The IELTS Speaking test assesses your ability to communicate in English effectively. The test is divided into three parts: Part 1 (Introduction and Interview), Part 2 (Long Turn), and Part 3 (Two-way Discussion). Each section requires different speaking skills and strategies. IELTS examiners evaluate these aspects: fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation.
Questions that require you to “Describe a time when you felt very inspired” are common in Part 2 of the Speaking test. This type of question often delves into your personal experiences, allowing you to showcase your storytelling abilities, use varied vocabulary, and construct complex sentences. Let’s explore how to tackle this topic excellently.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Common Questions Examiners Ask
- What’s your favorite hobby?
- Do you prefer spending time alone or with friends?
- Can you tell me about your hometown?
Sample Answer for “What’s your favorite hobby?”
“I have passion for photography. It allows me to capture moments and create memories. I started taking photos when I was in high school, and it has helped me see the beauty in everyday life. Photography is not just a hobby for me; it’s a way to express my creativity.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a time when you felt very inspired. You should say:
- When it was
- Where you were
- What you were doing
- And explain why you felt inspired
Sample Answer
“There was a remarkable moment in my life when I felt immensely inspired. It happened last summer during a trip to Japan. I was attending a leadership conference in Tokyo, which brought together young leaders from around the world.
One day, we had a session with a renowned motivational speaker, who shared his journey from poverty to becoming a successful entrepreneur. His story of overcoming adversities and his unwavering determination moved everyone in the room. After hearing his speech, I felt a surge of inspiration to pursue my own dreams.
That evening, as I walked through the serene gardens of Tokyo, I reflected on his words and visualized my future. I decided then and there to start my own project aimed at helping underprivileged children get access to quality education. The experience not only instilled a sense of purpose in me but also made me believe in the power of perseverance and hard work.”
Follow-up Bullet Points
Examiner Questions
-
How did you keep yourself motivated after returning from Japan?
“After returning from Japan, I kept myself motivated by setting clear goals and regularly reminded myself of the speaker’s message. I also joined a community of like-minded individuals who shared their experiences and challenges, which helped me stay focused and driven.”
-
Can you tell me more about your project?
“Certainly! I started a non-profit organization that provides free educational resources to children in rural areas. We conduct workshops, provide study materials, and use online platforms to reach as many children as possible. The initiative has been incredibly rewarding and has made a significant difference in the community.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Deeper Discussion on Inspiration
Examiner Questions
-
Why do you think inspiration is important for people?
“Inspiration plays a vital role in people’s lives as it fuels their ambition and drives them to achieve their goals. It can act as a catalyst for personal growth and innovation, helping individuals overcome obstacles and find creative solutions to problems.”
-
Do you believe only successful people can be inspirational?
“Not at all. While successful people often serve as role models, inspiration can come from anyone and anywhere. Sometimes, even small acts of kindness or perseverance by ordinary people can be profoundly inspiring. It’s the qualities and actions of individuals, rather than their status, that truly inspire others.”
Useful Vocabulary and Structures
Key Vocabulary
- Remarkable (adj.) /rɪˈmɑːr.kə.bəl/: extraordinary
- Example: “She delivered a remarkable speech that inspired many people.”
- Unwavering (adj.) /ʌnˈweɪ.vər.ɪŋ/: steady and resolute
- Example: “His unwavering determination to succeed was truly inspirational.”
- Visualize (verb) /ˈvɪʒ.u.ə.laɪz/: form a mental image
- Example: “I visualized my future on that inspiring evening.”
- Catalyst (noun) /ˈkæt.əl.ɪst/: something that speeds up a process or brings about change
- Example: “The speech served as a catalyst for my career aspirations.”
Tips for High Scores
- Use complex sentences to show a good range of grammatical structures.
- Incorporate a mix of formal and informal language appropriately.
- Practice pronunciation to make sure you speak clearly and coherently.
- Use connectors and logical transitions to ensure fluency and coherence.
Conclusion
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, especially when asked to describe a time when you felt very inspired, focus on detailed and vivid storytelling. Strengthen your answer with rich vocabulary, complex sentence structures, and clear pronunciation. Regular practice and receiving feedback from experienced instructors can significantly enhance your performance. Keep these insights and strategies in mind, and you’ll be well on your way to achieving a high score.
For more related examples, you can explore these links: Describe a time when you felt very inspired to do something new, Describe a time when you achieved a personal goal, and Describe a time when you were very successful in your work.
Good luck with your IELTS Speaking test preparation!