Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe a Situation That Made You Proud of Someone Else

The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about personal experiences and emotions. One common topic is describing situations that evoke pride in others. This theme allows candidates to showcase their vocabulary, fluency, and ability to express complex emotions. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions related to this topic and achieve a high score in your IELTS Speaking exam.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about pride and achievements. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

1. Do you often feel proud of others?
2. What kind of achievements make you feel proud of someone?
3. How do you express your pride in someone else’s accomplishments?

Let’s focus on question 2:

Sample answer (Band 7-8):

“I tend to feel proud of others when they overcome significant challenges or achieve personal goals. For instance, I felt incredibly proud when my younger sister graduated with honors despite working part-time throughout her studies. It’s not just about academic or professional accomplishments, though. I also feel a sense of pride when I see people standing up for their beliefs or helping others in need. These actions demonstrate character and integrity, which I find truly admirable.”

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:

Describe a situation that made you feel proud of someone else

You should say:
- Who the person was
- What they did
- When and where it happened
- Explain why you felt proud of them

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to talk about a situation that made me incredibly proud of my best friend, Sarah. The incident occurred about two years ago when we were both volunteering at a local animal shelter in our hometown.

Sarah has always been passionate about animal welfare, but on this particular day, she went above and beyond her usual duties. We received an emergency call about a severely injured stray dog that had been hit by a car. Without hesitation, Sarah took charge of the situation. She quickly organized a team to rescue the dog, coordinated with a nearby veterinary clinic, and even offered to cover the initial medical expenses from her own pocket.

What struck me most was her unwavering dedication and compassion throughout the ordeal. She stayed with the dog throughout its surgery and recovery, spending countless hours at the clinic, comforting the animal, and ensuring it received the best possible care. Her actions not only saved the dog’s life but also inspired the shelter to implement new emergency response protocols.

I felt immensely proud of Sarah because her actions exemplified the very best of human nature. She demonstrated exceptional leadership, empathy, and selflessness in a crisis situation. Moreover, her initiative had a ripple effect, encouraging others at the shelter to be more proactive in animal rescue efforts. Sarah’s unwavering commitment to helping those who cannot help themselves is truly admirable, and it reinforced why I’m honored to call her my friend.”

IELTS Speaking: Describing a proud moment of a friend's animal rescue

Possible follow-up questions:

1. How did Sarah’s actions impact the animal shelter’s operations?
2. Do you think more people should volunteer at animal shelters? Why or why not?

Sample answer for question 1 (Band 8-9):

“Sarah’s actions had a profound impact on the animal shelter’s operations. Her quick thinking and effective leadership during the emergency inspired the shelter management to revise their protocols. They implemented a new emergency response system, including a dedicated hotline and a network of volunteer drivers ready to transport injured animals. Additionally, Sarah’s dedication motivated other volunteers to take on more responsibilities and undergo additional training in animal first aid. This collective effort has significantly improved the shelter’s ability to handle critical situations and save more animals’ lives.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In Part 3, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to pride and achievement. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

1. Do you think society places too much emphasis on individual achievements?
2. How can we encourage people to take pride in collective accomplishments rather than just personal ones?
3. In what ways do cultural differences affect how pride is expressed or perceived?

Let’s focus on question 2:

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“Encouraging people to take pride in collective accomplishments is crucial for fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility. There are several ways we can promote this mindset:

Firstly, education plays a vital role. By incorporating collaborative projects and team-based learning from an early age, we can help children understand the value of working together towards common goals. This approach instills a sense of collective achievement that can carry into adulthood.

Secondly, in the workplace, companies can shift their focus from individual performance metrics to team-based objectives. By rewarding group success and highlighting how each person’s contribution fits into the bigger picture, employees are more likely to feel proud of their collective achievements.

Moreover, media and public discourse can play a significant part. By spotlighting stories of community success and emphasizing how collective efforts lead to meaningful change, we can reshape societal values to appreciate shared accomplishments more.

Lastly, celebrating cultural and national achievements can foster a sense of collective pride on a larger scale. This could include recognizing scientific breakthroughs, environmental conservation efforts, or artistic collaborations that involve multiple contributors.

By implementing these strategies, we can cultivate a culture that values and takes pride in collective accomplishments, leading to more cohesive and cooperative communities.”

IELTS Speaking: Illustrating collective pride through teamwork

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, it’s essential to use a range of sophisticated vocabulary and idiomatic expressions. Here are some key terms and phrases related to describing pride in others:

1. To go above and beyond – /tə ɡəʊ əˈbʌv ænd bɪˈjɒnd/ – To do more than is expected or required
   Example: “Sarah went above and beyond her duties at the animal shelter.”

2. To take charge – /tə teɪk tʃɑːdʒ/ – To assume control or responsibility
   Example: “Without hesitation, he took charge of the difficult situation.”

3. To exemplify – /ɪɡˈzemplɪfaɪ/ – To be a perfect example of something
   Example: “Her actions exemplified true leadership and compassion.”

4. Unwavering dedication – /ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ ˌdedɪˈkeɪʃn/ – Steady and persistent commitment
   Example: “His unwavering dedication to the cause inspired everyone around him.”

5. To have a ripple effect – /tə hæv ə ˈrɪpl ɪˈfekt/ – To have consequences or effects that spread widely
   Example: “Her initiative had a ripple effect, encouraging others to get involved.”

6. To overcome significant challenges – /tə ˌəʊvəˈkʌm sɪɡˈnɪfɪkənt ˈtʃælɪndʒɪz/ – To successfully deal with major difficulties
   Example: “I’m proud of how she overcame significant challenges to achieve her goals.”

Using these phrases and others like them will demonstrate your language proficiency and help you achieve a higher band score in your IELTS Speaking test.

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing situations that made you proud of someone else, consider the following tips:

1. Practice storytelling: Develop your ability to narrate events clearly and engagingly. Focus on structuring your story with a clear beginning, middle, and end.

2. Expand your vocabulary: Learn and use a variety of words and phrases to express pride, admiration, and accomplishment. This will help you avoid repetition and demonstrate language proficiency.

3. Use specific examples: Instead of speaking in generalities, provide concrete details about the situation, the person’s actions, and your feelings. This adds authenticity to your response.

4. Show emotion: Don’t just state that you felt proud; describe how that pride manifested itself. Did you feel a warmth in your chest? Did you have a big smile? These details make your answer more vivid and personal.

5. Practice linking ideas: Use connectives and transition phrases to move smoothly between different parts of your answer. This improves the overall coherence of your response.

6. Reflect on the wider impact: When explaining why you felt proud, consider not just the immediate achievement but also its broader implications or long-term effects. This demonstrates depth of thought.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Speak clearly, maintain a natural pace, and show confidence in your ability to communicate your ideas effectively.

By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle questions about pride and achievement in your IELTS Speaking test. Good luck with your preparation!

Describe a time when you stood up for someone else can be another interesting topic that often comes up in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows you to showcase similar language skills while demonstrating your ability to discuss interpersonal dynamics and moral choices.