Master IELTS Speaking: How to Describe a Prize You Received

The topic of describing a prize you received is a common one in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Part 2. It allows examiners to assess your ability to narrate a personal experience, use descriptive language, and express emotions. This topic has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being a popular choice in future tests. Let’s explore how to tackle this topic effectively across all parts of the IELTS Speaking exam.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask some general questions about prizes and awards. Here are a few potential questions and sample answers:

1. Have you ever won a prize?
2. What kind of prizes do people usually receive in your country?
3. Do you think it’s important for children to receive prizes?

Let’s focus on the first question:

Examiner: Have you ever won a prize?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I have. I won a prize for academic excellence in my final year of high school. It was a certificate and a small cash award.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“Absolutely. The most memorable prize I’ve received was for academic excellence during my final year of high school. It was a prestigious award that included a beautifully engraved certificate and a substantial cash prize, which I ultimately used to fund part of my university education.”

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:

Describe a prize you have received

You should say:

• What the prize was
• When you received it
• Why you received it
• And explain how you felt about receiving this prize

Band 6-7 Answer:
“The prize I want to talk about is a ‘Best Employee of the Year’ award that I received last year at my workplace. I was given this award during our annual company dinner in December. The reason I received it was because of my consistent hard work and the successful completion of a major project that brought in significant revenue for the company.

When I received the prize, I felt really happy and proud. It was nice to be recognized for my efforts in front of all my colleagues. The prize included a certificate and a bonus, which was a pleasant surprise. This award motivated me to work even harder in the future.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“I’d like to elaborate on a particularly significant prize I received, which was the ‘Best Employee of the Year’ award at my workplace. This prestigious accolade was bestowed upon me during our annual company gala last December, which was an exceedingly memorable occasion.

The rationale behind my selection for this award was multifaceted. Primarily, it was in recognition of my unwavering dedication and consistent high performance throughout the year. Moreover, I had successfully spearheaded a major project that not only met but exceeded our targets, resulting in substantial revenue generation for the company.

Upon receiving the award, I was overwhelmed with a myriad of emotions. There was an immense sense of pride and accomplishment, coupled with profound gratitude for the recognition of my efforts. Standing before my colleagues and superiors, I felt a surge of confidence and validation.

The prize itself was twofold – a beautifully crafted certificate and a generous financial bonus. While the tangible rewards were certainly appreciated, the intangible benefits were far more valuable to me. This recognition has served as a catalyst, propelling me to strive for even greater heights in my professional endeavors. It has reinforced my belief in the value of hard work and dedication, and has instilled in me a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to excellence in all that I do.”

Receiving the Employee of the Year Award

Follow-up Questions

1. How do you plan to build on this success in the future?
2. Do you think such awards are important in the workplace?

Let’s address the first follow-up question:

Band 6-7 Answer:
“I plan to continue working hard and taking on new challenges. This award has motivated me to improve my skills further and maybe take on more leadership roles in future projects.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“This award has served as a springboard for my future aspirations. I intend to leverage this recognition by actively seeking out more challenging projects and leadership opportunities. I’m also committed to continually enhancing my skill set, particularly in emerging technologies relevant to our industry. Moreover, I aim to mentor junior colleagues, sharing the insights and best practices that contributed to my success, thereby fostering a culture of excellence within our team.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In Part 3, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to prizes and awards. Here are some potential questions:

1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of giving prizes to children?
2. Do you think too much competition for prizes can be harmful?
3. How do prizes in academic settings compare to those in professional settings?

Let’s focus on the third question:

Examiner: How do prizes in academic settings compare to those in professional settings?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“I think prizes in academic settings are often focused on individual achievement, like good grades or winning a competition. In professional settings, prizes might be more about teamwork and meeting company goals. Academic prizes usually involve certificates or small cash awards, while professional prizes might include promotions or bigger bonuses.”

Comparison of Academic and Professional Awards

Band 8-9 Answer:
“The nature and impact of prizes in academic versus professional settings differ significantly in several aspects. In academic environments, awards tend to emphasize individual scholastic achievement, such as outstanding academic performance or excellence in specific subjects. These prizes often take the form of scholarships, certificates, or modest financial rewards, primarily serving to boost a student’s confidence and enhance their academic record.

In contrast, professional awards typically encompass a broader spectrum of criteria. While individual performance is still valued, there’s often a greater emphasis on teamwork, innovation, and tangible contributions to the organization’s goals. Professional accolades might recognize anything from exceptional customer service to groundbreaking research or significant cost-saving initiatives.

Furthermore, the ramifications of these awards diverge considerably. Academic prizes predominantly impact a student’s educational journey and future prospects, potentially opening doors to prestigious institutions or programs. Professional awards, however, can have immediate and far-reaching effects on one’s career trajectory, often leading to promotions, salary increases, or enhanced industry recognition.

It’s worth noting that while academic prizes primarily serve as motivational tools and indicators of potential, professional awards are more closely tied to measurable outcomes and real-world impact. This difference reflects the distinct objectives of educational institutions versus businesses, with the former focusing on personal development and the latter on organizational success and market competitiveness.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To enhance your IELTS Speaking performance when describing a prize you received, consider using these sophisticated words and phrases:

1. Accolade /ˈækəleɪd/ (noun): An award or privilege granted as a special honor or as an acknowledgment of merit.
   Example: “Winning the ‘Employee of the Year’ accolade was a defining moment in my career.”
2. Prestigious /preˈstɪdʒəs/ (adjective): Inspiring respect and admiration; having high status.
   Example: “The Nobel Prize is one of the most prestigious awards in the scientific community.”
3. To bestow /bɪˈstoʊ/ (verb): To present or confer (an honor, right, or gift).
   Example: “The university bestowed an honorary degree upon the renowned author.”
4. Recognition /ˌrekəɡˈnɪʃn/ (noun): Appreciation or acclaim for an achievement, service, or ability.
   Example: “The award brought her long-overdue recognition for her contributions to the field.”
5. To propel /prəˈpel/ (verb): To drive, push, or cause to move forward or onward.
   Example: “Winning the prize propelled her career to new heights.”
6. Catalyst /ˈkætəlɪst/ (noun): A person or thing that precipitates an event or change.
   Example: “The award served as a catalyst for his increased involvement in community service.”

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a prize you received:

1. Be specific: Provide detailed information about the prize, including its name, when and why you received it, and its significance.
2. Use a range of tenses: Incorporate past, present, and future tenses to discuss the award’s impact on your life.
3. Express emotions: Articulate how you felt upon receiving the prize and how it has influenced your subsequent actions or outlook.
4. Employ varied vocabulary: Utilize sophisticated words and phrases to describe the prize and its effects, demonstrating linguistic proficiency.
5. Structure your response: Organize your thoughts logically, using discourse markers to guide the listener through your narrative.
6. Practice extensively: Regularly rehearse describing various achievements and awards to improve fluency and confidence.

By following these guidelines and incorporating the provided vocabulary, you’ll be well-equipped to deliver a compelling and high-scoring response when asked to describe a prize you received in your IELTS Speaking test.

For more practice on describing significant events and achievements, you might find it helpful to describe a time when you received a gift. This topic shares similarities with describing a prize and can further enhance your ability to narrate personal experiences effectively.