Similar to [describe a time when you felt a sense of accomplishment], this topic frequently appears in IELTS Speaking tests, requiring candidates to articulate personal experiences effectively.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
Common questions you may encounter:
- Do you often set goals for yourself?
- How do you celebrate your achievements?
- What kind of achievements make you proud?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I regularly set both short-term and long-term goals for personal growth. When I achieve something significant, I typically commemorate it by treating myself to something special or sharing the moment with loved ones. I’m particularly proud of achievements that involve overcoming challenges and helping others.”
Part 2: Cue Card
Describe a small achievement that made a big difference in your life
You should say:
- What the achievement was
- When it happened
- How you achieved it
- And explain why it made a big difference
Student confidently presenting to classmates showing achievement
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about mastering public speaking, which might seem like a modest achievement but profoundly transformed my life.
It transpired during my first year at university when I voluntarily participated in a presentation skills workshop. Initially, I was incredibly apprehensive about speaking in front of others, but I systematically worked on improving my skills by:
- Methodically practicing in front of mirrors
- Recording myself to analyze areas for improvement
- Gradually exposing myself to larger audiences
This achievement significantly boosted my self-confidence and opened numerous doors professionally. I’ve since successfully delivered presentations at international conferences and secured leadership positions that I wouldn’t have considered before.”
Like [describe a time when you felt proud of your accomplishment], mastering this skill requires detailed examples and personal reflection.
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I want to talk about learning to speak in public. It happened when I was in university. I joined a workshop to improve my speaking skills. I practiced a lot at home and with friends. It helped me become more confident and get better jobs.”
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Q: Why do small achievements sometimes have bigger impacts than major ones?
Band 8-9 Response:
“Small achievements often have profound psychological implications because they’re more frequently attainable and create positive feedback loops. They serve as stepping stones that gradually build confidence and momentum, ultimately leading to more significant accomplishments.”
Similar to [describe something that made you feel proud], discussing achievements requires analytical thinking and sophisticated vocabulary.
Key Vocabulary and Expressions
- Transpire (v.) /trænˈspaɪər/ – to happen or occur
- Methodically (adv.) /məˈθɒdɪkli/ – in a systematic, organized way
- Profound (adj.) /prəˈfaʊnd/ – deep and significant
- Systematically (adv.) /ˌsɪstəˈmætɪkli/ – following a fixed plan or system
- Momentum (n.) /məˈmentəm/ – the force that keeps something developing or growing stronger
Examiner’s Tips
- Structure your response using clear examples and specific details
- Use sophisticated vocabulary appropriately
- Maintain natural fluency while incorporating advanced expressions
- Include personal reflections to demonstrate critical thinking
- Practice regularly with the suggested vocabulary and expressions
For more insights, check out [describe a goal you set for yourself] and [describe a memorable event from your childhood].
