In the IELTS Speaking test, an examiner evaluates your fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range, and pronunciation. One common theme you might encounter in Part 2 is describing a situation when you felt very motivated. To excel in this task, you need to deliver a well-structured, detailed, and engaging response. In this article, we will discuss strategies, sample answers, and tips to help you achieve a high band score by optimizing your speaking skills.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
In Part 1, an examiner will ask you general questions about yourself and a range of familiar topics. Here are some potential questions:
Sample Question and Answer
Question: What do you do to stay motivated?
Answer: To stay motivated, I set achievable goals and reward myself whenever I reach them. For example, after studying for two hours, I might watch an episode of my favorite TV show. This approach helps me maintain consistency and keeps my spirits high.
Part 2: Long Turn
In this section, you will receive a cue card and have one minute to prepare before speaking for up to two minutes.
Sample Cue Card
Describe a situation when you felt very motivated. You should say:
- When and where it happened
- What the source of motivation was
- What you did to stay motivated
- And explain how you felt about it
Sample Answer
When and where it happened: Last year, during my final semester of university.
What the source of motivation was: The primary source of motivation was the high-stakes nature of my final project. I knew that performing well would open doors to numerous career opportunities.
What you did to stay motivated: To stay motivated, I set daily targets and maintained a strict study schedule. I also practiced self-affirmation techniques, reminding myself of my capabilities and past achievements.
How you felt about it: Throughout this period, I felt a sense of purpose and determination. Meeting my targets provided a sense of accomplishment, and this motivated me further. Ultimately, I felt euphoric when I completed my project, and it received high praise from my professors.
College Motivation
Follow-up Questions
What role did your friends and family play in keeping you motivated?
- Suggested Answer: My friends and family played a pivotal role in keeping me motivated. They offered constant support and encouragement, making me feel valued and confident.
What did you learn from this experience about staying motivated?
- Suggested Answer: I learned that setting clear, manageable goals and maintaining a positive mindset are critical to staying motivated.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this part, the examiner will ask broader, more abstract questions related to the topic discussed in Part 2.
Sample Questions and Answers
Question: How important is motivation for success?
Answer: Motivation is crucial for success as it drives individuals to pursue their goals relentlessly. Without motivation, people are likely to give up when faced with challenges. Conversely, motivated individuals display resilience and persistency, which are essential for achieving long-term success.
Question: What are the common sources of motivation in today’s world?
Answer: Common sources of motivation include personal aspirations, financial incentives, recognition, and self-improvement goals. Additionally, the support from family and friends can significantly boost an individual’s motivation.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Essential Vocabulary
- Achievable Goals (noun): Targets that are realistic and attainable.
- Example: Setting achievable goals helps maintain motivation.
- Self-affirmation (noun): Positive statements one makes about oneself.
- Example: Practicing self-affirmation can enhance self-confidence.
- Resilience (noun): The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties.
- Example: Resilience is a critical trait for success.
- Persistency (noun): The quality of continuing steadily despite problems or difficulties.
- Example: Her persistency helped her overcome many obstacles.
- Euphoric (adjective): Experiencing intense excitement and happiness.
- Example: Completing the project left me feeling euphoric.
Useful Phrases
- Maintain consistency: Keep up the same level of activity.
- Example: He trained daily to maintain consistency.
- Sense of purpose: A feeling of having a definite aim and motivation.
- Example: Volunteering gave her a sense of purpose.
- High praise from: Receiving commendation or compliments.
- Example: His work received high praise from his supervisors.
Examiner’s Tips for Achieving a High Score in Speaking
- Practice Regularly: Regular practice will enhance your fluency and confidence.
- Use a Range of Vocabulary: Demonstrate a wide range of vocabulary and grammatical structures.
- Stay Coherent: Structure your responses coherently. Use connectors and linking words to ensure smooth flow.
- Be Detailed: Provide detailed answers and elaborate on your points.
- Practice Pronunciation: Clear pronunciation will help the examiner understand you better.
By focusing on these elements and practicing the provided samples and tips, you can significantly improve your IELTS Speaking score and handle questions about situations when you felt very motivated with confidence and precision.
For further practice, you can also explore related cue cards like “Describe a situation when you felt very successful” and “Describe a situation when you felt very accomplished”.