How to Answer “Describe a time when you felt very inspired to do something new” in IELTS Speaking Test

In the IELTS Speaking test, your performance is evaluated based on the following criteria: fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. A question like “Describe A Time When You Felt Very Inspired To Do Something New” is quite common and can allow you to showcase a range of vocabulary and structures. Let’s dive deep into how you can effectively answer this question to achieve a high score.

I. Introduction

The Speaking section of the IELTS exam is structured into three parts:

1. Part 1: Introduction and Interview
2. Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
3. Part 3: Two-way Discussion

IELTS Examiners are looking for clear and coherent speech, a wide range of vocabulary, appropriate grammatical structures, and natural pronunciation. Questions about times when you felt inspired are frequent as they test your ability to narrate personal experiences and reflect upon them.

II. Main Content

1. Part 1: Introduction and Interview

These questions are typically straightforward and aimed to warm you up. Common questions might include:

• Do you like trying new things?
• Have you ever felt inspired by someone? Who?

Suggested Answer:
“Yes, I do enjoy trying new things because it challenges me and helps me grow. One particular time, I felt incredibly inspired by my high school teacher. Her dedication to teaching and her passion for literature ignited a similar passion in me and encouraged me to explore writing more deeply.”

2. Part 2: Long Turn

Cue Card

Describe a time when you felt very inspired to do something new. You should say:

• What the situation was
• What inspired you
• What you did
• And explain how you felt about it

Suggested Answer:
“There was a significant moment in my life when I felt very inspired to start learning a new language. The situation occurred during a trip to Japan. I was there for a cultural exchange program, and I was amazed by the beauty of the language and the warmth of the people.

The inspiration came from a local friend I made during the trip. She was fluent in multiple languages, including English. She made communication so seamless and enjoyable, and seeing her switch between languages with such ease left a lasting impression on me.

On returning home, I took the initiative to enroll in a Japanese language course. Initially, it was challenging, but my passion and the encouragement from my friend kept me going. Over time, I found myself engaging in simple conversations and even assisting other beginners in the class.

I felt a sense of accomplishment and joy from diving into a new linguistic realm. It was a transformative experience that not only broadened my horizons but also opened up new opportunities for personal and professional growth.”

Learning Japanese Language

Possible Follow-up Questions:

• Do you think inspiration is important for personal growth? Why?
  “Absolutely! Inspiration fuels our drive to achieve more and push beyond our limits. It can spark creativity and motivate us to pursue goals we might not have considered otherwise.”

• Can inspiration sometimes be negative?
  “Yes, in some cases, inspiration can lead to unrealistic expectations, especially if it involves idealizing someone else’s success without understanding the hard work behind it. It’s important to maintain a balance and stay grounded.”

3. Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner’s Questions:

• How can people find inspiration in their daily lives?
  “People can find inspiration through various means—reading books, engaging in hobbies, traveling, or even through conversations with different people. Inspiration often lies in ordinary experiences if we stay open-minded and curious.”

• Why do you think creativity and new ideas are important in today’s world?
  “Creativity and new ideas drive innovation, which is crucial for progress in any field. In today’s rapidly changing world, adapting to new challenges and finding unique solutions can lead to significant advancements in technology, culture, and society.”

A Robust Vocabulary and Structures

Using a variety of vocabulary and structures will make your speech more engaging:

Important Vocabulary:

• Inspired: /ɪnˈspaɪərd/
  • Example: “I felt truly inspired by her dedication.”
• Accomplishment: /əˈkʌmplɪʃmənt/
  • Example: “Learning Japanese was a major accomplishment for me.”
• Transformative: /trænsˈfɔːrmətɪv/
  • Example: “The experience was transformative and opened up new opportunities.”

Advanced Structures:

• Complex Sentences:
  • “Although it was challenging initially, my passion and encouragement from my friend kept me going.”
• Conditionals:
  • “If I hadn’t gone to Japan, I would never have discovered my interest in learning languages.”

III. Tips for Practicing

• Practice Regularly: Consistency is key. Engage in mock speaking tests to build confidence.
• Expand Vocabulary: Read widely and incorporate new words into your daily conversations.
• Seek Feedback: Practice with a partner or a tutor who can provide constructive feedback.

Keep these strategies in mind, and with diligent practice, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any question the IELTS Speaking test throws at you.