23 October 2025 IELTS Speaking Part 2 and 3 Person Who Encouraged you to Achieve your Goal Sample Answer

Part 2 (Cue Card)

Describe a person who encouraged you to achieve your goal.
- Who the person is
- How he/she encouraged you
- What goal you achieved 
- And explain how you feel about this person?

One person who truly encouraged me to achieve my goal was my college professor, Dr Meera Nair. She taught me during my post-graduation and played a pivotal role in shaping both my confidence and my professional direction. At that time, I was deeply interested in public speaking but terribly anxious about facing a large audience. I often had the content, but not the courage.

Dr Meera was the first person to recognise my potential. She noticed the passion in my voice and gently pushed me out of my comfort zone. One day, she encouraged me to take part in an inter-college elocution competition, even though I was almost certain I would embarrass myself. She patiently helped me refine my speech, correct my pronunciation, and improve my body language.

What stood out about her was the way she balanced encouragement with constructive criticism. She never sugar-coated things, yet her feedback always motivated me to do better.  I still remember her words clearly: “Nervousness means you care — use that energy to perform better.” That one line completely changed my perspective.

With her constant support and reassurance, I finally gathered the courage to compete — and to my surprise, I actually won the first prize. That moment was a turning point in my life.  It made me realise that communication wasn’t just something I enjoyed; it was something I was genuinely good at. That experience later inspired me to pursue a full-time career in training and communication.

Even today, I hold immense respect and gratitude for Dr Meera. She wasn’t just a teacher; she was a mentor who believed in me at a time when I was filled with self-doubt. Looking back, I can confidently say that her encouragement helped me find my voice — both literally and metaphorically. 

Part 3 (Discussion)

1. Do you think children are more likely to achieve their goals if they are encouraged?
Yes, children are much more likely to achieve their goals when they receive encouragement. Encouragement boosts their confidence and helps them persevere through challenges. For instance, my cousin was hesitant to learn the piano, but with constant praise from her parents, she not only learned to play it but also performed at school concerts. Overall, positive reinforcement is crucial for children to reach their objectives.

2. What should parents do if their children don't want to study?
Parents should try to understand the reason behind their child’s reluctance rather than forcing them to study. Identifying the underlying issue, whether it’s difficulty with a subject or a lack of interest, allows parents to provide the right support. For example, when my nephew struggled with maths, his parents hired a tutor and used games to make learning fun, which gradually sparked his interest. Therefore, patience and guidance are far more effective than pressure.

3. Who do you think should set goals for children?
Children should ideally set their own goals with guidance from adults. This helps them take ownership of their learning and develop self-discipline. For example, my friend set herself a target to read one book a week with advice from her teacher, which improved both her knowledge and time management. Allowing children to set goals while receiving guidance ensures both motivation and realism.

4. Who plays a more important role in children's education, parents or teachers?
Both parents and teachers are important, but in different ways. Teachers provide academic knowledge, while parents shape character, motivation, and discipline at home. For instance, my teacher explained complex topics clearly, but it was my parents’ encouragement and routine that helped me revise regularly and excel. Therefore, guidance from both parents and teachers produces the best results in education.

5. Is money the only motivation for people to work hard?
No, money is certainly not the only motivation. Many people are driven by passion, personal growth, or the satisfaction of making a difference. For example, social workers or teachers often work long hours, even with modest pay, because helping others gives them a sense of fulfilment. Intrinsic motivation often plays a bigger role than financial rewards in encouraging hard work.

6. Which is more important, competition or cooperation?

Both are important, but cooperation tends to have a more lasting impact. While competition pushes individuals to improve, cooperation fosters teamwork and collective success. For example, in my office, team projects succeed because colleagues cooperate and share ideas, even though individual awards motivate personal effort. Therefore, although competition has its benefits, cooperation is essential for sustainable achievement and harmony.