The IELTS Speaking test often includes topics related to personal experiences and influences. One such topic that has appeared in recent exams and is likely to continue being relevant is “describe a person who motivates you to stay active.” This question allows candidates to showcase their ability to discuss personal relationships, health habits, and sources of inspiration.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about physical activity and motivation. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
- Do you like to stay active?
- What kind of physical activities do you enjoy?
- How often do you exercise?
Let’s focus on the first question:
Examiner: Do you like to stay active?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I do enjoy staying active. I try to exercise regularly because it helps me feel energetic and healthy. I usually go for a jog or play badminton with friends on weekends.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely! I’m a firm believer in the importance of an active lifestyle. Not only does regular physical activity boost my energy levels and overall well-being, but it also serves as a fantastic stress-reliever. I make it a point to incorporate a mix of cardio and strength training into my weekly routine, which typically includes hitting the gym three times a week and going for invigorating hikes on weekends.
Part 2: Long Turn
In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic and some bullet points. You’ll have one minute to prepare, then you’ll need to speak for 1-2 minutes on the topic.
Here’s a sample cue card:
Describe a person who motivates you to stay active
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know them
- What activities they encourage you to do
- And explain why this person motivates you to stay active
Band 6-7 Sample Answer:
The person who motivates me to stay active is my friend Tom. I’ve known him since high school, and we’ve been close friends for about 10 years now. Tom is really into fitness and always encourages me to join him in different activities.
He often invites me to go running with him in the local park. Sometimes we play basketball together or go to the gym. Tom is always trying new sports and he gets me to try them too, like rock climbing and swimming.
Tom motivates me because he’s very positive and enthusiastic about being active. He always talks about how good he feels after exercising and how it helps him in other areas of his life. Seeing how fit and healthy he is makes me want to be like that too.
When I exercise with Tom, it’s always fun and doesn’t feel like a chore. He pushes me to do a bit more each time, which helps me improve. I think without Tom’s influence, I probably wouldn’t be as active as I am now.
Band 8-9 Sample Answer:
The individual who serves as my primary source of motivation to maintain an active lifestyle is my colleague, Sarah. We initially crossed paths when I joined the marketing firm where we both work, about three years ago. From the outset, I was captivated by her vibrant energy and unwavering commitment to fitness.
Sarah is a veritable powerhouse when it comes to physical activities. She consistently encourages me to partake in a diverse range of exercises, which has significantly broadened my fitness horizons. For instance, she introduced me to the exhilarating world of CrossFit, which has since become a cornerstone of my weekly routine. Additionally, she’s been instrumental in fostering my passion for outdoor activities, regularly organizing weekend hiking expeditions and even convincing me to try my hand at rock climbing.
What truly sets Sarah apart as a motivational figure is her holistic approach to wellness. She doesn’t merely focus on the physical aspects of staying active but emphasizes the mental and emotional benefits as well. Her infectious enthusiasm is coupled with a wealth of knowledge about nutrition and exercise science, which she readily shares, empowering me to make informed decisions about my health.
Moreover, Sarah’s ability to seamlessly integrate fitness into her busy professional life serves as a powerful example. She demonstrates that with proper time management and dedication, maintaining an active lifestyle is entirely feasible, even with a demanding career. Her consistent progress and the visible improvements in her strength and endurance are tangible proof of the benefits of her approach.
Perhaps most importantly, Sarah’s motivational impact extends beyond just encouragement. She has cultivated a supportive community within our workplace, organizing group fitness challenges and lunchtime yoga sessions. This has not only enhanced my own commitment to staying active but has also fostered a more dynamic and health-conscious work environment.
In essence, Sarah’s influence has been transformative, propelling me towards a more active and balanced lifestyle. Her passion, knowledge, and unwavering support have not just motivated me to stay active, but have fundamentally altered my perception of fitness, turning it from a chore into an enriching and enjoyable part of my daily life.
Examiner: How has this person’s influence affected your daily routine?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Tom’s influence has definitely changed my daily routine. I now try to wake up earlier to go for a quick run before work. I also make sure to take breaks during the day to stretch or do some quick exercises. On weekends, I plan more active outings instead of just relaxing at home.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Sarah’s influence has profoundly transformed my daily routine. I’ve adopted a more structured approach to incorporating physical activity into my day. For instance, I now prioritize morning workouts, which has led to increased productivity and mental clarity at work. I’ve also implemented regular “active breaks” throughout my workday, utilizing techniques Sarah taught me, such as desk stretches and short walking meetings. Moreover, her emphasis on holistic wellness has inspired me to revamp my nutritional habits, leading to more mindful meal planning and preparation. Perhaps most significantly, Sarah’s influence has sparked a ripple effect in my social circle, as I now find myself organizing active get-togethers with friends and family, propagating a culture of health and vitality in my personal life.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here’s an example:
Examiner: Do you think people need external motivation to stay active, or should it come from within?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I think both internal and external motivation are important for staying active. Some people are naturally motivated and can push themselves, but many others need encouragement from friends, family, or fitness instructors. External motivation can be really helpful, especially when you’re just starting to exercise or when you’re feeling lazy. However, in the long run, I believe it’s important to develop some internal motivation too, so you can keep going even when there’s no one around to push you.
Band 8-9 Answer:
The interplay between external and internal motivation in maintaining an active lifestyle is a complex and nuanced issue. While external motivators can serve as catalysts for initiating healthy behaviors, I believe that sustainable, long-term commitment to an active lifestyle ultimately stems from intrinsic motivation.
External motivators, such as social support, fitness trackers, or structured programs, can be incredibly effective in the short term. They provide accountability, guidance, and often a sense of community, which can be particularly crucial for individuals just embarking on their fitness journey or those struggling to maintain consistency.
However, relying solely on external factors can be precarious. The moment these external motivators wane or disappear, there’s a risk of losing momentum. This is where internal motivation becomes paramount. Developing a genuine appreciation for the physical and mental benefits of an active lifestyle, aligning fitness goals with personal values, and deriving intrinsic satisfaction from the process itself are all key components of internal motivation.
Ideally, I believe the most robust approach is to harness both forms of motivation. External motivators can provide the initial push and ongoing support, while simultaneously working to cultivate internal drivers. This synergistic approach allows individuals to leverage social support and external accountability while progressively developing the self-discipline and intrinsic motivation necessary for long-term adherence to an active lifestyle.
Ultimately, the goal should be to transition from extrinsic to intrinsic motivation, where staying active becomes an integral part of one’s identity and lifestyle, rather than a chore driven by external pressures.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
-
Captivated (verb) /ˈkæptɪveɪtɪd/ – To attract and hold the interest of someone
Example: I was captivated by her enthusiasm for fitness. -
Veritable powerhouse (noun phrase) /ˈverɪtəbl ˈpaʊərhaʊs/ – A person or thing of great energy, strength, or power
Example: When it comes to physical activities, Sarah is a veritable powerhouse. -
Exhilarating (adjective) /ɪɡˈzɪləreɪtɪŋ/ – Making one feel very happy, animated, or elated
Example: Rock climbing is an exhilarating experience that Sarah introduced me to. -
Foster (verb) /ˈfɒstə(r)/ – To encourage or promote the development of something
Example: Sarah has fostered my passion for outdoor activities. -
Seamlessly integrate (verb phrase) /ˈsiːmləsli ˈɪntɪɡreɪt/ – To combine or incorporate smoothly and efficiently
Example: She seamlessly integrates fitness into her busy professional life. -
Cultivate (verb) /ˈkʌltɪveɪt/ – To develop or improve by education or training
Example: Sarah has cultivated a supportive community within our workplace. -
Propel (verb) /prəˈpel/ – To drive, push, or cause to move in a particular direction
Example: Her influence has propelled me towards a more active lifestyle.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a person who motivates you to stay active:
- Use a range of sophisticated vocabulary and phrasal verbs related to fitness and motivation.
- Provide specific examples and personal anecdotes to illustrate your points.
- Discuss not just the physical aspects of staying active, but also the mental and emotional benefits.
- Show your ability to analyze the topic from different perspectives, especially in Part 3.
- Maintain fluency by practicing speaking on this topic beforehand.
- Use a variety of grammatical structures, including complex sentences.
- Pay attention to your pronunciation and intonation to ensure clear communication.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about answering the question, but doing so in a way that demonstrates your English language proficiency. Practice regularly with a variety of topics to improve your overall performance.
For more tips on acing your IELTS Speaking test, you might find it helpful to read about how to describe a person who inspires you to be a better person or how to describe a person who has a positive impact on others. These related topics can help you expand your vocabulary and ideas for discussing influential people in your life.