The Speaking test in IELTS is essential not only for those looking to study abroad but also for securing jobs in English-speaking countries. One frequently asked question in the IELTS Speaking test is “Describe A Time When You Were Inspired By Someone’s Actions.” This article will guide you through an effective way to answer this question by providing suggestions on structure, vocabulary, and analysis.
I. Overview of the IELTS Speaking Test
The IELTS Speaking Test assesses your ability to communicate effectively in English. The test is divided into three parts:
- Part 1: Introduction and Interview (4-5 minutes) – The examiner will introduce themselves and ask you to introduce yourself. You will then answer general questions on familiar topics.
- Part 2: Long Turn (3-4 minutes) – You will be given a task card (cue card) with a topic and some bullet points. You will have one minute to prepare your talk and then will need to speak for one to two minutes.
- Part 3: Two-way Discussion (4-5 minutes) – The examiner will ask further questions related to the topic in Part 2, aiming for a more abstract discussion.
Examiners evaluate candidates based on fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation.
II. Addressing the IELTS Speaking Parts
1. Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Common Questions:
- Can you tell me about yourself?
- What are your hobbies?
- Who is someone that you look up to and why? (Related to our main topic)
Suggested Answer:
One person I look up to is my older sister. She is a dedicated doctor who works tirelessly to help her patients. Her commitment and compassion towards her work have inspired me to pursue a career in healthcare as well.
2. Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card Example:
Describe a time when you were inspired by someone’s actions.
- Who the person is
- What actions they did
- How you felt about it
- Explain how it inspired you
Sample Answer:
A time when I was deeply inspired by someone’s actions was when my neighbor, Mrs. Smith, organized a food drive for the homeless in our community. Despite her busy work schedule, she dedicated her weekends to collecting food donations and distributing them to those in need. Her altruistic behavior and genuine concern for others deeply moved me. I felt a strong sense of admiration for her, and it prompted me to volunteer at local shelters. Her example reinforced the importance of community service and making a tangible difference in others’ lives.
food drive
Follow-up Questions:
- What motivated Mrs. Smith to organize the food drive?
- Have you ever participated in any other community services since then?
Suggested Answer:
Mrs. Smith was motivated by a strong sense of community responsibility and a desire to help those less fortunate. Since then, I have participated in several other community service events, such as clean-up drives and charity runs. Each experience has been immensely rewarding and has further instilled in me the value of giving back to the community.
3. Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Example Questions:
- Why do people feel inspired by others’ actions?
- Is it important for individuals to set good examples in a community? Why?
Suggested Answer:
People often feel inspired by others’ actions because they see qualities in them that they admire or wish to emulate. Seeing someone commit to a noble cause or achieve something remarkable can be very motivating.
It is crucial for individuals to set good examples in a community because their actions can have a ripple effect, inspiring others and fostering a more supportive and cohesive community. When community leaders or influential individuals act with integrity and altruism, it encourages others to follow suit, ultimately promoting a culture of kindness and mutual respect.
III. Essential Vocabulary and Phrases for a High Score
Key Vocabulary:
- Inspired (adj.) – to be motivated or influenced by someone or something.
- Example: “Her dedication inspired me to volunteer more often.”
- Altruistic (adj.) – showing a selfless concern for the well-being of others.
- Example: “His altruistic nature was evident in his charity work.”
- Commitment (n.) – the state or quality of being dedicated to a cause.
- Example: “His commitment to the project was commendable.”
Important Phrases:
- “Moved me deeply” – to affect someone emotionally.
- Example: “Her story moved me deeply, and I felt compelled to help.”
- “Make a tangible difference” – to effect a real and noticeable change.
- Example: “By volunteering, I wanted to make a tangible difference in my community.”
IV. Preparation Tips for the Speaking Test
- Practice Regularly: Regular practice helps you become more fluent and coherent.
- Expand Your Lexical Resource: Learn new vocabulary and try to incorporate them into your speech.
- Enhance Pronunciation: Focus on clear pronunciation and intonation.
- Structured Practice: Use sample cue cards to practice structured responses.
In conclusion, preparing for the IELTS Speaking Test by focusing on answering common questions, structuring your responses, and using advanced vocabulary can help you achieve a higher score. Remember to stay calm, be clear, and be confident in your responses.
