Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe a Recent Project You Completed

The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about personal experiences and achievements. One common topic that frequently appears is describing a recent project you completed. This article will guide you through answering such questions effectively, providing sample responses and valuable tips to help you achieve a high band score.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask you some general questions about projects or achievements. Here are a few examples:

1. Do you enjoy working on projects?
2. What kind of projects do you usually undertake?
3. Have you completed any interesting projects recently?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the third question:

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):

“Yes, I recently completed a fascinating project at work. It involved developing a mobile application to help people track their daily water intake. The project was particularly challenging because we had to integrate various features like personalized reminders and hydration analytics. Despite the obstacles we faced, it was immensely satisfying to see the app launch successfully and receive positive feedback from users.”

Part 2: Long Turn

IELTS Speaking Cue Card

Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:

Describe a recent project you completed

You should say:
- What the project was
- Why you decided to do it
- How long it took you to complete it
- And explain how you felt after completing the project

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):

“I’d like to talk about a recent project I completed, which was creating a vegetable garden in my backyard. I decided to do this project because I wanted to grow my own organic produce and spend more time outdoors. It took me about two months to complete, from planning and preparing the soil to planting the first seeds.

The project involved several steps. First, I had to clear the area and prepare the soil. Then, I built raised beds using wooden planks and filled them with a mixture of soil and compost. After that, I installed an irrigation system to make watering easier. Finally, I planted various vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce.

After completing the project, I felt a great sense of accomplishment. It was rewarding to see the garden take shape and know that I had created something productive with my own hands. I was also excited about the prospect of harvesting my own vegetables in the coming months.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d be delighted to share details about a recent project I completed, which was establishing a community-wide recycling initiative in my neighborhood. The decision to undertake this project stemmed from my growing concern about environmental sustainability and the lack of proper waste management in our area.

The project spanned approximately four months from conception to implementation. It encompassed several intricate phases, beginning with extensive research on effective recycling practices and liaising with local authorities to gain necessary approvals. Subsequently, I orchestrated a series of community meetings to educate residents about the importance of recycling and garner support for the initiative.

One of the most challenging aspects was designing a user-friendly system that would encourage widespread participation. This involved strategically placing recycling bins throughout the neighborhood and creating an efficient collection schedule. Additionally, I developed educational materials, including brochures and posters, to guide residents on proper sorting techniques.

Upon completion, I was overwhelmed with a profound sense of fulfillment. Witnessing the community’s enthusiastic adoption of the recycling program was incredibly gratifying. Not only did it significantly reduce our neighborhood’s environmental footprint, but it also fostered a stronger sense of community engagement. The project’s success has inspired me to explore further initiatives to promote sustainability in our area.”

Follow-up Questions

1. What challenges did you face during the project?
2. How did this project benefit you or others?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):

“The main challenge I encountered was coordinating with various stakeholders, including local government officials and community members. It required significant time and effort to align everyone’s interests and secure the necessary support. However, this experience greatly enhanced my communication and leadership skills.

The project has yielded numerous benefits for our community. It has substantially reduced the amount of waste sent to landfills, thereby minimizing our environmental impact. Moreover, it has raised awareness about environmental issues and encouraged more sustainable practices among residents. On a personal level, the project has bolstered my project management abilities and deepened my understanding of environmental conservation.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some examples:

1. How important are projects in education and workplaces?
2. What qualities are essential for successful project management?
3. Do you think technology has changed the way people approach projects?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):

“Projects play a crucial role in both education and workplaces. In educational settings, they provide students with hands-on learning experiences and help develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. In the workplace, projects are often the primary means of innovation and driving business growth.

Successful project management requires a combination of skills. Effective communication is paramount, as it ensures all team members are aligned and informed. Strong organizational abilities are necessary to keep the project on track and meet deadlines. Additionally, adaptability is crucial, as projects often face unexpected challenges that require quick thinking and flexible solutions.

Technology has undoubtedly revolutionized project management. Digital tools have made it easier to collaborate remotely, track progress in real-time, and manage resources more efficiently. However, while technology has streamlined many processes, it has also increased the complexity of some projects, particularly in fields like IT and software development.”

Essential Project Management Skills

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

To achieve a high band score, it’s essential to use a range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures. Here are some useful terms and phrases:

1. To undertake a project – /ˌʌndəˈteɪk ə ˈprɒdʒekt/ – To begin or take on a project
   Example: “I decided to undertake this project to challenge myself professionally.”

2. To implement – /ˈɪmplɪment/ – To put a plan or system into action
   Example: “We successfully implemented the new recycling system across the entire community.”

3. To overcome obstacles – /ˌəʊvəˈkʌm ˈɒbstəkəlz/ – To successfully deal with problems or difficulties
   Example: “Despite initial resistance, we managed to overcome obstacles and gain community support.”

4. To collaborate – /kəˈlæbəreɪt/ – To work jointly on an activity or project
   Example: “I had to collaborate with various departments to ensure the project’s success.”

5. To yield results – /jiːld rɪˈzʌlts/ – To produce or provide a result or return
   Example: “Our efforts finally yielded results when we saw a significant reduction in waste.”

Tips from an IELTS Examiner

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

1. Practice extensively: Regularly describe projects or achievements to friends or record yourself speaking.

2. Develop a structure: Organize your thoughts logically, covering all points in the cue card.

3. Use a variety of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced words and phrases relevant to project management and personal achievements.

4. Provide specific examples: Support your statements with concrete details to make your answer more engaging and credible.

5. Work on fluency: Aim for smooth delivery without long pauses or hesitations.

6. Show enthusiasm: Demonstrate genuine interest in the topic through your tone and facial expressions.

By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle questions about projects and achievements in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the key is to speak confidently and showcase your language skills while providing thoughtful and detailed responses.

For more practice on related topics, you might find it helpful to describe a challenging project you recently completed or describe an online course you found useful. These exercises will further enhance your ability to discuss various types of projects and learning experiences.