The IELTS Speaking test assesses your spoken English through various questions and tasks. In this test, fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range, and accuracy are key factors. One common topic in IELTS Speaking is “Describe a recent achievement in your life.” This guide provides insights on answering this question with exemplary responses to help you achieve a high score.
This topic frequently appears because it requires candidates to discuss a personal experience, which helps examiners gauge your ability to narrate an event, reflect on it, and use relevant vocabulary and grammar structures effectively.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Examiners in Part 1 typically ask general questions related to familiar topics. Here are some potential questions:
Example Question
- Can you tell me about a recent achievement in your life?
- Answer: “Recently, I completed a demanding software development course which was a notable accomplishment for me. It involved learning advanced programming languages, working on collaborative projects, and presenting a capstone project.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a recent achievement in your life. You should say:
- What the achievement is
- When and where you achieved it
- How you achieved it
- And explain why this achievement is significant to you
Sample Answer
“One of my most notable achievements recently was successfully completing my first marathon. It happened just last month in my hometown. I had always wanted to participate in a marathon, but it required intense preparation. I began training six months prior, running five times a week and following a rigorous diet plan. On the day of the marathon, I was both anxious and excited. Despite the fatigue and occasional doubts during the race, I managed to keep a steady pace and complete it within my target time. This achievement is significant to me because it not only tested my physical limits but also demonstrated my ability to set and achieve challenging goals.”
Follow-Up Questions
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How did you feel after achieving this goal?
- Answer: “I felt an immense sense of pride and gratitude. Completing the marathon boosted my confidence and reinforced my belief in my perseverance and discipline.”
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Did anyone help you in preparing for this achievement?
- Answer: “Yes, my friend who is an experienced marathon runner guided me through my training regimen and offered constant support and motivation.”
Part 3: Two-Way Discussion
Discussion Questions
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How do personal achievements affect our lives?
- Answer: “Personal achievements provide a sense of fulfillment and self-worth. They help build confidence and motivate us to set and pursue new goals. Achievements can also garner respect and recognition from peers and colleagues, thus positively impacting our social standing.”
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Do you think it’s more challenging to achieve something individually or as part of a team?
- Answer: “While individual achievements provide personal satisfaction, achieving something as part of a team often involves greater complexity due to the need for coordination and collaboration. However, team achievements can foster a sense of camaraderie and usually result in a more diverse set of skills and ideas coming together.”
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How should schools encourage students to achieve their goals?
- Answer: “Schools should provide opportunities for students to explore their interests through extra-curricular activities and projects. Offering guidance and support from mentors and fostering an environment that celebrates achievements can also motivate students to set and accomplish their goals.”
Key Vocabulary and Structures for High Scores
Important Vocabulary and Phrases
- Achievement (n.) /əˈtʃiːvmənt/ – A thing done successfully with effort, skill, or courage.
- Accomplishment (n.) /əˈkʌmplɪʃmənt/ – Something that has been achieved successfully.
- Perseverance (n.) /ˌpɜːsɪˈvɪərəns/ – Steadfastness in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.
- Significant (adj.) /sɪɡˈnɪfɪkənt/ – Sufficiently great or important to be worthy of attention.
- Camaraderie (n.) /ˌkæməˈrɑːdəri/ – Mutual trust and friendship among people who spend a lot of time together.
Example Sentences
- “Completing the marathon was an achievement that I am extremely proud of.”
- “The accomplishment of this project required both dedication and teamwork.”
- “My recent achievement has significantly boosted my confidence and motivation.”
Conclusion
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, practice is paramount. Focus on:
- Fluency and Coherence: Ensure your speech flows smoothly without frequent pauses.
- Lexical Resource: Use a wide range of vocabulary related to the topic.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Employ various sentence structures and correct grammar.
- Pronunciation: Practice clear pronunciation and intonation.
Regular practice, seeking feedback, and expanding your vocabulary will help you perform better in the actual test.
For more guidance on related topics, check out these links: