Receiving unexpected praise can be a memorable and uplifting experience. This topic is a popular choice in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Part 2, as it allows candidates to showcase their ability to narrate a personal experience while demonstrating a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures. Let’s explore how to effectively tackle this topic and maximize your score.

Unexpected praise in IELTS Speaking

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about praise and recognition. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

Q: Do you often praise others?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I try to praise others when they do something well. I think it’s important to recognize people’s efforts and achievements.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely. I make a conscious effort to acknowledge and appreciate others’ accomplishments, be it in personal or professional settings. I believe that genuine praise can be incredibly motivating and can foster a positive environment.

Q: How do you feel when someone praises you?

Band 6-7 Answer:
I feel happy and encouraged when someone praises me. It makes me want to do even better next time.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Receiving praise typically elicits a mixture of emotions for me. On one hand, I feel a sense of pride and validation for my efforts. On the other, it often motivates me to maintain or even surpass that standard in future endeavors. It’s a powerful reinforcement of one’s capabilities.

Part 2: Long Turn

Cue Card:

Describe a time when you received unexpected praise.

You should say:

• Who praised you
• What they praised you for
• When and where it happened
• How you felt about it

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

I’d like to share an experience when I received unexpected praise that truly caught me off guard and left a lasting impression on me.

The person who praised me was my university professor, Dr. Johnson, who was known for his stringent grading and high expectations. The praise was in relation to a research paper I had submitted for his advanced economics course.

This unexpected commendation occurred during a regular class session about two years ago. As Dr. Johnson was returning our graded papers, he suddenly called out my name and asked me to stand up. My heart skipped a beat, as I was uncertain about what was to follow.

To my astonishment, he proceeded to laud my paper in front of the entire class. He highlighted the depth of my analysis, the innovative approach I had taken to tackle the economic problem, and the clarity of my writing. What made this praise particularly special was that Dr. Johnson rarely singled out students for recognition, making this moment even more significant.

The praise caught me completely off guard. Initially, I felt a surge of pride and accomplishment washing over me. It was immensely gratifying to know that my hard work and dedication had not only met but exceeded the expectations of such a respected academic.

However, as the initial shock wore off, I also felt a sense of humility. I realized that this recognition came with the responsibility to maintain this standard in my future work. It served as a powerful motivator, pushing me to strive for excellence in all my academic pursuits.

This unexpected praise boosted my confidence significantly. It made me realize that I had the potential to excel in my field and encouraged me to push my boundaries further. The experience also taught me the importance of acknowledging and appreciating others’ efforts, as I saw firsthand how impactful genuine recognition can be.

In retrospect, this moment of unexpected praise was a turning point in my academic journey. It not only validated my efforts but also ignited a passion for research and academic writing that has stayed with me ever since.

Follow-up Questions:

1. How did this experience change your approach to your studies?

Band 6-7 Answer:
After this experience, I became more confident in my abilities and worked harder in my studies. I tried to maintain the same quality in my future assignments.

Band 8-9 Answer:
This experience was truly transformative for my academic approach. It instilled a newfound confidence in my analytical abilities and writing skills. Consequently, I began to approach my studies with increased rigor and enthusiasm. I started delving deeper into research, exploring more complex economic theories, and challenging myself to maintain and even surpass the standard I had set. Moreover, it sparked a keen interest in academic writing, prompting me to seek out additional opportunities for research and publication.

2. Do you think unexpected praise is more effective than regular recognition?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I think unexpected praise can be more effective because it’s surprising and feels more genuine. Regular recognition is good too, but unexpected praise stands out more.

Band 8-9 Answer:
While both forms of recognition have their merits, I believe unexpected praise often carries a greater impact. The element of surprise in unexpected praise tends to heighten its emotional resonance, making it more memorable and impactful. It often feels more authentic and spontaneous, which can significantly boost the recipient’s morale and self-esteem. However, regular recognition is crucial for maintaining motivation and fostering a positive environment in the long term. Ideally, a balance between the two can create an optimal atmosphere for growth and productivity.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Q: How do different cultures approach giving and receiving praise?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Different cultures have different ways of giving and receiving praise. In some cultures, people are very open with praise, while in others, they might be more reserved. It’s important to understand these differences when interacting with people from other cultures.

Band 8-9 Answer:
The approach to giving and receiving praise varies significantly across cultures, reflecting deeper societal values and norms. In many Western cultures, for instance, praise is often given openly and frequently, seen as a tool for motivation and positive reinforcement. This contrasts with some East Asian cultures, where praise might be more restrained and indirect, stemming from values of modesty and the belief that excessive praise could lead to complacency.

Moreover, the context and manner of delivering praise can differ. In some cultures, public praise is highly valued, while in others, private recognition is preferred. The content of praise also varies; some cultures focus on praising effort and process, while others emphasize outcomes and achievements.

Understanding these cultural nuances is crucial in our increasingly globalized world. It helps in fostering effective cross-cultural communication and avoiding potential misunderstandings or unintended offense. For instance, what might be perceived as sincere praise in one culture could be seen as flattery or even sarcasm in another.

Q: Do you think there’s a risk of praising children too much?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I think there can be a risk of praising children too much. If children always get praise, they might not learn to handle criticism or work hard. However, praise is still important for children’s confidence.

Band 8-9 Answer:
While praise is undoubtedly important for a child’s development, there are indeed potential risks associated with excessive or indiscriminate praise. Overpraise can inadvertently foster a fixed mindset, where children believe their abilities are innate and unchangeable, potentially stunting their growth and resilience.

Excessive praise, particularly when it’s not tied to effort or specific achievements, can lead to a dependency on external validation. This may result in children who struggle with self-motivation or who are overly sensitive to criticism. Furthermore, if praise is given too freely, it may lose its impact and credibility over time.

However, it’s crucial to strike a balance. Constructive, specific praise that focuses on effort, strategy, and progress rather than innate ability can be incredibly beneficial. It can boost self-esteem, encourage persistence, and foster a growth mindset.

The key lies in praising thoughtfully and authentically. By acknowledging specific efforts and improvements, we can motivate children while teaching them the value of hard work and resilience. This approach helps in cultivating intrinsic motivation and a healthy attitude towards both success and failure.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Caught off guard /kɔːt ɒf ɡɑːd/ (phrase): To be surprised or unprepared.
   Example: The unexpected praise caught me off guard.

2. Laud /lɔːd/ (verb): To praise highly.
   Example: The professor lauded my innovative approach to the problem.

3. Surge of pride /sɜːdʒ əv praɪd/ (phrase): A sudden, strong feeling of pride.
   Example: I felt a surge of pride when my work was recognized.

4. Immensely gratifying /ɪˈmensli ˈɡrætɪfaɪɪŋ/ (phrase): Extremely satisfying.
   Example: It was immensely gratifying to receive such high praise.

5. Strive for excellence /straɪv fɔːr ˈeksələns/ (phrase): To make great efforts to achieve a high standard.
   Example: The unexpected praise motivated me to strive for excellence in all my work.

6. Ignite a passion /ɪɡˈnaɪt ə ˈpæʃən/ (phrase): To spark a strong interest or enthusiasm.
   Example: The professor’s praise ignited a passion for research in me.

7. Transformative /trænsˈfɔːmətɪv/ (adjective): Causing a major change in someone or something.
   Example: The experience of receiving unexpected praise was truly transformative for my academic career.

8. Heighten emotional resonance /ˈhaɪtn ɪˈməʊʃənl ˈrezənəns/ (phrase): To increase the emotional impact or connection.
   Example: The surprise element of unexpected praise tends to heighten its emotional resonance.

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing topics like unexpected praise:

1. Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced words and phrases naturally into your responses.

2. Provide specific examples: Instead of general statements, offer detailed personal experiences to illustrate your points.

3. Demonstrate critical thinking: In Part 3, analyze the topic from different perspectives and consider broader implications.

4. Practice fluency: Aim for smooth delivery without long pauses. Use linking words to connect your ideas coherently.

5. Show enthusiasm: Engage with the topic enthusiastically, as this can positively impact your score.

Remember, authentic and thoughtful responses that showcase your language skills and ability to analyze topics in-depth are key to achieving a high score in IELTS Speaking.

For more tips on handling challenging topics in IELTS Speaking, you might find it helpful to read about how to describe a time when you had to handle a difficult situation or how to describe a situation when you had to overcome an obstacle. These resources can provide additional strategies for crafting compelling responses in your IELTS Speaking test.