In the IELTS Speaking test, examiners look for four main criteria: Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Pronunciation. Speaking tasks often require you to narrate personal experiences or express opinions, making “Describe a time when you were inspired by someone” a commonly recurring topic.
II. Main Content
1. Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner asks general questions to get to know you better. These questions are usually about your home, family, work, studies, and interests.
Example Question:
- Do you think it is important to have role models?
Sample Answer:
“Yes, I believe having role models is crucial as they provide us with a blueprint for achieving success and overcoming challenges. They inspire us to strive for higher goals and show us that it is possible to achieve great things through hard work and determination.”
2. Part 2: Long Turn
In Part 2, you will be given a cue card with a task and some guiding questions. You will have one minute to prepare a two-minute talk.
Cue Card:
Describe a time when you were inspired by someone. You should say:
- Who he/she is
- How you got to know him/her
- What he/she inspired you to do
- How you felt about it
Sample Answer:
“One person who truly inspired me is my older brother, John. I have known him my entire life, but there was a specific moment when his actions deeply influenced me. John had always been passionate about fitness, but seeing him train day in and day out for a marathon despite facing numerous obstacles was incredibly motivating. His commitment and dedication pushed me to take better care of my own health. I started exercising regularly, eating healthier, and eventually, I participated in my own marathon. His perseverance and positive attitude inspired me to believe in my own potential, making me feel both proud and encouraged.”
Follow-up Questions:
- Why do you think this person had such a significant impact on you?
- Do you think everyone needs a source of inspiration in their lives? Why or why not?
Sample Follow-up Answers:
“John’s impact was significant because he led by example. Watching someone overcome hurdles and achieve their goals makes the possibility of success feel more tangible. I strongly believe that everyone needs a source of inspiration, as it can be a powerful driving force to help us overcome our own challenges and achieve our ambitions.”
3. Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner will discuss more abstract and complex ideas related to the topic in Part 2.
Examiner Questions:
- How does inspiration influence people’s lives?
- Do inspirational people always have a positive impact on society?
Sample Answers:
-
How does inspiration influence people’s lives?
“Inspiration can have a profound effect on our lives. It can drive us to take action, step out of our comfort zones, and pursue our dreams with greater tenacity. Inspiration can also foster creativity and innovation, contributing positively to both personal and societal growth.” -
Do inspirational people always have a positive impact on society?
“While many inspirational individuals do have a positive impact, it is not always the case. Sometimes, the way their actions or messages are interpreted can have unintended negative outcomes. However, generally, inspiring figures encourage people to strive for excellence and make beneficial changes in their lives.”
Some Important Vocabulary and Structures
- Inspiration /ˌɪn.spəˈreɪ.ʃən/: Motivation or influence exerted by an admired person.
- Perseverance /ˌpɜː.sɪˈvɪə.rəns/: Steady persistence in a course of action, especially in spite of difficulties.
- Dedication /ˌdɛdɪˈkeɪʃən/: The quality of being committed to a task or purpose.
- Motivating /ˈmoʊ.t̬ɪ.veɪ.tɪŋ/: Providing a reason to act or do something.
- Tenacity /tɪˈnæs.ɪ.ti/: The state or quality of being determined to achieve a goal.
Example in a Sentence:
“Her tenacity in the face of adversity has always been incredibly inspiring to me.”
III. Advice for High Scores in IELTS Speaking
- Practice Regularly: Engage in speaking exercises regularly to improve fluency and coherence.
- Expand Vocabulary: Use diverse and sophisticated vocabulary but ensure it fits naturally into your speech.
- Grammar and Pronunciation: Focus on using complex structures accurately and pronounce words clearly.
- Mock Tests: Take mock tests to get comfortable with the format and timing of the IELTS Speaking exam.
- Feedback: Seek feedback from teachers or IELTS trainers to identify areas for improvement.
By integrating the above strategies and practice tips, you can enhance your speaking skills and significantly boost your IELTS Speaking score.
For more examples and tips on IELTS Speaking, consider checking out links about impressive people, good teachers, or feeling proud of someone.
Note: This content is tailored to help you achieve a band score of 7 or 8, focusing on detailed and sophisticated responses.