the confidence to pursue them relentlessly.”
Follow-up Questions:
- How has this person’s motivation affected your life choices?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Dr. Smith’s motivation has greatly influenced my career path. Because of her, I’ve decided to focus on research psychology and am considering graduate school.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Dr. Smith’s influence has been profoundly transformative in shaping my life choices. Her motivation has catalyzed a shift in my career aspirations, steering me towards a path in research psychology. Moreover, her guidance has instilled in me a deep-seated passion for academic pursuit, prompting me to seriously contemplate pursuing a Ph.D. This shift isn’t merely academic; it’s a holistic transformation of my outlook on personal and professional growth.”
- Do you think you could achieve your goals without this person’s motivation?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“It would be much harder without Dr. Smith’s motivation. I might have chosen a different path or not aimed as high in my studies and career.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“While I believe in personal drive, I must acknowledge that Dr. Smith’s motivation has been instrumental in accelerating my growth and broadening my horizons. Without her influence, I might have pursued a less ambitious path or failed to recognize my full potential in this field. Her motivation has not only set me on this trajectory but has also equipped me with the tools and confidence to navigate the challenges ahead. In essence, while I might have achieved some goals independently, the scope and scale of my ambitions have been significantly enhanced by her guidance.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this part, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Question 1: How important is it to have role models in life?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I think role models are very important. They can show us what’s possible and inspire us to work hard. Good role models can teach us valuable lessons and help us avoid mistakes.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“The significance of role models in shaping one’s life trajectory cannot be overstated. Role models serve as living embodiments of possibility, demonstrating what can be achieved through dedication and perseverance. They offer tangible examples of success, providing a blueprint for personal and professional growth. Moreover, role models can serve as beacons of inspiration during challenging times, reminding us of our potential and motivating us to persevere. Their experiences, both successes and failures, offer invaluable lessons that can help us navigate our own paths more effectively, potentially avoiding pitfalls and capitalizing on opportunities we might otherwise overlook.”
Question 2: Do you think the way people motivate others has changed over time?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I think it has changed. In the past, motivation was often more about strict discipline. Now, it’s more about encouragement and positive reinforcement. Technology has also changed how we motivate others, with social media and apps playing a big role.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“The evolution of motivational techniques over time reflects broader societal and technological changes. Historically, motivation often relied on hierarchical structures and rigid disciplinary approaches. However, there’s been a paradigm shift towards more holistic and positive reinforcement strategies. Modern motivational techniques tend to emphasize personal growth, emotional intelligence, and intrinsic motivation rather than purely extrinsic factors.
The digital age has also revolutionized the landscape of motivation. Social media platforms and mobile applications have created new avenues for instant feedback, peer recognition, and community-based motivation. These technological tools allow for more personalized and data-driven approaches to motivation, tailoring strategies to individual needs and preferences.
Moreover, there’s an increasing recognition of the importance of work-life balance and mental health in motivational strategies. This has led to a more nuanced understanding of what drives people, acknowledging that motivation is not a one-size-fits-all concept but rather a complex interplay of personal, professional, and societal factors.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Pivotal figure [ˈpɪvətl ˈfɪɡər] (noun phrase): A person who plays a crucial role in a situation or process.
Example: “My mentor was a pivotal figure in shaping my career path.” -
Instrumental [ˌɪnstrəˈmentl] (adjective): Very important in making something happen.
Example: “Her advice was instrumental in my decision to pursue further studies.” -
Unwavering [ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ] (adjective): Steady and determined.
Example: “His unwavering support helped me through difficult times.” -
Catalyze [ˈkætəlaɪz] (verb): To cause or accelerate a process or action.
Example: “Her encouragement catalyzed my interest in scientific research.” -
Profound impact [prəˈfaʊnd ˈɪmpækt] (noun phrase): A deep and significant effect.
Example: “The professor’s guidance had a profound impact on my academic journey.” -
Nurture potential [ˈnɜːrtʃər pəˈtenʃl] (verb phrase): To encourage and develop someone’s abilities.
Example: “Good mentors know how to nurture potential in their students.”
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a person who motivates you:
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Use a range of vocabulary and avoid repetition. Incorporate advanced words and phrases naturally into your responses.
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Develop your ideas fully. Don’t just state facts; explain your thoughts and provide examples.
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Use a variety of grammatical structures, including complex sentences.
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Maintain fluency by speaking at a natural pace without long pauses.
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Show your ability to discuss abstract concepts, especially in Part 3.
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Practice speaking on various topics to improve your confidence and fluency.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about having good English skills, but also about effectively communicating your ideas and experiences.
For more tips on describing inspirational figures, you might find these resources helpful:
- Describe a person who inspires you to improve yourself
- Describe a person who motivates you to pursue your dreams
By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you can enhance your performance in the IELTS Speaking test and effectively describe a person who motivates you to achieve your goals.