The IELTS Speaking test is a critical component of the IELTS exam, designed to assess a candidate’s ability to communicate effectively in English. This test consists of three parts: Part 1 (Introduction and Interview), Part 2 (Long Turn), and Part 3 (Two-way Discussion). Each of these sections evaluates different aspects of speaking skills, such as fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range, and pronunciation. One frequently appearing topic is “Describe a time when you were very inspired.” This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide, complete with sample answers, strategies, and tips, to help you ace this part of the IELTS Speaking test.
IELTS Speaking Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Common Questions in Part 1
- Can you tell me about a memorable moment from your childhood?
- What kind of music do you like to listen to, and why?
- Describe a famous person you would like to meet.
- What inspires you in your daily life?
Sample Answer for “What inspires you in your daily life?”
“Every day, I find inspiration in the small acts of kindness that people show to each other. Whether it’s a stranger helping someone cross the street, or a friend offering support during challenging times, these acts remind me of the goodness in humanity and motivate me to be a better person myself.”
IELTS Speaking Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card for “Describe a Time When You Were Very Inspired”
Here is a sample cue card you might encounter in Part 2:
Cue Card: Describe a time when you were very inspired.
- Who inspired you?
- What was the situation?
- How did it affect you?
- Why did you find it so inspiring?
Sample Answer
“One of the most inspiring moments in my life occurred during my final year of high school. My mathematics teacher, Mr. Johnson, was someone who had a profound impact on me. I was struggling with calculus and was on the verge of giving up. Mr. Johnson noticed my difficulties and took the time to give me extra lessons after school. His dedication and unique way of making complex concepts simple inspired me not just to improve in mathematics, but also to adopt a more positive approach to challenges in general.
teacher-student-inspiration|Teacher Inspiring Student|A passionate teacher explaining a complex concept on a blackboard to a student, sparking a light bulb above the student’s head, signifying understanding and inspiration.
Mr. Johnson’s guidance didn’t just result in better grades; it sparked a belief in me that with perseverance and the right guidance, I could overcome any obstacle. This experience also inspired me to pay it forward, and now I always try to help others who are struggling, be it academically or in any other aspect of life.”
Follow-up Questions:
- How do you think inspiration affects people’s lives?
- Can you give an example of someone else who inspires you and why?
- Do you think inspiration is necessary for success? Why or why not?
Suggested Answers and Key Phrases
- “Inspiration plays a significant role in people’s lives as it fuels motivation and provides a sense of direction and purpose. When people are inspired, they tend to push beyond their limits and achieve things they previously thought impossible.”
- “Another person who inspires me is Malala Yousafzai. Her bravery and commitment to advocating for girls’ education, despite facing life-threatening obstacles, are incredibly inspiring. She has shown that one person’s determination can bring about significant change.”
- “While inspiration is not the only factor necessary for success, it definitely acts as a catalyst. It provides the initial spark that drives individuals to set and accomplish their goals.”
IELTS Speaking Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Example of Two-way Discussion
Examiner: Do you think celebrities are good role models for young people? Why or why not?
Sample Answer:
“While some celebrities can be good role models, it ultimately depends on their actions and contributions to society. For instance, public figures like Leonardo DiCaprio, who actively advocate for environmental issues and use their platform for positive change, can inspire young people to become more socially and environmentally conscious. However, not all celebrities provide positive influences, and sometimes their lifestyles can promote materialism and superficial values. Therefore, it’s essential to be discerning when choosing role models.”
Examiner: How can parents and teachers play a role in inspiring children?
Sample Answer:
“Parents and teachers hold significant positions of influence in children’s lives. Parents can inspire their children by leading by example, demonstrating values such as hard work, honesty, and kindness. Teachers, on the other hand, can inspire through their dedication and creativity in making learning enjoyable and meaningful. For instance, a teacher who goes out of their way to support students’ understanding of difficult subjects can instill a love for learning and a belief that challenges can be overcome with effort and perseverance.”
Vocabulary and Phrases to Boost Your Score
- Profound impact: /prəˈfaʊnd ˈɪmpækt/ – a deep or serious effect
- “His kindness had a profound impact on my outlook on life.”
- Perseverance: /ˌpɜː.sɪˈvɪə.rəns/ – continued effort to achieve something despite difficulties
- “Her perseverance in the face of adversity was truly inspiring.”
- Pay it forward: /peɪ ɪt ˈfɔː.wəd/ – to repay kindness to others instead of to the original benefactor
- “After receiving help, I was motivated to pay it forward by volunteering.”
- Catalyst: /ˈkæt.ə.lɪst/ – something or someone that causes an important event or change
- “The inspirational speech served as a catalyst for social reform.”
Final Tips
- Practice Regularly: The more you practice speaking, the more fluent and confident you will become.
- Use a Variety of Sentence Structures: Mixing complex sentences with simple ones can showcase your grammatical range.
- Incorporate Advanced Vocabulary: Using sophisticated words and phrases correctly can help you score higher in the lexical resource criterion.
- Stay Calm and Confident: Anxiety can hinder your performance, so practice relaxation techniques to keep calm during the test.
For more insightful tips on handling different IELTS Speaking topics, you might also find these articles helpful:
- Describe a time when you were inspired by someone
- Describe a person who is good at motivating others
- Describe a place where you would like to visit again
By consistently practicing and refining your speaking abilities, you will be well-prepared to achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test.