The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about personal experiences and emotions. One such topic that frequently appears is describing a moment when you felt proud of someone else. This task allows candidates to demonstrate their ability to express emotions, narrate events, and use descriptive language effectively. Let’s explore how to approach this topic and achieve a high score in your IELTS Speaking test.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In the first part of the Speaking test, the examiner may ask general questions related to pride and achievements. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:

Question: “Do you often feel proud of other people?”

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, I’d say I frequently experience a sense of pride for others, especially my family members and close friends. It’s heartwarming to witness their accomplishments and growth. For instance, I felt incredibly proud when my younger sister graduated from university with honors last year. It’s gratifying to see the people I care about succeed in their endeavors.”

describe a time when you received a compliment unexpectedly

Part 2: Long Turn

In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic to speak about for 1-2 minutes. Here’s a sample cue card related to our main topic:

Describe A Moment When You Felt Proud Of Someone Else

You should say:
- Who the person was
- What they did to make you proud
- When and where this happened
- And explain why you felt proud of them

Sample answer (Band 6-7):

“I’d like to talk about a time when I felt extremely proud of my best friend, Sarah. She had always struggled with public speaking but decided to challenge herself by participating in a local TED-style event.

The event took place last summer at our city’s community center. Sarah was one of ten speakers chosen to present their ideas on various topics. Her presentation was about the importance of mental health awareness in schools.

When Sarah took the stage, I could see she was nervous, but she took a deep breath and began confidently. As she spoke, her passion for the topic shone through, and she engaged the audience with personal anecdotes and compelling statistics.

I felt incredibly proud of Sarah because I knew how much courage it took for her to overcome her fear of public speaking. She had worked tirelessly for weeks to prepare her speech, and it was inspiring to see her dedication pay off. The audience’s positive response and the standing ovation she received at the end were testaments to her hard work and bravery.

This experience showed me that with determination and effort, it’s possible to overcome our biggest fears and achieve great things. Sarah’s accomplishment made me beam with pride, and I was honored to be there to support her on such a significant day.”

Friend giving a speech at a public speaking event

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to recount a profoundly moving experience when I felt an overwhelming sense of pride for my colleague, Dr. Anita Sharma. Dr. Sharma, a brilliant oncologist, had been tirelessly working on developing a new treatment protocol for a rare form of pediatric cancer.

The pivotal moment occurred during an international medical conference in Geneva last spring. Dr. Sharma was presenting her groundbreaking research findings to a distinguished audience of medical professionals from around the globe.

As she took the stage, there was a palpable sense of anticipation in the air. Dr. Sharma began her presentation with remarkable poise and eloquence, effortlessly navigating through complex medical terminologies and intricate data analyses. Her passion for her work was evident in every word she spoke, and she captivated the audience with her insightful explanations and compelling arguments.

What truly set her apart was her ability to humanize the scientific data. She shared touching stories of young patients whose lives could be transformed by this new treatment, effectively bridging the gap between clinical research and its real-world impact.

The pride I felt for Dr. Sharma was multifaceted. Firstly, I was in awe of her intellectual prowess and the potential her research held to revolutionize cancer treatment. Secondly, I admired her unwavering dedication to her field, often witnessing her working late into the night and sacrificing personal time for the sake of her research.

Moreover, I was profoundly moved by her compassion. Despite her stellar academic achievements, Dr. Sharma never lost sight of the human aspect of her work. Her genuine desire to improve patients’ lives was deeply inspiring.

As her presentation concluded, the room erupted in thunderous applause. Seeing her receive a standing ovation from some of the most respected names in oncology was a moment of unparalleled pride. It was a testament to her exceptional contribution to the field and a validation of her years of dedicated research.

This experience reinforced my belief in the power of perseverance and the importance of pursuing one’s passion. Dr. Sharma’s achievement not only made me proud as her colleague but also instilled a sense of hope for the future of medical science and its potential to change lives.”

Follow-up questions:

1. How do you think achieving something difficult affects a person’s confidence?
2. In your opinion, what role does support from others play in achieving success?
3. Do you believe it’s important to celebrate other people’s achievements? Why or why not?

Sample answer for question 1 (Band 8-9):

“I firmly believe that overcoming significant challenges has a profound impact on an individual’s confidence. When someone successfully navigates a difficult task or situation, it serves as tangible proof of their capabilities, often surpassing their own expectations. This achievement acts as a catalyst, boosting their self-esteem and fostering a more positive self-image.

Moreover, the process of tackling difficult tasks often requires individuals to develop new skills and push beyond their comfort zones. As they do so, they gain valuable insights into their own strengths and resilience. This newfound self-awareness can be incredibly empowering, leading to increased confidence in various aspects of life.

The sense of accomplishment that comes with achieving something difficult also tends to have a ripple effect. It often emboldens individuals to take on even greater challenges in the future, creating a virtuous cycle of growth and confidence-building. This enhanced self-assurance can manifest in various ways, from improved performance in professional settings to more assertive social interactions.

However, it’s worth noting that the impact on confidence can vary depending on how the individual processes the experience. Those who attribute their success to their efforts and abilities are likely to see the most significant boost in confidence. Conversely, if someone dismisses their achievement as mere luck, the positive effect on their confidence might be limited.

In essence, conquering difficult tasks not only bolsters confidence in that specific area but often translates into a broader sense of self-efficacy, empowering individuals to approach future challenges with greater optimism and determination.”

describe a memorable day in your childhood

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here’s an example question with sample answers:

Question: “How do you think society benefits when individuals achieve personal success?”

Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“I believe society gains a lot when people succeed personally. First, successful individuals often contribute more to the economy through taxes and job creation. They might also inspire others to work hard and achieve their goals, which can lead to more innovation and progress. Additionally, people who have achieved success are often in a position to give back to their communities through charity work or mentoring, which can help address social issues.”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“The impact of individual success on society is multifaceted and far-reaching. When individuals achieve personal success, it often catalyzes a ripple effect that benefits society on various levels.

Firstly, successful individuals frequently become drivers of economic growth. They may establish businesses, creating employment opportunities and stimulating local economies. Their innovations can revolutionize industries, leading to increased productivity and efficiency on a broader scale. Furthermore, their financial success often translates into higher tax contributions, bolstering public resources for social services and infrastructure development.

Secondly, successful individuals often serve as powerful role models, inspiring others to strive for excellence. This can foster a culture of ambition and perseverance within communities, encouraging more people to pursue education, develop skills, and contribute meaningfully to society. The collective elevation of aspirations can lead to a more educated, skilled, and productive populace.

Moreover, those who have achieved success are often in a position to engage in philanthropy and social entrepreneurship. They can channel resources into addressing pressing societal issues, whether through charitable donations, establishing foundations, or investing in social enterprises. This can complement government efforts in tackling complex challenges such as poverty, healthcare access, or environmental conservation.

Success stories also contribute to social mobility, demonstrating that it’s possible to overcome socio-economic barriers. This can promote social cohesion by fostering hope and reducing resentment in disadvantaged communities.

Lastly, personal success often correlates with increased social responsibility. Successful individuals, recognizing their influence, may advocate for positive change, whether in policy-making, social justice, or environmental stewardship. Their voices can amplify important causes and mobilize collective action for societal improvement.

In essence, individual success, when leveraged responsibly, can be a powerful catalyst for societal progress, fostering economic growth, inspiring others, addressing social issues, and driving positive change on multiple fronts.”

describe a time when you cooked a meal for someone else

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, it’s crucial to use a range of sophisticated vocabulary and complex sentence structures. Here are some key words and phrases that can help elevate your responses:

1. Profoundly moving /prəˈfaʊndli ˈmuːvɪŋ/ (adjective phrase): Deeply emotionally affecting.
   Example: “Witnessing my friend’s performance was a profoundly moving experience.”

2. Unwavering dedication /ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ ˌdedɪˈkeɪʃn/ (noun phrase): Constant and determined commitment.
   Example: “Her unwavering dedication to the project impressed everyone on the team.”

3. To captivate /ˈkæptɪveɪt/ (verb): To attract and hold the interest of.
   Example: “The speaker captivated the audience with her inspiring stories.”

4. Multifaceted /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/ (adjective): Having many different aspects or features.
   Example: “The issue is multifaceted and requires a comprehensive approach.”

5. To bridge the gap (idiom): To connect two different things or groups.
   Example: “Her research helped bridge the gap between theoretical and applied science.”

6. Palpable /ˈpælpəbl/ (adjective): So intense as to be almost touchable or visible.
   Example: “There was a palpable sense of excitement in the room.”

7. To instill /ɪnˈstɪl/ (verb): To gradually but firmly establish an idea or attitude in a person’s mind.
   Example: “The experience instilled a sense of confidence in her abilities.”

8. Ripple effect (noun phrase): The continuing and spreading results of an event or action.
   Example: “His success had a ripple effect, inspiring many others in the community.”

describe a situation that made you feel proud of someone else

Tips from an IELTS Examiner

As an experienced IELTS examiner, I recommend the following strategies to improve your Speaking test performance:

1. Practice regularly: Engage in daily English conversations and record yourself speaking to identify areas for improvement.

2. Expand your vocabulary: Learn new words and phrases related to common IELTS topics and practice using them in context.

3. Work on fluency: Focus on speaking smoothly and confidently, even if you make minor mistakes.

4. Develop your ideas: Don’t just give short answers. Elaborate on your points and provide relevant examples.

5. Use a variety of grammatical structures: Incorporate complex sentences and different tenses to demonstrate your language proficiency.

6. Listen carefully: Pay close attention to the examiner’s questions to ensure your responses are relevant and on-topic.

7. Stay calm: Remember that the examiner is there to assess your English skills, not to trick you. Stay relaxed and confident throughout the test.

By following these tips and consistently practicing, you can significantly improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking test and increase your chances of achieving a high score.

describe a significant accomplishment in your life

IELTS speaking test preparation

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about having good English skills, but also about effectively communicating your thoughts and experiences. With proper preparation and practice, you can confidently tackle any topic, including describing moments of pride for others, and achieve the score you desire.