Describing a person who motivates you to improve yourself is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This theme allows examiners to assess your ability to express personal experiences, emotions, and reflections. Let’s explore how to tackle this topic effectively to achieve a high band score.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about motivation and personal improvement. Here are some potential questions:

1. Do you find it easy to stay motivated?
2. What kinds of things motivate you in your daily life?
3. How do you motivate yourself to study or work hard?

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 overall mood. However, I’ve developed some strategies to help me stay on track, like setting achievable goals and rewarding myself for small accomplishments. These methods usually help me maintain a positive mindset and keep pushing forward, even when things get tough.”

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

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

Describe A Person Who Motivates You To Improve 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 to improve yourself

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):

“I’d like to talk about my university professor, Dr. Sarah Thompson, who has been a significant source of inspiration and motivation for me. I first met her three years ago when I took her advanced psychology course, and since then, she has become a mentor and role model in my academic journey.

Dr. Thompson possesses an impressive array of qualities that make her truly exceptional. Firstly, her vast knowledge and expertise in psychology are awe-inspiring. She has the remarkable ability to break down complex concepts into digestible information, making even the most challenging topics accessible to her students. Moreover, her passion for the subject is contagious, and her enthusiasm during lectures is palpable.

What sets Dr. Thompson apart is her unwavering commitment to her students’ success. She goes above and beyond to provide support, offering extra office hours and tailored guidance to help us reach our full potential. Her constructive feedback is always thought-provoking and encourages us to think critically about our work.

Dr. Thompson motivates me to improve myself in several ways. Firstly, her high standards and expectations push me to strive for excellence in my academic work. She challenges me to step out of my comfort zone and tackle complex research projects, which has significantly enhanced my analytical skills. Additionally, her dedication to her field inspires me to pursue my own passions with the same level of commitment and enthusiasm.

Moreover, Dr. Thompson’s belief in my abilities has boosted my confidence and encouraged me to aim higher in my academic and professional goals. She has opened my eyes to various career possibilities in psychology and has supported my ambitions by providing valuable advice and networking opportunities.

In conclusion, Dr. Thompson’s influence has been transformative in my personal and academic growth. Her guidance and encouragement have instilled in me a deep-seated desire to continuously improve myself and make a positive impact in my chosen field.”

Examiner’s follow-up questions:

1. How important do you think role models are for personal development?
2. In what ways can teachers motivate their students to perform better?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9) for Question 1:
“I believe role models play a crucial role in personal development. They serve as living examples of what one can achieve through hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Role models provide inspiration and practical guidance, showing us tangible paths to success in our chosen fields. They can also help us identify our own strengths and weaknesses, encouraging us to strive for continuous improvement. Moreover, having a role model can instill confidence and motivation, particularly when facing challenges or setbacks. However, it’s important to remember that role models are human too, and we should learn from their successes and failures alike, rather than placing them on an unrealistic pedestal.”

Motivational Mentor

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 society’s expectations influence personal motivation?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Society’s expectations can have a profound impact on personal motivation, often acting as a double-edged sword. On one hand, societal norms and expectations can serve as powerful motivators, pushing individuals to strive for success and self-improvement. For instance, the expectation to pursue higher education or maintain a successful career can drive people to work harder and set ambitious goals.

However, these expectations can also be overwhelming and sometimes counterproductive. When societal standards are perceived as unattainable or not aligned with personal values, they can lead to demotivation, stress, and even mental health issues. This is particularly evident in the age of social media, where constant comparison to others’ curated lives can erode self-esteem and motivation.

I believe the key lies in striking a balance between meeting societal expectations and staying true to one’s personal aspirations. It’s crucial for individuals to critically evaluate these expectations, internalize those that align with their values, and have the courage to forge their own paths when necessary. Moreover, society itself needs to evolve towards celebrating diversity in success and acknowledging various forms of achievement beyond traditional metrics.

Ultimately, while societal expectations can provide a framework for motivation, sustainable and fulfilling motivation comes from within, driven by personal goals, passions, and a sense of purpose.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Significant source of inspiration (phrase) – /sɪɡˈnɪfɪkənt sɔːs əv ˌɪnspəˈreɪʃn/ – A major origin of motivation or creativity
   Example: “My grandmother has been a significant source of inspiration throughout my life.”

2. Remarkable ability (phrase) – /rɪˈmɑːkəbl əˈbɪləti/ – An exceptional or extraordinary talent
   Example: “She has a remarkable ability to simplify complex scientific concepts.”

3. Unwavering commitment (phrase) – /ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ kəˈmɪtmənt/ – Steady and determined dedication
   Example: “His unwavering commitment to the project ensured its success despite numerous obstacles.”

4. Strive for excellence (phrase) – /straɪv fɔːr ˈeksələns/ – To make great efforts to achieve a high standard
   Example: “Our company culture encourages employees to strive for excellence in all their endeavors.”

5. Instill confidence (phrase) – /ɪnˈstɪl ˈkɒnfɪdəns/ – To gradually establish a feeling of self-assurance
   Example: “Good parenting should instill confidence in children from an early age.”

Examiner’s Advice

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

1. Use a variety of advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions relevant to the topic.
2. Provide specific examples and personal anecdotes to support your points.
3. Demonstrate your ability to discuss abstract concepts, especially in Part 3.
4. Maintain fluency by organizing your thoughts coherently and avoiding long pauses.
5. Show a range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences.
6. Practice speaking on various topics related to motivation and personal development to improve your confidence and fluency.

Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about using advanced language, but also about communicating your ideas clearly and effectively.

For more IELTS Speaking practice, you might find it helpful to explore topics such as describing a person who has a positive impact on others or describing a fitness routine you started recently, which can provide additional context for discussing personal growth and motivation.