Recent accomplishments are a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Part 2. This theme allows examiners to assess your ability to narrate past events, express emotions, and reflect on personal experiences. Being prepared to discuss your achievements can significantly boost your confidence and performance in the test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, you may encounter questions related to accomplishments or achievements. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:
Examiner: Do you like to celebrate your achievements?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely. I believe it’s important to acknowledge personal milestones, no matter how small. Celebrating achievements not only boosts my morale but also motivates me to set new goals. For instance, when I recently completed a challenging project at work, I treated myself to a nice dinner with friends. It was a great way to reflect on the hard work I’d put in and share the joy with people close to me.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card based on the topic of recent accomplishments:
Describe a recent accomplishment you are proud of
You should say:
- What the accomplishment was
- When and where it happened
- Who was involved
- And explain why you are proud of this accomplishment
A person proudly describing a recent accomplishment
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“I’d like to talk about a recent accomplishment that I’m really proud of. Last month, I successfully organized a charity run in my local community to raise funds for a children’s hospital.
The event took place on a Sunday morning in the central park of my city. It was a 5-kilometer run, and we managed to get over 200 participants, which was far more than we initially expected.
I worked with a team of five volunteers to plan and execute the event. We were responsible for everything from promoting the run on social media to coordinating with local businesses for sponsorships and ensuring the safety of all participants on the day.
I’m particularly proud of this accomplishment because it was the first time I’d taken on such a big responsibility in organizing a community event. We faced several challenges, like getting permits from the city council and dealing with last-minute cancellations from some volunteers, but we overcame these obstacles through teamwork and perseverance.
The most rewarding part was that we exceeded our fundraising goal by 20%. Knowing that our efforts will help improve the lives of sick children gives me an incredible sense of fulfillment. This experience has boosted my confidence in my leadership and organizational skills, and I’m excited to take on more community projects in the future.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d be delighted to share a recent accomplishment that I’m particularly proud of. In the realm of professional development, I recently spearheaded the implementation of a cutting-edge artificial intelligence system to optimize our company’s customer service operations.
This ambitious project unfolded over the course of six months, culminating in its successful launch just three weeks ago at our headquarters. The initiative involved a cross-functional team of 15 members, including data scientists, software engineers, and customer service representatives.
As the project lead, I was tasked with orchestrating the efforts of this diverse group, ensuring seamless collaboration between technical experts and frontline staff. This entailed bridging the gap between complex AI concepts and practical application in daily customer interactions.
I take immense pride in this accomplishment for several reasons. Firstly, the implementation of this AI system has revolutionized our customer service approach, reducing response times by 40% and increasing customer satisfaction scores by 25%. These tangible improvements have positioned our company at the forefront of innovation in our industry.
Moreover, the project presented numerous challenges, from navigating ethical considerations surrounding AI to overcoming resistance to change within the organization. Surmounting these obstacles required not only technical expertise but also strong leadership and communication skills.
Perhaps most significantly, this accomplishment has paved the way for a culture of continuous improvement and technological adoption within our company. It has ignited a passion for innovation among our team members and set a new standard for what we can achieve when we embrace cutting-edge solutions.
In retrospect, spearheading this transformative project has been a pivotal moment in my career, reinforcing my belief in the power of technology to drive positive change and reaffirming my commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in our field.”
Follow-up questions:
- How did you celebrate this accomplishment?
- Did you face any challenges during this project?
- How has this accomplishment influenced your future goals?
Sample answer for question 1 (Band 8-9):
“To celebrate this significant milestone, I organized a team appreciation event that served multiple purposes. Firstly, it was an opportunity to formally recognize the collective effort and dedication of everyone involved in the project. We held a small ceremony where each team member received a personalized award highlighting their unique contribution.
Additionally, I arranged for a renowned AI expert to give a guest lecture on the future of AI in business, which not only served as a reward but also as an educational experience for the team. This aligned perfectly with our achievement and helped to foster a sense of continued growth and learning.
The celebration concluded with an informal networking session, allowing team members to build stronger relationships outside of the work context. This approach to celebration reinforced our team spirit and set a positive tone for future collaborations, effectively transforming our accomplishment into a springboard for future innovations and successes.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: How do people in your country typically celebrate their accomplishments?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“In my country, the celebration of accomplishments often varies depending on the nature and scale of the achievement. For personal milestones, such as graduating from university or getting a promotion, people typically organize gatherings with family and close friends. These celebrations usually involve sharing a special meal, which could be at a restaurant or a home-cooked feast.
For larger accomplishments, especially in the professional realm, it’s common to see more formal events being organized. Companies might host award ceremonies or gala dinners to recognize outstanding employees or team achievements. These events often include speeches, presentations of awards or certificates, and sometimes even entertainment or team-building activities.
Interestingly, there’s also a growing trend towards more experience-based celebrations. For instance, someone might choose to commemorate a significant accomplishment by taking a special trip or engaging in an activity they’ve always wanted to try, like skydiving or attending a prestigious cultural event.
It’s worth noting that while celebrations are common, there’s also a cultural tendency to remain modest about one’s achievements. Many people prefer low-key acknowledgments rather than grand displays, reflecting a balance between pride in one’s accomplishments and the value placed on humility.”
Describe a time when you were proud of an achievement can be another way to approach this topic in your IELTS Speaking test. The key is to provide specific details and express your emotions clearly.
Examiner: Do you think it’s important for companies to recognize employees’ accomplishments? Why or why not?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I firmly believe that it’s crucial for companies to acknowledge and celebrate their employees’ accomplishments, and this stance is supported by both empirical evidence and psychological theory.
Firstly, recognition serves as a powerful motivator. When employees’ efforts and achievements are acknowledged, it reinforces positive behaviors and encourages them to maintain or even exceed their performance levels. This aligns with the principles of positive reinforcement in behavioral psychology, which suggests that behaviors followed by positive consequences are more likely to be repeated.
Moreover, recognizing accomplishments contributes significantly to employee engagement and job satisfaction. Employees who feel valued and appreciated are more likely to develop a strong emotional connection to their work and the organization. This, in turn, can lead to increased productivity, creativity, and loyalty, ultimately benefiting the company’s bottom line.
Recognition also plays a vital role in shaping organizational culture. When companies consistently celebrate achievements, it fosters a culture of excellence where high performance becomes the norm rather than the exception. This can create a virtuous cycle of continuous improvement and innovation within the organization.
However, it’s important to note that the manner in which accomplishments are recognized matters greatly. Recognition should be timely, specific, and genuine. A one-size-fits-all approach can often feel insincere and may even be counterproductive. Companies should strive to personalize their recognition efforts, taking into account individual preferences and the nature of the accomplishment.
Additionally, recognition shouldn’t be limited to grand achievements. Acknowledging smaller milestones and consistent effort can be equally important in maintaining morale and motivation over the long term.
In conclusion, while the importance of recognizing employee accomplishments is clear, the real challenge lies in implementing a recognition system that is meaningful, fair, and aligned with the company’s values and objectives. When done effectively, it can be a powerful tool for driving individual and organizational success.”
Describe a project you completed successfully is another relevant topic that can help you practice discussing accomplishments in detail.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To enhance your IELTS Speaking performance when describing accomplishments, consider using these advanced vocabulary items and phrases:
To spearhead /ˈspɪəhed/ (verb): To lead an attack or an important movement or activity
Example: “I spearheaded the initiative to implement a new customer feedback system.”Milestone /ˈmaɪlstəʊn/ (noun): An important event in the development or history of something or someone’s life
Example: “Completing my master’s degree was a significant milestone in my academic journey.”To overcome obstacles (phrase): To succeed in dealing with or gaining control of difficult situations
Example: “We had to overcome numerous obstacles to bring this project to fruition.”To exceed expectations (phrase): To be or do something better than what was anticipated
Example: “The results of our campaign exceeded all expectations, surpassing our initial targets by 50%.”Groundbreaking /ˈɡraʊndbreɪkɪŋ/ (adjective): Innovative; pioneering
Example: “Our team developed a groundbreaking solution to the company’s logistics problems.”To rise to the challenge (idiom): To respond successfully to a difficult situation
Example: “When faced with tight deadlines and limited resources, our team really rose to the challenge.”Pivotal /ˈpɪvətl/ (adjective): Of crucial importance in relation to the development or success of something else
Example: “Her contribution was pivotal to the success of the entire project.”To reap the benefits (idiom): To enjoy the good results of something
Example: “After months of hard work, we’re finally reaping the benefits of our efforts.”
Describe a time when you learned something new quickly can be an excellent opportunity to showcase your ability to acquire new skills, which is often a significant accomplishment.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing accomplishments:
Be specific: Provide detailed examples and avoid vague statements. Include names, dates, and specific outcomes where possible.
Show, don’t just tell: Instead of simply stating that you’re proud, describe how the accomplishment made you feel and its impact on you and others.
Use a range of tenses: Incorporate past simple, past continuous, present perfect, and even future tenses to demonstrate your language proficiency.
Employ advanced vocabulary: Utilize sophisticated words and phrases relevant to achievements and personal growth.
Maintain fluency: Practice speaking about your accomplishments beforehand to ensure smooth delivery during the test.
Reflect on the experience: Discuss what you learned from the accomplishment and how it has influenced your future goals or outlook.
Be prepared for follow-up questions: Anticipate and practice answering questions about challenges faced, lessons learned, and future plans related to your accomplishment.
Describe a time when you took on more responsibility than expected is another topic that often involves discussing accomplishments and can help you practice these skills.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about having impressive accomplishments to discuss, but also about how effectively you can communicate your experiences and reflections. Regular practice and expanding your vocabulary will significantly enhance your performance.
IELTS Speaking test preparation
Describe a time when you stayed up late to finish something can also be an excellent way to discuss accomplishments that required significant effort and dedication.