As an IELTS Speaking examiner, I’ve witnessed countless candidates struggle to effectively convey their experiences of motivation. This topic is not only common in IELTS Speaking tests but also crucial for showcasing your language skills and personal insights. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore strategies to help you excel when describing a time you felt very motivated, ensuring you’re well-prepared for your IELTS Speaking exam.

Understanding the IELTS Speaking Test Structure

Before diving into specific tips, let’s briefly review the structure of the IELTS Speaking test:

1. Part 1: Introduction and Interview (4-5 minutes)
2. Part 2: Long Turn (3-4 minutes)
3. Part 3: Two-way Discussion (4-5 minutes)

Now, let’s explore how to tackle questions about motivation in each part.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, you might encounter questions related to motivation. Here are some common questions and sample answers:

Sample Question 1: What motivates you to work hard?

Sample Answer: “I find that setting clear goals is a powerful motivator for me. When I have a specific target in mind, whether it’s completing a project at work or achieving a personal milestone, it gives me a sense of purpose and direction. Additionally, the satisfaction of making progress and seeing tangible results really drives me to put in extra effort.”

Sample Question 2: Do you think it’s important to stay motivated?

Sample Answer: “Absolutely. I believe motivation is crucial for personal growth and success. It’s the driving force that helps us overcome challenges and push through difficult times. Without motivation, it’s easy to become stagnant or give up when faced with obstacles. Maintaining a high level of motivation allows us to consistently work towards our goals and achieve things we might have thought impossible.”

Importance of motivation

Part 2: Long Turn

For this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic to speak about for 1-2 minutes. Here’s a sample cue card related to motivation:

Sample Cue Card

Describe a time when you felt very motivated.

You should say:

• What the situation was
• Why you felt motivated
• What you did as a result of feeling motivated
• And explain how this motivation affected you

Sample Answer

“I’d like to talk about a time when I felt incredibly motivated during my final year of university. The situation was that I had set myself the goal of graduating with honors, which required maintaining a high GPA throughout the year.

I felt motivated for several reasons. Firstly, I had always been passionate about my field of study, and the prospect of excelling in it was exciting. Secondly, I knew that graduating with honors would open up more opportunities for my future career. Lastly, I wanted to make my family proud, as they had supported me throughout my academic journey.

As a result of this motivation, I took several actions. I created a rigorous study schedule, allocating specific times for each subject. I also sought out additional resources, such as academic journals and online courses, to deepen my understanding of complex topics. Furthermore, I formed a study group with like-minded classmates, which helped me stay accountable and provided a platform for discussing challenging concepts.

This motivation had a profound effect on me. It pushed me to work harder than I ever had before, often studying late into the night and sacrificing some social activities. However, the sense of purpose and drive I felt was incredibly rewarding. I found myself enjoying the learning process more than ever, as I was able to see the direct results of my efforts in my improved grades and understanding of the subject matter.

Ultimately, this period of intense motivation taught me valuable lessons about perseverance, time management, and the power of setting clear goals. It not only helped me achieve my academic objectives but also instilled habits and a mindset that have continued to benefit me in my professional life.”

Follow-up Questions

1. How do you maintain motivation over a long period?
2. Do you think external rewards are necessary for motivation?

Sample Answers:

1. “To maintain long-term motivation, I find it essential to break larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks. This approach allows me to celebrate small victories along the way, which helps to sustain my enthusiasm. Additionally, I regularly remind myself of the bigger picture and why my goal is important to me. I also believe in the power of self-care and balance. Taking breaks and engaging in activities I enjoy helps prevent burnout and keeps my motivation levels high.”

2. “While external rewards can certainly be motivating, I don’t believe they’re always necessary. In my experience, intrinsic motivation – the personal satisfaction and fulfillment derived from the task itself – is often more powerful and lasting. That said, external rewards can be useful tools, especially when starting a new habit or tackling a particularly challenging task. The key is to find a balance and gradually shift towards intrinsic motivators as you progress.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner will ask you more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some sample questions and answers:

Sample Question 1: How do you think motivation differs between younger and older generations?

Sample Answer: “That’s an interesting question. I believe motivation can vary significantly between generations due to several factors. Younger generations, having grown up in a rapidly changing, technology-driven world, often seem motivated by innovation, flexibility, and the desire for immediate impact. They might be more inclined to seek out jobs that offer diverse experiences and opportunities for quick advancement.

On the other hand, older generations may find motivation in stability, long-term career growth, and traditional measures of success. They might place more value on job security and loyalty to a single company. However, it’s important to note that these are generalizations, and individual motivations can vary greatly regardless of age.

Furthermore, societal changes and economic conditions play a role in shaping motivations across generations. For instance, the increasing focus on work-life balance and environmental concerns has become a significant motivator for many, transcending generational boundaries.

Ultimately, I think the key is for organizations and leaders to recognize and adapt to these diverse motivational factors, creating environments that can inspire and engage employees across all age groups.”

Sample Question 2: Do you think technology has changed the way people stay motivated?

Sample Answer: “Absolutely, I believe technology has had a profound impact on how people maintain motivation. On one hand, technology has provided us with numerous tools and applications designed specifically to boost productivity and track progress. For example, fitness apps can help people stay motivated to exercise by setting goals, tracking achievements, and even gamifying the experience.

Moreover, social media and online communities have created platforms for people to share their goals and progress, fostering a sense of accountability and support. This can be incredibly motivating, as individuals feel part of a larger community working towards similar objectives.

However, technology can also pose challenges to motivation. The constant connectivity and information overload can lead to distractions and reduced focus. Additionally, the ease of comparing oneself to others online can sometimes be demotivating if not managed properly.

Despite these potential drawbacks, I believe the overall impact of technology on motivation has been positive. It has democratized access to information and resources, making it easier for people to learn new skills and pursue their passions. The key lies in using technology mindfully and leveraging its benefits while being aware of its potential pitfalls.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To elevate your IELTS Speaking score when discussing motivation, consider using these advanced vocabulary items and phrases:

1. Intrinsic motivation /ɪnˈtrɪnsɪk mə(ʊ)tɪˈveɪʃ(ə)n/ (noun): Motivation that comes from within, driven by personal satisfaction.
   Example: “My intrinsic motivation to learn new languages stems from my passion for different cultures.”

2. To galvanize /ˈɡalvənaɪz/ (verb): To shock or excite someone into taking action.
   Example: “The inspirational speech galvanized the team to work harder towards their goals.”

3. Impetus /ˈɪmpɪtəs/ (noun): Something that makes a process or activity happen or happen more quickly.
   Example: “The new project provided the impetus for me to develop my leadership skills.”

4. Self-efficacy /ˌself ˈefɪkəsi/ (noun): Belief in one’s ability to succeed in specific situations or accomplish a task.
   Example: “Developing self-efficacy is crucial for maintaining long-term motivation.”

5. To persevere /ˌpɜːsɪˈvɪə(r)/ (verb): To continue trying to do something despite difficulties.
   Example: “Despite facing numerous setbacks, she persevered and eventually achieved her goal.”

6. Catalyst /ˈkætəlɪst/ (noun): A person or thing that precipitates an event or change.
   Example: “Her success in the competition was a catalyst for her career in professional sports.”

Examiner’s Advice for High Scores

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing motivation:

1. Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced words and phrases related to motivation, as demonstrated in the sample answers.

2. Provide specific examples: When describing your experiences, offer detailed scenarios that illustrate your points clearly.

3. Show critical thinking: In Part 3, demonstrate your ability to analyze abstract concepts by considering different perspectives and potential implications.

4. Maintain fluency: Practice speaking on this topic to improve your ability to express ideas smoothly and coherently.

5. Use appropriate tenses: Ensure you use the correct tenses when describing past experiences of motivation and discussing its general effects.

6. Engage with the examiner: Show interest in the topic and be ready to elaborate on your answers when prompted.

By following these tips and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss motivation confidently in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the key is to showcase your language skills while providing thoughtful and engaging responses.

For more IELTS Speaking tips, check out our guides on how to describe a person who is good at motivating a team and how to describe a time when you had to push yourself to achieve something.