The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about influential people in our lives. One common topic is describing someone who taught us an important life lesson, such as the value of perseverance. This theme has appeared frequently in past IELTS exams and is likely to continue being a popular choice for examiners. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions related to this topic and maximize your speaking score.
Describe a moment of success in your life can often be linked to perseverance, making it a relevant topic to consider when preparing for your IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about perseverance and influential people. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:
Question: Do you think perseverance is an important quality?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
Absolutely! I believe perseverance is a crucial quality for success in any endeavor. It’s the driving force that pushes us to overcome obstacles and achieve our goals, even when faced with challenges. Without perseverance, it’s easy to give up at the first sign of difficulty, but those who persist often find that their efforts pay off in the long run. In my experience, the most successful people I know are those who have demonstrated remarkable perseverance in pursuit of their dreams.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card:
Describe a person who taught you the importance of perseverance
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What they did to show perseverance
- And explain how this person influenced your understanding of perseverance
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
The person who taught me the importance of perseverance is my high school math teacher, Mr. Johnson. I met him when I was in 10th grade, and he quickly became one of my favorite teachers.
Mr. Johnson showed perseverance through his dedication to helping struggling students. He would stay after school for hours, offering extra help to anyone who needed it. Even when students seemed ready to give up, he never lost patience and always encouraged them to keep trying.
One particular incident that stands out is when I was having a hard time understanding a complex math concept. Mr. Johnson spent several lunch breaks explaining it to me in different ways until I finally grasped it. His persistence in helping me understand really made an impact.
This experience with Mr. Johnson taught me that perseverance is about not giving up, even when things get tough. He showed me that with continued effort and the right support, it’s possible to overcome challenges and achieve goals that initially seem out of reach.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
The individual who instilled in me the crucial importance of perseverance is my grandmother, a remarkable woman who overcame numerous hardships throughout her life. I’ve known her since birth, of course, but it wasn’t until my teenage years that I truly began to appreciate the depth of her resilience.
My grandmother’s life is a testament to perseverance. Having fled her home country during a political upheaval, she arrived in a new land with nothing but the clothes on her back and an unwavering determination to build a better life. Despite facing language barriers, financial struggles, and cultural differences, she refused to be deterred by these obstacles.
One of the most striking examples of her perseverance was her pursuit of education. At the age of 50, long after most would consider returning to school, my grandmother enrolled in adult education classes to learn English and gain basic computer skills. She diligently attended these classes for years, often juggling her studies with work and family responsibilities. Her unwavering commitment to self-improvement, even in the face of numerous challenges, was truly inspiring.
This extraordinary display of perseverance profoundly influenced my understanding of the concept. Through her actions, my grandmother taught me that perseverance is not merely about enduring hardships, but about actively pursuing growth and improvement regardless of age or circumstances. She demonstrated that with persistent effort and a positive mindset, one can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles and achieve personal growth.
Moreover, my grandmother’s journey highlighted the long-term nature of true perseverance. It’s not about short bursts of effort, but rather a sustained commitment to one’s goals over time. Her story has become a constant source of inspiration for me, reminding me to persist in my own endeavors, no matter how challenging they may seem.
Follow-up Questions:
- How has this person’s example of perseverance affected your own life?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
My grandmother’s exemplary demonstration of perseverance has had a profound impact on my life. It has instilled in me a deep-seated belief that with consistent effort and determination, I can overcome any obstacle. This mindset has been particularly valuable in my academic pursuits, where I’ve faced challenging subjects and demanding projects. Whenever I feel overwhelmed or tempted to give up, I think of my grandmother’s unwavering resolve, and it reinvigorates my determination. Her example has also inspired me to set ambitious long-term goals and work towards them with patience and persistence, understanding that significant achievements often require sustained effort over time.
- Do you think perseverance is a quality that can be taught?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
Absolutely. While some individuals may have a natural inclination towards perseverance, I firmly believe it’s a quality that can be cultivated and strengthened over time. The key lies in creating an environment that encourages persistence and reframes failures as learning opportunities. This can be achieved through mentorship, setting achievable goals, and celebrating small victories along the way. Additionally, sharing stories of perseverance, like my grandmother’s, can serve as powerful teaching tools, illustrating the rewards of sustained effort. It’s also crucial to teach techniques for managing frustration and maintaining motivation in the face of setbacks. Ultimately, perseverance is a skill that can be developed through practice, guidance, and the right mindset.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Question 1: In what situations do you think perseverance is most important?
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
I think perseverance is really important in many areas of life, but especially in education and career. When studying, there are often difficult subjects or concepts that take time to understand. Without perseverance, students might give up too easily. In careers, perseverance helps people overcome challenges and keep working towards their goals, even when faced with setbacks or failures.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
Perseverance is undeniably crucial in numerous life scenarios, but I believe it’s particularly vital in pursuits that involve long-term goals and significant personal growth. In the realm of education, perseverance is essential for mastering complex subjects and developing critical thinking skills. It’s the force that propels students through challenging coursework and research projects, ultimately leading to intellectual breakthroughs.
In professional settings, perseverance is often the distinguishing factor between those who achieve their career aspirations and those who fall short. It’s especially important in entrepreneurship and innovation, where setbacks and failures are inevitable. The ability to persist in the face of adversity, learn from mistakes, and continually refine one’s approach is what often leads to groundbreaking discoveries and successful business ventures.
Moreover, perseverance plays a pivotal role in personal development and self-improvement. Whether it’s adopting a healthier lifestyle, overcoming addictions, or working on interpersonal skills, these changes require sustained effort and the ability to push through discomfort and setbacks. In these situations, perseverance is not just about reaching a goal, but about fundamentally transforming oneself, which is arguably one of the most challenging yet rewarding applications of this quality.
Question 2: How can society encourage young people to be more perseverant?
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
I think society can encourage young people to be more perseverant in several ways. Schools can teach about famous people who succeeded through perseverance and include activities that require sustained effort. Parents can set a good example by showing perseverance in their own lives and praising their children’s efforts rather than just their results. Also, media and social platforms could share more stories about perseverance to inspire young people.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
Fostering perseverance in young people requires a multi-faceted approach that involves various societal institutions and cultural shifts. First and foremost, our educational systems should be restructured to emphasize the process of learning rather than solely focusing on outcomes. This could involve implementing project-based learning that requires sustained effort over time, and incorporating reflective practices that help students understand the value of persistence in the face of challenges.
Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in this endeavor by modeling perseverant behavior and providing a supportive environment that encourages risk-taking and views failures as learning opportunities. It’s essential to praise effort and strategy rather than innate ability, fostering a growth mindset that sees challenges as chances for improvement.
Media and popular culture can contribute significantly by highlighting stories of perseverance from diverse fields and backgrounds. This could help young people understand that setbacks and struggles are a normal part of any journey to success, counteracting the often misleading narrative of overnight success.
Moreover, mentorship programs that connect young people with experienced individuals who have demonstrated perseverance in their fields can provide tangible examples and guidance. These relationships can offer practical strategies for overcoming obstacles and maintaining motivation.
Lastly, policy makers should consider implementing initiatives that reward long-term commitment and effort in various domains, from academics to community service. This could include scholarships or recognition programs that value consistent effort and improvement over time, rather than just peak performance.
By adopting these multifaceted strategies, society can create an environment that not only encourages perseverance but also equips young people with the tools and mindset necessary to cultivate this essential quality.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Instill (verb) /ɪnˈstɪl/ – To gradually but firmly establish an idea or attitude in a person’s mind.
Example: “My grandmother’s actions instilled in me the value of perseverance.” -
Testament (noun) /ˈtestəmənt/ – Something that serves as evidence or proof of a specified quality.
Example: “Her life is a testament to the power of perseverance.” -
Unwavering (adjective) /ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ/ – Not changing or becoming weaker.
Example: “Despite numerous setbacks, his commitment remained unwavering.” -
Resilience (noun) /rɪˈzɪliəns/ – The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.
Example: “Her resilience in the face of adversity was truly inspiring.” -
Pivotal (adjective) /ˈpɪvətl/ – Of crucial importance in relation to the development or success of something else.
Example: “Perseverance plays a pivotal role in achieving long-term goals.” -
Cultivate (verb) /ˈkʌltɪveɪt/ – To try to acquire or develop a quality or skill.
Example: “It’s important to cultivate perseverance from a young age.” -
Reinvigorate (verb) /ˌriːɪnˈvɪɡəreɪt/ – To give new energy or strength to.
Example: “Her story reinvigorated my determination to succeed.” -
Multi-faceted (adjective) /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/ – Having many different aspects or features.
Example: “Encouraging perseverance requires a multi-faceted approach.”
Describe a time when you had to do something difficult is another topic where you can showcase your understanding of perseverance and its importance in overcoming challenges.
Tips from an IELTS Speaking Examiner
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Practice regularly: Consistent practice is key to improving your speaking skills. Try to speak English daily, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
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Use a variety of vocabulary: Incorporate the key vocabulary and phrases mentioned above into your responses. This will demonstrate your language proficiency.
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Develop your ideas: Don’t just give short answers. Expand on your points with examples and explanations to showcase your English speaking ability.
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Work on pronunciation: Clear pronunciation is crucial for a high score. Pay attention to word stress and intonation.
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Stay calm and confident: Remember, the examiner is there to assess your English, not to trick you. Stay relaxed and speak naturally.
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Listen carefully: Make sure you understand the questions fully before answering. It’s okay to ask for clarification if needed.
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Be authentic: While it’s good to prepare, avoid memorizing entire answers. Speak genuinely about your experiences and thoughts.
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Reflect on feedback: After practice sessions, think about areas where you can improve and focus on these in your next practice.
By following these tips and consistently working on your speaking skills, you can significantly improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking test. Remember, perseverance is key not just in the content of your answers, but in your preparation for the test itself!
Describe a person who you think is very inspiring can be another excellent opportunity to discuss someone who embodies perseverance, further reinforcing your understanding of this important quality.