As an experienced IELTS examiner, I’ve seen countless candidates struggle with this topic. Describing someone who motivates you to pursue your dreams is a common theme in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Part 2. It’s a topic that allows candidates to showcase their vocabulary, fluency, and ability to structure a coherent response. Let’s dive into how you can excel in this task and boost your IELTS Speaking score.

Understanding the Task

Before we delve into sample answers, it’s crucial to understand what the examiner is looking for when asking you to describe a person who motivates you to pursue your dreams. They want to assess your ability to:

1. Provide a detailed description of a person
2. Explain the impact this person has had on your life
3. Use a range of vocabulary related to personality traits and motivation
4. Speak fluently and coherently for 1-2 minutes

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, you might encounter questions related to motivation and role models. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

Q: Do you have any role models?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I do. I think it’s important to have role models to look up to. My main role model is my older sister. She’s always been very supportive and has achieved a lot in her career.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely. I firmly believe that having role models is crucial for personal growth and development. My primary role model is my older sister, who has been an unwavering source of support and inspiration throughout my life. Her remarkable achievements in her career, coupled with her ability to maintain a healthy work-life balance, have consistently motivated me to strive for excellence in my own pursuits.

Q: What qualities do you admire in a person?

Band 6-7 Answer:
I admire people who are hardworking and honest. I think these qualities are important for success in life. I also like people who are kind and helpful to others.

Band 8-9 Answer:
There are several qualities I find particularly admirable in individuals. Foremost among these are integrity and perseverance. I have profound respect for those who maintain their moral compass even in challenging situations and who demonstrate unwavering determination in pursuit of their goals. Additionally, I greatly value empathy and the ability to inspire others, as these traits not only contribute to personal success but also have a ripple effect, positively impacting the broader community.

IELTS Speaking Test

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

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

Describe a person who motivates you to pursue your dreams

You should say:

• Who this person is
• How you know this person
• What this person does
• And explain why this person motivates you to pursue your dreams

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):

The person who motivates me to pursue my dreams is my high school English teacher, Mr. Johnson. I met him when I was 15 years old, in my first year of high school. He teaches English literature and language.

Mr. Johnson motivates me because he’s very passionate about his job. He always encourages his students to read more and improve their language skills. He believes that everyone has potential and can achieve their dreams if they work hard.

I remember one time when I was struggling with a difficult essay. Mr. Johnson stayed after school to help me. He didn’t just give me the answers, but he taught me how to think critically and express my ideas better. This experience really boosted my confidence.

Mr. Johnson also shares stories about his own journey and the challenges he faced. This makes me feel that it’s okay to face difficulties, and that I can overcome them too. His belief in me and his constant encouragement have really inspired me to work harder towards my goals.

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

The individual who serves as a catalyst for my dreams and aspirations is my high school English teacher, Mr. Johnson. I had the privilege of meeting him during my formative years, specifically when I was 15 and embarking on my high school journey. As an English literature and language instructor, Mr. Johnson’s influence extends far beyond the confines of the classroom.

What sets Mr. Johnson apart is his unbridled passion for education and his unwavering belief in the potential of his students. His teaching methodology is not merely about imparting knowledge; it’s about igniting a love for learning and fostering critical thinking skills. He consistently encourages us to delve deeper into literature, to question, analyze, and form our own interpretations.

One particular incident that stands out vividly in my memory is when I was grappling with a challenging essay. Mr. Johnson, demonstrating his dedication, stayed well beyond school hours to assist me. Instead of providing ready-made answers, he guided me through the process of developing my own ideas and articulating them effectively. This experience was instrumental in boosting my confidence and shaping my approach to academic challenges.

What truly sets Mr. Johnson apart as a motivational figure is his openness about his own journey, including the obstacles he’s overcome. By sharing these personal anecdotes, he humanizes the path to success, making it feel more attainable. His candor about his struggles resonates deeply with me, reinforcing the idea that setbacks are a natural part of any journey towards achieving one’s dreams.

Mr. Johnson’s unwavering faith in my abilities, coupled with his consistent encouragement, has been a driving force in my academic and personal growth. His influence extends beyond just motivating me to excel in English; he has inspired me to approach all aspects of life with curiosity, perseverance, and a belief in my own potential. In essence, Mr. Johnson doesn’t just motivate me to pursue my dreams – he equips me with the tools and mindset necessary to turn those dreams into reality.

Follow-up Questions:

1. How has this person changed your perspective on life?
2. Do you think you’ll stay in touch with this person in the future?
3. What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned from this person?

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

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

Q: Do you think it’s important for young people to have role models?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I think it’s very important. Role models can inspire young people and show them what’s possible. They can learn good habits and values from their role models. However, it’s also important for young people to think for themselves and not just copy everything their role models do.

Band 8-9 Answer:
I firmly believe that role models play a crucial role in shaping the aspirations and character of young individuals. Role models serve as living examples of what can be achieved through hard work, perseverance, and integrity. They provide tangible proof that dreams can be realized, which can be incredibly motivating for young people who may be uncertain about their future.

However, it’s equally important to approach role models with a critical mindset. Young people should be encouraged to analyze and understand the path their role models took, rather than blindly emulating them. It’s about extracting valuable lessons and principles from these influential figures while still maintaining one’s individuality and unique path.

Moreover, having diverse role models can expose young people to various perspectives and life experiences, broadening their horizons and helping them develop a more nuanced understanding of the world. This diversity can also help young individuals recognize that there are multiple paths to success and fulfillment.

In essence, while role models can provide invaluable guidance and inspiration, the ultimate goal should be for young people to become the best versions of themselves, not carbon copies of their idols.

Q: How do you think technology has changed the way people find inspiration?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Technology has made it much easier to find inspiration. We can now follow our role models on social media and see what they’re doing every day. We can also find inspiring stories and videos online very easily. However, there’s also a lot of fake information on the internet, so we need to be careful.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Technology has revolutionized the landscape of inspiration and role model accessibility in profound ways. The digital age has democratized access to information and personal stories, allowing individuals to connect with and learn from a diverse array of inspiring figures across the globe.

Social media platforms, in particular, have created an unprecedented level of proximity between role models and their admirers. This real-time, often unfiltered glimpse into the lives of inspiring individuals can provide motivation and practical insights that were previously unavailable. For instance, one can now follow the daily routines, challenges, and triumphs of successful entrepreneurs, athletes, or artists, making their journeys seem more tangible and relatable.

Furthermore, technology has amplified the reach of inspirational content. Motivational speeches, TED talks, and success stories can now be accessed with a simple click, providing instant doses of inspiration. This ease of access can be particularly empowering for individuals in remote or underprivileged areas who may not have had such exposure otherwise.

However, this technological shift also presents challenges. The curated nature of social media can create unrealistic expectations and foster comparison, potentially leading to feelings of inadequacy. Moreover, the abundance of information necessitates strong critical thinking skills to discern genuine, valuable content from misinformation or shallow inspiration.

In conclusion, while technology has undoubtedly expanded our horizons for finding inspiration, it also requires us to be more discerning consumers of information. The key lies in leveraging these technological tools thoughtfully to find genuine inspiration that resonates with our personal values and aspirations.

Social Media Inspiration

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

To elevate your IELTS Speaking score, incorporate these sophisticated words and phrases into your responses:

1. Catalyst /ˈkætəlɪst/ (noun): A person or thing that precipitates an event or change.
   Example: “My mentor was the catalyst for my career change.”

2. Unwavering /ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ/ (adjective): Steady or resolute; not wavering.
   Example: “Her unwavering support helped me through difficult times.”

3. Instrumental /ˌɪnstrəˈmentl/ (adjective): Serving as a means of pursuing an aim.
   Example: “His advice was instrumental in my decision to pursue further studies.”

4. Perseverance /ˌpɜːsɪˈvɪərəns/ (noun): Persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.
   Example: “Her perseverance in the face of adversity was truly inspiring.”

5. Ripple effect /ˈrɪpl ɪˌfekt/ (noun): The continuing and spreading results of an event or action.
   Example: “His kindness had a ripple effect, inspiring others to pay it forward.”

6. To humanize /ˈhjuːmənaɪz/ (verb): To make something more humane or civilized.
   Example: “Sharing personal stories helps to humanize even the most successful individuals.”

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a person who motivates you:

1. Practice regularly: Familiarize yourself with common topics and practice speaking about them fluently.

2. Develop your vocabulary: Learn and use a variety of sophisticated words and phrases relevant to describing people and motivation.

3. Structure your answers: Use clear organization in your responses, especially in Part 2. Start with an introduction, provide details, and conclude effectively.

4. Use specific examples: Incorporate personal anecdotes to make your answers more engaging and memorable.

5. Work on pronunciation and intonation: Clear pronunciation and natural intonation can significantly improve your score.

6. Stay calm and confident: Remember, the examiner is there to assess your English, not to trick you. Stay relaxed and speak naturally.

By following these tips and incorporating the sample answers and vocabulary provided, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the topic of describing a person who motivates you to pursue your dreams in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep working on your speaking skills regularly.

For more insights on describing influential people in your life, you might find our articles on describing a person who is a great role model and describing a person who motivates you to be your best self helpful in your preparation.