Describing a time when you felt motivated to change something is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This theme allows examiners to assess your ability to articulate personal experiences, reflect on motivations, and discuss the process of change. Let’s explore how to excel in this speaking task across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about change and motivation. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Question: Do you like change in your life?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I generally enjoy change. It keeps life interesting and gives me opportunities to learn new things. For example, I recently changed my daily routine to include morning exercise, which has been quite refreshing.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely, I find change to be invigorating and essential for personal growth. I’m particularly fond of changes that challenge my perspectives or push me out of my comfort zone. For instance, last year I made a significant career shift, which, while daunting at first, has proven to be incredibly rewarding both professionally and personally.
Question: What’s the biggest change you’ve experienced recently?
Band 6-7 Answer:
The biggest change I’ve experienced recently is moving to a new city for my studies. It’s been quite an adjustment, getting used to a different environment and meeting new people. But overall, it’s been a positive experience.
Band 8-9 Answer:
The most substantial change I’ve undergone recently is transitioning to a fully remote work environment. This shift has not only altered my daily routines but has also compelled me to reevaluate my work-life balance. It’s been a transformative experience, enhancing my self-discipline and time management skills while offering newfound flexibility in my personal life.
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a time when you felt motivated to change something:
Cue Card
Describe a time when you felt motivated to change something
You should say:
- What you wanted to change
- Why you wanted to change it
- How you planned to make the change
- And explain whether the change was successful
Band 6-7 Answer:
I’d like to talk about a time when I felt motivated to change my study habits. I realized my grades were slipping, and I knew I needed to do something about it. I wanted to improve my study routine because good grades are important for my future career prospects.
To make this change, I planned to create a study schedule and stick to it. I decided to study for two hours every evening after dinner and use weekends for revision. I also planned to find a quiet place in the library to study without distractions.
The change was quite successful. After a few weeks, I noticed my understanding of the subjects improved, and my grades started to go up. It wasn’t always easy to stick to the schedule, but seeing the positive results kept me motivated.
Band 8-9 Answer:
I’d like to recount a time when I felt compelled to revolutionize my approach to personal fitness. I had become acutely aware that my sedentary lifestyle was not only affecting my physical health but also impacting my mental well-being and overall productivity.
The catalyst for this change was a sobering realization that I was constantly feeling lethargic and struggling to concentrate on my work. I was determined to transform this aspect of my life, recognizing that enhanced physical fitness could potentially yield improvements across various facets of my daily existence.
To implement this change, I devised a comprehensive strategy. Firstly, I enlisted the help of a professional trainer to create a tailored workout plan that would suit my current fitness level and long-term goals. Secondly, I overhauled my diet, incorporating more nutrient-dense foods and reducing processed items. Lastly, I committed to tracking my progress meticulously, using both a fitness app and a journal to record my workouts and emotional state.
The change proved to be remarkably successful. Within a few months, I observed a significant boost in my energy levels, a marked improvement in my ability to focus, and a general sense of well-being that permeated all aspects of my life. Perhaps most importantly, this experience instilled in me a deep appreciation for the power of consistent, incremental changes in achieving substantial life improvements.
Follow-up Questions:
- How do you generally react to change in your life?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I usually try to stay positive about changes in my life. Even if I’m a bit nervous at first, I remind myself that change can lead to good things. I try to adapt as best I can and learn from new experiences.
Band 8-9 Answer:
I tend to embrace change with a mixture of excitement and pragmatism. I view changes as opportunities for growth and self-discovery. However, I also approach them methodically, assessing potential challenges and benefits. This balanced perspective allows me to navigate transitions more smoothly and extract valuable lessons from each new experience.
- Do you think people become more or less open to change as they get older?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I think it depends on the person, but generally, people might become less open to change as they get older. They get used to certain ways of doing things and might find it harder to adapt to new situations. However, some older people are very open-minded and enjoy new experiences.
Band 8-9 Answer:
The relationship between age and openness to change is multifaceted. While there’s a common perception that older individuals become more set in their ways, I believe this is an oversimplification. Many factors influence one’s adaptability, including personal experiences, cognitive flexibility, and overall life satisfaction. Some older adults may indeed be less receptive to change due to established routines or fear of the unknown. However, others might become more open to new experiences, having accumulated wisdom and a broader perspective on life. Ultimately, I think openness to change is more a function of mindset and ongoing personal growth than age alone.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to change and motivation. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Question: Why do some people resist change even when it might benefit them?
Band 6-7 Answer:
People often resist change because it can be uncomfortable or scary. They might be worried about the unknown or afraid of failing. Sometimes, people are just used to their current situation, even if it’s not ideal, and find it hard to take the risk of changing.
Band 8-9 Answer:
The resistance to change, even when potentially beneficial, is a complex psychological phenomenon. It often stems from a combination of factors. Firstly, there’s the comfort of familiarity – humans are inherently creatures of habit, and the known, even if suboptimal, can feel safer than the unknown. Secondly, there’s fear of failure or loss – change inherently involves risk, and some individuals may overestimate the potential negative outcomes while undervaluing the possible benefits. Additionally, cognitive biases such as status quo bias or loss aversion can play a significant role in making people reluctant to embrace change. Lastly, change often requires effort and energy, and some individuals may lack the motivation or self-efficacy to initiate and sustain the change process.
Question: How can societies encourage people to make positive changes in their lives?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Societies can encourage positive changes by providing information and education about the benefits of change. They can also offer support systems and resources to help people make changes. For example, a city might create more bike lanes to encourage people to cycle instead of drive, which is good for health and the environment.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Societies can foster positive change through a multifaceted approach. Firstly, education and awareness campaigns can help illuminate the benefits of certain changes, addressing the knowledge gap that often hinders progress. Secondly, incentive structures can be implemented to reward positive behaviors and choices. This could range from tax breaks for environmentally friendly practices to public recognition for community service.
Moreover, creating supportive infrastructures is crucial. This might involve developing user-friendly public transportation systems to encourage less car use or establishing community centers that offer free health and wellness programs. Policy-making also plays a vital role – laws and regulations can be crafted to nudge people towards positive changes while respecting individual freedoms.
Lastly, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement at a societal level can make change feel more natural and less daunting. By celebrating adaptability and resilience, societies can help reframe change from a threat to an opportunity for growth and betterment.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To achieve a high score in IELTS Speaking when discussing motivation and change, consider using these advanced vocabulary items and phrases:
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Catalyst (noun) /ˈkætəlɪst/ – something that causes an important event to happen
Example: “The new policy was a catalyst for significant changes in the organization.” -
Paradigm shift (noun phrase) /ˈpærədaɪm ʃɪft/ – a major change in thinking or behavior
Example: “The invention of the internet caused a paradigm shift in how we communicate.” -
To revolutionize (verb) /ˌrevəˈluːʃənaɪz/ – to completely change something
Example: “The new technology revolutionized the way we approach data analysis.” -
Transformative (adjective) /trænsˈfɔːmətɪv/ – causing a major change in someone or something
Example: “The experience was truly transformative, altering my perspective on life.” -
To galvanize (verb) /ˈɡælvənaɪz/ – to shock or excite someone into taking action
Example: “The crisis galvanized the community into taking immediate action.” -
Pivotal (adjective) /ˈpɪvətl/ – of crucial importance in relation to the development or success of something else
Example: “That decision proved to be pivotal in shaping my career path.” -
To overhaul (verb) /ˌəʊvəˈhɔːl/ – to completely renovate or make major changes
Example: “We need to overhaul our entire approach to customer service.” -
Impetus (noun) /ˈɪmpɪtəs/ – something that makes a process or activity happen or happen more quickly
Example: “The new research provided the impetus for a complete rethinking of our strategy.”
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing motivation and change:
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Structure your answers: Use clear opening statements, develop your ideas with examples, and conclude effectively.
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Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced words and phrases naturally, but ensure you use them correctly.
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Provide specific examples: Personal anecdotes or real-world instances add authenticity and depth to your responses.
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Show reflection: Demonstrate your ability to analyze situations and their impacts.
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Practice fluency: Work on speaking smoothly without long pauses, but don’t sacrifice accuracy for speed.
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Engage with the questions: Show genuine interest in the topic and elaborate on your answers without going off-topic.
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Maintain good body language: Make eye contact, use natural hand gestures, and appear confident and relaxed.
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about using complex language, but about communicating your ideas clearly, coherently, and confidently.
describe a time when you felt excited about the future can be a great way to showcase your ability to discuss positive changes and aspirations, which are closely related to the theme of motivation. When preparing for your IELTS Speaking test, consider how you can connect these experiences to demonstrate your language skills effectively.