Expression Chunks
A lot of it comes down to + noun / -ing
Meaning: Says that one factor is especially important in explaining something.
Sample sentence: A lot of it comes down to having a reason to keep going when progress is slow.
Use it in your answer:
- Why do you think you stay motivated for some goals but not others?Answer using: A lot of it comes down to...
- What explains the career or study choices you've made?Answer using: A lot of it comes down to...
- Why are some people easier for you to communicate with than others?Answer using: A lot of it comes down to...
- What do you think affects whether you enjoy a job?Answer using: A lot of it comes down to...
- Why do you think certain habits are difficult to change?Answer using: A lot of it comes down to...
Part of the reason is that + clause
Meaning: Introduces one contributing reason without claiming it is the only reason.
Sample sentence: Part of the reason is that I work harder when I can see a clear purpose.
Use it in your answer:
- Why do you think you stay motivated for some goals but not others?Answer using: Part of the reason is that...
- What explains the career or study choices you've made?Answer using: Part of the reason is that...
- Why are some people easier for you to communicate with than others?Answer using: Part of the reason is that...
- What do you think affects whether you enjoy a job?Answer using: Part of the reason is that...
- Why do you think certain habits are difficult to change?Answer using: Part of the reason is that...
It has a lot to do with + noun / -ing
Meaning: Explains that something is strongly connected to a particular cause or factor.
Sample sentence: It has a lot to do with the people around me and the expectations I set for myself.
Use it in your answer:
- Why do you think you stay motivated for some goals but not others?Answer using: It has a lot to do with...
- What explains the career or study choices you've made?Answer using: It has a lot to do with...
- Why are some people easier for you to communicate with than others?Answer using: It has a lot to do with...
- What do you think affects whether you enjoy a job?Answer using: It has a lot to do with...
- Why do you think certain habits are difficult to change?Answer using: It has a lot to do with...
Topic Phrasal Verbs
Themed Conversation: Motivation & Ambition
push yourself
Definition: make yourself work harder
Sample sentence: It's useful to push yourself, but not to the point of burnout.
Practice questions:
- When do you need to push yourself the most?
- Do you push yourself harder when you’re working alone or with others?
- Who encourages you to push yourself?
- Can pushing yourself too hard become unhealthy?
- What is one area where you’d like to push yourself more?
give up on
Definition: stop pursuing or believing in something
Sample sentence: I don't want to give up on a goal just because progress is slow.
Practice questions:
- Is there a goal you refuse to give up on?
- Why do people sometimes give up on their dreams?
- Have you ever given up on something and later returned to it?
- When should someone give up on a plan?
- Who would you never give up on?
keep at
Definition: continue despite difficulty
Sample sentence: If you keep at something consistently, you usually improve.
Practice questions:
- What is something you kept at until you became good at it?
- What helps you keep at something when progress is slow?
- Is there a skill you wish you had kept at?
- Who encouraged you to keep at something difficult?
- What are you currently trying to keep at consistently?
Relaxed Conversation — 10 Questions
- What motivates you when you have a lot of work to do?
- Are you naturally ambitious, or are you more motivated by other things?
- What kind of goal is easiest for you to keep working toward?
- What usually makes you lose motivation?
- Who has pushed you to become better at something?
- How do you know when to keep at something and when to give up?
- Do you work harder when someone is watching or when you work independently?
- Has your definition of success changed over time?
- Do ambitious people sometimes sacrifice too much?
- What is one goal you genuinely want to achieve in the next few years?