Similar to understanding describe a person who motivates you to exercise, this topic frequently appears in IELTS Speaking tests and requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to describe personal influences comprehensively.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
Common questions examiners may ask:
- Do you prefer working alone or with others?
- What motivates you to work hard?
- How do you stay motivated at work/study?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I generally thrive in collaborative environments while maintaining the ability to work independently. What truly drives me is the desire for personal growth and the inspiration I get from accomplished individuals in my field. I stay motivated by setting clear objectives and breaking them down into manageable tasks.”
Professional discussing work tasks with colleague
Part 2: Cue Card
Describe a person who motivates you to work hard
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know them
- What they do
- And explain why they motivate you
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I want to talk about my uncle, who is a successful businessman. I’ve known him since childhood, and he runs his own technology company. He motivates me because he started from scratch and built everything through hard work. His journey from a simple employee to a CEO really inspires me. He always tells me that success comes from dedication and persistence.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to share about my mentor, Professor Williams, whom I first encountered during my undergraduate studies. She’s a distinguished researcher in environmental science and has pioneered several groundbreaking studies in climate change mitigation. What particularly resonates with me is her unwavering dedication to both research and teaching. She exemplifies the perfect balance between professional excellence and personal growth, having overcome numerous obstacles in her journey to academic success. Her approach to challenges is what truly inspires me – she views them as opportunities for growth rather than setbacks.”
For those interested in describe a person who is very active in social work, similar descriptive techniques can be applied.
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Q: What are the different ways people can motivate others?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“People can motivate others through various sophisticated approaches, such as leading by example, providing constructive feedback, and creating an environment conducive to growth. Effective motivators often combine emotional intelligence with practical guidance, understanding that different individuals respond to different types of encouragement.”
As we consider was ielts test easier or harder now, it’s crucial to maintain high-quality responses regardless of the test’s difficulty level.
Key Vocabulary and Expressions
- To pioneer /ˌpaɪəˈnɪə(r)/ (v): to be the first to develop or use something new
- Unwavering /ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ/ (adj): steady and determined
- To exemplify /ɪɡˈzemplɪfaɪ/ (v): to be a perfect example of something
- Resonates /ˈrezəneɪts/ (v): to have particular meaning or importance for someone
Examiner’s Tips
- Develop detailed examples with specific situations
- Use a range of sophisticated vocabulary naturally
- Structure your response with clear progression
- Include personal insights and reflections
For timing concerns, check what time will ielts results come out to manage your test day effectively.
