The IELTS Speaking Test assesses a candidate’s English speaking skills through a face-to-face interview with an examiner. The test lasts for about 11-14 minutes and is divided into three parts:
- Part 1: Introduction and Interview: The examiner asks the candidate questions about themselves and a range of familiar topics.
- Part 2: Long Turn: The candidate is given a cue card with a topic and has about 1 minute to prepare a monologue lasting 1-2 minutes.
- Part 3: Two-way Discussion: The examiner engages the candidate in a discussion on more abstract and complex concepts related to the topic from Part 2.
To perform well, candidates must demonstrate fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. Questions on staying motivated are common, making understanding how to tackle them crucial for a high score.
Common Questions in Part 1
In Part 1, the examiner often starts with simple questions to make the candidate feel comfortable. Here are some typical questions:
- What’s your favorite hobby?
- Can you describe a typical day in your life?
- What do you like about your hometown?
Sample Answer for a Part 1 Question:
Question: What do you like about your hometown?
Answer:
“I live in a small town that is surrounded by beautiful landscapes. What I love the most about it is its tranquil and peaceful environment. Unlike big cities, we have less traffic and noise here. Moreover, people are friendly and welcoming, always ready to help each other, which makes me feel at home.”
Part 2: Long Turn
For Part 2, candidates receive a cue card with a topic and questions to cover.
Cue Card:
Describe a time when you had to stay motivated. You should say:
- When it happened
- Why you needed to stay motivated
- How you kept yourself motivated
- And explain what the outcome was
Staying Motivated During Studies
Sample Answer for the Cue Card:
When it comes to the time I had to stay motivated, I can vividly recall the period during my final year in university. This particular time was around three years ago, when I was working on my thesis project.
The reason I needed to stay motivated was the tight deadlines and the immense pressure to deliver a high-quality research paper since it was crucial for achieving my degree with honors. There were moments when the workload seemed overwhelming, and the constant revisions demanded a lot of patience and determination.
To keep myself motivated, I used several strategies. Firstly, I set specific, achievable goals for each day, which helped break the task into smaller, manageable parts. I also maintained a strict schedule and took short breaks to avoid burnout. Furthermore, I stayed connected with my friends and family who provided me with moral support. Listening to motivational podcasts and reading inspiring stories also played a significant role in keeping my spirits high.
As a result of staying motivated, I successfully completed my thesis within the deadline and graduated with honors. This experience taught me the value of perseverance and effective time management.
Follow-up Questions and Suggested Answers:
Question: How do you usually motivate yourself when dealing with difficult tasks?
Answer:
“I usually motivate myself by setting clear goals and rewards for achieving them. Breaking tasks down into smaller steps and focusing on one thing at a time helps minimize stress. Additionally, I seek inspiration from reading success stories and remind myself of past achievements to boost my confidence.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner will ask questions related to the topic in Part 2 but in a more abstract way.
Examiner: “Why is it important for people in various professions to stay motivated?”
Candidate Answer:
“It is crucial for people in all professions to stay motivated because motivation drives productivity and enhances job satisfaction. Without motivation, the quality of work can deteriorate, leading to poor performance and a lack of innovation. Moreover, motivated individuals are more likely to overcome challenges and contribute positively to their teams and organizations.”
Examiner: “Can you think of any industries where staying motivated is particularly challenging but essential?”
Candidate Answer:
“Absolutely, industries like healthcare and education come to mind. Medical professionals, for instance, face high stress and long hours, making it difficult to stay motivated. However, their motivation is vital for providing the best patient care. Similarly, teachers need to be motivated to inspire and engage students, despite the challenges they face in the educational environment.”
Vocabulary and Structures to Achieve High Scores
Key Vocabulary:
- Perseverance: /ˌpɜː.sɪˈvɪə.rəns/ (noun) – continued effort to achieve something despite difficulties.
- Example: His perseverance in completing the project was commendable.
- Motivational: /ˌmoʊtɪˈveɪʃənəl/ (adjective) – providing reasons and encouragement to do something.
- Example: She listened to motivational speeches to boost her morale.
- Overcoming challenges: (phrase) – successfully dealing with difficult situations.
- Example: Overcoming challenges is part of personal and professional growth.
Advanced Structures:
- What I love the most about…
- This particular time was…
- As a result of staying motivated…
Expert Tips for IELTS Speaking Success
- Practice Regularly: Consistent practice helps build fluency and confidence.
- Engage in English Conversations: The more you speak in English, the more natural it will become.
- Use a Range of Vocabulary and Grammar: Show your ability to use different words and structures to express ideas.
- Stay Calm and Take Your Time: Don’t rush. Think before you speak to construct meaningful sentences.
These strategies, alongside the sample answers and vocabulary highlighted, will guide you to perform better in your IELTS Speaking Test and achieve a high score. For more insights, you might find related topics like Describe a situation when you had to motivate yourself, and Describe a time when you had to overcome a setback useful in broadening your preparation.