In the Speaking section of the IELTS exam, candidates’ ability to communicate effectively in English is assessed through various parts. One crucial aspect is the candidate’s ability to articulate personal experiences and opinions in a coherent and fluent manner. Among the common topics, “Describe A Time When You Were Praised For Something You Did” is frequently encountered. This article will offer detailed insights and sample answers to help you ace this type of question.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Common Questions
In Part 1, the examiner will ask general questions on familiar topics. Here are some examples:
- What do you do in your free time?
- Do you like reading?
- Tell me about a hobby of yours.
- Do you enjoy cooking?
- Have you ever received any compliments recently?
Sample Answer
Question: Have you ever received any compliments recently?
Answer: Absolutely! Just last week, my manager at work complimented me on a presentation I delivered. She mentioned that my analysis was insightful and well-structured, and she appreciated the creative solutions I proposed. It was a great morale booster!
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
For Part 2, you will be given a cue card and asked to speak for 1-2 minutes on the topic. Here’s a sample cue card:
Describe a time when you were praised for something you did
You should say:
- When it was
- What you did
- Who praised you
- How you felt about it
Sample Answer
One significant moment when I was praised occurred about a year ago. It was during a critical project at my workplace, where I was responsible for leading a team to develop a new marketing strategy. The project was complex and involved a lot of coordination and innovation.
Initially, I felt quite overwhelmed due to the high expectations and tight deadlines. However, I meticulously planned each phase and communicated effectively with my team. We brainstormed and implemented a unique approach that targeted our customer base more efficiently. Our efforts culminated in a comprehensive presentation to the board of directors.
business-presentation
After the presentation, the company’s CEO personally commended me. He highlighted the clarity of my presentation, the thorough market analysis, and the innovative ideas we brought forward. Hearing such high praise from him was incredibly rewarding. I felt a surge of pride and accomplishment, knowing that my hard work had significant positive impacts.
Examiner Follow-up Questions:
- “Why do you think people praise others?”
- “How do you usually respond to compliments?”
Sample Follow-up Answers
Q: Why do you think people praise others?
A: I believe that praise serves as a powerful motivator. It acknowledges a person’s efforts and boosts their confidence, which can lead to increased engagement and productivity. Moreover, praise fosters a positive environment, encouraging others to strive for excellence.
Q: How do you usually respond to compliments?
A: When I receive a compliment, I always respond with gratitude. I usually say something like, “Thank you, I really appreciate your kind words.” Recognizing the effort behind the praise is essential, and it encourages continuous improvement.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner Questions
In Part 3, the discussion will continue on the same topic but at a more abstract level. Example questions include:
- “Do you think praising someone is necessary?”
- “How do different cultures perceive praise?”
- “Can too much praise have negative effects on people?”
Sample Answers
Q: Do you think praising someone is necessary?
A: Absolutely, praising someone is essential. It not only acknowledges their efforts but also reinforces positive behavior. For example, children who are praised for their achievements tend to develop higher self-esteem and confidence. In workplaces, praise can enhance employee satisfaction and loyalty.
Q: How do different cultures perceive praise?
A: Cultures vary significantly in how they perceive praise. In some cultures, praise is given freely and frequently as it is seen as a way to encourage and motivate. In others, praise might be more subdued or indirect, as modesty is highly valued. Understanding these cultural nuances is crucial for effective communication.
Q: Can too much praise have negative effects on people?
A: Yes, excessive praise can sometimes lead to complacency or an inflated sense of self-worth. When individuals are constantly praised without constructive feedback, they might become less motivated to improve or challenge themselves. It’s essential to balance praise with genuine, constructive criticism.
Essential Vocabulary and Structures
Here are some words and phrases that can help you score higher in the IELTS Speaking test:
-
Commend: /kəˈmɛnd/ (verb) – to praise formally or officially.
- Example: “The manager commended me for my dedication to the project.”
-
Innovative: /ˈɪnəˌveɪtɪv/ (adjective) – introducing new ideas; original and creative in thinking.
- Example: “We implemented an innovative marketing strategy.”
-
Meticulous: /məˈtɪkjələs/ (adjective) – showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise.
- Example: “She was meticulous in her planning.”
-
Morale Booster: (noun phrase) – something that increases confidence and satisfaction.
- Example: “Receiving praise was a significant morale booster for the team.”
-
Constructive Criticism: (noun phrase) – feedback that is intended to help and improve.
- Example: “Constructive criticism often accompanies genuine praise.”
Tips for High Scores
- Practice Regularly: Regular practice will improve your fluency and confidence in speaking.
- Use a Wide Range of Vocabulary: Diversify your vocabulary to demonstrate language proficiency.
- Stay Coherent and Structured: Organize your thoughts logically to maintain coherence.
- Engage with the Examiner: Maintain eye contact and respond actively to create a positive impression.
- Self-Correction: Don’t be afraid to correct yourself if you make a mistake.
Following these strategies, candidates will be better prepared to answer questions like “Describe a time when you were praised for something you did” and excel in their IELTS Speaking exam.
