Describe a situation when you were very motivated – IELTS Speaking Sample Answer

In the IELTS Speaking test, it’s essential to present well-structured, coherent answers with a clear range of vocabulary and complex grammar structures. Motivation is a common topic in IELTS, appearing in various forms in the Speaking section. Understanding how to articulate a situation when you were motivated is crucial because it can showcase your ability to tell a personal story, reflect on experiences, and employ rich vocabulary.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask a set of introductory questions relating to your personal life, habits, or preferences.

Sample Question:

1. “Do you think motivation is essential for achieving goals?”

Suggested Answer:
“Absolutely, I believe that motivation is the driving force behind achieving any goal. It provides the necessary impulse and determination to overcome obstacles and persevere. For example, when I decided to prepare for the IELTS exam, my motivation was my ambition to study abroad, which kept me focused and diligent in my studies.”

Part 2: Long Turn

Cue Card:

Describe a situation when you were very motivated. You should say:

• what the situation was
• what motivated you
• how you felt about it
• and explain why you were so motivated.

Suggested Answer:

One situation when I was very motivated was when I decided to run a marathon for the first time. Initially, I was inspired by a documentary I watched about the perseverance of marathon runners. The core of my motivation stemmed from my desire to challenge myself and prove that I could achieve such a demanding physical feat.

Throughout my training, I maintained a rigorous schedule, waking up early to run, following a strict diet, and constantly pushing my limits. I felt a sense of accomplishment and self-discipline growing within me, which further fueled my motivation. The moment I crossed the finish line, the overwhelming joy and pride I felt were incomparable.

This experience was profoundly motivating because it taught me that with dedication and hard work, I could achieve anything I set my mind to. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance.

marathon runner crossing finish line

Follow-up Questions:

1. What do you think can undermine a person’s motivation?

   • Suggested Answer: “A lack of clear goals, external distractions, or negative reinforcement can significantly undermine a person’s motivation. Additionally, facing repeated failures without support can also make it challenging to stay motivated.”

2. How can someone regain lost motivation?

   • Suggested Answer: “One powerful method to regain motivation is to redefine and clarify the objectives. Setting small, achievable milestones, surrounding oneself with a supportive environment, and tracking progress can also assist in reigniting one’s motivation.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner’s Question:

“How important do you think self-motivation is in achieving success?”

Suggested Answer:

“Self-motivation is crucially important in achieving success because it is the inner drive that propels a person to pursue their goals despite challenges. Without self-motivation, even the most talented individuals can fail to realize their potential. It’s the difference between giving up and continuing to strive towards success. For instance, successful entrepreneurs often highlight that their self-driven enthusiasm and resilience played a significant role in their accomplishments.”

Examiner’s Question:

“Can motivation influence mental and physical health?”

Suggested Answer:

“Motivation significantly influences both mental and physical health. Mentally, it provides a sense of purpose and direction, which can enhance overall well-being and reduce stress. Physically, motivated individuals are more likely to engage in healthy behaviors such as regular exercise and balanced nutrition, which contribute positively to their health. For example, motivated athletes often experience heightened levels of physical fitness and mental endurance due to their dedication.”

Essential Vocabulary and Phrases

1. Driving force (noun)

   • Meaning: The main factor that causes something to happen or develop.
   • Example: “Her passion for social work was the driving force behind her decision to establish a non-profit organization.”

2. Impulse (noun)

   • Meaning: A sudden strong desire to do something.
   • Example: “Acting on impulse, she dedicated herself to the project with all her energy.”

3. Perseverance (noun)

   • Meaning: Continued effort to achieve something despite difficulties.
   • Example: “His perseverance through the tough training regimen led him to victory.”

4. Sense of accomplishment (phrase)

   • Meaning: A feeling of pride and satisfaction after achieving something.
   • Example: “The sense of accomplishment he felt after completing the marathon was overwhelming.”

5. Resilience (noun)

   • Meaning: The ability to recover quickly from difficulties or setbacks.
   • Example: “Her resilience in the face of numerous rejections was admirable and led to her eventual success.”

Tips for Achieving a High Score in IELTS Speaking

1. Practice fluent and coherent speech by speaking in English regularly and focusing on your fluency and coherence.

2. Expand your vocabulary repertoire by learning new words and phrases and practicing their usage in your daily conversations.

3. Use complex grammatical structures accurately to demonstrate your range and depth in English.

4. Develop your pronunciation by listening to native speakers and mimicking their accents and intonation patterns.

5. Engage with mock speaking tests and seek feedback to hone your skills and identify areas for improvement.

By following these strategies and practicing consistently, you can remarkably improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking test and achieve a high band score.