The IELTS Speaking test is designed to assess your English speaking abilities through a one-on-one interview with an examiner. This test consists of three parts: the Introduction and Interview, the Long Turn, and the Two-way Discussion.
When you are asked to Describe A Situation When You Felt Very Proud Of Yourself, it is fundamental to cover specific points clearly and coherently. Examiners look out for your ability to narrate personal experiences, use a rich vocabulary, employ correct grammar, and show fluency and pronunciation accuracy. This type of question is quite common because it helps the examiner gauge your skills in expressing emotions and narrating experiences.
Let’s dive into some specific questions, example responses, and tips to maximize your score.
II. Detailed Content
1. Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner asks you general questions about yourself and common topics such as your home, family, work, studies, and interests. Here are some common questions and an example answer:
Examiner Question:
“Can you tell me about a time when you felt really proud of something you achieved at school or work?”
Suggested Answer:
“Sure, there was a moment during my university years that stands out. I had been working on a substantial research project for months, focusing on renewable energy solutions. When I presented my findings to the faculty, not only did they highly commend my research, but they also decided to fund a follow-up project based on my proposal. This recognition from my professors made me feel incredibly proud of all the hard work I had put in.”
2. Part 2: Long Turn
In Part 2, you will be given a card with a topic, and you’ll have one minute to prepare your response. After that, you’ll speak for up to two minutes.
Cue Card:
Describe a situation when you felt very proud of yourself. You should say:
- When it happened
- What the situation was
- What you did
- And explain why you felt proud of yourself
Suggested Answer:
“One particularly proud moment took place during my final year of college. About a year ago, I participated in a national debate competition. The situation was quite challenging as I was competing against some of the best debaters from various universities. What I did was meticulously research my topic, practice my speaking skills, and develop strong arguments. When it was my turn to present, I managed to deliver a compelling and coherent speech that resonated with both the judges and the audience. Ultimately, I won first place in the competition. I felt immensely proud not just because of the victory, but because I had overcome my initial fears and delivered my best performance under pressure. This experience reinforced my confidence and determination.”
confident-speaker-on-stage|confident speaker on stage|A photo of a confident person speaking on stage, holding a microphone, with a large audience in the background. The stage is well-lit and the speaker is smiling.
Follow-Up Questions:
- How did your friends and family react to your achievement?
- What have you learned from this experience?
- Would you say that this achievement has influenced your future goals?
Suggested Answers:
- My friends and family were ecstatic and extremely supportive. Their pride and encouragement made the achievement all the more special.
- I learned the importance of preparation and self-belief. This experience taught me that with dedication and hard work, I could overcome challenges and succeed.
- Yes, this achievement greatly influenced my future goals. It motivated me to pursue opportunities where I could further develop my public speaking and leadership skills.
3. Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic from Part 2. These questions are designed to test your ability to discuss and reason on broader issues.
Examiner Questions:
- How important is it for people to feel proud of themselves?
- What are some of the factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of pride?
- Can too much pride be a negative trait? Why or why not?
Suggested Answers:
- Feeling proud of oneself is crucial for self-esteem and motivation. It helps individuals recognize their abilities and achievements, fostering a positive self-image and encouraging further personal growth.
- Several factors contribute to a sense of pride, including achievements, recognition from others, overcoming obstacles, and personal integrity. These aspects validate one’s efforts and success.
- While pride is generally seen as a positive trait, too much pride can lead to arrogance and a lack of humility. It might cause individuals to overlook their faults and can alienate others, making it a double-edged sword if not balanced with self-awareness.
4. Vocabulary and Structures for High Scores
Here are some essential vocabulary and structures that can help you achieve a high score:
- Adjectives: ecstatic, meticulous, compelling, coherent, challenging, immense
- Phrases: resonated with the audience, deliver my best performance, reinforced my confidence, greatly influenced my future goals
- Connective Words: however, ultimately, furthermore, nonetheless
- Complex Structures: “Not just because, but because…”, “This experience taught me that…”, “While pride is generally seen as…”
For example:
- “The recognition from the faculty not only made me proud but also validated my hard work.”
- “This achievement profoundly influenced my confidence and ambitions.”
III. Examiner Tips
- Practice Personal Narratives: Regularly practice describing personal experiences. Focus on being clear, coherent, and engaging.
- Broaden Vocabulary: Expand your vocabulary to express emotions and experiences vividly.
- Work on Fluency and Pronunciation: Fluent speech and good pronunciation are essential. Practice speaking regularly to improve these areas.
- Stay Calm and Composed: Stay calm during the test. Your confidence and ability to handle pressure will reflect positively on your performance.
Internal Links for Further Reading:
- Describe a person who is very good at their hobby
- Describe a time when you felt very proud of someone else
- Describe a time when you had to overcome a difficult obstacle
By using these tips and practicing with the example questions provided, you can enhance your ability to respond to the question of describing a proud moment in your IELTS Speaking test. Good luck!