The topic of describing a moment that made you feel accomplished is a popular one in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows candidates to showcase their ability to narrate personal experiences while demonstrating their language skills. This topic has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests due to its versatility and potential for rich discussion.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In the first part of the IELTS Speaking test, the examiner may ask questions related to achievements and accomplishments. Here are some common questions you might encounter:
- Do you often feel accomplished?
- What kinds of things make you feel accomplished?
- How do you celebrate your accomplishments?
- Do you think it’s important to feel accomplished? Why or why not?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the question: “Do you often feel accomplished?”
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“I’d say I feel accomplished fairly often, though not every day. I tend to set realistic goals for myself, both short-term and long-term, and achieving these milestones gives me a sense of accomplishment. For instance, last month, I successfully completed a challenging project at work ahead of schedule, which made me feel quite proud of my efforts.”
Describe a recent event that brought your community together
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a moment of accomplishment:
Describe A Moment That Made You Feel Accomplished
You should say:
- What the accomplishment was
- When and where it happened
- Who was involved
- How you felt about it
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I’d like to talk about a moment that made me feel really accomplished. It was when I successfully organized a charity event for a local orphanage last year.
The event took place in my hometown’s community center on a Saturday afternoon in July. I was the main organizer, but I had help from a team of volunteers, mostly friends and colleagues. We spent weeks planning and preparing for the event.
On the day of the event, everything went smoothly. We had various activities like games, a small concert, and a donation drive. Many people from the community came to support the cause, and we managed to raise a significant amount of money for the orphanage.
I felt incredibly proud and accomplished when I saw how happy the children from the orphanage were and how the community came together to help. It was a rewarding experience that made me realize I could make a positive impact on others’ lives.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to share a moment that filled me with an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. It was when I spearheaded a groundbreaking research project during my final year at university.
The project culminated in a presentation at an international conference in London last September. I led a team of four other students, and we collaborated closely with our professor throughout the six-month research period.
Our research focused on developing a novel approach to sustainable urban planning, integrating cutting-edge technology with traditional ecological principles. The preparation was intense and demanding, requiring countless hours of data analysis, model development, and rigorous testing.
When the day of the presentation arrived, I felt a mix of nervousness and excitement. As I stood before an audience of esteemed academics and industry professionals, I realized the magnitude of what we had achieved. Our presentation was met with enthusiastic applause and generated significant interest from several prominent urban planning firms.
The feeling of accomplishment was truly profound. Not only had we contributed to an important field of study, but we had also demonstrated our ability to conduct high-level research and present it effectively on an international stage. This experience reinforced my passion for urban planning and bolstered my confidence in my academic and professional abilities.
The positive feedback and subsequent opportunities that arose from this project were incredibly rewarding. However, the most gratifying aspect was knowing that our research could potentially influence future urban development strategies, making cities more livable and sustainable.”
Describe a time when you stayed up all night for a special reason
Follow-up Questions:
- How do you usually celebrate your accomplishments?
- Do you think it’s important to share your accomplishments with others? Why or why not?
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“When it comes to celebrating accomplishments, I believe in striking a balance between personal satisfaction and sharing joy with others. I usually take some time for self-reflection, acknowledging the effort I’ve put in and the progress I’ve made. This might involve treating myself to a nice meal or engaging in a favorite hobby as a form of personal reward.
As for sharing accomplishments, I think it can be beneficial when done thoughtfully and modestly. Sharing can inspire others, foster a supportive environment, and even open up new opportunities. However, it’s crucial to be mindful of the context and the audience. I prefer to share achievements with close friends, family, or in professional settings where it’s relevant, rather than broadcasting them widely on social media.
The key is to focus on the journey and the lessons learned, rather than just the end result. This approach allows for meaningful discussions and can encourage others to pursue their own goals. Moreover, sharing accomplishments can strengthen relationships by allowing others to celebrate with you and offer support for future endeavors.”
Describe a time when you felt accomplished
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this part, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic of accomplishment. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Examiner: Do you think the sense of accomplishment is different for younger and older people?
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“I believe there are some notable differences in how younger and older people experience a sense of accomplishment. Younger individuals often feel accomplished when they achieve personal milestones like graduating, getting their first job, or moving out on their own. These achievements are typically tied to gaining independence and establishing their place in the world.
On the other hand, older people might derive a sense of accomplishment from different sources. They may feel proud of long-term achievements like raising a family, building a successful career, or contributing to their community over many years. Their sense of accomplishment might be more reflective, appreciating the journey and the wisdom gained along the way.
However, it’s important to note that these are generalizations, and individual experiences can vary greatly. Some young people might feel accomplished by making a significant impact in their field, while some older individuals might find joy in learning new skills or taking up new hobbies later in life.”
Examiner: How has the definition of success changed in recent years?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“The definition of success has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, reflecting broader societal changes and evolving values. Traditionally, success was often equated with financial prosperity, career advancement, and material possessions. However, there’s been a noticeable shift towards a more holistic and personalized understanding of success.
Nowadays, many people prioritize work-life balance, personal fulfillment, and overall well-being as key indicators of success. This change has been driven by factors such as increased awareness of mental health issues, the rise of the gig economy, and a growing emphasis on experiences over material goods.
Moreover, there’s a growing recognition of the importance of social and environmental responsibility. Success is increasingly being measured not just by individual achievements, but also by one’s positive impact on society and the planet. This has led to the rise of social entrepreneurship and a greater focus on sustainable business practices.
The digital age has also reshaped our perception of success. Social media has created new avenues for recognition and influence, leading to the emergence of non-traditional career paths like influencers and content creators. This has broadened the spectrum of what’s considered successful, moving beyond conventional professional roles.
However, this evolving definition of success also presents challenges. The pressure to curate a perfect life on social media can lead to unrealistic expectations and stress. Additionally, the emphasis on finding passion and purpose in one’s work, while positive, can sometimes create anxiety for those still figuring out their path.
In conclusion, while financial stability remains important, the modern definition of success has become more multifaceted, encompassing personal growth, social impact, and overall life satisfaction. This shift reflects a more nuanced understanding of what it means to live a fulfilling life in today’s complex world.”
Describe a time when you felt proud of a family member
IELTS Speaking: Describing an accomplishment moment
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To enhance your IELTS Speaking performance when describing moments of accomplishment, consider using these advanced vocabulary items and phrases:
To overcome obstacles /ˌəʊvəˈkʌm ˈɒbstəkəlz/ (phrasal verb): to succeed in dealing with or rising above difficulties
Example: “Despite facing numerous setbacks, she managed to overcome all obstacles and complete the project.”Milestone /ˈmaɪlstəʊn/ (noun): an important event in the development or history of something or in someone’s life
Example: “Graduating from university was a significant milestone in my academic journey.”To excel /ɪkˈsel/ (verb): to be exceptionally good at or proficient in an activity or subject
Example: “He excelled in mathematics, consistently achieving top grades in his class.”Pinnacle /ˈpɪnəkl/ (noun): the most successful or admired part of something; the culmination
Example: “Winning the Nobel Prize was the pinnacle of her scientific career.”To persevere /ˌpɜːsɪˈvɪə(r)/ (verb): to continue in a course of action even in the face of difficulty or with little or no prospect of success
Example: “She persevered with her training regimen, even when progress seemed slow.”Groundbreaking /ˈɡraʊndbreɪkɪŋ/ (adjective): innovative; pioneering
Example: “His groundbreaking research in renewable energy has opened up new possibilities for sustainable power.”To reap the rewards (idiom): to benefit from one’s efforts or actions
Example: “After years of hard work, she’s finally reaping the rewards of her dedication.”Sense of fulfillment (phrase): a feeling of satisfaction or happiness as a result of fully developing one’s abilities or character
Example: “Completing the marathon gave him an incredible sense of fulfillment.”
Describe a special moment with a childhood friend
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing moments of accomplishment:
Use a variety of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced words and phrases related to achievements and emotions.
Provide specific details: Instead of general statements, give concrete examples that paint a vivid picture of your experience.
Show reflection: Discuss not just what happened, but also how it affected you and what you learned from the experience.
Use a range of tenses: Demonstrate your grammar skills by accurately using past, present, and future tenses as appropriate.
Practice fluency: Work on speaking smoothly and confidently, minimizing hesitations and fillers.
Develop your answers: Aim to speak for 1-2 minutes in Part 2, providing a well-structured response that covers all points in the cue card.
Engage with the examiner: In Part 3, listen carefully to the questions and provide thoughtful, developed responses that showcase your ability to discuss abstract ideas.
Remember, regular practice and exposure to English through various media can significantly improve your performance. Focus on expressing your ideas clearly and confidently, and don’t be afraid to showcase your personality and unique perspectives.
