Describe a Situation When You Felt Very Accomplished: A Comprehensive Guide for IELTS Speaking

I. Introduction

IELTS Speaking Exam is designed to assess your ability to speak English fluently and coherently. An examiner evaluates your spoken English for fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. One of the common topics is “Describe a Situation When You Felt Very Accomplished.” This guide will help you craft high-scoring answers with specific examples and detailed explanations.

II. Main Content

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

Examiner frequently asks questions in Part 1 to make you comfortable and gather basic information. Here are some common questions:

• What is your name?
• Where are you from?
• What do you do?

Sample Question and Answer

Examiner: What do you do?

Candidate: Currently, I am a graduate student pursuing a Master’s degree in Environmental Science. I am particularly focused on researching sustainable agriculture practices.

By giving specific details about your current endeavors, you are showcasing your ability to articulate coherent and contextually appropriate responses.

Part 2: Long Turn

Cue Card: Describe a Situation When You Felt Very Accomplished

You should say:

• What the situation was
• What you did
• How you felt
• And explain why you felt so accomplished

Sample Answer

One particular situation when I felt very accomplished was when I successfully finished my first marathon. For months, I had been training rigorously, waking up early every morning to jog and following a strict diet plan. I never considered myself an athlete, but I was determined to complete the marathon.

On the day of the race, I was a bundle of nerves but also incredibly excited. The marathon was a 42-kilometre race and, as expected, it was physically and mentally challenging. However, with every kilometre I covered, I felt a surge of determination not to give up. Finally, after hours of running, I crossed the finish line. The sense of accomplishment that swept over me was indescribable.

Not only was I proud of my physical endurance, but I also proved to myself that with dedication and hard work, I could achieve goals that seemed unattainable.

Possible Follow-Up Questions

1. Examiner: What lessons did you learn from this experience?
   Candidate: I learned the importance of perseverance and setting realistic goals. Additionally, I understood that preparation is crucial for achieving any significant achievement.

2. Examiner: How did this accomplishment impact your life?
   Candidate: This accomplishment greatly boosted my self-confidence and motivated me to tackle other daunting tasks. It reinforced my belief in the power of consistent effort and determination.

Part 3: Two-Way Discussion

Examiner Questions and Model Answers

Examiner: What are some significant personal achievements most people strive for in life?

Candidate: Many individuals aspire to achieve milestones like completing higher education, securing a meaningful job, buying a house, or starting a family. These achievements often provide a sense of stability, purpose, and fulfillment in life.

Examiner: Do you think achieving personal goals is more significant than professional goals? Why or why not?

Candidate: Both personal and professional goals are significant in their own right. Personal goals often lead to personal growth and satisfaction, while professional goals can contribute to career advancement and financial stability. Balancing both is crucial for overall well-being.

Examiner: How can achieving small goals help in accomplishing larger goals?

Candidate: Achieving small goals builds momentum and confidence. They act as stepping stones that gradually lead toward the accomplishment of larger, more challenging objectives. This incremental progress keeps one motivated and focused.

Important Vocabulary and Phrases

Key Vocabulary for High Scores

1. Accomplishment (noun) /əˈkɒmplɪʃmənt/ – An achievement or something that has been successfully completed.

   • Example: Completing a marathon was a significant accomplishment for me.

2. Perseverance (noun) /ˌpɜːsɪˈvɪərəns/ – Steadfastness in doing something despite difficulty.

   • Example: His perseverance enabled him to overcome numerous challenges.

3. Endurance (noun) /ɪnˈdjʊərəns/ – The power to withstand hardship or stress.

   • Example: Running a marathon requires not just physical strength but also mental endurance.

4. Motivation (noun) /ˌməʊtɪˈveɪʃən/ – The reason or reasons one has for acting or behaving a particular way.

   • Example: Finding the right motivation is key to achieving long-term goals.

5. Dedication (noun) /ˌdɛdɪˈkeɪʃən/ – Complete and wholehearted fidelity to a task or purpose.

   • Example: Her dedication to her studies was evident in her outstanding academic performance.

Tips for Practice

Examiner’s Advice for High Scores

1. Practice Regularly: Engage in regular speaking practice on various topics to build fluency and confidence.
2. Record Yourself: Listening to your own speech helps identify areas for improvement and increases self-awareness about pronunciation and intonation.
3. Expand Vocabulary: Continuously learn and use new words and phrases to enhance lexical variety.
4. Stay on Topic: Ensure your responses are relevant and address the questions directly.
5. Use Complex Sentences: Incorporate a mix of simple, compound, and complex sentences to showcase a range of grammatical structures.

Completing a marathon

By following the advice and practicing the provided samples, you can enhance your performance and achieve a high band score in the IELTS Speaking Exam.

For more sample topics and practice, you can visit: Describe a situation when you were very excited about something, Describe a situation when you had to learn a new skill, and Describe a time when you achieved a personal goal.