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

The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about people who have influenced our lives positively. One common topic is describing a person who motivates you to be successful. This theme has appeared frequently in past IELTS exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions related to this topic and achieve a high score in your IELTS Speaking exam.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask you some general questions about motivation and success. Here are a few examples:

1. Do you find it easy to stay motivated?
2. What do you think motivates people to be successful?
3. Who do you think is a successful person in your country?

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

Examiner: Do you find it easy to stay motivated?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“To be honest, staying motivated can be quite challenging at times. I find that my motivation levels tend to fluctuate depending on various factors, such as my workload, personal circumstances, and even the weather. However, I’ve developed some strategies to help me stay on track. For instance, I often set small, achievable goals for myself and reward my progress, which helps me maintain my motivation. Additionally, I try to surround myself with positive people who inspire me to keep pushing forward, even when things get tough.”

Part 2: Long Turn

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

Describe A Person Who Motivates You To Be Successful

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

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to talk about my uncle, John, who has been a tremendous source of inspiration and motivation for me throughout my life. I’ve known him since I was a child, as he’s my mother’s younger brother and has always been closely involved with our family.

John is a successful entrepreneur who started his own technology company from scratch about fifteen years ago. What’s truly remarkable about his journey is that he began with very little capital and faced numerous challenges in the early stages of his business. Despite these obstacles, he persevered and eventually turned his small startup into a thriving enterprise that now employs over 200 people.

What motivates me most about John is his unwavering determination and positive attitude in the face of adversity. He has taught me that success is not just about having a great idea or being exceptionally talented, but rather about persistence, hard work, and the ability to learn from failures. John often shares stories about the setbacks he encountered and how he used them as stepping stones to improve and grow.

Moreover, John’s success hasn’t changed his humble and kind nature. He actively gives back to the community by mentoring young entrepreneurs and supporting various charitable causes. This aspect of his character has instilled in me the importance of using one’s success to make a positive impact on others.

In essence, John motivates me to be successful because he embodies the qualities I aspire to develop: resilience, innovation, and compassion. His example shows me that with the right mindset and dedication, it’s possible to achieve great things while remaining true to one’s values. Whenever I face challenges in my own pursuits, I often think of John’s journey and find the strength to persevere and keep working towards my goals.”

Motivational uncle inspiring young entrepreneur

Follow-up questions:

1. How has this person’s influence changed your approach to challenges?
2. Can you give an example of a time when you applied the lessons learned from this person?

Sample answers (Band 8-9):

1. “John’s influence has profoundly transformed my approach to challenges. Instead of viewing obstacles as insurmountable barriers, I now see them as opportunities for growth and learning. His example has taught me to embrace difficulties with a positive mindset and to actively seek solutions rather than dwelling on problems. This shift in perspective has made me more resilient and adaptable in both my personal and professional life.”

2. “Certainly! There was a time when I was working on a group project at university, and we encountered significant difficulties in coordinating our efforts and meeting deadlines. Drawing inspiration from John’s experiences, I took the initiative to implement a structured approach to our teamwork. I suggested breaking down the project into smaller, manageable tasks and establishing clear communication channels. This methodical strategy, which I learned from observing John’s business practices, helped us overcome our challenges and successfully complete the project ahead of schedule.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some examples:

Examiner: Do you think success is mainly due to hard work or natural talent?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“While natural talent undoubtedly plays a role in success, I believe that hard work is the more crucial factor. Talent may provide an initial advantage, but it’s the consistent effort and dedication that truly sets successful people apart. History is replete with examples of individuals who achieved greatness through perseverance rather than innate ability alone.

Moreover, hard work often leads to the development of skills that can compensate for or even surpass natural talent. It also fosters important qualities like resilience and problem-solving abilities, which are essential for long-term success. In today’s rapidly changing world, the capacity to adapt and continuously learn through hard work is arguably more valuable than static talent.

That being said, I think the ideal scenario is when natural talent is combined with hard work. This combination can lead to exceptional achievements and innovations that push the boundaries of what’s possible in any field.”

Examiner: How do you think society’s definition of success has changed over the years?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“The definition of success has undergone a significant transformation over the years, reflecting broader changes in societal values and priorities. In the past, success was often equated primarily with financial wealth and professional status. People typically measured success by one’s income, job title, or material possessions.

However, in recent years, there’s been a notable shift towards a more holistic view of success. Many people now place greater emphasis on factors such as work-life balance, personal fulfillment, and positive impact on society. This change is partly driven by increased awareness of mental health issues and the recognition that material success doesn’t necessarily equate to happiness or well-being.

Additionally, the rise of social media and the gig economy has redefined traditional career paths, leading to new measures of success. For instance, having a large online following or the freedom to work remotely might be considered successful in today’s digital age.

Furthermore, there’s growing acknowledgment of the importance of sustainable success – not just individual achievements, but also how one’s success contributes to the well-being of communities and the planet. This has led to a greater focus on ethical business practices and social responsibility as components of success.

In essence, while financial stability remains important, the modern definition of success tends to be more multifaceted and personalized, encompassing personal growth, social impact, and overall life satisfaction.”

Modern success concept emphasizing work-life balance

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Tremendous source of inspiration (phrase) – /trəˈmendəs sɔːrs əv ˌɪnspɪˈreɪʃn/: A great cause of motivation or stimulation.
   Example: “My grandmother’s resilience has been a tremendous source of inspiration throughout my life.”

2. Persevere (verb) – /ˌpɜːsɪˈvɪə(r)/: To continue trying to do something despite difficulties.
   Example: “Despite numerous setbacks, she persevered and eventually achieved her goals.”

3. Unwavering determination (phrase) – /ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ dɪˌtɜːmɪˈneɪʃn/: Firm resolution that doesn’t change or become weaker.
   Example: “His unwavering determination in the face of adversity was truly admirable.”

4. Stepping stones (idiom) – /ˈstepɪŋ stəʊnz/: Things that help you to progress towards a goal.
   Example: “She viewed each small achievement as stepping stones towards her ultimate career objectives.”

5. Instill (verb) – /ɪnˈstɪl/: To gradually but firmly establish an idea or attitude in a person’s mind.
   Example: “Good mentors instill confidence and a strong work ethic in their protégés.”

6. Profoundly transformed (phrase) – /prəˈfaʊndli trænsˈfɔːmd/: Deeply or significantly changed.
   Example: “The experience profoundly transformed her outlook on life and her future goals.”

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing a person who motivates you to be successful:

1. Provide specific examples: Don’t just state facts; illustrate your points with concrete situations or experiences.

2. Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions naturally into your responses.

3. Demonstrate critical thinking: Show depth in your answers by analyzing why this person motivates you and how their influence has shaped your own approach to success.

4. Maintain fluency: Practice speaking on this topic to ensure you can discuss it smoothly and confidently.

5. Engage with the questions: Listen carefully to the examiner’s questions and address all parts in your responses.

6. Show personality: While maintaining professionalism, let your genuine admiration and personal connection to the subject shine through in your answers.

Remember, consistent practice and exposure to English are key to improving your speaking skills. Consider discussing motivational figures with friends or language exchange partners to gain more confidence in articulating your thoughts on this topic.

For more tips on improving your IELTS Speaking performance, you might find these resources helpful:

• Describe a time when you felt nervous before an important event
• Describe a person who has achieved success through hard work
• Describe a person who motivates you to pursue your passions

By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss motivational figures and achieve a high score in your IELTS Speaking test.