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IELTSTM CUE CARD

Describe A Person Who Encouraged You To Achieve Your Goal: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

Updated on Nov 13, 2024, 06:10

Overview

While the IELTS Speaking test is often regarded as the easiest among the four modules in the IELTS exam, it's still crucial to prepare adequately through practice to achieve a high score. 
 

The main part of the IELTS speaking test is the cue card round or the Individual long turn. In this round, you get a prompt to speak for two minutes. One of the most popular prompts/topics is ‘Describe A Person Who Encouraged You To Achieve Your Goal.’ 

 

We’ll tell you exactly how to crack this cue card on this page! 

 

Cue Card/Topic: Describe A Person Who Encouraged You To Achieve Your Goal

You should say

  • Who this person is?
  • What does this person encourage you to do?
  • Why were you late?
  • How did this person help?
  • How does their encouragement help you achieve your goal?
Sample Answer 1

Introduction

 

  • I would like to talk about my high school teacher, Mr. Kumar, who played a crucial role in encouraging me to become a writer.
  • I met Mr. Kumar during my first year of high school. He was my English literature teacher and had a passion for storytelling that was truly inspiring.
  • My goal was to become a published author, but I lacked confidence in my writing abilities. Mr Kumar’s support made all the difference.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest

 

  • Mr. Kumar noticed my interest in writing early on and encouraged me to join the school's creative writing club. He believed in my potential even when I doubted myself.
  • He provided constructive feedback on my stories, highlighting my strengths and pointing out areas for improvement in a way that was always encouraging, never discouraging.
  • His enthusiasm for literature and writing was infectious. He often shared his favourite books and authors with me, broadening my literary horizons and deepening my passion for writing.

 

Key Highlights

 

  • One of the key moments was when he submitted my short story to a national competition without telling me. Finding out I had won third place was a turning point in my writing journey.
  • He also organised a small writing workshop with a local author, allowing me to learn from a professional and gain new insights into the craft of writing.
  • Another highlight was when he encouraged me to write for the school magazine. Seeing my work in print and receiving positive feedback from my peers boosted my confidence immensely.

 

Conclusion

 

  • Mr. Kumar’s encouragement had a lasting impact on me. His belief in my abilities gave me the confidence to pursue my goal of becoming a writer.
  • I am now studying creative writing at university, and I often recall his words of wisdom and support whenever I face challenges.
  • I am incredibly grateful for his guidance and encouragement, which continue to inspire me today. His influence has been a significant factor in my journey towards achieving my goal.
Sample Answer 2

Introduction

 

  • I would like to talk about my best friend, Ananya, who has been a significant source of encouragement in pursuing my goal of becoming a graphic designer.
  • Ananya and I have known each other since childhood, and she has always been a positive and supportive presence in my life.
  • My goal was to become a professional graphic designer, but I often felt overwhelmed by the competitive nature of the field. Ananya’s support helped me stay focused and motivated.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest

 

  • Ananya encouraged me to take a graphic design course when unsure about my career path. She knew I had a passion for art and believed graphic design perfectly suited me.
  • She always offered constructive criticism of my work, helping me improve and develop my skills. Her feedback was honest yet encouraging, motivating me to refine my designs.
  • Ananya also introduced me to online design communities and forums where I could share my work and receive feedback from other designers. This expanded my network and provided me with valuable insights and inspiration.

 

Key Highlights

 

  • One significant moment was when Ananya helped me prepare my portfolio for a major design competition. Her assistance and encouragement were instrumental in winning first place, which boosted my confidence immensely.
  • She also encouraged me to start freelancing while still in university. With her support, I landed my first freelance project, which provided me with practical experience and a taste of professional success.
  • Another highlight was when Ananya connected me with her cousin, who is a professional graphic designer. This mentorship was invaluable and opened doors to new opportunities and professional growth.

 

Conclusion

 

  • Ananya’s encouragement has profoundly impacted my journey to becoming a graphic designer. Her unwavering belief in my abilities pushed me to strive towards my goal.
  • Today, I am a graphic designer at a well-known agency, and I often reflect on how her support played a crucial role in my achievements.
  • I am incredibly grateful for Ananya’s encouragement and friendship. Her support inspires me to push the boundaries of my creativity and pursue excellence in my career.
Sample Answer 3

Introduction

 

  • I would like to talk about my uncle, Rajesh, who encouraged me to achieve my goal of becoming an engineer.
  • Rajesh has always been a mentor and role model for me. He is a successful engineer and passionate about inspiring young people.
  • My goal was to become a mechanical engineer, but I often felt intimidated by the field's complexity. Rajesh’s encouragement was crucial in helping me stay determined.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest

 

  • Rajesh noticed my interest in engineering in high school and encouraged me to pursue it seriously. He often shared his own experiences and challenges, making the field seem less daunting.
  • He provided study materials and introduced me to online courses that deepened my understanding of engineering concepts. His guidance helped me excel in my studies.
  • Rajesh’s belief in my abilities was unwavering. Whenever I felt discouraged, he reminded me of my potential and the importance of perseverance. This constant support kept me motivated.

 

Key Highlights

 

  • One key moment was when Rajesh helped me with my application for a prestigious engineering internship. His advice and feedback on my resume and cover letter were invaluable, and I eventually secured the position.
  • He also encouraged me to participate in engineering competitions. With his support, I joined a team that designed and built a small solar-powered car, which won first place at a regional competition.
  • Another highlight was when Rajesh introduced me to his colleagues and arranged for me to visit their engineering firm. This exposure to the professional environment was inspiring and reinforced my career choice.

 

Conclusion

 

  • Rajesh’s encouragement has been instrumental in my journey to becoming an engineer. His belief in my abilities and practical support helped me overcome many obstacles.
  • Today, I am pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering, and I often reflect on how his mentorship has shaped my path.
  • I am incredibly grateful for Rajesh’s encouragement and guidance. His support inspires me to excel in my studies and future career.

When the cue card section begins, the examiner will give you a card containing a specific topic. You will have one minute to prepare your response, and then you must speak about it for two minutes.

 

To answer these cue cards effectively, divide your response into small, manageable sections: introduction, describing your experience/opinion/interest, key highlights, and conclusion. 
 

This structure will help you stay organised and address all necessary points within the allotted time. Below is a breakdown.

 

Introduction:

 

  • Start by briefly introducing the person who encouraged you. Mention their relationship to you (e.g., a teacher, a family member, a friend).
  • Provide a little background on when and how you met this person.
  • Clearly state the goal they helped you achieve.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest

 

  • Describe how this person influenced you. Did they provide advice, resources, or emotional support?
  • Talk about how their encouragement made you feel. Were you motivated, inspired, or reassured?
  • Give examples of what they did to help you. Did they have regular check-ins, offer practical help, or give inspiring talks?
     

Key Highlights

 

  • Talk about significant moments that were pivotal in achieving your goal.
  • Mention any challenges you faced and how this person helped you overcome them.
  • Share the successes or milestones you reached as a result of their encouragement.
     

Conclusion

 

  • Briefly summarise the overall impact this person had on your journey.
  • End by mentioning how their encouragement continues to influence you today.

Follow-Up Questions

After the cue card round, you will move on to the follow-up question round. In this part, the examiner will ask you additional questions related to the topic you spoke about. 
 

Don’t worry! These questions are only designed to get your opinion on the topic. They are not trivia-like. 
 

The follow-up questions allow for a deeper discussion while assessing your ability to express and justify opinions, develop ideas, and engage in a two-way conversation. 
 

Here are five follow-up questions related to the topic "Describe A Person Who Encouraged You To Achieve Your Goal," along with two possible answers for each:

Q1. How did this person’s encouragement change your approach to achieving your goals?

Answer 1: This person's encouragement made me more confident and focused. Before their support, I often doubted my abilities and procrastinated. Their belief in me inspired me to set clear goals and work diligently towards them. As a result, I became more organised and disciplined, significantly improving my chances of success.
 

Answer 2: Their encouragement instilled a sense of perseverance in me. I remembered their words whenever I faced obstacles and pushed through the difficulties. This changed my approach from giving up easily to seeing challenges as opportunities to grow and learn. I started to believe in the process and trusted that my hard work would eventually pay off.

Q2. Do you think encouragement from others is essential for achieving success?

Answer 1: Yes, I believe encouragement from others plays a crucial role in achieving success. It boosts your morale and provides a sense of validation. Knowing that someone else believes in your abilities can be incredibly motivating, especially during tough times when self-doubt might creep in.
 

Answer 2: While self-motivation is important, encouragement from others can be equally essential. It offers an external perspective that can highlight your strengths and potential, which you might not see yourself. This support system can provide the extra push needed to overcome challenges and stay committed to your goals.

Q3. Can you think of any famous person who achieved success with the help of someone’s encouragement?

Answer 1: One famous example is Oprah Winfrey, who often speaks about the encouragement she received from her mentor, Maya Angelou. Maya’s guidance and belief in Oprah's potential helped her navigate her career and personal challenges, leading to her phenomenal success as a media mogul.

 

Answer 2: Another example is J.K. Rowling, who was encouraged by her friend Sean Harris. His support was crucial during her difficult times; he even lent her money to continue writing. This encouragement helped her complete the "Harry Potter" series, which became a global success.

Q4. In your opinion, what qualities make someone a good encourager?

Answer 1: A good encourager is empathetic and supportive. They understand your struggles and offer genuine encouragement without being judgmental. They provide constructive feedback and help you see your strengths and potential, boosting your confidence and determination.
 

Answer 2: I believe a good encourager is also patient and positive. They listen attentively and offer practical advice. Their positivity can be contagious, making you feel optimistic about your goals. Additionally, they should be reliable, consistently offering support and encouragement whenever needed.

Q5. How do you think technology has impacted how people encourage each other today?

Answer 1: Technology has significantly enhanced the way people encourage each other. Social media platforms allow instant communication and support, making sharing motivational messages and achievements easier. Online communities and forums provide a space where people can connect and uplift each other, regardless of geographical distances.
 

Answer 2: On the other hand, technology has also introduced challenges. While it facilitates encouragement, it can sometimes lead to superficial or insincere interactions. However, tools like video calls and messaging apps have made it possible to maintain close relationships and offer real-time support, which can be incredibly encouraging.

FAQs

Q. How can I improve my speaking skills for IELTS?

Ans. Improving your speaking skills for the IELTS exam requires consistent practice and exposure to English. Consider practising with a language partner or tutor to simulate the speaking test environment. Listen to English podcasts, watch movies, and converse with native speakers to enhance your fluency and vocabulary.

Q. What are some effective strategies for preparing for the IELTS Speaking test?

Ans. Effective preparation for the IELTS Speaking test involves familiarising yourself with the test format and practising speaking on various topics. Utilise resources such as sample cue cards and practice tests to simulate the exam conditions. Focus on organising your thoughts coherently, using a range of vocabulary and grammar structures, and speaking fluently without hesitations.

Q. How can I effectively use cue cards to prepare for the IELTS Speaking test?

Ans. Cue cards are valuable tools for IELTS Speaking preparation. Start by selecting random cue cards or topics and practice speaking about them within the allocated time frame. Use the cue card prompts to structure your responses, ensuring you address all aspects of the topic. Additionally, record yourself speaking and evaluate your performance to identify areas for improvement.

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