The focus of this dissertation is to explore what motivated and successful learners in grade eight and nine think motivates them to learn English in school. One aim is to find out what the learners think their own responsibilities are for their motivation. In addition, we aim to find out how the pupils regard the role of the teacher as a source of inspiration. The research was carried out with the use of qualitative interviews. The interviews took place in a booked room in the school where our interviewees attend their schooling. A questionnaire had been prepared for the interview as a frame and guide to our aim. The results show that motivated and successful learners think that they create and are responsible for their own motivation. In addition, they see the connection to and relevance of English is connected to what they do in their spare time and relevant to their future goals. Furthermore we have found that the learners think that the teacher’s role is to protect and maintain the pupils’ level of motivation.