One of the common tasks in the IELTS Speaking test is describing a personal experience. For the topic “Describe A Time When You Felt Very Motivated To Succeed,” presenting a well-structured, detailed, and engaging response can significantly boost your speaking score.
I. Introduction
The IELTS Speaking test consists of three parts: Part 1 (Introduction and Interview), Part 2 (Long Turn), and Part 3 (Two-way Discussion). Each part assesses various aspects of your spoken English, including fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation.
In Part 1, examiners may ask general questions about yourself on familiar topics. In Part 2, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic and asked to speak for 1-2 minutes. Part 3 involves a deeper discussion related to the Part 2 topic.
For this article, we’ll focus on preparing for Part 2, using the topic “Describe a time when you felt very motivated to succeed.” We will cover all parts with this topic in mind to ensure you are well-prepared.
II. Main Content
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, examiners ask basic questions to get to know you better. Here are some common questions and a sample answer:
Common Question:
- Do you prefer working or studying?
Sample Answer:
“I prefer working as it allows me to apply my knowledge practically. While studying provides the foundation, working offers real-life experiences and challenges that help me grow professionally.”
Part 2: Long Turn
In this section, you’ll receive a cue card with prompts related to the topic. Here’s a cue card for the topic “Describe a time when you felt very motivated to succeed” and a sample answer to help you prepare.
Cue Card
Describe a time when you felt very motivated to succeed.
You should say:
- When it was
- What you were trying to achieve
- Why you were motivated
- How you felt after achieving it
Sample Answer:
“I remember vividly the time when I was extremely motivated to succeed. It was during my final year of university when I was working on my thesis project. The project was about developing a sustainable energy solution for local communities, and it was a subject I was very passionate about.
The turning point came when my professor announced that the best projects would be presented at an international conference. This prospect of presenting my work on a global platform was a huge motivator. Not only did I want to excel academically, but I also saw this as a chance to make a significant impact and possibly contribute to a real-world solution.
I poured my heart and soul into my research, working late nights and weekends. I collaborated with peers, sought advice from experts, and continuously improved my project. The drive to succeed fueled me through all the challenges.
Thesis Presentation
When my project was finally selected for the presentation, I felt an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. It wasn’t just about the recognition; it was the realization that my hard work and determination paid off. This experience taught me the power of motivation and set a precedent for how I tackle challenges in my professional life.”
Bullet Point Questions and Answers:
Q: What strategies did you use to stay motivated?
A: I set clear goals and reminders of why this project was important to me, both academically and personally. Additionally, keeping a structured plan and breaking down tasks into manageable parts helped me stay focused and driven.
Q: Can you describe a significant challenge you faced during this time?
A: A significant challenge was the limited access to advanced research facilities. To overcome this, I reached out to industry experts and utilized online resources to gather the necessary data and insights.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. This examines your ability to discuss, analyze, and present opinions.
Examiner’s Questions:
- How important is it to set personal goals?
Sample Answer:
“Setting personal goals is crucial as it provides direction and motivation. It helps individuals to focus their efforts and measure their progress. For instance, when I set my thesis project goal, it not only structured my study plans but also kept me motivated throughout the process. Personal goals can vary from short-term targets to long-term ambitions, but their significance lies in the clarity and determination they bring to our actions.”
- What factors influence people’s motivation to succeed?
“Several factors can influence a person’s motivation to succeed, including personal interests, financial incentives, recognition, and a supportive environment. Personal interests ensure that the work is engaging, financial incentives can provide necessary resources, recognition serves as a validation of efforts, and a supportive environment, including family and mentors, can provide much-needed encouragement and guidance. For example, during my thesis project, knowing my work could be presented on an international stage was a major motivational factor.”
Vocabulary and Structure for High Scores
Key Vocabulary:
- Motivation (n) /ˌmoʊ.tɪˈveɪ.ʃən/ — The reason or reasons one has for acting or behaving in a particular way.
- Accomplishment (n) /əˈkɑːm.plɪʃ.mənt/ — Something that has been achieved successfully.
- Determination (n) /dɪˌtɝː.mɪˈneɪ.ʃən/ — Firmness of purpose; resoluteness.
- Sustainable (adj) /səˈsteɪ.nə.bəl/ — Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level.
- Collaborative (adj) /kəˈlæb.ə.reɪ.tɪv/ — Produced or conducted by two or more parties working together.
Example Sentences:
- “The accomplishment of completing my thesis was a defining moment in my academic career.”
- “Her determination to succeed was evident in the numerous hours she dedicated to her studies.”
III. Advice for High Scores
- Practice Regularly: Consistent practice can help you speak more fluently and coherently.
- Use Rich Vocabulary: Incorporate a variety of words and phrases but ensure they are relevant and appropriate.
- Stay Organized: Structure your answers logically, with a clear beginning, middle, and end.
- Be Confident: Speak clearly and confidently, and don’t be afraid to show your enthusiasm.
- Seek Feedback: Get feedback from teachers or peers to understand your strengths and areas of improvement.
By preparing thoroughly and understanding the expectations, you can excel in the IELTS Speaking test and handle any topic, including “Describe a time when you felt very motivated to succeed.”
