Discussing personal accomplishments is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly when candidates are asked to “describe a significant accomplishment in your life.” This subject allows examiners to assess your ability to articulate experiences, emotions, and reflections in English. Let’s explore how to excel in this speaking task and boost your IELTS score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In the first part of the IELTS Speaking test, you may encounter questions related to achievements. Here are some potential questions and a sample answer:
Examiner: “Do you think it’s important to celebrate achievements?”
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely! I believe celebrating achievements, whether big or small, is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it acknowledges the hard work and dedication that went into reaching a goal. This recognition can boost confidence and motivation, encouraging individuals to set and pursue new objectives. Moreover, celebrations often bring people together, fostering a sense of community and shared joy. In my experience, even simple acknowledgments of accomplishments can have a profound impact on one’s mental well-being and drive for future success.”
Describe a water sport you would like to try can also be an interesting topic to discuss when talking about personal goals and achievements, especially if mastering a new sport is one of your aspirations.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a significant accomplishment:
Describe a significant accomplishment in your life
You should say:
- What the accomplishment was
- When and where it happened
- Who was involved
- Why it was significant to you
And explain how you felt about this accomplishment.
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“One significant accomplishment in my life was completing a half-marathon last year. It happened in my hometown on a sunny Sunday morning in May. I had been training for months, gradually building up my endurance and stamina. My family and close friends were involved, offering encouragement and support throughout my preparation.
This achievement was significant to me because I had never been particularly athletic before. Crossing the finish line represented not just a physical feat, but also a testament to my determination and perseverance. It taught me the importance of setting goals and working consistently towards them.
I felt an overwhelming sense of pride and joy when I completed the race. The rush of endorphins combined with the cheers from the crowd created an unforgettable moment. This accomplishment boosted my self-confidence and motivated me to take on new challenges in other areas of my life.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“A pivotal accomplishment in my life was spearheading a community literacy project in my hometown last year. This initiative, which took place over six months, culminated in the establishment of a fully-functional library in an underprivileged neighborhood.
The project involved collaboration with local authorities, NGOs, and numerous volunteers from diverse backgrounds. My role encompassed coordinating logistics, liaising with stakeholders, and mobilizing community support. It was a herculean task that tested my leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
This achievement holds immense significance for me as it exemplifies the power of grassroots initiatives in fostering social change. Witnessing the tangible impact on the community, particularly the gleam in children’s eyes as they explored books for the first time, was profoundly rewarding.
The successful completion of this project evoked a complex array of emotions. I felt a deep sense of fulfillment, knowing that our efforts would have a lasting impact on literacy rates and educational opportunities in the area. Simultaneously, I experienced a surge of gratitude towards everyone who contributed to making this vision a reality. This accomplishment has reinforced my belief in the transformative power of community action and inspired me to pursue more ambitious social projects in the future.”
Follow-up Questions:
Examiner: “How do you think this accomplishment has changed you as a person?”
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“This accomplishment has significantly transformed me as an individual. It has bolstered my self-confidence and taught me the value of perseverance. I’ve become more resilient in the face of challenges, understanding that setbacks are part of any journey towards success. Moreover, it has broadened my perspective on what I’m capable of achieving, encouraging me to set more ambitious goals in both my personal and professional life.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“This achievement has been a catalyst for profound personal growth. It has honed my leadership skills, teaching me how to galvanize diverse groups towards a common goal. I’ve developed a more nuanced understanding of social issues and the complexities of implementing change at a community level. Furthermore, it has instilled in me a deep sense of social responsibility, propelling me to seek out opportunities where I can leverage my skills to make a positive impact. This experience has ultimately reshaped my career aspirations, steering me towards roles that combine my professional expertise with social advocacy.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: “In your opinion, what role does failure play in achieving success?”
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I believe failure plays a crucial role in achieving success. It serves as a valuable learning experience, highlighting areas for improvement and pushing us out of our comfort zones. When we fail, we’re forced to reassess our strategies and approach, often leading to innovative solutions. Moreover, overcoming failure builds resilience and determination, which are essential qualities for long-term success. In my experience, some of my greatest achievements have come after initial setbacks, as these challenges motivated me to work harder and think more creatively.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Failure, in my view, is an indispensable component of the success equation. It functions as a catalyst for growth and innovation, often serving as the crucible in which groundbreaking ideas are forged. Failure challenges our assumptions and forces us to critically examine our methodologies, thereby refining our approach and enhancing our problem-solving skills. Furthermore, it cultivates emotional intelligence and resilience, attributes that are paramount in navigating the complexities of both personal and professional spheres.
Historically, many paradigm-shifting discoveries and inventions have emerged from what were initially perceived as failures. This underscores the notion that failure, when approached with the right mindset, can be a powerful springboard to unprecedented success. It’s not merely about learning from mistakes, but about leveraging those lessons to propel oneself towards more ambitious goals and innovative solutions.”
Describe a personal goal you hope to achieve in the future is another topic that can be linked to discussions about achievements and success, as it allows you to articulate your aspirations and the steps you plan to take to reach them.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Pivotal /ˈpɪv.ə.təl/ (adjective): Of crucial importance in relation to the development or success of something else.
Example: “Completing my degree was a pivotal moment in my career.” -
Spearhead /ˈspɪə.hed/ (verb): To lead an attack or an important movement or activity.
Example: “She spearheaded the company’s expansion into international markets.” -
Herculean task /ˌhɜː.kjuːˈliː.ən tɑːsk/ (noun phrase): A job or piece of work that needs a lot of effort and determination to do.
Example: “Rebuilding the city after the earthquake was a Herculean task.” -
Tangible impact /ˈtæn.dʒə.bəl ˈɪm.pækt/ (noun phrase): A result or effect that can be clearly seen or felt.
Example: “The new policy had a tangible impact on reducing unemployment rates.” -
Galvanize /ˈɡæl.və.naɪz/ (verb): To shock or excite someone into taking action.
Example: “His speech galvanized the team into working harder towards their goal.”
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in describing your accomplishments during the IELTS Speaking test:
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Practice storytelling: Develop the ability to narrate your achievements coherently, focusing on key details and emotions.
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Use varied vocabulary: Incorporate advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions to showcase your language proficiency.
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Reflect on the impact: Don’t just describe what you did; explain why it was significant and how it affected you or others.
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Be specific: Provide concrete examples and details to make your account more vivid and engaging.
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Show enthusiasm: Your tone and body language should convey genuine pride and excitement about your accomplishment.
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Link to broader themes: Connect your personal achievement to wider concepts like perseverance, innovation, or social impact.
Remember, the key to a high score is not just what you say, but how you say it. Aim for fluency, coherence, and a natural conversational style while incorporating sophisticated language structures.
Describe an adventure sport you wish to try can be an excellent way to practice describing future goals and potential accomplishments, which can complement your ability to discuss past achievements.
By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to eloquently describe your significant accomplishments in the IELTS Speaking test, potentially boosting your overall score.
Describe a time when you felt proud of a family member is another topic that can help you practice describing achievements and emotions, which are crucial skills when discussing your own accomplishments.