Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe a Person Who Motivates You to Be Better

IELTS Mentor

2 months ago

The IELTS Speaking test often includes topics that allow candidates to showcase their ability to express personal experiences and opinions. One such topic that frequently appears is “describing a person who motivates you to be a better person.” This article will guide you through answering questions related to this theme, providing sample responses and detailed analysis to help you achieve a high score in your IELTS Speaking test.

Inspiring mentor guiding student

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask you some general questions about motivation and people who inspire you. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

Q: Do you have any role models?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I do. My role model is my high school teacher. She always encouraged me to work hard and believe in myself. I admire her dedication to teaching and how she helps students.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely. I find great inspiration in my former high school literature teacher. Her unwavering commitment to nurturing young minds and her ability to ignite passion for learning have profoundly influenced my personal and academic growth. What I admire most about her is not just her extensive knowledge, but her genuine interest in each student’s development, which has motivated me to strive for excellence in all aspects of my life.

Q: How important do you think it is to have someone who motivates you?

Band 6-7 Answer:
I think it’s very important to have someone who motivates you. They can help you when you feel down and push you to achieve your goals. It’s good to have support from others.

Band 8-9 Answer:
I believe having a motivational figure in one’s life is absolutely crucial. Such individuals serve as catalysts for personal growth and can be instrumental in shaping one’s character and aspirations. Their presence not only provides emotional support during challenging times but also pushes us beyond our perceived limitations. This external motivation often translates into intrinsic drive, helping us to cultivate resilience and maintain focus on our long-term objectives, ultimately leading to more significant personal and professional achievements.

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

In this part, you will be given a cue card with a topic and some bullet points. You’ll have one minute to prepare, and then you should speak for 1-2 minutes on the topic. Here’s a sample cue card:

Describe a person who motivates you to be a better person.
You should say:

Who this person is
How you know this person
What qualities this person has
And explain how this person motivates you to be better

Band 6-7 Sample Answer:

The person who motivates me to be better is my older sister, Sarah. I’ve known her all my life, of course, as we grew up together. Sarah is five years older than me, so she’s always been someone I look up to.

Sarah has many great qualities. She’s very hardworking and always tries her best in everything she does. She’s also kind and always helps others when she can. I really admire how she balances her work and personal life.

She motivates me to be better in many ways. Firstly, seeing her success in her career makes me want to work harder in my studies and future job. She always encourages me to set high goals for myself and not give up when things get tough. Sarah also teaches me the importance of being kind to others and giving back to the community.

Whenever I face challenges, I think about how Sarah would handle them. This helps me to approach problems more positively and find solutions. Her support and advice have been really valuable to me, especially when I’m making important decisions.

In short, my sister Sarah is a great role model for me. Her positive attitude and achievements inspire me to become a better person every day.

Band 8-9 Sample Answer:

The individual who profoundly inspires me to continually improve myself is my mentor, Dr. Emily Chen, whom I had the privilege of meeting during my undergraduate studies. As a distinguished professor in my field of study, Dr. Chen quickly became a pivotal figure in my academic and personal development.

Dr. Chen possesses an extraordinary array of qualities that make her an exceptional role model. Her intellectual prowess is matched only by her unwavering commitment to her students and research. What truly sets her apart, however, is her remarkable ability to balance academic rigor with genuine compassion. She consistently demonstrates impeccable integrity in her work and interpersonal relationships, which has significantly influenced my own ethical standards.

The way Dr. Chen motivates me to be better is multifaceted and profound. Firstly, her relentless pursuit of knowledge and innovation in our field ignites my own intellectual curiosity, pushing me to delve deeper into my studies and research. Her approach to problem-solving, which involves viewing challenges as opportunities for growth, has revolutionized my mindset towards obstacles in both my personal and professional life.

Moreover, Dr. Chen’s dedication to mentoring extends far beyond academic guidance. She consistently encourages me to step out of my comfort zone, whether it’s presenting at conferences or taking on leadership roles in research projects. Her belief in my abilities, often surpassing my own self-confidence, has been instrumental in helping me overcome self-doubt and reach for higher goals.

Perhaps most importantly, Dr. Chen’s commitment to using her expertise for the betterment of society has inspired me to consider the broader impact of my work. She often emphasizes the importance of ethical responsibility in our field, which has profoundly shaped my perspective on the role of professionals in addressing global challenges.

In essence, Dr. Chen’s influence on my personal and professional growth has been transformative. Her exemplary character, combined with her unwavering support and guidance, continually motivates me to strive for excellence, not just for personal gain, but to make a meaningful contribution to my field and society at large.

Follow-up Questions:

What specific actions has this person taken that have motivated you?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Dr. Chen has done many things to motivate me. She’s given me chances to work on important research projects and has always been there to answer my questions. She also encouraged me to apply for scholarships and internships that I didn’t think I could get.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Dr. Chen has taken numerous concrete actions that have significantly motivated my personal and professional growth. Notably, she actively involved me in cutting-edge research projects, providing me with hands-on experience in our field. She has also consistently advocated for my participation in prestigious conferences, pushing me to present our findings to a wider academic audience. Furthermore, Dr. Chen has gone above and beyond by connecting me with her professional network, opening doors to invaluable opportunities such as internships and collaborations with industry leaders. Her personalized mentorship sessions, where she offers candid feedback on my work and career trajectory, have been instrumental in shaping my academic and professional aspirations.

Do you think you could have the same impact on someone else’s life?

Band 6-7 Answer:
I hope I can have a similar impact on others. I try to be supportive and encouraging to my friends and younger students. I think if I keep working hard and developing good qualities, I might be able to inspire others in the future.

Band 8-9 Answer:
I believe that with continued personal growth and dedication, I could indeed have a comparable positive influence on others’ lives. While I may not yet possess the wealth of experience and wisdom that Dr. Chen does, I am consciously striving to embody the qualities I admire in her. I’m actively seeking opportunities to mentor younger students in my field, offering guidance and support where I can. Moreover, I’m committed to cultivating the empathy, integrity, and intellectual curiosity that make Dr. Chen such an inspiring figure. As I progress in my career, I aspire to create a ripple effect of positive influence, passing on the valuable lessons and motivation I’ve received to future generations of professionals in our field.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner will ask you more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

Q: What qualities do you think make someone a good role model?

Band 6-7 Answer:
I think good role models should be honest and hardworking. They should also be kind to others and have strong values. It’s important that they can overcome difficulties and show others how to do the same. Good communication skills are also valuable for a role model.

Band 8-9 Answer:
I believe that exemplary role models possess a multifaceted set of qualities that inspire and guide others. Foremost among these is integrity – the consistent adherence to strong moral and ethical principles, which forms the foundation of their actions and decisions. Equally important is their resilience in the face of adversity, demonstrating the ability to persevere and grow through challenges.

A truly impactful role model also exhibits empathy and compassion, showing genuine concern for others’ well-being and actively contributing to their community. They often possess exceptional communication skills, enabling them to articulate their ideas effectively and inspire others through their words and actions.

Furthermore, outstanding role models typically demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning and personal growth. This intellectual curiosity and willingness to evolve not only keeps them relevant but also encourages others to embrace continuous self-improvement.

Lastly, I believe that great role models should have the humility to acknowledge their own limitations and mistakes. This authenticity makes them more relatable and teaches others the importance of self-reflection and learning from failures.

Q: How has the concept of role models changed in recent years with the rise of social media?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Social media has changed how we see role models a lot. Now, many people look up to influencers and celebrities on platforms like Instagram and YouTube. This can be good because it’s easier to connect with role models, but it can also be bad because some influencers might not be good examples. People need to be careful about who they choose as role models on social media.

Band 8-9 Answer:
The advent of social media has fundamentally transformed the landscape of role models in recent years, bringing about both positive developments and concerning trends. On one hand, social media has democratized influence, allowing individuals from diverse backgrounds to share their stories and inspire others on a global scale. This has led to a more inclusive representation of role models, giving voice to previously underrepresented groups and causes.

However, this shift has also introduced challenges. The ephemeral nature of social media fame often elevates individuals to role model status based on superficial metrics like follower count or viral content, rather than substantive achievements or character. This can lead to the glorification of lifestyle over substance, potentially skewing young people’s perceptions of success and worth.

Moreover, the curated nature of social media personas can create unrealistic expectations and foster a culture of comparison. Role models on these platforms may present idealized versions of their lives, which can be detrimental to the self-esteem and mental health of their followers.

On a more positive note, social media has facilitated direct interaction between role models and their admirers, allowing for more immediate and personal connections. This accessibility can enhance the impact of positive role models, providing real-time guidance and support.

In conclusion, while social media has expanded the pool of potential role models and increased accessibility, it has also necessitated a more critical and discerning approach to identifying truly inspirational figures. The challenge lies in navigating this new landscape to find authentic, substantive role models amidst the noise of viral content and carefully crafted online personas.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

Unwavering commitment [ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ kəˈmɪtmənt] (noun phrase): Steady and strong dedication.
Example: Her unwavering commitment to environmental causes inspired many to join the movement.
Catalysts for personal growth [ˈkætəlɪsts fɔːr ˈpɜːrsənl ɡroʊθ] (noun phrase): People or things that stimulate development.
Example: Challenging experiences often serve as catalysts for personal growth.
Instrumental [ˌɪnstrəˈmentl] (adjective): Playing an important role in making something happen.
Example: His guidance was instrumental in shaping my career path.
Profoundly [prəˈfaʊndli] (adverb): Deeply or extremely.
Example: Her words profoundly affected my perspective on life.
Intellectual prowess [ˌɪntəˈlektʃuəl ˈpraʊəs] (noun phrase): Exceptional mental ability.
Example: The professor’s intellectual prowess was evident in his groundbreaking research.
Multifaceted [ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd] (adjective): Having many different aspects or features.
Example: She has a multifaceted approach to problem-solving, considering various angles.
Exemplary [ɪɡˈzempləri] (adjective): Serving as a desirable model; very good.
Example: His exemplary behavior set a high standard for his colleagues.
Persevere [ˌpɜːrsəˈvɪr] (verb): To continue doing something despite difficulties.
Example: Despite numerous setbacks, she persevered and eventually achieved her goal.

Examiner’s Advice

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

Develop your answers: Provide detailed responses with specific examples and personal experiences.
Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions naturally in your speech.
Maintain fluency: Practice speaking on various topics to improve your ability to express ideas smoothly and coherently.
Show critical thinking: In Part 3, demonstrate your ability to analyze abstract concepts and provide well-reasoned opinions.
Work on pronunciation: Focus on clear articulation and natural intonation to enhance the overall quality of your speech.
Stay relevant: Ensure your answers directly address the questions asked and stay on topic throughout your response.
Practice regularly: Engage in mock speaking tests and record yourself to identify areas for improvement.

By following these tips and utilizing the sample answers and vocabulary provided, you can significantly enhance your performance in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing motivational figures in your life.

For more guidance on improving your IELTS Speaking skills, check out these related articles:

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about memorizing answers, but about developing the ability to express your thoughts clearly, confidently, and authentically.