In the IELTS Speaking test, you may encounter questions about people who inspire or motivate you. One common topic is describing someone who encourages you to take on new challenges. This article will provide you with strategies and sample answers to help you excel in this part of the exam.
Understanding the Topic
The topic “describe a person who motivates you to take on new challenges” is a popular one in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows examiners to assess your ability to talk about personal experiences, express opinions, and use descriptive language. This topic may appear in Part 2 (Long Turn) or be related to questions in Part 1 and Part 3 of the test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, you may be asked general questions about motivation and challenges. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
Sample Question 1: Do you like taking on new challenges?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I do enjoy taking on new challenges. They help me learn new things and grow as a person. For example, last year I started learning a new language, which was challenging but rewarding.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely! I find new challenges exhilarating and stimulating. They push me out of my comfort zone and provide opportunities for personal growth. For instance, recently I took on the challenge of organizing a charity event, which was daunting at first but ultimately enhanced my leadership and organizational skills significantly.
Sample Question 2: How do you motivate yourself to face challenges?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I usually motivate myself by setting clear goals and reminding myself of the benefits of overcoming the challenge. I also try to stay positive and think about past successes.
Band 8-9 Answer:
I employ a multifaceted approach to self-motivation when facing challenges. Firstly, I break down the challenge into manageable steps, which makes it less overwhelming. I also practice positive self-talk and visualize the successful outcome. Additionally, I often seek inspiration from role models who have overcome similar obstacles, which bolsters my confidence and determination.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a person who motivates you to take on new challenges.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What kind of challenges this person encourages you to take
- And explain why this person motivates you
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
The person who motivates me to take on new challenges is my uncle, John. He’s my mother’s younger brother, and I’ve known him since I was a child. We often meet during family gatherings and holidays.
Uncle John is always encouraging me to try new things and step out of my comfort zone. He often suggests that I take on challenges related to my personal development and career. For example, he encouraged me to apply for an internship abroad, even though I was nervous about living in a foreign country.
He motivates me because he’s a great example of someone who’s not afraid to take risks. Uncle John started his own business when he was young, and despite facing many difficulties, he persevered and is now successful. His positive attitude and determination inspire me to be braver in my own life.
When I face obstacles, I often think about what Uncle John would do in my situation. This helps me to stay motivated and keep pushing forward, even when things get tough.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
The individual who consistently inspires me to embrace new challenges is my former university professor, Dr. Sarah Thompson. I had the privilege of being her student during my final year of undergraduate studies, and we’ve maintained a mentor-mentee relationship ever since.
Dr. Thompson has an uncanny ability to recognize potential in her students and push them beyond their perceived limitations. She encourages me to take on challenges that are both intellectually stimulating and professionally rewarding. For instance, she persuaded me to submit a research paper to a prestigious international conference, despite my initial reservations about my capabilities.
What sets Dr. Thompson apart as a motivator is her unwavering belief in continuous growth and learning. She often emphasizes that the most significant personal development occurs when we step outside our comfort zones. Her own journey from a small-town schoolteacher to a renowned academic serves as a powerful testament to this philosophy.
Dr. Thompson’s motivation style is particularly effective because she combines high expectations with unwavering support. When I’m faced with a daunting challenge, she helps me break it down into manageable steps, offering guidance while still allowing me to find my own solutions. This approach has not only boosted my confidence but has also honed my problem-solving skills.
The impact of Dr. Thompson’s motivation extends far beyond academic pursuits. Her encouragement has led me to embrace challenges in various aspects of life, from public speaking to community service. Each time I successfully overcome a new hurdle, I’m reminded of her belief in my potential, which in turn fuels my desire to take on even greater challenges.
Follow-up Questions:
- How has this person’s motivation affected your life?
- Can you give an example of a challenge you took on because of this person?
Band 6-7 Answer:
This person’s motivation has made me more confident. Because of them, I applied for a job that I thought was out of my league, and I got it!
Band 8-9 Answer:
This individual’s motivation has had a profound and far-reaching impact on my life. Their encouragement has catalyzed a significant shift in my mindset, enabling me to view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles. A prime example of this influence was when I decided to pursue a master’s degree in a field slightly different from my undergraduate studies. Despite the steep learning curve, their unwavering support bolstered my resolve, ultimately leading to academic success and opening up new career possibilities.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this part, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to motivation and challenges.
Sample Question 1: Do you think society puts too much pressure on people to constantly take on new challenges?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I think there is some pressure from society to always be challenging ourselves. This can be good because it pushes people to improve, but it can also be stressful. Some people might feel like they’re not doing enough if they’re not always taking on new challenges.
Band 8-9 Answer:
This is a nuanced issue that warrants careful consideration. On one hand, societal pressure to continually take on new challenges can be a catalyst for innovation and personal growth. It encourages individuals to push their boundaries and can lead to remarkable achievements. However, this constant pressure can also have detrimental effects on mental health and well-being. It may create a culture of perpetual dissatisfaction where people feel inadequate if they’re not constantly striving for something new. I believe the key lies in striking a balance – encouraging growth and ambition while also recognizing the importance of contentment and stability. Society should perhaps focus more on sustainable, meaningful challenges rather than change for the sake of change.
Sample Question 2: How can leaders in a workplace motivate their employees to take on new challenges?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Leaders can motivate employees by setting a good example and showing that they’re willing to take on challenges too. They can also provide training and support to help employees feel more confident about trying new things. Recognizing and rewarding employees who take on challenges is also important.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Effective leaders can employ a multifaceted approach to motivate their employees to embrace new challenges. Firstly, they should foster a culture of innovation and continuous learning, where taking on new challenges is seen as an opportunity for growth rather than a burden. This can be achieved through regular skill development programs and cross-functional projects that expose employees to different aspects of the business.
Leaders should also lead by example, demonstrating their own willingness to step out of their comfort zones. This creates a ripple effect throughout the organization, inspiring others to follow suit. Additionally, implementing a robust mentorship program can provide employees with guidance and support as they navigate new challenges.
It’s crucial for leaders to recognize and reward not just successful outcomes, but also the effort and courage involved in tackling new challenges. This could be through formal recognition programs or informal acknowledgments. Furthermore, leaders should create a safe environment where failure is seen as a learning opportunity rather than a setback. This encourages risk-taking and innovation.
Lastly, leaders should tailor their approach to individual employees, understanding that different people are motivated by different factors. Some may be driven by the prospect of career advancement, while others might be more motivated by the opportunity to make a meaningful impact. By aligning challenges with personal motivations, leaders can more effectively inspire their team to push their boundaries and reach new heights.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
To achieve a high score in your IELTS Speaking test, incorporate these advanced vocabulary items and phrases:
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Catalyst /ˈkætəlɪst/ (noun): Something that causes an important event to happen
Example: “Her encouragement was the catalyst for my decision to start my own business.” -
Exhilarating /ɪɡˈzɪləreɪtɪŋ/ (adjective): Very exciting and enjoyable
Example: “Taking on new challenges can be an exhilarating experience.” -
Persevere /ˌpɜːsɪˈvɪə(r)/ (verb): To continue trying to do something despite difficulties
Example: “Even when faced with setbacks, it’s important to persevere.” -
Stepping stone /ˈstepɪŋ stəʊn/ (noun): An action or event that helps one to make progress towards a goal
Example: “I see each new challenge as a stepping stone towards my ultimate career goals.” -
Push the envelope (idiom): To exceed the limits of what is normally done
Example: “My mentor always encourages me to push the envelope and try innovative approaches.”
Tips from an IELTS Examiner
As an experienced IELTS examiner, I recommend the following strategies to excel in the Speaking test:
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Practice regularly: Engage in English conversations daily, even if it’s just talking to yourself in the mirror.
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Expand your vocabulary: Learn new words and phrases related to motivation and challenges, and use them in context.
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Develop your ideas: Don’t just give short answers. Explain your thoughts and provide examples to support them.
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Work on your fluency: Try to speak smoothly without too many pauses or hesitations. It’s okay to use fillers like “well” or “you know” occasionally, but don’t overuse them.
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Listen to native speakers: Watch English movies, TV shows, or podcasts to improve your pronunciation and intonation.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about knowing the right answers, but about expressing yourself clearly, confidently, and naturally in English.
For more tips on how to excel in your IELTS Speaking test, you might find our article on how to describe a person who motivates you to achieve your goals helpful. It provides additional strategies and sample answers that can be applied to various motivational topics in the IELTS Speaking test.