Speaking about personal achievements requires both confidence and strategic language use. This topic frequently appears in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Part 2, as it allows examiners to assess candidates’ ability to narrate past experiences while showcasing their language proficiency.
Part 1: Introduction Questions & Sample Answers
Common questions you may encounter include:
- Do you feel proud of your achievements?
- What makes you feel proud of yourself?
- How do you celebrate your achievements?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I definitely take pride in my accomplishments, though I try to stay humble about them. When I achieve something significant, I usually celebrate in a low-key manner, perhaps by treating myself to a nice dinner or sharing the moment with close friends and family.”
IELTS Speaking Test Achievement Discussion
Part 2: Cue Card
Task Card
Describe an achievement that made you proud
You should say:
- What the achievement was
- When it happened
- How you achieved it
- And explain why you felt proud of it
[Discover more about how to effectively describe a goal you set and achieved]
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about successfully launching a community reading program at my local library. This significant accomplishment took place last year when I noticed many children in my neighborhood weren’t engaging with books.
Taking the initiative, I approached the library management with a detailed proposal. I meticulously planned every aspect, from recruiting volunteer storytellers to designing age-appropriate activities. The project required tremendous dedication, as I spent months coordinating with various stakeholders and organizing resources.
What makes me particularly proud is the tangible impact it has had. We’ve seen a dramatic increase in children’s library visits, and parents frequently express their gratitude for providing this educational opportunity. The program has now become a permanent fixture in our community’s educational landscape.”
Similar to describe a difficult task you completed at work or school that made you feel proud, this achievement demonstrated both personal growth and community impact.
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I want to talk about passing my driving test last month. It was difficult because I was nervous about driving. I practiced a lot with my instructor and studied the rules carefully. I felt proud because it was challenging for me, and now I can drive independently.”
Student Celebrating Academic Achievement
Part 3: Discussion Questions
- Why do some people achieve more than others?
Band 8-9 Response:
“I believe success often stems from a combination of factors. While natural talent plays a role, perseverance and strategic planning are typically more decisive. Those who achieve more tend to be highly self-motivated and resilient in the face of setbacks.”
For more insights on this topic, you might find describe a time when you felt proud of your accomplishments helpful.
- How has the definition of success changed over generations?
Band 8-9 Response:
“The concept of success has evolved significantly. While previous generations often equated success with financial stability and career advancement, modern definitions tend to be more holistic, encompassing work-life balance, personal fulfillment, and social impact.”
Key Vocabulary and Expressions
- Milestone achievement /ˈmaɪlstəʊn əˈtʃiːvmənt/ (n): A significant accomplishment
- To surpass expectations /səˈpɑːs ɪkˌspekˈteɪʃənz/ (v): To do better than expected
- Groundbreaking /ˈɡraʊndbreɪkɪŋ/ (adj): Innovative or pioneering
- To overcome obstacles /ˌəʊvəˈkʌm ˈɒbstəkəlz/ (v): To successfully deal with difficulties
Just as in describe a difficult task you completed, using these sophisticated expressions can enhance your speaking score significantly.
Remember to practice incorporating these phrases naturally into your responses while maintaining good pronunciation and fluency. This approach, combined with relevant personal examples, will help you achieve a higher band score in your IELTS Speaking test.
