The IELTS Speaking test is a crucial component that assesses your ability to communicate effectively in English. An examiner evaluates your performance based on four criteria: Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Pronunciation. Questions about personal experiences, such as “Describe a situation when you had to motivate yourself,” are quite common. Understanding how to elaborate on your responses can help you score higher.
In this guide, we will explore how to address questions on self-motivation effectively, backed by examples and detailed explanations.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
Common Questions in Part 1
- Can you tell me about a time when you had to do something difficult?
- What do you do to stay motivated?
- Describe a recent achievement you are proud of.
Sample Question and Answer
Question: What do you do to stay motivated?
Answer: To stay motivated, I like to set specific, achievable goals for myself. For instance, when I was preparing for my final university exams, I created a detailed study plan and rewarded myself after completing each milestone. This method kept me focused and motivated throughout the challenging period.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card Example
Describe a situation when you had to motivate yourself. You should say:
- When it was
- Why you needed motivation
- How you managed to motivate yourself
- Explain what the outcome was
Sample Answer
There was a time when I had to motivate myself during my final year of university. It was about six months before my graduation when I realized I needed to start working on my thesis. The amount of research and writing required was daunting, and I was initially quite overwhelmed. I knew that to succeed, I had to develop a strategy to stay motivated.
Firstly, I set clear, achievable goals for myself, breaking down the thesis into smaller tasks. Each evening, I would outline what needed to be done the next day. This method not only gave me direction but also a sense of accomplishment as I checked off each task.
Additionally, I used positive self-talk to keep myself motivated. On days when I felt particularly discouraged, I would remind myself of the importance of my thesis and how completing it would bring me one step closer to my career goals.
Finally, I made sure to take regular breaks and reward myself after completing difficult sections. For example, I would treat myself to a movie or a nice meal, which helped me relax and recharge.
In the end, my motivation and perseverance paid off. I managed to submit my thesis on time and received high praise from my professors, which made all the hard work worthwhile.
student-celebrating-graduation|graduation celebration|A student in graduation gown and cap celebrating graduation with friends and family. Holding diploma.
Follow-up Questions
- How do you stay motivated in general?
- What motivates people more effectively: rewards or punishments?
- Can you give an example of someone you find very motivating?
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner’s Question and Answer Example
Question: In your opinion, what motivates people more effectively: rewards or punishments?
Answer: I believe that rewards are generally more effective in motivating people than punishments. Positive reinforcement encourages a person to repeat a behavior because they associate it with a positive outcome. For instance, in a workplace setting, employees who are recognized and rewarded for their efforts tend to be more productive and engaged. On the other hand, while punishments can lead to temporary compliance, they often result in negative emotions such as resentment and fear, which can lower morale and motivation in the long run.
Question: Can you give an example of someone you find very motivating?
Answer: One of the most motivating individuals I know is my high school teacher, Mrs. Johnson. She had the incredible ability to inspire her students through her passion for teaching and her unwavering belief in our potential. She always emphasized the importance of effort and persistence, and her words often stayed with me during challenging times. For example, when I was preparing for a difficult exam, her encouragement kept me focused and determined.
Vocabulary and Key Structures for a High Score
Important Vocabulary
- Specific (adj): /spəˈsɪfɪk/ – Clearly defined or identified.
- Example: I set specific goals to keep myself on track.
- Achievable (adj): /əˈtʃiːvəbl/ – Able to be brought about or reached successfully.
- Example: Breaking down tasks into achievable steps helps maintain motivation.
- Milestone (noun): /ˈmaɪlstəʊn/ – A significant stage or event in development.
- Example: Completing the first draft was a major milestone in my thesis work.
- Positive reinforcement (noun): /ˈpɒzətɪv ˌriːɪnˈfɔːsmənt/ – The offering of incentives to reinforce good behavior.
- Example: Rewarding employees is a form of positive reinforcement.
Key Structures
- Setting goals: “Firstly, I set clear, achievable goals for myself.”
- Using self-talk: “I used positive self-talk to keep myself motivated.”
- Taking breaks: “I made sure to take regular breaks and reward myself.”
Examiner’s Tips for Practice
- Practice Regularly: Consistency is key to improving your speaking skills. Engage in daily practice sessions.
- Use a Wide Range of Vocabulary: Showcase your vocabulary by incorporating new words and phrases.
- Work on Fluency and Coherence: Practice speaking smoothly and logically connecting your ideas.
- Seek Feedback: Get feedback from a teacher or a fluent English speaker to identify areas of improvement.
By following these tips and practicing the example questions provided, you can enhance your speaking skills and significantly improve your IELTS Speaking score.