Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe a Person Who Has Achieved a Significant Accomplishment

Are you preparing for the IELTS Speaking test and wondering how to tackle questions about remarkable individuals? This comprehensive guide will help you craft impressive responses when asked to Describe A Person Who Has Achieved A Significant Accomplishment. We’ll explore sample questions, provide model answers for different band scores, and offer valuable tips to boost your performance.

Understanding the Task

The topic “Describe a person who has achieved a significant accomplishment” is a common theme in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Part 2. It allows examiners to assess your ability to articulate personal experiences, use descriptive language, and express opinions coherently. This topic has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests.

IELTS Speaking Test

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions related to achievements and success. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:

Question: “Do you think it’s important to celebrate personal achievements?”

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I believe it’s quite important to celebrate personal achievements. It helps boost confidence and motivates people to keep working hard. When we acknowledge our successes, even small ones, it can make us feel good about ourselves.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely, I firmly believe that celebrating personal achievements is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it serves as a powerful motivator, encouraging individuals to persist in their efforts and set even higher goals. Moreover, acknowledging our successes, regardless of their magnitude, fosters a positive mindset and enhances self-esteem. This practice of recognition can also inspire others around us, creating a ripple effect of positivity and ambition in our social and professional circles.

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:

Describe a person who has achieved a significant accomplishment

You should say:

• Who this person is
• What their accomplishment was
• How they achieved it
• And explain why you think this accomplishment is significant

Band 6-7 Sample Answer:

I’d like to talk about my friend Sarah, who recently completed a marathon. Sarah has always been interested in fitness, but she never thought she could run such a long distance. She decided to challenge herself and started training about six months ago.

Sarah’s training was really tough. She woke up early every day to run before work and spent her weekends on longer runs. She also changed her diet and learned a lot about nutrition. There were times when she wanted to give up, especially when she got injured, but she kept going.

Finally, last month, Sarah completed her first marathon in just under 4 hours. I think this is a significant accomplishment because it shows how much you can achieve with determination and hard work. It’s not just about the physical challenge, but also the mental strength required. Sarah’s achievement has inspired many of our friends to set their own fitness goals.

Band 8-9 Sample Answer:

I’d like to describe Dr. Emmanuelle Charpentier, a French microbiologist who, along with her colleague Jennifer Doudna, achieved a groundbreaking accomplishment in the field of genetic engineering. Their significant achievement was the development of CRISPR-Cas9, a revolutionary gene-editing tool.

Dr. Charpentier’s journey to this accomplishment was marked by years of rigorous research and unwavering dedication to her field. She began her work on CRISPR while studying a bacterial immune system, initially without any intention of creating a gene-editing tool. Through meticulous observation and innovative thinking, she and Dr. Doudna recognized the potential of the CRISPR system to be adapted for precise DNA editing.

The development of CRISPR-Cas9 involved collaborative efforts, countless experiments, and the integration of diverse scientific disciplines. They had to overcome numerous technical challenges and skepticism from the scientific community before their breakthrough was widely recognized.

I consider this accomplishment highly significant for several reasons. Firstly, CRISPR-Cas9 has revolutionized genetic research, making gene editing faster, cheaper, and more accurate than ever before. This tool has opened up unprecedented possibilities in medicine, potentially leading to treatments for genetic disorders, cancer, and other diseases. Moreover, it has applications in agriculture, potentially helping to create more resilient crops and address global food security issues.

Furthermore, the magnitude of this achievement is reflected in Dr. Charpentier and Dr. Doudna being awarded the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Their work exemplifies how fundamental scientific research can lead to transformative technologies with far-reaching implications for humanity. It’s a testament to the power of curiosity-driven science and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Follow-up Questions:

1. How do you think this person’s achievement might inspire others?
2. What challenges do you think they faced in achieving their goal?

Band 6-7 Answer:
I think Sarah’s achievement can inspire others by showing that with hard work and dedication, it’s possible to achieve difficult goals. She probably faced challenges like finding time to train, dealing with physical pain, and staying motivated.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Dr. Charpentier’s achievement is likely to inspire others in numerous ways. Firstly, it demonstrates the transformative power of perseverance in scientific research. Her journey underscores the importance of pursuing one’s passion, even when the practical applications aren’t immediately apparent. This can encourage aspiring scientists to engage in fundamental research with an open mind.

Moreover, as a woman in STEM, her success can inspire girls and young women to pursue careers in science, helping to address the gender imbalance in these fields. Her collaborative approach also highlights the value of teamwork and interdisciplinary cooperation in tackling complex scientific challenges.

Regarding challenges, Dr. Charpentier likely faced several obstacles. These might have included securing funding for her research, especially in its early stages when the potential of CRISPR was not yet evident. She may have encountered skepticism from peers about the feasibility and applications of her work. Additionally, the ethical considerations surrounding gene editing technology probably presented complex challenges, requiring her to navigate not only scientific but also moral and regulatory landscapes.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: “How do you think society benefits from individual achievements?”

Band 6-7 Answer:
I believe society benefits a lot from individual achievements. When people accomplish great things, it can lead to new inventions or discoveries that make life better for everyone. For example, medical breakthroughs can help save lives. Also, when individuals achieve something remarkable, it can inspire others to work hard and try to achieve their own goals.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Society reaps numerous benefits from individual achievements, both tangible and intangible. On a practical level, groundbreaking accomplishments often lead to technological advancements, scientific discoveries, or innovative solutions that can significantly improve our quality of life. For instance, individual achievements in medicine have resulted in life-saving treatments, while advancements in technology have revolutionized the way we communicate and work.

Moreover, individual achievements serve as a catalyst for collective progress. They set new benchmarks and expand our understanding of what’s possible, thereby pushing the boundaries of human potential. This can spark a domino effect of innovation and improvement across various sectors of society.

From a social perspective, notable individual accomplishments can inspire and motivate others, fostering a culture of ambition and excellence. They demonstrate the power of perseverance and creativity, encouraging others to pursue their own goals with renewed vigor. This ripple effect can lead to a more dynamic, productive society.

Furthermore, individual achievements often contribute to the cultural and intellectual richness of a society. Whether in the arts, sciences, or sports, these accomplishments become part of our shared heritage and identity, fostering national pride and unity.

Lastly, in an increasingly globalized world, individual achievements can enhance a nation’s soft power and international standing, leading to increased opportunities for collaboration and exchange of ideas on a global scale.

Examiner: “Do you think the media gives too much attention to personal achievements?”

Band 6-7 Answer:
I think sometimes the media does give too much attention to personal achievements, especially when it comes to celebrities or sports stars. While it’s good to celebrate success, too much focus on individual achievements can make other people feel bad about themselves. It might be better if the media also highlighted everyday achievements of ordinary people.

Band 8-9 Answer:
The media’s coverage of personal achievements is a double-edged sword, and I believe the question of whether it receives too much attention is nuanced. On one hand, highlighting individual accomplishments can serve several positive functions. It can inspire and motivate others, showcase human potential, and bring attention to important fields or causes. Media coverage of achievements in science, arts, or social justice, for instance, can educate the public and spark important conversations.

However, there are valid concerns about the disproportionate attention given to certain types of achievements, particularly those in entertainment and sports. This imbalance can create unrealistic expectations and potentially contribute to feelings of inadequacy among the general public. Moreover, the media’s focus on individual success stories sometimes overlooks the collaborative nature of many achievements and the supportive infrastructure that enables them.

Another consideration is the media’s tendency to sensationalize or oversimplify complex achievements, potentially diminishing their true value or misrepresenting the effort involved. This can lead to a skewed perception of success and what it takes to achieve it.

Ideally, I believe the media should strive for a more balanced approach. This could involve diversifying the types of achievements highlighted, giving more attention to collective accomplishments, and providing context that acknowledges both the individual effort and the supporting factors behind significant achievements. Additionally, showcasing a range of achievements, including those of ordinary people overcoming everyday challenges, could provide a more realistic and relatable perspective on success.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Groundbreaking (adjective) /ˈɡraʊnd.breɪ.kɪŋ/: Very new and a big change from other things of its type.
   Example: Her groundbreaking research in quantum computing has opened up new possibilities in data processing.

2. Perseverance (noun) /ˌpɜː.səˈvɪə.rəns/: Continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition.
   Example: His perseverance in the face of numerous setbacks ultimately led to his success.

3. Catalyst (noun) /ˈkæt.əl.ɪst/: Something that causes an important event to happen.
   Example: Her innovative design served as a catalyst for a new trend in sustainable architecture.

4. Collaborative (adjective) /kəˈlæb.ər.ə.tɪv/: Involving two or more people working together for a special purpose.
   Example: The project’s success was due to the collaborative efforts of researchers from various disciplines.

5. Transformative (adjective) /trænsˈfɔː.mə.tɪv/: Causing a major change to something or someone.
   Example: The invention of the internet has had a transformative effect on how we communicate and access information.

Tips from an IELTS Speaking Examiner

1. Practice regularly: Dedicate time each day to speaking English, even if it’s just talking to yourself about your daily activities.

2. Expand your vocabulary: Learn new words and phrases related to achievements and success. Use them in context to make them a natural part of your speech.

3. Work on fluency: Focus on speaking smoothly without too many pauses. It’s okay to use fillers like “well” or “you know” occasionally, but don’t overuse them.

4. Develop your ideas: Don’t just give short answers. Expand on your points with examples and explanations.

5. Listen to native speakers: Watch English-language interviews or TED talks to pick up natural speech patterns and expressions.

6. Record yourself: This can help you identify areas for improvement in your pronunciation and fluency.

7. Stay informed: Read about current events and notable achievements in various fields. This will give you more topics to discuss confidently.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about perfect grammar or an extensive vocabulary. It’s about communicating your ideas clearly and confidently. Keep practicing, and you’ll see improvement in your speaking skills.

For more tips on improving your IELTS Speaking skills, check out our guide on how to describe a time when you faced a challenge at work. This can help you prepare for similar questions about personal experiences and achievements.