The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about people who have influenced or inspired us. One common topic is describing a person who motivates you to pursue your passions. This article will provide you with strategies and sample answers to help you excel in this type of question.
Understanding the Topic
Before we dive into the sample answers, let’s break down what this topic entails:
- A person: This could be anyone – a family member, friend, teacher, public figure, or even a fictional character.
- Motivation: How this person inspires or encourages you.
- Passions: Your interests, hobbies, or career aspirations.
This topic is frequently featured in IELTS Speaking tests and is likely to appear in future exams due to its relevance to personal experiences and inspirations.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about motivation and inspirational figures. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:
Question: Do you have any role models?
Answer (Band 6-7):
Yes, I do. My main role model is my older sister. She’s always been someone I look up to because of her hard work and determination. She’s achieved a lot in her career, and that motivates me to work harder in my studies.
Answer (Band 8-9):
Absolutely. I’d say my primary role model is my older sister. Her unwavering dedication to her goals and her ability to overcome obstacles have always been a source of immense inspiration for me. Her journey from a small-town girl to a successful entrepreneur has not only motivated me to pursue my ambitions but also taught me the value of perseverance and resilience in the face of challenges.
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a person who motivates you to pursue your passions.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What this person does
- And explain how this person motivates you to pursue your passions
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
The person who motivates me to pursue my passions is my high school art teacher, Ms. Johnson. I met her when I was 15 years old, in my first year of high school. She teaches art and runs the school’s art club.
Ms. Johnson motivates me because she’s very passionate about art and always encourages her students to express themselves. She introduced me to different painting techniques and inspired me to try new things.
What I find really motivating is how she always believes in her students. Even when I didn’t think my artwork was good, she would point out the positive aspects and suggest ways to improve. This made me want to keep practicing and developing my skills.
Thanks to her encouragement, I’ve continued painting as a hobby even after graduating. She taught me that it’s important to pursue your passions, even if you’re not the best at them. Her positive attitude and support have really helped me to keep developing my artistic skills and enjoy the process of creating art.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
The individual who has been a catalyst in motivating me to pursue my passions is my high school art teacher, Ms. Johnson. I had the privilege of meeting her when I was 15, during my freshman year of high school. As an art instructor and the driving force behind our school’s art club, Ms. Johnson’s influence extends far beyond the classroom.
What sets Ms. Johnson apart is her infectious enthusiasm for art and her unwavering commitment to nurturing creativity in her students. She doesn’t merely teach techniques; she ignites a spark of artistic curiosity in each of us. Her innovative approach to art education, introducing us to a diverse range of styles and mediums, has broadened my horizons and challenged me to step out of my comfort zone.
The most inspiring aspect of Ms. Johnson’s influence is her steadfast belief in her students’ potential. Even when I was plagued by self-doubt, she had an uncanny ability to identify and highlight the strengths in my work. Her constructive feedback was always balanced with encouragement, which fueled my determination to improve and explore further.
Ms. Johnson’s impact has transcended my high school years. Her mantra that passion should be pursued regardless of perceived talent has resonated deeply with me. This philosophy has not only kept me engaged with art but has also spilled over into other areas of my life, encouraging me to embrace new challenges with enthusiasm.
In essence, Ms. Johnson’s mentorship has been transformative. She has taught me that the joy of creating is as important as the final product, a lesson that continues to motivate and inspire me in my artistic journey and beyond. Her positive influence has instilled in me a lifelong love for art and a belief in the power of passion to enrich one’s life.
Follow-up Questions
- How important do you think it is to have a mentor in life?
Answer (Band 6-7):
I think having a mentor is very important. A good mentor can guide you and help you avoid mistakes. They can share their experience and give advice on how to achieve your goals. In my case, Ms. Johnson’s mentorship really helped me develop my skills and confidence in art.
Answer (Band 8-9):
I believe that having a mentor is absolutely crucial in one’s personal and professional development. A proficient mentor serves as a beacon of wisdom, offering invaluable insights drawn from their own experiences. They can illuminate paths we might not have seen ourselves and help us navigate challenges with greater ease. Moreover, a mentor’s guidance can be instrumental in honing our skills, boosting our confidence, and expanding our perspective on our chosen field. In my experience with Ms. Johnson, her mentorship not only enhanced my artistic abilities but also instilled in me a deeper appreciation for the creative process and its application in various aspects of life.
- Do you think social media influencers can be good role models?
Answer (Band 6-7):
I think social media influencers can be good role models, but we need to be careful. Some influencers promote positive messages and inspire their followers to do good things. However, others might not be authentic or might promote unrealistic lifestyles. It’s important to think critically about the content we see and choose role models wisely.
Answer (Band 8-9):
The potential of social media influencers to serve as role models is a nuanced issue that warrants careful consideration. On one hand, many influencers leverage their platform to advocate for positive change, promote social awareness, and inspire their audience to pursue personal growth and meaningful goals. Their ability to connect with followers on a personal level can make their message particularly impactful.
However, we must also exercise discernment when looking to influencers as role models. The curated nature of social media can often present an unrealistic portrayal of life, potentially leading to unrealistic expectations or feelings of inadequacy among followers. Moreover, the commercialization of influence can sometimes compromise authenticity, with some influencers prioritizing sponsorships over genuine content.
Ultimately, I believe that while some social media influencers can indeed be exemplary role models, it’s crucial for individuals to develop critical thinking skills to differentiate between genuine inspiration and mere entertainment or marketing. A balanced approach involves appreciating the positive aspects of influencer content while maintaining a realistic perspective on its limitations.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: How do you think technology has changed the way people find inspiration?
Answer (Band 6-7):
Technology has greatly changed how people find inspiration. With the internet and social media, we can now easily access information and ideas from all over the world. We can follow inspiring people online, watch motivational videos, or join online communities with similar interests. This makes it easier to find inspiration for our hobbies or careers. However, it’s also important to be careful not to compare ourselves too much to others online, as this can sometimes be discouraging.
Answer (Band 8-9):
Technology has revolutionized the landscape of inspiration in profound ways. The advent of the internet and the proliferation of social media platforms have democratized access to a vast array of ideas, experiences, and role models from across the globe. This unprecedented connectivity allows individuals to immerse themselves in diverse perspectives and creative expressions that were previously out of reach.
Moreover, technology has facilitated the rise of niche communities and forums where like-minded individuals can share their passions, exchange ideas, and mutually inspire one another. This has been particularly transformative for those with unconventional interests or those living in geographically isolated areas.
However, this abundance of inspiration comes with its own set of challenges. The constant influx of information can lead to overwhelm or decision paralysis. Additionally, the curated nature of online content can create unrealistic standards, potentially leading to feelings of inadequacy or imposter syndrome.
Ultimately, while technology has undoubtedly expanded our horizons for finding inspiration, it also requires us to develop critical thinking skills and emotional intelligence to navigate this digital landscape effectively. The key lies in harnessing the positive aspects of technological connectivity while maintaining a grounded perspective on our own journey and aspirations.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
To score high in your IELTS Speaking test, use these advanced vocabulary items and phrases:
-
Catalyst (noun) /ˈkætəlɪst/ – a person or thing that causes a change
Example: Her encouragement was the catalyst for my decision to pursue art professionally. -
Infectious enthusiasm (phrase) /ɪnˈfekʃəs ɪnˈθjuːziæzəm/ – excitement or interest that spreads easily to others
Example: The teacher’s infectious enthusiasm for literature inspired the whole class. -
Unwavering commitment (phrase) /ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ kəˈmɪtmənt/ – steady and continuous dedication
Example: His unwavering commitment to environmental causes has led to significant policy changes. -
Transcend (verb) /trænˈsend/ – to go beyond the usual limits of something
Example: The impact of her mentorship transcended my academic life, influencing my personal growth as well. -
Instrumental (adjective) /ˌɪnstrəˈmentl/ – very important in making something happen
Example: Her guidance was instrumental in shaping my career path.
Tips from an IELTS Examiner
As an IELTS examiner, I recommend the following to improve your Speaking performance:
- Practice regularly with a variety of topics.
- Record yourself speaking and analyze your performance.
- Focus on using a range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures.
- Work on your pronunciation and fluency.
- Stay informed about current events to have examples ready for discussion topics.
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about language proficiency, but also about expressing your ideas clearly and confidently.
For more tips on improving your IELTS Speaking skills, check out our article on how to describe a person who has a positive impact on others. Additionally, you might find our guide on describing a time you felt very motivated helpful for further practice.