Describe a Time When You Felt Very Motivated to Achieve Something – IELTS Speaking Guide

The IELTS Speaking test is designed to evaluate a candidate’s ability to communicate effectively in English. The test is divided into three parts: Part 1 (Introduction and Interview), Part 2 (Long Turn), and Part 3 (Two-way Discussion). Your performance is assessed based on four criteria: fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. Questions related to motivation, achievement, and personal experiences are commonly asked.

In this guide, we will focus on how to answer the question “Describe a time when you felt very motivated to achieve something.” We will provide sample questions, cue cards, and model answers to help you prepare effectively.

II. Main Content

1. Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this part, the examiner will ask you general questions about yourself, your life, and your interests. It’s crucial to answer confidently and clearly to set a positive tone for the rest of the test. Here are some common questions you might encounter:

Example Question:
“Can you describe a recent achievement you are proud of?”

Model Answer:
“Certainly! Recently, I successfully completed a challenging project at work. It required extensive research and collaboration with multiple teams. Seeing the project come to fruition and being recognized for my efforts was an incredibly gratifying experience.”

2. Part 2: Long Turn

In this section, you will be given a cue card with a topic and some bullet points to help you structure your response. You will have one minute to prepare and up to two minutes to speak. Here’s a sample cue card based on our topic:

Cue Card:
Describe a time when you felt very motivated to achieve something. You should say:

• What the goal was
• Why you wanted to achieve it
• What you did to achieve it
• Explain how you felt when you achieved it

achieving-goals-motivation|Achieving Goals Motivation|A person stands at the bottom of a staircase looking up at the top, determined to reach their goal.

Model Answer:
“One of the most memorable times I felt incredibly motivated was during my final year of university when I was determined to achieve a first-class honors degree. This goal was paramount to me as it symbolized not only academic excellence but also the culmination of years of hard work.

To achieve this, I meticulously planned my study schedule, made extensive use of university resources, and participated in group study sessions. Additionally, I sought feedback from my professors to improve my understanding of complex subjects. It was an arduous journey, but the sense of accomplishment I felt upon receiving my results was indescribable. This achievement reaffirmed my belief in the power of dedication and perseverance.”

Follow-up Questions:

1. “Why do you think motivation is important for achieving goals?”
2. “Can you describe a situation where you had to help someone else stay motivated?”
3. “What do you think are the common factors that hinder motivation?”

Sample Responses:

1. “Motivation is essential because it drives us to take action and persist through challenges. Without it, even the most straightforward goals can seem insurmountable.”
2. “Certainly! Last year, I mentored a colleague struggling with a project. By regularly encouraging them and offering constructive feedback, they regained their confidence and successfully completed their task.”
3. “Common factors include lack of clear goals, insufficient support, and fear of failure. It’s crucial to address these issues to maintain motivation.”

3. Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner will engage you in a more abstract discussion related to the topic. Here, you need to elaborate on your answers and demonstrate your critical thinking skills.

Example Discussion:
Examiner: “In your opinion, how do different factors like environment and personal relationships influence a person’s motivation?”

Model Answer:
“I believe that both environmental and personal relationship factors play significant roles in influencing an individual’s motivation. A supportive environment, whether at home or at work, can provide the necessary encouragement and resources needed to stay motivated. Conversely, a toxic environment can drain one’s enthusiasm and hinder progress. Likewise, personal relationships impact motivation profoundly. Positive relationships with family, friends, and colleagues can boost morale and provide emotional support. On the other hand, negative relationships can create stress and distraction, making it challenging to stay focused on goals.”

4. Key Vocabulary and Phrases

Here are some key vocabulary and phrases to help you articulate your thoughts clearly and achieve a high score:

• **Determination /ˌdɪ.təˈmɪn.ɪn/ (noun): A strong intent to achieve something.
  • “Her determination to succeed was evident in her every action.”
• **Perseverance /ˌpɜː.sɪˈvɪə.rəns/ (noun): Continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties.
  • “It was only through sheer perseverance that he managed to finish the marathon.”
• **Culmination /ˌkʌl.mɪˈneɪ.ʃən/ (noun): The highest point or final stage of something.
  • “The graduation ceremony marked the culmination of many years of hard work.”
• **Gratifying /ˈɡræt.ɪ.faɪ.ɪŋ/ (adjective): Giving pleasure or satisfaction.
  • “Completing the project was a gratifying experience.”

III. Tips for Success

1. Practice Regularly: Familiarize yourself with common IELTS topics and practice speaking about them fluently.
2. Expand Your Vocabulary: Incorporate high-level vocabulary and phrases in your responses.
3. Stay Calm and Confident: Confidence can significantly impact your performance. Practice relaxation techniques to stay calm.
4. Engage with the Examiner: Listen carefully to the examiner’s questions and provide thoughtful answers.

By following these guidelines and utilizing the provided examples, you can improve your speaking skills and achieve a higher score in the IELTS Speaking test.