Describe a Time When You Felt Very Motivated: A Comprehensive Guide for IELTS Speaking Success

The IELTS Speaking test is designed to assess your verbal communication skills in English. As an IELTS Speaking Examiner, I evaluate candidates on four key criteria: Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Pronunciation. One common topic that often appears in the test is “Describe a time when you felt very motivated.” This article will provide detailed guidance and sample answers to help you perform well on this topic.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking test, the examiner asks general questions about yourself, your home, work, studies, and interests. Here are some common questions you might encounter:

1. What do you do to stay motivated in your daily life?
2. Can you tell me about a person who inspires you?
3. How do you usually celebrate your achievements?

Sample Answer

Question: What do you do to stay motivated in your daily life?

Answer: To stay motivated in my daily life, I set clear and achievable goals. For instance, I break down my larger tasks into smaller, manageable activities. Additionally, I reward myself after completing significant milestones, which keeps my enthusiasm high. I also surround myself with positive people who can provide encouragement and support.

Part 2: Cue Card

In Part 2, you will be given a cue card with a topic and some bullet points to cover. You will have one minute to prepare and two minutes to speak.

Cue Card

Describe a time when you felt very motivated. You should say:

• When it was
• What the situation was
• What you did as a result of feeling motivated
• And explain why you felt so motivated

Moment of Motivation

Sample Answer

One of the times I felt incredibly motivated was during my last year of university, around three years ago. I was working on my thesis and, at that point, it seemed like a daunting task. The situation was quite challenging because I needed to balance my coursework, part-time job, and the thesis project.

To tackle this issue, I created a detailed plan and set specific milestones. I allocated my time carefully, ensuring that I could devote enough hours to each task. With each completed section of my thesis, I felt a surge of motivation to continue. This systematic approach fueled my determination.

I was extremely motivated because I knew that completing my thesis would be a significant achievement and a stepping stone towards my academic and professional aspirations. The sense of purpose and the positive feedback from my advisor kept me motivated throughout the process.

Follow-up Questions and Sample Answers

Question 1: What are some ways to keep yourself motivated in a challenging situation?

Answer: To stay motivated in a challenging situation, it’s important to maintain a positive mindset and focus on your end goal. Creating a structured plan and celebrating small victories can also provide a sense of progress. Additionally, seeking support from friends and mentors can offer encouragement and valuable advice.

Question 2: Why do you think some people lose motivation easily?

Answer: Some people lose motivation easily because they set unrealistic goals or lack a clear plan. External factors, such as a lack of support or negative feedback, can also contribute to reduced motivation. It’s crucial to identify the root cause and address it constructively.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In Part 3, you will engage in a more in-depth discussion with the examiner, discussing abstract ideas and various perspectives related to the topic of motivation.

Sample Questions and Answers

Question 1: How important is motivation in achieving success?

Answer: Motivation is crucial for achieving success as it drives individuals to take consistent and purposeful actions. Without motivation, it’s easy to become complacent and give up on one’s goals. Motivated individuals are more likely to overcome obstacles and persist towards achieving success.

Question 2: Do you think external rewards are a good way to stay motivated? Why or why not?

Answer: External rewards can be effective in motivating people, especially in the short term. For example, bonuses and recognition at work can boost an individual’s drive. However, for long-term motivation, intrinsic factors such as personal growth and passion for the task often play a more significant role.

Vocabulary and Structures for High Scores

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, incorporating varied vocabulary and complex sentence structures is essential. Here are some useful words and phrases:

1. Intrinsic (adj.): pertaining to internal motivation.

   • Example: Her intrinsic motivation to learn new things kept her going despite the challenges.

2. Milestone (noun): a significant stage or event in development.

   • Example: Completing the project was a major milestone in his career.

3. Consistent (adj.): acting or done in the same way over time.

   • Example: Consistent effort is key to mastering a new skill.

4. Surge (noun): a sudden powerful forward or upward movement.

   • Example: He felt a surge of excitement when he received the news.

Final Tips

1. Practice Regularly: Regular practice helps improve fluency and confidence.
2. Seek Feedback: Constructive criticism from peers or instructors can guide improvements.
3. Stay Calm: Being relaxed will help you think more clearly and respond more effectively.
4. Expand Vocabulary: Learn and incorporate new words appropriately.
5. Listen to Native Speakers: Immersing yourself in English through movies, podcasts, and conversations can enhance your language skills.

By following these tips and practicing with the sample answers provided, you’ll be better prepared to tackle questions about motivation in the IELTS Speaking test and achieve a high score.