The IELTS Speaking test frequently includes questions about personal achievements and moments of pride. Describing a recent accomplishment is a common topic that allows candidates to showcase their language skills while discussing a positive personal experience. This article will provide you with valuable insights and strategies to effectively answer questions related to recent accomplishments in your IELTS Speaking exam.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking test, you may encounter questions related to achievements and accomplishments. Here are some potential questions and a sample answer:

1. Do you often feel proud of your accomplishments?
2. What kind of achievements make you feel proud?
3. How do you celebrate your accomplishments?

Let’s focus on the first question:

Question: Do you often feel proud of your accomplishments?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):

“Yes, I’d say I quite often feel a sense of pride in my accomplishments, especially when I’ve put in a lot of effort or overcome significant challenges. For instance, recently I successfully completed a challenging project at work, which involved coordinating with multiple teams and meeting tight deadlines. The feeling of accomplishment when we delivered the project on time and received positive feedback from our clients was truly rewarding. However, I try to maintain a balance between feeling proud and staying humble, as I believe there’s always room for improvement and learning from each experience.”

Describe a personal project you completed successfully

Part 2: Long Turn

In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic to discuss for 1-2 minutes. Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a recent accomplishment:

Describe A Recent Accomplishment That Made You Feel Proud.

You should say:

• What the accomplishment was
• When and where it happened
• Who was involved
• Why it made you feel proud

And explain how this accomplishment has affected you.

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to talk about a recent accomplishment that filled me with an immense sense of pride. Last month, I successfully organized a charity fundraising event for a local children’s hospital in my hometown.

The event took place on a Saturday afternoon in the city’s central park. It was a large-scale undertaking that required months of meticulous planning and coordination. I spearheaded a team of ten volunteers, each responsible for different aspects of the event, such as marketing, logistics, and entertainment.

What made me particularly proud was the overwhelming response we received from the community. We managed to surpass our initial fundraising goal by 50%, raising a total of $75,000 for the hospital’s new pediatric ward. The event attracted over 500 attendees, including local celebrities and government officials, which significantly boosted our cause’s visibility.

This accomplishment made me feel proud for several reasons. Firstly, it demonstrated my ability to lead and manage a complex project effectively. Secondly, the positive impact on the children’s hospital was tangible and immediate, as the funds raised will directly contribute to improving healthcare facilities for young patients. Lastly, the event fostered a sense of community spirit and showed how collective effort can make a real difference.

This accomplishment has affected me profoundly. It has boosted my confidence in taking on leadership roles and tackling ambitious projects. Moreover, it has reinforced my commitment to community service and inspired me to continue using my skills for the benefit of others. The experience has also expanded my network and opened up new opportunities for future collaborations in the non-profit sector.

In conclusion, this accomplishment not only made me proud of what I could achieve but also reaffirmed my belief in the power of community action and the positive change that can be brought about through dedication and teamwork.”

IELTS Speaking: Describing a recent accomplishment that made you proud

Follow-up questions:

1. How do you typically celebrate your achievements?
2. Do you think it’s important to share your accomplishments with others?

Sample answers (Band 8-9):

1. “When it comes to celebrating achievements, I prefer a balanced approach. For smaller accomplishments, I might treat myself to a nice dinner or take a day off to relax. For more significant achievements, I often organize a small gathering with close friends and family to share the moment. I find that reflecting on the journey and expressing gratitude to those who supported me is an essential part of the celebration. It’s also a great opportunity to set new goals and think about future challenges I’d like to tackle.”

2. “I believe sharing accomplishments can be valuable, but it’s important to do so tactfully and in the right context. Sharing achievements can inspire others, provide valuable insights, and create opportunities for collaboration. However, it’s crucial to strike a balance between sharing and appearing boastful. I prefer to focus on the process, challenges overcome, and lessons learned rather than just the end result. Additionally, I think it’s equally important to acknowledge the contributions of others who played a role in the accomplishment, as most significant achievements are rarely solo efforts.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic of accomplishments and pride. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

Question 1: How do you think the concept of accomplishment differs across generations?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):

“I believe the concept of accomplishment has evolved significantly across generations, primarily due to changing societal values and technological advancements. For older generations, accomplishments were often tied to traditional milestones such as securing a stable job, owning a home, or raising a family. These achievements were seen as markers of a successful and respectable life.

In contrast, younger generations seem to have a more diverse and individualistic view of accomplishment. Many young people today value experiences, personal growth, and making a positive impact on society as significant achievements. This shift can be attributed to factors like increased global connectivity, changing work dynamics, and a greater emphasis on work-life balance.

Additionally, the digital age has introduced new forms of accomplishment, such as building a large social media following or creating viral content. These achievements might not have been recognized or even possible for previous generations.

However, it’s important to note that these are generalizations, and individual perspectives on accomplishment can vary greatly within each generation. Some core values, like financial stability and personal fulfillment, likely remain important across all age groups, albeit manifested in different ways.”

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Question 2: Do you think society places too much emphasis on individual achievements?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“This is a nuanced issue that deserves careful consideration. On one hand, recognizing and celebrating individual achievements can be highly motivational and inspire others to strive for excellence. It can foster innovation, drive progress, and encourage personal growth. Many groundbreaking advancements in various fields have been the result of individual brilliance and perseverance.

However, I do believe that in many societies, there is an excessive focus on individual accomplishments at the expense of collective achievements and collaborative efforts. This can lead to several negative consequences:

Firstly, it can create an unhealthy competitive environment where people feel pressured to constantly outperform others, potentially leading to stress, burnout, and a diminished sense of community.

Secondly, overemphasizing individual achievements may undervalue the importance of teamwork and cooperation, which are crucial skills in most professional and social contexts.

Thirdly, it can perpetuate inequality by overlooking systemic advantages or disadvantages that contribute to an individual’s success or failure.

A more balanced approach would be to celebrate both individual and collective accomplishments while acknowledging the complex factors that contribute to success. This could involve:

1. Recognizing the support systems and collaborators behind individual achievements.
2. Placing greater emphasis on how individual accomplishments contribute to the greater good.
3. Valuing a diverse range of achievements, not just those that are easily quantifiable or highly visible.

In conclusion, while individual achievements certainly have their place and merit recognition, I believe society would benefit from a more holistic view of success that considers both personal accomplishments and their broader impact on communities and society as a whole.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To achieve a high score in your IELTS Speaking test when discussing accomplishments, consider using the following vocabulary and phrases:

1. To surpass expectations – /səˈpɑːs ɪkˌspekˈteɪʃənz/ (phrasal verb): to do better than expected
   Example: “The project surpassed all our expectations in terms of both quality and timeliness.”

2. Milestone – /ˈmaɪlstəʊn/ (noun): an important event in the development of something
   Example: “Completing my master’s degree was a significant milestone in my academic journey.”

3. To take pride in – /teɪk praɪd ɪn/ (phrasal verb): to feel very pleased about something you have done
   Example: “I take great pride in the volunteer work I do for the local community.”

4. Accomplishment – /əˈkʌmplɪʃmənt/ (noun): something impressive that has been achieved
   Example: “Running a marathon was one of my greatest accomplishments to date.”

5. To overcome obstacles – /ˌəʊvəˈkʌm ˈɒbstəkəlz/ (phrase): to succeed despite difficulties
   Example: “She overcame numerous obstacles to become the first person in her family to graduate from university.”

6. Groundbreaking – /ˈɡraʊndˌbreɪkɪŋ/ (adjective): innovative; pioneering
   Example: “Her research led to groundbreaking discoveries in the field of renewable energy.”

7. To make strides – /meɪk straɪdz/ (idiom): to make progress
   Example: “Over the past year, I’ve made significant strides in improving my public speaking skills.”

8. To go above and beyond – /ɡəʊ əˈbʌv ənd bɪˈjɒnd/ (idiom): to do more than is expected or required
   Example: “The team went above and beyond to ensure the project was completed ahead of schedule.”

Describe a moment that made you feel accomplished

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing recent accomplishments:

1. Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions related to achievements and pride. This demonstrates your language proficiency and ability to express complex ideas.

2. Provide specific examples: When describing your accomplishment, give detailed information about what you did, how you did it, and why it was significant. This shows your ability to communicate clearly and coherently.

3. Reflect on the impact: Discuss how the accomplishment affected you personally and professionally. This demonstrates your ability to analyze and reflect on experiences.

4. Use appropriate tenses: Since you’re discussing a recent accomplishment, practice using past tenses accurately, including the past simple, past continuous, and present perfect.

5. Show enthusiasm: Use appropriate intonation and stress to convey your feelings of pride and accomplishment. This enhances the overall delivery of your response.

6. Structure your answer: For the long turn (Part 2), organize your thoughts logically, covering all the points mentioned in the cue card. Use discourse markers to connect your ideas smoothly.

7. Extend your answers: In Part 3, provide in-depth responses that go beyond surface-level observations. Consider different perspectives and provide balanced arguments.

8. Practice fluency: Regular practice speaking about your achievements will help you become more fluent and confident when discussing this topic in the actual test.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Aim for clarity, coherence, and confidence in your delivery.

Describe a challenge you recently overcame

By following these strategies and incorporating the suggested vocabulary, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss your recent accomplishments effectively in your IELTS Speaking test. Good luck with your preparation!