Describe a Person Who Encouraged You to Achieve a Goal – IELTS Cue Card Sample Answers

In the IELTS Speaking Part 2, you may be asked to describe a person who encouraged you to achieve a goal. This topic gives you a chance to talk about personal motivation, support systems, and how you overcame challenges with someone’s encouragement.

To structure your answer effectively, focus on who the person was, the goal you were trying to reach, how they motivated you, and what the final outcome was. 

A well-organized response, enriched with personal experiences and relevant vocabulary, will showcase your fluency and storytelling skills.

In this guide, we will cover how to approach this cue card topic, provide two sample answers, and explore common follow-up questions to help you prepare confidently.

How to Approach the Cue Card: Describe a Person Who Encouraged You to Achieve a Goal

In the IELTS Speaking Part 2, this cue card asks you to talk about someone who helped you achieve a goal. It’s your chance to showcase not only storytelling skills but also vocabulary related to personal growth, motivation, and achievement.

Make sure your answer clearly addresses the following points:

• Who this person is – Mention their name or role in your life (e.g., teacher, parent, friend, coach).
• What goal you were trying to achieve – Be specific (e.g., passing an exam, improving a skill, winning a competition).
• How they encouraged or motivated you – Describe the actions they took, the advice they gave, or emotional support they offered.
• How you felt after achieving the goal – Reflect on your emotions, confidence boost, or how it changed your perspective.

More related to IELTS Speaking Exam: IELTS Speaking Preparation: Tips and Test Format for additional insights on how to prepare effectively and understand the test structure.

Now, let’s explore two sample answers to help you frame your response effectively.

Sample Answer 1: Describe a Person Who Encouraged You to Achieve a Goal

Introduction

One person who had a significant impact on my life was my high school English teacher, Mrs. Kapoor. She encouraged me to participate in a national-level essay competition, even though I lacked confidence at the time.

Details of the Goal and Her Encouragement

The goal was to submit a thought-provoking essay on environmental awareness. Initially, I doubted my writing abilities. However, Mrs. Kapoor:

• Took the time to review my drafts and provide feedback
• Shared previous winning essays as inspiration
• Encouraged me to believe in my own voice and creativity
• Helped me manage time and structure my ideas more effectively

Outcome and Impact

Thanks to her support, I ended up placing in the top three at the competition. More importantly, the experience boosted my confidence and made me realize that writing was a strength I could develop further.

Final Thoughts

Mrs. Kapoor’s consistent encouragement helped shape my goals. That moment became a turning point in my academic journey, and I remain grateful for her belief in me.

You can also check this guide out: IELTS Cue Cards Samples with Answers 2024 (LATEST)

Sample Answer 2: Describe a Person Who Encouraged You to Achieve a Goal

Introduction

Recently, my elder brother played a key role in helping me achieve my fitness goal of running a 10K marathon. I had always admired his discipline and athletic mindset, but I never thought I could run such a long distance myself.

What the Goal Was and How He Helped

The challenge was preparing for a local 10-kilometer race in under two months. I was out of shape and mentally unprepared. But my brother:

• Created a daily running and strength training schedule
• Woke up early to train with me every morning
• Shared diet and hydration tips
• Constantly motivated me, especially on tough days

Result and Reflection

Eventually, I completed the race in under an hour. The feeling was incredible. Beyond the finish line, what I gained was mental strength and the belief that I could do more with consistent effort and the right support.

Final Thoughts

This experience taught me the power of encouragement and accountability. Without my brother’s help, I would have never pushed past my limits or achieved that milestone.

For a more detailed guide, read this: IELTS Speaking test: What all you should know

IELTS Speaking Part 3: Follow-up Questions

Here are some commonly asked follow-up questions for this topic:

1. Is it important to have someone who encourages you to reach your goals?

Yes, encouragement boosts motivation and confidence. When someone believes in your potential, it makes a big difference—especially during difficult times. Their support helps you stay focused, push through challenges, and celebrate your progress, making the journey toward your goals much more fulfilling.

2. Can people achieve goals without external encouragement?

Yes, some individuals are naturally self-motivated. However, external encouragement can speed up the process, offer emotional support, and provide valuable feedback. It can also reduce self-doubt and inspire consistent effort, especially when facing setbacks or losing momentum.

3. What kind of people are more likely to encourage others?

People with empathy, leadership qualities, or mentoring experience are more likely to encourage others. Teachers, parents, coaches, and close friends often play this role. They understand the importance of emotional support and are naturally inclined to uplift others in their journey.

4. How does encouragement impact someone’s confidence?

Encouragement acts like a confidence booster. It reassures people that their efforts are recognized and appreciated. When someone cheers you on or believes in your abilities, you begin to trust yourself more, which improves performance and helps you aim higher.

5. Do you think social media plays a role in encouraging people today?

Yes, social media can provide motivation through success stories, inspirational posts, and community support. Many people find encouragement in online groups or by following influencers who promote self-growth. However, it’s important to balance this with real-life connections for genuine encouragement.

Conclusion

Describing someone who encouraged you to achieve a goal is a great opportunity to showcase not only your vocabulary and grammar but also emotional intelligence and storytelling skills. 

Whether it’s a teacher, family member, or friend, reflect on how their support helped shape your journey. Use real-life examples, descriptive language, and structure your response clearly to make a strong impression in the IELTS Speaking test.

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