Last Updated on September 9, 2024
The IELTS Speaking test includes four sections- Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening. The speaking section includes a segment known as the Cue Card section, where candidates must speak for two minutes on a given topic. One popular prompt is to “Describe a person who encouraged you to achieve your goal.” This blog will guide you through this topic, providing sample answers and follow-up questions to help you ace your IELTS preparation.
Understanding the IELTS Cue Card
The IELTS Cue Card task is crucial for assessing your ability to communicate effectively in English. In this section, you will receive a cue card containing a topic and specific questions. You will have one minute to prepare and jot down notes before speaking for up to two minutes. This task evaluates your ability to deliver fluent, coherent, and relevant responses.
You should say:
Who this person is?
What does this person encourage you to do?
How did this person help?
And explain why this encouragement helps you to achieve the goal.
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Sample Answer 1: Describe a Person Who Encouraged You To Achieve Your Goal
Who is this person?
I would like to talk about my father, who has been my greatest source of encouragement throughout my life. Growing up in a middle-class family in India, my father worked tirelessly to provide for us. He always emphasized the importance of education and hard work.
How did he inspire you?
Despite facing numerous challenges, he never let us feel the strain. He would often say, “Success is not just about talent; it’s about perseverance.” This mantra inspired me to pursue my goal of becoming an engineer.
What did he encourage you to do?
One significant moment was when I struggled with my mathematics exam in high school. Instead of scolding me, my father sat with me every evening to help me understand the concepts. His patience, no matter how bad I was at math, determined me to do better.
How did his encouragement help you?
Today, as I study engineering at university, I often reflect on his support. His encouragement has instilled a strong work ethic and the confidence to conquer the impossible- like math!
High School Teacher: Describe a Person Who Encouraged You To Achieve Your Goal
Who is this person?
Another person who greatly encouraged me is my high school teacher, Mrs. Sharma. She taught us English and was passionate about literature. From the very first class, she recognized my interest in writing and encouraged me to express my thoughts freely.
How did she inspire you?
Mrs. Sharma organized a writing competition and insisted that I participate, even when I hesitated. Her belief in my potential pushed me to submit my story, which eventually won first place. This achievement was a turning point for me, as it boosted my confidence immensely.
What did she encourage you to do?
Moreover, she often shared stories of famous authors and their struggles, which made me realize that perseverance is key to success. Thanks to her encouragement, I now aspire to become a novelist, and I often credit her for igniting that passion in me.
Sample Answer 3: Describe a Person Who Encouraged You To Achieve Your Goal
Who is this person?
My friend Anjali, who has been a constant source of motivation. We have known each other since childhood, and she has always been ambitious. When I expressed my desire to start a small business, she encouraged me to take the leap.
How did she help you?
Anjali helped me research the market and even assisted in creating a business plan. Her enthusiasm was contagious, and it pushed me to take actionable steps toward my goal.
What did she encourage you to do?
One memorable instance was when we attended a local entrepreneurship workshop together. The insights we gained there were invaluable, and it solidified my decision to pursue my business idea. Anjali’s unwavering support has been instrumental in my journey, and I am grateful to have her by my side.
Other Cue Card:
Describe Your First Day At School IELTS Cue Card
Describe a Time When Someone Gave You Something
Describe When Someone Gave You Something You Wanted
Describe a Risk You Have Taken Which Had a Positive Result
Follow-Up Questions: Describe a Person Who Encouraged You To Achieve Your Goal
After the cue card section, the examiner will ask follow-up questions related to your topic. Here are some examples:
1. How did this person’s encouragement change your approach to achieving your goals?
Their encouragement made me more determined and focused. I learned to set specific goals and work consistently towards them.
2. Do you think encouragement from others is essential for achieving success?
Yes, encouragement is crucial. It boosts morale and helps individuals believe in their potential, especially during challenging times.
3. Can you think of any famous person who achieved success with the help of someone’s encouragement?
A notable example is Ratan Tata, who often credits his mentor, J.R.D. Tata, for guiding him in his business journey.
4. In your opinion, what qualities make someone a good encourager?
A good encourager should be empathetic, supportive, and patient. They must listen and provide constructive feedback without being judgmental.
5. How do you think society can better support individuals in achieving their goals?
Society can create mentorship programs and provide resources for skill development, making it easier for students and young adults to pursue their aspirations.
6. Do you believe that encouragement is more effective when it comes from friends or family? Why?
While both are important, encouragement from friends can often feel more relatable and motivating as they share similar experiences and challenges.
Conclusion
The IELTS Cue Card section can be challenging because of its spontaneous nature, but you can easily get through it by being yourself and giving answers that come to you naturally. By structuring your responses effectively and drawing on personal experiences, you can create engaging and coherent answers. Remember, planning an effective IELTS preparation strategy can help immensely. Want to succeed in IELTS and study at the best universities? Contact Admissify today!
Manan is a graduate of the esteemed University of Delhi where he cultivated a taste for writing and research. His degree in Bachelor of Management Studies helps him guide students in their academic endeavours. Manan strives to spread excellent study abroad tips that can prove to be helpful.
