The topic of describing a person who motivates you to be your best self is a common and important one in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows candidates to showcase their ability to discuss personal experiences, relationships, and qualities they admire in others. This topic has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests due to its universal nature and potential for rich discussion.
Describe a person who is always optimistic can be a related topic that helps you prepare for this question as well. Both topics involve discussing positive qualities in others that inspire us.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask questions related to motivation and personal growth. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:
Question: “Do you often feel motivated in your daily life?”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Absolutely. I’d say I’m generally a self-motivated person. I find inspiration in various aspects of my life, whether it’s pursuing my career goals or working on personal projects. I believe that setting clear objectives and visualizing success play a crucial role in keeping me motivated. Of course, there are days when motivation wanes, but I’ve developed strategies, like breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps, to help me stay on track even during challenging times.”
Part 2: Long Turn
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
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about my former university professor, Dr. Sarah Chen, who has been an incredible source of inspiration and motivation in my life.
I first met Dr. Chen during my sophomore year when I took her Advanced Economics course. From the very beginning, her passion for the subject and her innovative teaching methods captivated my attention and sparked my interest in economics.
What sets Dr. Chen apart are her remarkable qualities. Firstly, her intellectual curiosity is truly inspiring. She’s always eager to learn and explore new ideas, even outside her field of expertise. Secondly, her unwavering dedication to her students is extraordinary. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure our understanding and growth, often staying late to provide additional support or organize extra seminars.
Moreover, Dr. Chen’s resilience in the face of challenges is admirable. She often shares stories of how she overcame obstacles in her career, which serves as a powerful reminder that success requires perseverance. Her ability to balance her academic pursuits with her personal life also demonstrates that it’s possible to excel in multiple areas without sacrificing one’s well-being.
Dr. Chen motivates me to be my best self because she leads by example. Her relentless pursuit of knowledge encourages me to be a lifelong learner. Her genuine care for her students inspires me to be more empathetic and supportive of others in my own endeavors. Furthermore, her ability to think critically and approach problems from multiple angles has taught me the importance of analytical thinking in both academic and real-world contexts.
In essence, Dr. Chen’s influence extends far beyond the classroom. She has not only shaped my academic journey but has also instilled values and habits that continue to drive my personal and professional growth. Her mentorship has been instrumental in helping me recognize my potential and strive to reach it, making her truly the person who motivates me to be my best self.”
Describe a time when you completed a project successfully can be a great way to demonstrate how motivation from others has helped you achieve your goals.
Follow-up questions:
- How has this person’s influence changed your perspective on your career?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Dr. Chen’s influence has profoundly shifted my career outlook. Her interdisciplinary approach to economics opened my eyes to the vast applications of economic principles in various fields. This realization broadened my horizons and encouraged me to explore unconventional career paths that blend economics with other disciplines. Moreover, her emphasis on ethical considerations in economic decision-making has instilled in me a strong sense of social responsibility, prompting me to seek roles where I can make a positive impact on society while pursuing my professional goals.”
- In what ways do you try to motivate others based on what you’ve learned from this person?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Emulating Dr. Chen’s approach, I strive to motivate others by fostering a supportive environment that encourages curiosity and growth. I make a conscious effort to actively listen to others’ ideas and provide constructive feedback, much like she did for her students. Additionally, I try to share my own experiences of overcoming challenges, as Dr. Chen did, to inspire resilience in others. I also aim to lead by example in my commitment to continuous learning and personal development, hoping to ignite the same passion for growth in those around me.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Question: “How do you think role models in society influence young people’s behavior?”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Role models in society wield significant influence over young people’s behavior, often serving as benchmarks for success and personal conduct. Their impact can be both positive and far-reaching, shaping aspirations, values, and even career choices.
Firstly, role models demonstrate the realm of possibility. When young people see individuals from similar backgrounds achieving great things, it expands their perception of what they themselves can accomplish. This can be particularly impactful for those from underrepresented or disadvantaged communities.
Moreover, role models often embody specific values or qualities that young people seek to emulate. Whether it’s resilience in the face of adversity, commitment to social causes, or excellence in a particular field, these attributes can inspire young individuals to cultivate similar characteristics in themselves.
However, it’s crucial to note that this influence isn’t always positive. High-profile individuals who engage in controversial or harmful behaviors can sometimes normalize negative actions among their young admirers. This underscores the importance of promoting responsible role models and teaching critical thinking skills to help young people discern and choose appropriate examples to follow.
In essence, while role models can serve as powerful catalysts for positive personal development, it’s vital to encourage young people to think critically about the figures they admire and to understand that true growth comes from internalizing positive qualities rather than blindly imitating others.”
Describe an activity you do to stay fit can be another way to discuss how people motivate themselves to achieve personal goals.
Question: “Do you think the impact of personal mentors is more significant than that of public figures?”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“This is a nuanced issue that deserves careful consideration. While both personal mentors and public figures can have profound impacts on an individual’s development, I believe that in many cases, personal mentors can exert a more significant and lasting influence.
Firstly, personal mentors offer a level of individualized guidance that public figures simply cannot match. They have the ability to understand an individual’s specific strengths, weaknesses, and circumstances, allowing them to provide tailored advice and support. This personalized approach can be incredibly effective in helping someone navigate their unique challenges and opportunities.
Moreover, the relationship with a personal mentor is often characterized by direct interaction and accountability. This ongoing, two-way communication allows for real-time feedback, course correction, and the development of a deep, trusting relationship. Such dynamics are rarely possible with public figures, who typically influence from afar.
That being said, public figures can have a broader reach and can inspire large numbers of people simultaneously. They can shape societal norms and bring attention to important issues on a scale that most personal mentors cannot achieve. Their stories and achievements can serve as powerful motivators, especially for those who may not have access to strong personal mentors.
Ultimately, I believe the most impactful scenario is when individuals can benefit from both types of influence. Public figures can provide inspiration and broaden horizons, while personal mentors can help translate that inspiration into actionable steps and sustained personal growth. This combination can create a powerful synergy, maximizing an individual’s potential for development and success.”
Describe a piece of good news you heard from others can be a great way to practice discussing positive influences and their impact on our lives.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Instrumental /ˌɪnstrəˈmentl/ (adjective): Playing a crucial role in an activity or process.
Example: “Her guidance was instrumental in shaping my career path.” -
To lead by example (phrase): To inspire others by modeling the behavior or attitude you want to encourage.
Example: “A good manager leads by example, demonstrating the work ethic they expect from their team.” -
Resilience /rɪˈzɪliəns/ (noun): The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.
Example: “His resilience in the face of adversity was truly inspiring.” -
To instill /ɪnˈstɪl/ (verb): To gradually but firmly establish an idea or attitude in a person’s mind.
Example: “The mentor instilled a sense of confidence in her protégé.” -
Unwavering /ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ/ (adjective): Not hesitating or showing signs of doubt; steadfast.
Example: “Her unwavering commitment to the project ensured its success.” -
To emulate /ˈemjʊleɪt/ (verb): To match or surpass (a person or achievement), typically by imitation.
Example: “Many young scientists try to emulate the success of their predecessors.”
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a person who motivates you:
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Use a variety of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced words and phrases related to motivation, personal growth, and character traits.
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Provide specific examples: Don’t just list qualities; illustrate them with concrete situations or anecdotes.
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Show depth of thought: Reflect on why this person motivates you and how their influence has shaped your actions or perspective.
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Maintain fluency: Practice speaking on this topic to ensure smooth delivery without long pauses.
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Use appropriate tenses: Switch between past and present tenses as needed when discussing your relationship with this person and their ongoing influence.
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Demonstrate coherence: Organize your ideas logically, using linking words to connect different aspects of your description.
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Express opinions clearly: When explaining why this person motivates you, use phrases like “In my opinion,” or “I believe” to clearly state your views.
Remember, regular practice and exposure to a wide range of vocabulary will help you feel more confident and perform better during the actual test.