The IELTS Speaking test often includes topics that require candidates to discuss personal experiences and relationships. One such topic that has gained popularity in recent years is “Describe a person who motivates you to work harder.” This subject allows examiners to assess your ability to articulate your thoughts about influential individuals in your life while demonstrating your language proficiency. Let’s explore how to excel in this speaking task and aim for that coveted high band score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you some general questions about motivation and hard work. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Q1: Do you consider yourself a motivated person?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I think I’m quite motivated. I usually set goals for myself and work hard to achieve them.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely. I’d say I’m intrinsically motivated. I constantly challenge myself to improve in various aspects of my life, whether it’s in my studies, hobbies, or personal development. I find great satisfaction in pushing my boundaries and seeing tangible progress in my endeavors.
Q2: What usually motivates you to work hard?
Band 6-7 Answer:
My future goals motivate me. I want to have a successful career, so I work hard to achieve that.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Several factors drive my motivation. Primarily, I’m fueled by my aspirations for personal and professional growth. The prospect of acquiring new skills and knowledge is incredibly motivating. Additionally, I find inspiration in the success stories of others, which propels me to strive for excellence in my own pursuits. The sense of accomplishment that comes with overcoming challenges is also a powerful motivator for me.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Now, let’s focus on the main task. Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:
Describe a person who motivates you to work harder
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What this person does
- And explain why this person motivates you to work harder
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
The person who motivates me to work harder is my older sister, Sarah. I’ve known her all my life, of course, as we grew up together. She’s five years older than me and works as a software engineer in a big tech company.
Sarah has always been hardworking and ambitious. She got good grades in school and university, and now she’s doing well in her career. She often tells me about her projects at work and how she’s learning new things all the time.
She motivates me because I see how successful she is. She has a good job, travels a lot, and seems happy with her life. I want to be like her, so it makes me work harder in my studies. Also, she always encourages me and gives me advice when I need it.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
The individual who serves as a wellspring of motivation for me is my mentor, Dr. Emily Chen. I had the privilege of meeting her during my undergraduate studies when she was a guest lecturer in one of my advanced biology courses. Currently, Dr. Chen is a renowned researcher in the field of molecular biology, spearheading groundbreaking studies on gene therapy at a prestigious research institute.
Dr. Chen’s work is nothing short of awe-inspiring. She leads a team of international scientists, publishes regularly in top-tier scientific journals, and frequently presents at global conferences. Her research has the potential to revolutionize treatments for genetic disorders, which I find incredibly exciting and impactful.
The reason Dr. Chen profoundly motivates me to work harder is multifaceted. Firstly, her unwavering dedication to her field is truly inspiring. Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks inherent in scientific research, she perseveres with remarkable resilience. This tenacity reminds me to push through difficulties in my own academic journey.
Moreover, Dr. Chen’s innovative thinking and ability to tackle complex problems with creativity have shown me the importance of thinking outside the box. Her approach to research has instilled in me a deep appreciation for the power of curiosity and continuous learning.
Perhaps most importantly, Dr. Chen has become a personal mentor to me. She generously shares her time, offering guidance on my research projects and career aspirations. Her belief in my potential propels me to strive for excellence, pushing me to work harder and aim higher than I ever thought possible.
In essence, Dr. Chen’s combination of professional accomplishments, personal qualities, and direct mentorship catalyzes my motivation, inspiring me to maximize my potential and make meaningful contributions to the scientific community.
female-scientist-mentor-lab|female scientist mentor lab|A female scientist in a lab coat smiles at a younger female scientist while looking at a test tube. They are both wearing safety goggles.
Follow-up Questions:
- How has this person’s influence changed over time?
- Do you think you might have the same effect on others?
Band 6-7 Answer:
- Her influence has grown stronger as I’ve gotten older and understood more about her work and achievements.
- I hope so. I try to be a good example to my younger cousins and maybe motivate them too.
Band 8-9 Answer:
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Dr. Chen’s influence has evolved significantly over time. Initially, I was primarily inspired by her academic achievements. However, as our mentorship deepened, I began to appreciate the nuances of her approach to both science and life. Her impact now extends beyond just professional inspiration; she’s shaped my work ethic, problem-solving skills, and even my philosophical outlook on the pursuit of knowledge.
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I certainly aspire to have a similar positive impact on others. While I may not be at Dr. Chen’s level yet, I actively seek opportunities to mentor younger students in my field. I strive to emulate her supportive nature and passion for fostering talent. By sharing my experiences and insights, I hope to ignite the same spark of curiosity and determination in others that Dr. Chen kindled in me.
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:
Q1: Do you think external motivation is more effective than self-motivation?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I think both are important. External motivation can push us to start something, but self-motivation helps us keep going when things get tough.
Band 8-9 Answer:
While both forms of motivation play crucial roles, I believe the efficacy of each depends on the individual and the context. External motivation, such as recognition or rewards, can provide a powerful initial push and can be particularly effective in short-term goal achievement. However, I would argue that self-motivation is ultimately more sustainable and impactful in the long run.
Self-motivation stems from intrinsic desires and personal values, making it a more enduring driving force. When individuals are self-motivated, they tend to persevere through challenges with greater resilience, as their drive comes from within rather than relying on external factors that may be inconsistent or temporary.
That said, I believe the most effective approach is a synergy between external and internal motivation. External motivators can help reinforce self-motivation, creating a positive feedback loop that enhances overall performance and satisfaction.
Q2: How has the concept of motivation in the workplace changed in recent years?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I think companies now focus more on employee satisfaction. They offer things like flexible working hours and opportunities for personal growth to motivate their staff.
Band 8-9 Answer:
The concept of workplace motivation has undergone a significant paradigm shift in recent years. Traditionally, motivation was often viewed through a narrow lens of financial incentives and job security. However, contemporary approaches reflect a more holistic understanding of employee needs and aspirations.
One notable change is the increasing emphasis on work-life balance. Companies are recognizing that motivated employees are those who feel fulfilled both professionally and personally. This has led to the implementation of flexible working arrangements, generous parental leave policies, and initiatives promoting mental health and well-being.
Another key development is the focus on purpose-driven work. Modern employees, particularly millennials and Gen Z, seek more than just a paycheck; they want to feel that their work contributes to a greater good. As a result, companies are striving to articulate their mission and values more clearly, and to demonstrate how individual roles contribute to broader organizational and societal goals.
Furthermore, there’s a growing recognition of the importance of continuous learning and development. Motivated employees are those who feel they are growing and evolving in their roles. This has led to increased investment in training programs, mentorship schemes, and opportunities for cross-functional experience.
Lastly, the concept of motivation has become more individualized. Companies are moving away from one-size-fits-all approaches and are instead adopting more personalized strategies to cater to the diverse needs and motivations of their workforce.
These shifts reflect a more nuanced understanding of human psychology and the complex factors that drive workplace motivation in the 21st century.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Intrinsically motivated [ɪnˈtrɪnsɪkəli ˈməʊtɪveɪtɪd] (adjective): Driven by internal factors rather than external rewards.
Example: “I’m intrinsically motivated to improve my skills, regardless of any external recognition.” -
To propel [prəˈpel] (verb): To drive or push forward.
Example: “Her success in the field propels me to work harder on my own projects.” -
Wellspring of motivation [ˈwelsprɪŋ əv ˌməʊtɪˈveɪʃn] (phrase): A source of continuous motivation.
Example: “My mentor is a wellspring of motivation, constantly inspiring me to push my boundaries.” -
To spearhead [ˈspɪəhed] (verb): To lead or initiate an important action or movement.
Example: “Dr. Chen is spearheading innovative research in gene therapy.” -
Tenacity [təˈnæsəti] (noun): The quality of being determined or persistent.
Example: “Her tenacity in the face of challenges is truly inspiring.” -
To catalyze [ˈkætəlaɪz] (verb): To cause or accelerate a process or action.
Example: “Her mentorship catalyzes my motivation to excel in my studies.” -
To emulate [ˈemjuleɪt] (verb): To try to equal or surpass, typically by imitation.
Example: “I strive to emulate her work ethic and innovative thinking.” -
Paradigm shift [ˈpærədaɪm ʃɪft] (noun): A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.
Example: “The concept of workplace motivation has undergone a paradigm shift in recent years.”
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing a person who motivates you to work harder, consider the following tips:
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Develop your ideas fully: Don’t just state facts; explain why they are significant. For instance, don’t just say your mentor is successful, describe how their success inspires you.
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Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate sophisticated words and phrases naturally into your speech. Practice using terms like “intrinsically motivated” or “to catalyze” in context.
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Demonstrate critical thinking: In Part 3, show your ability to analyze complex ideas. Discuss both sides of an argument and provide nuanced opinions.
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Maintain fluency: Practice speaking on this topic so you can discuss it smoothly without long pauses. Use linking words to connect your ideas coherently.
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Show personality: While maintaining professionalism, let your genuine admiration and enthusiasm for your motivational figure shine through. This adds authenticity to your speech.
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Practice, practice, practice: Regularly discuss this topic with friends or language partners. The more comfortable you are with the subject, the more naturally you’ll be able to express yourself during the test.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about perfect grammar or extensive vocabulary, but about communicating your ideas effectively and engagingly.
For more insights on how to excel in your IELTS Speaking test, you might find it helpful to explore related topics such as describing a person who inspires you to stay motivated or describing a person who inspires you to be a better person. These resources can provide additional perspectives and strategies to enhance your speaking skills.