Describing a time when you managed to stay motivated is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This theme allows examiners to assess your ability to articulate personal experiences, reflect on challenges, and demonstrate your language skills in discussing abstract concepts like motivation. Given its relevance to everyday life and personal development, this topic has been a recurring favorite in past IELTS exams and is likely to remain significant in future tests.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you general questions about motivation. Here are some potential questions and a sample answer:
- Do you consider yourself a motivated person?
- What usually motivates you to achieve your goals?
- How do you stay motivated when facing difficulties?
Sample answer for question 3 (Band 7-8):
“Well, when I encounter obstacles, I try to maintain a positive mindset. I often remind myself of my long-term goals and why they’re important to me. Additionally, I find that breaking down larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps helps me stay focused and motivated. Sometimes, I also seek inspiration from others who have overcome similar challenges, which gives me the push I need to keep going.”
Describe a time when you helped someone in an emergency can be another interesting topic to explore in IELTS Speaking, as it allows you to showcase your ability to handle unexpected situations and demonstrate empathy.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a time when you managed to stay motivated
You should say:
- What the situation was
- Why you needed to stay motivated
- How you managed to stay motivated
- And explain the outcome of the situation
IELTS Speaking: Describing motivation
Sample Answer (Band 6-7)
“I’d like to talk about a time when I managed to stay motivated while preparing for my university entrance exams. It was a challenging period because I had to study intensively for several months. I needed to stay motivated because these exams were crucial for my future academic career.
To stay motivated, I set small, achievable goals for each day and week. I also created a study schedule that included regular breaks and some time for my hobbies. This helped me maintain a balance and prevented burnout. Additionally, I found a study group with like-minded friends, which made the process more enjoyable and helped me stay accountable.
The outcome was positive. I managed to maintain my focus throughout the preparation period and performed well in the exams. This experience taught me the importance of perseverance and effective time management.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
“I’d like to recount a particularly challenging period when I had to sustain my motivation while working on a long-term research project for my postgraduate degree. The situation was inherently demanding as it required unwavering dedication over an 18-month period, involving extensive data collection, analysis, and writing.
Maintaining motivation was crucial because the project’s success hinged on consistent effort and attention to detail. Moreover, the research findings had potential implications for my field of study, which added both pressure and excitement to the process.
To stay motivated, I employed a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, I broke down the project into manageable milestones, celebrating each achievement along the way. This strategy provided a sense of progress and accomplishment. Secondly, I cultivated a growth mindset, viewing challenges as opportunities for learning rather than insurmountable obstacles. I also practiced mindfulness techniques to manage stress and maintain focus.
Furthermore, I sought regular feedback from my supervisor and peers, which not only helped refine my work but also provided external validation and encouragement. I engaged with the wider academic community through conferences and seminars, which reinvigorated my passion for the subject and offered fresh perspectives.
The outcome was highly rewarding. Not only did I successfully complete the project, earning commendations from my department, but I also developed invaluable skills in resilience, self-management, and academic rigor. This experience reinforced my belief in the power of sustained motivation and strategic planning in achieving long-term goals.”
Follow-up Questions
- How do you think technology affects people’s motivation?
- Do you believe external rewards are effective in motivating people?
Sample answer for question 2 (Band 8-9):
“While external rewards can certainly play a role in motivation, I believe their effectiveness is often short-lived and context-dependent. In my opinion, intrinsic motivation – driven by personal interest, enjoyment, or alignment with one’s values – tends to be more powerful and sustainable in the long run.
That being said, external rewards can be beneficial when used judiciously. They can provide initial momentum or offer recognition for achievements. However, an over-reliance on external motivators may lead to a decrease in intrinsic motivation, a phenomenon known as the ‘overjustification effect‘.
Ultimately, I think the most effective approach is to cultivate a balance between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. This could involve setting meaningful personal goals, while also acknowledging external achievements. It’s also crucial to create environments – be it in education or the workplace – that nurture autonomy, mastery, and purpose, which are key drivers of intrinsic motivation.”
Describe a time when you did something challenging is another topic that can help you showcase your ability to overcome obstacles and stay motivated, which is closely related to the current discussion.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to motivation. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
- How do you think motivation differs between children and adults?
- What role does motivation play in career success?
- Do you think society puts too much emphasis on being constantly motivated?
Sample answer for question 2 (Band 7-8):
“I believe motivation plays a crucial role in career success. Firstly, it drives individuals to set and pursue ambitious goals, which is essential for career advancement. Motivated employees are more likely to take initiative, seek out opportunities for growth, and persist in the face of challenges.
Moreover, motivation often translates into increased productivity and quality of work. When people are passionate about their jobs, they tend to be more creative, innovative, and willing to go the extra mile. This not only leads to better performance but also makes them valuable assets to their organizations.
However, it’s important to note that motivation alone isn’t sufficient for career success. It needs to be complemented by skills, knowledge, and favorable circumstances. Nevertheless, motivation can often be the differentiating factor between those who achieve their career aspirations and those who don’t.”
Sample answer for question 3 (Band 8-9):
“This is a nuanced issue that merits careful consideration. On one hand, the emphasis on constant motivation in our society can be seen as a positive driving force for personal and professional development. It encourages individuals to strive for continuous improvement and to pursue their goals with vigor.
However, I believe there’s a potential downside to this societal expectation. The pressure to be perpetually motivated can lead to burnout and unrealistic expectations. It’s important to recognize that motivation naturally ebbs and flows, and periods of lower motivation are not only normal but can also be valuable for reflection and recharging.
Moreover, the cult of motivation in society sometimes overshadows other important qualities like resilience, patience, and the ability to find meaning in routine tasks. There’s a risk of equating lack of motivation with personal failure, which can be detrimental to mental health and self-esteem.
In my opinion, a more balanced approach would be beneficial. While recognizing the importance of motivation, we should also validate the full spectrum of human experiences and emotions. This includes acknowledging that it’s okay to have periods of lower motivation and that success can also come from consistency and perseverance, even in the absence of high motivation.”
Describe a skill you are currently learning can be an excellent way to demonstrate how you maintain motivation during the learning process, which ties in well with our current topic.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Unwavering dedication /ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ ˌdedɪˈkeɪʃn/ (noun phrase): Constant and steady commitment.
Example: Her unwavering dedication to the project impressed her supervisors.Multi-faceted approach /ˌmʌlti ˈfæsɪtɪd əˈprəʊtʃ/ (noun phrase): A strategy that considers many aspects of a situation.
Example: We adopted a multi-faceted approach to tackle the complex issue.Cultivate a growth mindset /ˈkʌltɪveɪt ə grəʊθ ˈmaɪndset/ (verb phrase): To develop a belief that abilities can be improved through effort and learning.
Example: The school aims to cultivate a growth mindset in its students.Intrinsic motivation /ɪnˈtrɪnsɪk ˌməʊtɪˈveɪʃn/ (noun phrase): Motivation that comes from internal rewards.
Example: His intrinsic motivation to learn new languages was evident in his daily study habits.Overjustification effect /ˌəʊvəˌdʒʌstɪfɪˈkeɪʃn ɪˈfekt/ (noun phrase): The phenomenon where external rewards decrease a person’s intrinsic motivation.
Example: The company’s bonus system inadvertently led to an overjustification effect among employees.
IELTS Speaking Vocabulary
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing motivation:
- Use a variety of vocabulary and phrases related to motivation, avoiding repetition.
- Provide specific examples from your personal experiences to support your points.
- Demonstrate your ability to discuss abstract concepts by exploring different aspects of motivation.
- Use complex sentence structures and idiomatic expressions naturally.
- Show your capacity for critical thinking by considering both positive and negative aspects of motivation in society.
- Practice speaking on this topic regularly, recording yourself and analyzing your performance.
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about the content of your answers, but also how you express your ideas fluently and coherently.
Describe a time when you changed your routine can be an interesting way to discuss how you adapted and stayed motivated during a period of change, which relates well to our topic of motivation.
By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss motivation and related topics in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the goal is not just to answer the questions, but to demonstrate your English language skills effectively.
Describe a time when you felt proud of someone else can be a great opportunity to discuss how others’ achievements can serve as motivation, providing another perspective on the topic of motivation in IELTS Speaking.