Introduction and Part 1: Common Questions
The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about people who have influenced or inspired us. This topic allows candidates to showcase their ability to describe personal experiences and emotions while demonstrating their English language skills. Let’s explore some common questions you might encounter in Part 1 and how to answer them effectively.
Sample Question: Who motivates you in your life?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“My older sister is a great source of motivation for me. She’s always been hardworking and successful in her career, which inspires me to do better in my own life. I admire how she balances her work and personal life, and I try to learn from her example.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I find myself profoundly inspired by my grandfather, who has been a pillar of strength in our family. His unwavering determination in the face of adversity and his commitment to lifelong learning have been truly motivational. His journey from a small village to becoming a respected community leader has taught me the value of perseverance and the importance of continuous self-improvement.”
Grandfather inspiring grandson during IELTS speaking test
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a person who motivates you to be a better version of yourself.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What qualities this person has
- And explain how this person motivates you
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
“I’d like to talk about my high school English teacher, Mrs. Anderson, who has been a significant source of inspiration in my life. I first met her when I was 15, struggling with self-confidence and unsure about my academic abilities.
Mrs. Anderson stood out from other teachers due to her exceptional qualities. She possessed an infectious enthusiasm for learning that sparked curiosity in her students. Her unwavering belief in each student’s potential was truly remarkable. She had this innate ability to identify and nurture individual strengths, which made every student feel valued.
What sets Mrs. Anderson apart is her approach to motivation. Rather than pushing for perfect grades, she encouraged personal growth and critical thinking. She would often challenge us with thought-provoking questions that went beyond the textbook, fostering a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
Her impact on my life has been profound. Mrs. Anderson’s faith in my abilities gave me the confidence to pursue my dreams. She instilled in me a love for the English language that has shaped my career choices. Her emphasis on continuous improvement has become a guiding principle in my life.
Mrs. Anderson motivates me to be a better version of myself by leading by example. Her dedication to lifelong learning and her genuine care for her students’ success inspire me to strive for excellence in all areas of my life. Whenever I face challenges, I often find myself thinking, ‘What would Mrs. Anderson advise?’ This mental exercise helps me approach problems with a more positive and solution-oriented mindset.
In essence, Mrs. Anderson’s influence extends far beyond the classroom. She has taught me that true motivation comes from within, and that with the right mindset and perseverance, we can achieve things we never thought possible.”
Inspiring teacher motivating student during IELTS speaking test
Follow-up Questions
- How has this person’s influence changed over time?
- Do you think you’ll have a similar impact on others in the future?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Mrs. Anderson’s influence has grown stronger over time. As I’ve faced more challenges in life, I’ve come to appreciate her lessons more. Her words of encouragement still motivate me today.”
“I hope to have a positive impact on others like Mrs. Anderson did for me. I try to be supportive and encouraging to my friends and colleagues, sharing what I learned from her.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“The impact of Mrs. Anderson’s influence has evolved significantly over time. Initially, her guidance was crucial for my academic success, but as I’ve progressed in my career, I’ve found her lessons on resilience and critical thinking to be invaluable in navigating professional challenges. Her influence has transcended the classroom, shaping my approach to lifelong learning and personal growth.”
“I aspire to emulate Mrs. Anderson’s positive influence in my own interactions with others. I’ve made a conscious effort to incorporate her supportive and empowering approach in my role as a team leader at work. By fostering an environment that encourages innovation and personal development, I hope to pay forward the invaluable mentorship I received and create a ripple effect of positive motivation.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: Do you think people need external motivation to succeed?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I believe external motivation can be helpful, but it’s not always necessary. Some people are naturally self-motivated and can achieve their goals without much outside encouragement. However, for many others, having someone to support and push them can make a big difference in their success.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“While internal drive is undoubtedly crucial for long-term success, I believe that external motivation can play a pivotal role in an individual’s journey towards achievement. External motivators, such as mentors, role models, or supportive peers, can provide valuable perspective and encouragement, especially during challenging times. They can help reframe obstacles as opportunities and offer fresh insights that an individual might not have considered.
However, it’s important to note that the most effective motivation is often a synergy between internal and external factors. External motivation can catalyze latent internal drive, helping individuals tap into their own reserves of determination and resilience. Ultimately, while external motivation can be a powerful catalyst, it’s the internalization of this motivation that leads to sustained success and personal growth.”
Examiner: How do cultural differences affect the way people motivate others?
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Cultural differences can have a profound impact on motivational strategies and their effectiveness. In collectivist cultures, for instance, motivation often centers around group harmony and collective achievement. Here, emphasizing how an individual’s efforts contribute to the greater good can be highly motivating. Conversely, in more individualistic societies, personal achievement and self-actualization tend to be stronger motivators.
Moreover, the expression of motivation can vary significantly across cultures. Some cultures value direct praise and open recognition, while others might find this approach uncomfortable, preferring more subtle forms of acknowledgment. The concept of face, particularly important in many Asian cultures, can influence how feedback is given and received, affecting motivational approaches.
It’s also worth noting that power distance, a cultural dimension defined by Hofstede, plays a role in how motivation is perceived and delivered. In high power distance cultures, motivation might come more frequently from authority figures, while in low power distance cultures, peer motivation might be equally or more influential.
Understanding these cultural nuances is crucial for effectively motivating diverse groups of people. It requires cultural intelligence and adaptability to tailor motivational strategies that resonate with individuals from different cultural backgrounds, ensuring that the intended encouragement is received positively and achieves its desired effect.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Profound impact /prəˈfaʊnd ɪmpækt/ (adj + n): Having a deep and significant effect.
Example: “Her mentor’s guidance had a profound impact on her career choices.”Catalyst /ˈkætəlɪst/ (n): A person or thing that precipitates an event or change.
Example: “The challenging project acted as a catalyst for improving our teamwork skills.”Synergy /ˈsɪnədʒi/ (n): The interaction of elements that when combined produce a total effect greater than the sum of the individual elements.
Example: “The synergy between his creativity and her practicality led to innovative solutions.”Unwavering determination /ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ dɪˌtɜːrmɪˈneɪʃn/ (adj + n): Steady and persistent resolve.
Example: “His unwavering determination in the face of adversity was truly inspirational.”To foster /ˈfɔːstər/ (v): To encourage or promote the development of something.
Example: “Good leaders foster an environment of trust and open communication.”To emulate /ˈemjuleɪt/ (v): To try to equal or excel; to imitate with effort to equal or surpass.
Example: “Many young entrepreneurs try to emulate the success of tech giants like Steve Jobs.”
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a person who motivates you:
Prepare diverse examples: Have several examples ready of people who inspire you, ranging from personal acquaintances to public figures.
Use descriptive language: Employ a variety of adjectives and idiomatic expressions to vividly portray the person’s qualities and impact.
Structure your response: Organize your thoughts logically, covering who the person is, their qualities, and how they motivate you.
Practice speaking fluently: Work on reducing hesitations and fillers. Aim for smooth transitions between ideas.
Develop your ideas: Don’t just state facts; explain your thoughts and provide specific examples to support your points.
Show reflection: Demonstrate critical thinking by discussing how the person’s influence has affected you over time or in different aspects of your life.
Be authentic: While it’s good to use advanced vocabulary, ensure your response sounds natural and genuine to your personal experience.
Remember, the key to a high score is not just about using complex language, but about communicating your ideas clearly, coherently, and with depth. Regular practice with these tips in mind will help you improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking test.