Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe a Person Who Motivates You to Be Your Best Self

As an experienced IELTS Speaking examiner, I understand the importance of this topic in the IELTS Speaking test. “Describe A Person Who Motivates You To Be Your Best Self” is a common theme that frequently appears in Part 2 of the Speaking test. It’s essential to be well-prepared for this topic as it allows you to showcase your language skills while discussing personal experiences and relationships.

Motivational mentor guiding student

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask you some general questions about motivation and role models. Here are a few potential questions:

1. Do you think it’s important to have role models?
2. Who do you admire most in your family?
3. How do you motivate yourself to achieve your goals?

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

Examiner: Do you think it’s important to have role models?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely! I believe having role models is crucial for personal growth. They can serve as inspiration and provide us with valuable insights into how to overcome challenges and achieve success. Role models can motivate us to push our boundaries and strive for excellence in various aspects of life.”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Without a doubt, I consider having role models to be paramount in one’s personal and professional development. These individuals can serve as beacons of inspiration, offering us invaluable insights into navigating life’s complexities and attaining success. By observing their journey and learning from their experiences, we can gain the motivation to transcend our perceived limitations and aspire to excellence in all our endeavors.”

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Now, let’s move on to Part 2, where you’ll be given a cue card related to the topic. Here’s a sample cue card:

Describe a person who motivates you to be your best self

You should say:

• Who this person is
• How you know this person
• What qualities this person has
• And explain why this person motivates you to be your best self

Remember, you have one minute to prepare and should speak for 1-2 minutes.

Sample answer (Band 7-8):

“I’d like to talk about my university professor, Dr. Sarah Thompson, who has been a significant source of motivation for me. I first met her during my second year of college when I took her advanced psychology course.

Dr. Thompson stands out for her exceptional qualities. She’s incredibly knowledgeable in her field and has a passion for teaching that’s truly infectious. What I admire most about her is her unwavering dedication to her students’ success and her ability to bring out the best in each of us.

She motivates me to be my best self in several ways. Firstly, her high standards and constructive feedback push me to constantly improve my work. She always encourages critical thinking and isn’t satisfied with surface-level analysis. This has helped me develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter and improved my analytical skills.

Moreover, Dr. Thompson’s own achievements in research and academia inspire me to set ambitious goals for myself. She’s a living example of how hard work and passion can lead to success in one’s chosen field.

Lastly, her genuine interest in her students’ progress and well-being makes me feel valued and supported. This positive reinforcement motivates me to put in my best effort, not just in academics but in all aspects of my life.

In conclusion, Dr. Thompson’s influence has been transformative, motivating me to strive for excellence and believe in my potential to make a meaningful impact in my field.”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to discuss my university professor, Dr. Sarah Thompson, who has been an instrumental figure in shaping my academic and personal growth. I had the privilege of encountering her during my sophomore year when I enrolled in her advanced psychology course.

Dr. Thompson is a paragon of academic excellence and possesses a multitude of admirable qualities. Her encyclopedic knowledge of psychology is matched only by her fervent passion for pedagogy, which never fails to captivate and inspire her students. What I find most remarkable about her is her unyielding commitment to nurturing her students’ potential and her innate ability to elicit the very best from each individual under her tutelage.

Her influence in motivating me to be my best self is multifaceted. Primarily, her rigorous academic standards and incisive feedback continually challenge me to elevate the quality of my work. She consistently fosters an environment of intellectual curiosity and eschews superficial understanding, which has significantly enhanced my analytical capabilities and deepened my comprehension of complex psychological concepts.

Furthermore, Dr. Thompson’s illustrious career in research and academia serves as a beacon of inspiration, prompting me to set ambitious yet attainable goals for my own future. She embodies the principle that unwavering dedication and genuine passion are the cornerstones of success in any chosen field.

Perhaps most importantly, her sincere investment in her students’ holistic development creates an atmosphere of support and validation. This positive reinforcement has been a catalyst for my personal growth, motivating me to exert maximum effort not just in my academic pursuits, but across all facets of my life.

In essence, Dr. Thompson’s influence has been nothing short of transformative. She has instilled in me a drive for excellence and a profound belief in my capacity to make meaningful contributions to the field of psychology and beyond.”

Follow-up questions:

1. How has this person’s influence changed your perspective on your career goals?
2. Can you describe a specific instance where this person’s advice helped you overcome a challenge?

Sample answer for question 1 (Band 7-8):
“Dr. Thompson’s influence has significantly impacted my career goals. Her passion for research has inspired me to consider pursuing a Ph.D. in psychology, something I hadn’t seriously thought about before. She’s shown me the exciting possibilities in academic research and how it can contribute to society.”

Sample answer for question 1 (Band 8-9):
“Dr. Thompson’s influence has been pivotal in reshaping my career aspirations. Her unbridled enthusiasm for psychological research has ignited a similar passion within me, compelling me to seriously contemplate pursuing a doctorate in psychology – a path I had not previously considered. Through her guidance, I’ve come to appreciate the profound impact that academic research can have on advancing our understanding of human behavior and its potential to effect positive change in society.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In Part 3, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

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

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Role models in society can have a profound impact on young people. They often shape the aspirations and values of the younger generation. Positive role models can inspire young people to pursue their dreams, develop good habits, and contribute positively to society. However, it’s also important to note that negative role models can sometimes lead young people astray. Therefore, it’s crucial for society to promote positive role models who embody values like hard work, integrity, and compassion.”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“The influence of role models on young people in society is undeniably significant and multifaceted. These figures often play a pivotal role in molding the aspirations, values, and worldviews of the younger generation. Positive role models have the power to ignite passion and drive in young individuals, inspiring them to pursue their ambitions with vigor, cultivate beneficial habits, and make meaningful contributions to society. They serve as living examples of what can be achieved through perseverance and dedication.

However, it’s equally important to acknowledge the potential detrimental effects of negative role models. Their influence can sometimes lead young people down problematic paths or instill harmful values. This underscores the critical importance of society actively promoting and elevating positive role models who exemplify admirable qualities such as integrity, compassion, resilience, and social responsibility. By doing so, we can help guide the younger generation towards making constructive choices and developing into well-rounded, socially conscious individuals.”

Examiner: Do you think the concept of role models has changed with the rise of social media?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, I believe social media has significantly altered the landscape of role models. It has democratized influence, allowing ordinary people to become influential figures. This has both positive and negative aspects. On one hand, it has increased diversity in role models, giving young people more relatable figures to look up to. On the other hand, the authenticity of these influencers is often questioned, and there’s a risk of promoting unrealistic lifestyles or harmful behaviors.”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Undoubtedly, the advent of social media has precipitated a paradigm shift in the concept of role models. This digital revolution has effectively democratized influence, enabling individuals from all walks of life to amass substantial followings and exert considerable sway over public opinion and behavior.

This transformation presents both opportunities and challenges. On the positive side, it has fostered unprecedented diversity in the pool of potential role models. Young people now have access to a wide array of figures who may more closely reflect their own experiences, backgrounds, and aspirations. This increased representation can be empowering and inspiring, particularly for marginalized groups who may have previously lacked visible role models in traditional media.

Conversely, the rise of social media influencers has also introduced new complexities and potential pitfalls. The authenticity and credibility of these newfound role models are often subject to scrutiny, given the curated nature of social media content. There’s a tangible risk of promoting unrealistic standards of living or potentially harmful behaviors, especially when the line between genuine content and sponsored advertising becomes blurred.

Moreover, the ephemeral nature of social media fame can lead to a more volatile and rapidly changing landscape of role models, potentially impacting the stability and consistency of influence on young people. This flux necessitates a more critical and discerning approach to choosing role models in the digital age.

In conclusion, while social media has undeniably expanded the scope and accessibility of role models, it has also heightened the need for digital literacy and critical thinking skills among young people to navigate this complex new terrain of influence.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To achieve a high score in your IELTS Speaking test, it’s crucial to use a range of sophisticated vocabulary and complex sentence structures. Here are some key terms and phrases that can help elevate your responses:

1. Instrumental (adjective) /ˌɪnstrəˈmentl/: Serving as a means of doing something.
   Example: “Her guidance was instrumental in shaping my career path.”

2. Paragon (noun) /ˈpærəɡən/: A perfect example of a particular quality.
   Example: “He is a paragon of integrity in the business world.”

3. Multifaceted (adjective) /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/: Having many different aspects or features.
   Example: “Her influence on my life has been multifaceted, affecting both my personal and professional development.”

4. Paradigm shift (noun phrase) /ˈpærədaɪm ʃɪft/: A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.
   Example: “The rise of social media has caused a paradigm shift in how we view influencers and role models.”

5. Foster (verb) /ˈfɒstə(r)/: To encourage or promote the development of something.
   Example: “A good mentor fosters critical thinking skills in their students.”

6. Pivotal (adjective) /ˈpɪvətl/: Of crucial importance in relation to the development or success of something else.
   Example: “Meeting Dr. Thompson was a pivotal moment in my academic journey.”

7. Unwavering (adjective) /ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ/: Not hesitating or losing determination.
   Example: “Her unwavering support gave me the confidence to pursue my goals.”

Remember, using these terms naturally and in the correct context is key to impressing the examiner and achieving a high score.

Examiner’s Advice

As an IELTS Speaking examiner, I recommend the following strategies to excel in your test:

1. Practice regularly: Consistent practice is key to improving your fluency and confidence.

2. Expand your vocabulary: Focus on learning and using a wide range of sophisticated words and idiomatic expressions.

3. Develop your ideas: Don’t just give short answers. Elaborate on your points and provide specific examples to support your ideas.

4. Work on pronunciation: Clear pronunciation is crucial for effective communication. Pay attention to word stress and intonation.

5. Stay calm and confident: Remember, the examiner is there to give you the opportunity to showcase your English skills, not to trick you.

By following these tips and utilizing the sample answers and vocabulary provided, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the topic of describing a person who motivates you to be your best self in your IELTS Speaking test. Good luck!