As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I often get asked by students about how to handle the complex questions in IELTS Speaking Part 3. One recurring theme is questions related to children and education, such as “What would encourage children to learn harder?”. This question requires candidates to demonstrate a nuanced understanding of child psychology and motivation while using relevant vocabulary and grammar accurately.
Understanding the Question
This question explores the factors that contribute to a child’s motivation to learn. It assesses your ability to:
- Analyze and discuss abstract concepts: You need to go beyond simple answers and delve into the different motivational factors.
- Provide relevant examples: Illustrate your points with real-life examples or hypothetical scenarios involving children and their learning experiences.
- Use appropriate vocabulary: Employ vocabulary related to education, motivation, and child development.
Effective Strategies to Answer the Question
Here’s a breakdown of how to effectively answer this question:
1. Acknowledge the Complexity
Begin by acknowledging that motivating children is a multifaceted issue. You can use phrases like:
- “That’s a really interesting question because there are so many factors that can influence a child’s motivation to learn.”
- “It’s not a simple answer, as every child is different, but I think some key things can make a big difference.”
2. Discuss Intrinsic Motivators
Explain that internal factors play a crucial role. Mention:
- Curiosity and a love of learning: Highlight the importance of fostering a child’s natural curiosity through interactive activities, exploration, and allowing them to pursue their interests.
- Sense of achievement: Explain how experiencing success, even in small steps, can boost a child’s confidence and encourage them to take on new challenges.
- Personal relevance: Emphasize the need to connect learning to a child’s life and interests, making it more meaningful and engaging.
Example: “I believe nurturing a child’s inherent curiosity is paramount. When children are genuinely interested in a subject, they are more likely to invest time and effort in learning it. For instance, a child fascinated by dinosaurs might be more enthusiastic about reading books or watching documentaries about them compared to other subjects.”
3. Explore Extrinsic Motivators
Acknowledge the role of external factors while emphasizing a balanced approach:
- Positive reinforcement: Discuss the effectiveness of praise, rewards, and recognition for effort and achievement, but caution against over-reliance on material rewards.
- Supportive environment: Highlight the importance of creating a stimulating learning environment with supportive teachers and parents who encourage exploration and celebrate achievements.
- Healthy competition: Explain how friendly competition, when approached constructively, can motivate children to strive for improvement.
Example: “While intrinsic motivation is key, a certain degree of external encouragement can be beneficial. For example, acknowledging a child’s effort and progress on a project, even if it’s not perfect, can build their confidence and encourage them to persevere.”
4. Provide Concrete Examples
Use specific examples to illustrate your points:
- Instead of saying: “Engaging activities are important.”
- Say: “For instance, instead of rote memorization, incorporating games, puzzles, or hands-on experiments can make learning more enjoyable and effective.”
5. Conclude Thoughtfully
Summarize your main points and offer a final thought:
- “Ultimately, I believe a combination of fostering intrinsic motivation, providing the right support, and creating a positive learning environment is crucial to encourage children to learn harder and reach their full potential.”
IELTS Speaking Part 3 Tips:
- Structure your response: Use clear connectors (Firstly, Secondly, Furthermore, In conclusion) to organize your ideas logically.
- Use a range of vocabulary: Demonstrate your lexical resource by using synonyms and avoiding repetition.
- Maintain fluency: Speak at a natural pace and avoid long pauses. If you need a moment to think, use fillers like “Let me see,” or “Well.”
- Stay on topic: Make sure your answer directly addresses the question asked.
By following these strategies and practicing your speaking skills, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle this challenging IELTS Speaking Part 3 question with confidence and fluency.