In the IELTS Speaking test, candidates are assessed on four key criteria: Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Pronunciation. One of the common tasks in the IELTS Speaking Part 2 (Cue Card) is to describe a situation when you felt very successful. Understanding how to structure your response and incorporate complex vocabulary and grammatical structures can help you achieve a higher band score.
Common Questions in Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking test, the examiner typically starts with some personal questions to warm you up. Here are some common questions related to success:
- What does success mean to you?
- Can you describe a time when you achieved something important?
- Are successful people always happy?
Sample Question and Suggested Answer
Question: What does success mean to you?
Suggested Answer:
“To me, success is achieving the goals that I have set for myself. It could be academic success, like getting a high score on an exam, or personal success, like maintaining a healthy lifestyle. What matters most is the sense of accomplishment and satisfaction I feel after exerting effort towards my objective.”
Part 2: The Long Turn
Cue Card Task
Describe a situation when you felt very successful. You should say:
- What the situation was
- What you did
- How you felt about it
- And explain why you felt very successful
Sample Answer
“One particular situation when I felt immensely successful was when I completed my undergraduate thesis on sustainable agriculture. I had been passionate about this subject for years and dedicated a significant amount of time researching and compiling data. Throughout the process, I faced various challenges such as limited resources and tight deadlines. However, I managed to overcome these obstacles by staying organized and focused.
successful-student-celebrating|successful student|A student is celebrating with their graduation cap thrown in the air, surrounded by confetti and friends.
The feeling of success came when my professor, who is a renowned expert in the field, praised my work during the presentation. I received not only a high grade but also an offer to publish my thesis in a reputable journal. This experience boosted my confidence and validated my efforts.”
Follow-Up Questions (Bullet Points)
Question: What were some challenges you faced during the process?
Suggested Answer:
“I encountered several challenges, such as managing my time efficiently and accessing certain academic resources. Balancing my research with other coursework was quite demanding, but it taught me valuable time-management skills.”
Question: How did this experience influence your future goals?
Suggested Answer:
“This experience had a significant impact on my future goals by solidifying my interest in sustainable agriculture. It motivated me to pursue further studies and a career in this field.”
Part 3: Two-Way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here’s a sample discussion:
Examiner’s Questions and Suggested Answers
Examiner: Why do people generally feel successful after achieving something significant?
Suggested Answer:
“People often feel successful after achieving something significant because it demonstrates their ability to set goals and achieve them through hard work and determination. It also provides a sense of validation and fulfillment, which are crucial for maintaining self-esteem.”
Examiner: Can success be measured only by professional achievements?
Suggested Answer:
“I don’t believe that success should be measured solely by professional achievements. Personal milestones, such as building strong relationships, maintaining good health, and personal growth, are also essential indicators of success. A holistic approach to defining success helps individuals lead more balanced and satisfactory lives.”
Important Vocabulary and Structures
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
Immense /ɪˈmɛns/ (adj) – Extremely large or great
- “The feeling of immense pride was overwhelming.”
Exert /ɪɡˈzɜːt/ (v) – Apply or bring to bear (effort, energy, etc.)
- “I exerted considerable effort to complete my thesis.”
Organized /ˈɔːɡəˌnaɪzd/ (adj) – Arranged systematically
- “Staying organized was key to managing my time effectively.”
Validating /ˈvælɪdeɪtɪŋ/ (v) – Confirming or supporting (a belief or value)
- “The professor’s praise was a validating moment for me.”
Example Sentences
- “Achieving my goals provided me with an immense sense of satisfaction.”
- “Effective time-management and organization were crucial in overcoming the challenges.”
Final Tips for High Scores
- Practice regularly: Consistent practice helps build fluency and confidence.
- Use varied vocabulary: Employ a wide range of vocabulary and make your speech dynamic.
- Focus on pronunciation: Clear pronunciation helps ensure that your words are understood.
- Stay coherent: Organize your thoughts logically and stay on topic.
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