The IELTS Speaking test assesses your ability to communicate effectively in English across a range of topics. One common question that may appear in Part 2: The Long Turn is: “Describe a time when you were very motivated.” To score high in this part, an examiner looks for fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range, and accuracy. This guide will provide an in-depth look at how to handle such a question, complete with sample answers, analysis, and tips for success.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Common Questions
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Can you tell me about yourself?
Sample Answer: “My name is John, and I’m currently a student at XYZ University. I’m pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering, and I have a keen interest in renewable energy technologies. In my leisure time, I enjoy reading science fiction novels and playing tennis.” -
What motivates you in your daily life?
Sample Answer: “I find motivation from different sources such as setting personal goals, learning new skills, and receiving encouragement from my family and friends. Additionally, achieving small milestones keeps me driven and focused.”
Part 2: The Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a time when you were very motivated. You should say:
- When it was
- What you were trying to accomplish
- Why you were motivated
- And explain how you felt about your motivation
Sample Answer
“One time I was extremely motivated was during my final year in high school when I was preparing for my university entrance exams. This was last year, and I was trying to get into one of the top engineering colleges in the country. The primary reason for my motivation was my desire to pursue a career in engineering, driven by my fascination with how things work and how I could potentially contribute to technological advancements.
I created a strict study schedule, enlisted the help of my teachers for extra tutoring, and avoided any distractions. During this period, I felt a sense of determination and focus that I had never experienced before. Seeing my efforts translate into gradually improved mock test scores fueled my motivation even further. Ultimately, this hard work paid off as I achieved the scores needed to enter my desired university.
I was immensely proud of myself and felt a deep sense of satisfaction. This experience taught me the value of hard work and perseverance, and I continue to draw motivation from this achievement whenever I face challenging situations.”
Potential Follow-up Questions:
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What strategies did you use to keep yourself motivated?
Sample Answer: “I employed a mix of short-term and long-term goals, surrounded myself with supportive people, and maintained a balanced lifestyle including physical exercise and breaks to avoid burnout.” -
How did your friends and family support you during this time?
Sample Answer: “My family provided emotional support and encouraged me to stay focused. My friends helped by keeping me accountable and studying together, which made the process less isolating.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner’s Question
Why do you think motivation is important in achieving goals?
Sample Answer
“Motivation is crucial because it drives individuals to put in the necessary effort and perseverance to reach their goals. Without motivation, people are less likely to overcome obstacles and may easily give up when faced with challenges. For instance, during my university entrance exam preparation, my strong motivation kept me disciplined and persistent, despite the difficulties. Additionally, motivation often leads to better time management and increases productivity, making the journey towards achieving goals more efficient and rewarding.”
Examiner’s Question
Can external factors play a significant role in motivating a person? Why or why not?
Sample Answer
“Absolutely, external factors can significantly influence a person’s motivation. Support from family and friends provides emotional strength, while recognition and rewards can serve as powerful incentives. For example, in my experience, the encouragement I received from my teachers and family played a pivotal role in maintaining my high level of motivation. Social environments and societal expectations can also have a motivating effect, either by creating a competitive atmosphere or by offering opportunities for growth and improvement.”
Vocabulary and Structures for High Scores
- Phrase: “Fuel my motivation” (increase enthusiasm)
- Phrase: “Translate into” (result in)
- Phrase: “Avoid burnout” (prevent exhaustion)
- Phrase: “Emotional support” (psychological help)
- Phrase: “Balanced lifestyle” (healthy life choices)
- Phrase: “Short-term and long-term goals” (immediate and future objectives)
- Word: “Perseverance” /ˌpəːsɪˈvɪər(ə)ns/ (persistence)
- Word: “Discipline” /ˈdɪsɪplɪn/ (control)
- Word: “Accountable” /əˈkaʊntəb(ə)l/ (responsible)
- Word: “Productivity” /ˌprɒd(ə)kˈtɪvɪti/ (efficiency)
Example Sentences
- “Seeing my efforts translate into improved scores fueled my motivation further.”
- “A balanced lifestyle including exercise helped me avoid burnout.”
- “I set short-term and long-term goals to keep myself on track.”
Tips for High Scores in IELTS Speaking
- Practice Regularly: Regular practice will improve fluency and confidence.
- Use a Range of Vocabulary: Demonstrate a wide range of vocabulary and expressions.
- Stay Coherent: Ensure your answers are logically structured and focused.
- Be Natural: Speak naturally; avoid memorized phrases.
- Seek Feedback: Get feedback from teachers or peers to identify and improve weak areas.
With diligent practice and the strategies outlined above, you can excel in the IELTS Speaking test and achieve your desired band score.
By following these guidelines, candidates can confidently approach questions about motivation in the IELTS Speaking test, demonstrating their linguistic capability and securing high band scores. For further practice, check out related topics such as “Describe a time when you were very productive” or “Describe a time when you had to stay calm in a difficult situation”.