Similar to describe a difficult task you completed at work or school that made you feel proud, this topic frequently appears in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Part 2. It allows candidates to demonstrate their ability to narrate personal experiences while showcasing vocabulary related to accomplishments and emotions.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
Common questions include:
- Do you feel proud of your achievements?
- What makes people feel proud?
- How do people celebrate their achievements in your country?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I definitely take pride in my accomplishments, particularly when I’ve overcome significant challenges. I believe people feel proud when they exceed their own expectations or make a positive impact on others’ lives. In my country, people typically celebrate achievements by organizing gatherings with family and friends, sharing their success stories on social media, and sometimes even hosting formal ceremonies.”
People celebrating achievement with family and friends at gathering
Part 2: Cue Card
Describe a situation when you felt proud of your achievements
You should say:
- What the achievement was
- When it happened
- How you achieved it
- And explain why you felt proud of it
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about describe a difficult task you completed that made me particularly proud. It was when I successfully organized a large-scale charity event at my university last year. The event aimed to raise funds for underprivileged students.
I took the initiative to coordinate with various stakeholders, including university administration, local businesses, and student volunteers. We faced numerous challenges, such as limited resources and tight deadlines, but I remained determined and developed innovative solutions.
Through persistent effort and effective teamwork, we managed to exceed our fundraising target by 50%. What made me especially proud was not just the monetary success, but the fact that we created lasting impact in our community. The event has now become an annual tradition, similar to describe a time when you shared good news with others.”
University students organizing charity fundraising event
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Q: Why do some people never feel satisfied with their achievements?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“This often relates to why people put too much emphasis on personality ielts. Some individuals set unrealistically high standards for themselves and constantly compare their achievements to others. This perfectionist mindset can lead to perpetual dissatisfaction, despite significant accomplishments.”
Q: How has social media influenced how people view achievements?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Social media has fundamentally transformed how we perceive and share achievements. While it provides a platform to celebrate successes and inspire others, it can also create unrealistic expectations and unnecessary pressure. People might feel compelled to showcase every accomplishment, leading to a culture of constant validation-seeking.”
Key Vocabulary and Expressions
-
To take pride in (phrasal verb) /teɪk praɪd ɪn/
- Definition: To feel deep satisfaction with achievements
- Example: “She takes pride in her academic performance.”
-
Milestone (noun) /ˈmaɪlstəʊn/
- Definition: A significant achievement or stage in development
- Example: “Graduating with honors was a major milestone in my career.”
-
To exceed expectations (phrase) /ɪkˈsiːd ɪkspekˈteɪʃənz/
- Definition: To perform better than anticipated
- Example: “The project exceeded expectations in terms of both quality and timing.”
Professional celebrating career milestone achievement
Examiner’s Tips
- Use specific examples and details to make your answer more authentic and engaging.
- Incorporate a range of tenses accurately to describe the timeline of events.
- Show emotional depth by explaining not just what happened, but how it made you feel.
- Practice linking your ideas smoothly using appropriate transition phrases.
- Focus on demonstrating both personal and professional achievements to show versatility.
