The topic “describe a moment of success in your life” is a common and recurring theme in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows examiners to assess candidates’ ability to narrate personal experiences, express emotions, and use appropriate vocabulary. This topic is likely to appear in future tests due to its relevance to everyday life and its potential to elicit a wide range of responses.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about success and achievements. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:
Examiner: Do you think success is important in life?
Candidate (Band 8-9 response): Absolutely. I believe success plays a vital role in one’s personal growth and overall well-being. It not only boosts our confidence but also motivates us to set higher goals and push our boundaries. However, I think it’s crucial to maintain a balanced perspective and not let the pursuit of success overshadow other important aspects of life, such as relationships and personal happiness.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a moment of success in your life
You should say:
- What the success was
- When it happened
- How you achieved it
- And explain why you consider it a success
Sample Answer (Band 6-7)
I’d like to talk about a moment of success in my life when I passed my driving test. It happened about two years ago, and it was a significant achievement for me.
I had been taking driving lessons for several months, practicing regularly with my instructor and also with my parents. It was quite challenging at first, especially getting used to the manual transmission and remembering all the traffic rules.
On the day of the test, I was really nervous. The examiner asked me to perform various maneuvers, including parallel parking and an emergency stop. I tried to stay calm and focused throughout the test.
When the examiner told me I had passed, I felt incredibly relieved and happy. It was a success for me because driving is an important skill that gives me independence. Now I can drive myself to college and help my family with errands. It also boosted my confidence in my ability to learn new skills.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
I’d like to share a defining moment of success in my life, which was securing a scholarship for my postgraduate studies at a prestigious university abroad. This remarkable achievement occurred about three years ago and marked a significant milestone in my academic journey.
The process of attaining this scholarship was nothing short of arduous. It required meticulous planning and unwavering dedication. I spent countless hours researching various programs, fine-tuning my application essays, and preparing for rigorous interviews. Alongside my academic pursuits, I also actively engaged in extracurricular activities and volunteer work to enhance my profile.
When I received the notification of my selection, I was utterly elated. The scholarship not only validated my academic capabilities but also opened doors to unparalleled opportunities for personal and professional growth.
I consider this a success for several reasons. Firstly, it allowed me to pursue my passion for advanced studies without financial constraints. Secondly, it significantly broadened my horizons, exposing me to diverse cultures and perspectives. Lastly, it instilled in me a sense of responsibility to make the most of this opportunity and contribute meaningfully to my field of study.
This experience taught me the value of perseverance and the importance of setting ambitious goals. It serves as a constant reminder that with determination and hard work, one can overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges and achieve remarkable success.
Describe a childhood memory that you cherish can also be a fascinating topic to explore in IELTS Speaking, as it allows candidates to demonstrate their ability to narrate past experiences vividly.
Follow-up Questions
Examiner: How did this success change your life?
Candidate (Band 6-7): This success changed my life significantly. It gave me more independence and made me feel more grown-up. I could help my family more and didn’t have to rely on others for transportation. It also made me feel more confident about learning new things.
Candidate (Band 8-9): This achievement had a profound impact on my life trajectory. It not only provided me with world-class education but also expanded my professional network globally. The exposure to diverse cultures and ideas broadened my perspective and enhanced my critical thinking skills. Moreover, it instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility to use my education for the betterment of society. This success served as a catalyst for my personal and professional growth, opening doors to opportunities I had never imagined before.
IELTS candidate celebrating success
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: Do you think success means the same thing to everyone?
Candidate (Band 6-7): I don’t think success means the same thing to everyone. Different people have different goals and values. For some, success might be about making a lot of money, while for others, it could be about having a happy family or helping others. It really depends on what’s important to each person.
Candidate (Band 8-9): I firmly believe that the definition of success is highly subjective and varies greatly from person to person. It’s intrinsically linked to an individual’s values, aspirations, and life experiences. While some may equate success with financial prosperity or professional achievements, others might find it in personal fulfillment, strong relationships, or contributions to society. Moreover, one’s perception of success often evolves over time, reflecting changes in priorities and life stages. It’s crucial to recognize this diversity in defining success, as it fosters a more inclusive and empathetic society that values different forms of accomplishment.
Examiner: How has the concept of success changed over generations?
Candidate (Band 6-7): I think the idea of success has changed quite a bit over generations. In the past, success was often about having a stable job, owning a house, and raising a family. Now, many young people see success differently. They might value experiences, like traveling, or want to start their own businesses. There’s also more focus on work-life balance and personal happiness now.
Candidate (Band 8-9): The concept of success has undergone a significant transformation across generations, reflecting broader societal shifts. Traditionally, success was often equated with financial stability, career progression, and conforming to societal norms. However, in recent decades, we’ve witnessed a paradigm shift.
Modern generations tend to prioritize personal fulfillment, work-life balance, and meaningful experiences over conventional markers of success. There’s a growing emphasis on entrepreneurship, creativity, and making a positive impact on society. Additionally, the digital age has redefined success in terms of online influence and global connectivity.
This evolution stems from various factors, including increased global awareness, changing economic landscapes, and a greater focus on mental health and well-being. It’s important to note that this shift isn’t universal, and there’s often a blend of traditional and modern views on success, varying across cultures and individuals.
Describe a gift you have received that was important to you can be another interesting topic to discuss, as it allows candidates to explore the emotional significance of personal experiences.
Key Vocabulary and Structures for High Scores
Milestone /ˈmaɪl.stəʊn/ (noun): An important event in the development of something
Example: Graduating from university was a significant milestone in my academic journey.Perseverance /ˌpɜː.səˈvɪə.rəns/ (noun): Continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties
Example: Her success was a result of her unwavering perseverance in the face of numerous challenges.To broaden one’s horizons (idiom): To expand the range of one’s knowledge, experiences, or interests
Example: Studying abroad broadened my horizons and gave me a new perspective on global issues.Paramount /ˈpær.ə.maʊnt/ (adjective): More important than anything else
Example: Achieving a work-life balance is paramount to my definition of success.To reap the rewards (idiom): To get the benefits of something, especially as a result of hard work
Example: After years of dedication, she finally reaped the rewards of her efforts with a promotion.
Visual representation of success concept
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a moment of success:
- Practice narrating personal experiences fluently and coherently.
- Use a wide range of vocabulary related to success, achievements, and emotions.
- Incorporate idiomatic expressions naturally in your responses.
- Provide specific details and examples to make your answers more vivid and engaging.
- Reflect on the impact of the success and what you learned from the experience.
- Practice expressing opinions on abstract concepts related to success for Part 3 discussions.
- Work on your pronunciation and intonation to ensure clarity in your speech.
Remember, the key to a high score is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Aim for fluency, coherence, and natural language use throughout the test.
Describe a time when you received an unexpected gift is another topic that can help you practice describing personal experiences and emotions effectively.