The topic “describe a time when you felt accomplished” is a common theme in IELTS Speaking tests. It has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being a popular choice for examiners. This topic allows candidates to showcase their ability to narrate personal experiences, express emotions, and use a range of vocabulary related to achievements and success.
Describe a time when you worked hard to achieve something is a closely related topic that often comes up in IELTS Speaking tests. Let’s explore how to approach this topic effectively across all parts of the speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about accomplishments and achievements. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Q: Do you often feel accomplished?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I’d say I feel accomplished quite often. Whenever I complete a challenging task or reach a personal goal, I get a sense of achievement. It could be something as simple as finishing a difficult assignment or learning a new skill.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Absolutely. I derive a sense of accomplishment from various aspects of my life. Whether it’s overcoming professional hurdles, mastering a new skill, or even making a positive impact on someone’s life, I find these moments incredibly fulfilling. I believe it’s crucial to acknowledge and celebrate these achievements, no matter how small they may seem.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card:
Describe a time when you felt very accomplished.
You should say:
- What you accomplished
- When and where it happened
- Who you were with
- And explain why you felt so accomplished
IELTS Speaking Cue Card: Describe a time when you felt accomplished
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I’d like to talk about a time when I felt very accomplished. It was when I successfully completed my first marathon last year. The event took place in my hometown, and it was a major challenge for me.
I had been training for months, gradually building up my stamina and endurance. On the day of the marathon, I was both excited and nervous. My family and friends were there to support me, which gave me a boost of confidence.
The race itself was incredibly demanding. There were moments when I felt like giving up, but I pushed through the pain and exhaustion. When I finally crossed the finish line after running for over four hours, I was overwhelmed with a sense of achievement.
I felt accomplished because I had set a goal for myself and worked hard to achieve it. It wasn’t just about completing the marathon; it was about proving to myself that I could overcome physical and mental challenges. The experience taught me a lot about perseverance and self-discipline, which made the accomplishment even more meaningful to me.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to share an experience that left me feeling incredibly accomplished. It was the culmination of a year-long project where I spearheaded the development of an educational app for underprivileged children in rural areas.
The project came to fruition last summer, with the app’s official launch event held at a local community center. I was surrounded by my dedicated team, stakeholders from various NGOs, and most importantly, some of the children who would benefit from our work.
This accomplishment was particularly significant for several reasons. Firstly, the sheer scope and complexity of the project were daunting. We had to navigate numerous challenges, from technical hurdles to logistical issues in reaching our target audience. Moreover, we were working with limited resources, which required innovative thinking and efficient resource management.
What made me feel truly accomplished was the tangible impact our work had. Seeing the children’s eyes light up as they explored the app, realizing its potential to bridge educational gaps, was profoundly rewarding. We had created something that transcended mere technical achievement; it was a tool for social change and empowerment.
Furthermore, this project pushed me out of my comfort zone in many ways. I had to wear multiple hats – from project manager to UI designer to community liaison. This multifaceted role allowed me to grow both professionally and personally.
In essence, this accomplishment encapsulated everything I value: innovation, social responsibility, teamwork, and personal growth. It reinforced my belief in the power of technology to make a positive difference and left me with an indelible sense of fulfillment.”
Follow-up Questions:
Q: How do you usually celebrate your accomplishments?
A: (Band 8-9) “I believe in acknowledging achievements, both big and small. For significant accomplishments, I often organize a gathering with friends and family to share the moment. However, I also value personal reflection. I might take some time for myself to internalize the experience, perhaps by journaling or meditating on the journey. This helps me appreciate the growth that came with the accomplishment and sets the stage for future goals.”
Q: Do you think it’s important to set goals in life?
A: (Band 8-9) “Absolutely. Setting goals is crucial for personal and professional development. Goals provide direction and purpose, acting as a compass in life’s journey. They help us prioritize our efforts and make informed decisions. Moreover, the process of working towards goals often leads to unexpected learning opportunities and personal growth. However, it’s equally important to remain flexible and open to reassessing and adjusting our goals as we evolve and circumstances change.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Q: How do societal expectations of success differ across generations?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I think societal expectations of success have changed quite a bit over generations. In the past, success was often measured by things like having a stable job, owning a house, and raising a family. Nowadays, younger generations seem to value different things, like having a fulfilling career, traveling the world, or making a positive impact on society. There’s also more emphasis on work-life balance and personal happiness now.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“The evolution of societal expectations regarding success across generations is a fascinating subject. Traditionally, success was often equated with financial stability, career longevity, and conforming to societal norms such as marriage and homeownership. However, we’re witnessing a paradigm shift in how younger generations perceive success.
Millennials and Gen Z, for instance, tend to prioritize experiences over possessions, placing higher value on personal growth, work-life balance, and the ability to make a meaningful impact. This shift is partly driven by global interconnectedness, which has broadened perspectives and presented diverse models of success.
Moreover, the rapidly changing job market and economic landscape have necessitated a more flexible approach to career development. Unlike previous generations who often stayed with one company for decades, younger professionals are more likely to embrace career pivots and entrepreneurial ventures.
That said, it’s crucial to note that these changes aren’t universal. There’s still significant variation across cultures and socioeconomic groups. Additionally, while expectations may be evolving, the fundamental human desire for security, recognition, and fulfillment remains constant. The difference lies in how these are pursued and manifested in today’s world.”
Q: In what ways can a sense of accomplishment contribute to a person’s overall well-being?
Band 8-9 Answer:
“A sense of accomplishment can profoundly impact an individual’s overall well-being in multiple dimensions. Firstly, from a psychological perspective, achievements, regardless of their scale, boost self-esteem and self-efficacy. This enhanced belief in one’s capabilities can lead to increased resilience in facing future challenges and a more positive outlook on life in general.
Accomplishments also trigger the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine, which are associated with pleasure and satisfaction. This biochemical response not only provides immediate emotional gratification but can also motivate individuals to pursue further goals, creating a positive cycle of achievement and well-being.
Moreover, a sense of accomplishment often fosters a greater sense of purpose and meaning in life. When people feel that their actions are significant and impactful, it can lead to improved mental health and a reduced risk of conditions like depression and anxiety.
In the social domain, achievements can enhance one’s status and recognition within their community or professional circle. This can lead to improved relationships, increased opportunities, and a stronger support network, all of which contribute to overall well-being.
It’s worth noting, however, that the pursuit of accomplishments should be balanced with other aspects of well-being, such as maintaining healthy relationships and personal care. An excessive focus on achievement at the expense of other life areas can potentially lead to stress and burnout.
In essence, while a sense of accomplishment is a powerful contributor to well-being, it’s most effective when integrated into a holistic approach to life that values personal growth, relationships, and self-care equally.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To spearhead /ˈspɪəhed/ (verb): to lead an attack or an important activity
Example: “She spearheaded the company’s expansion into international markets.”To come to fruition /fruˈɪʃən/ (phrase): to become real or successful
Example: “After years of hard work, our plans finally came to fruition.”To navigate challenges (phrase): to successfully deal with difficult situations
Example: “The team had to navigate numerous challenges to complete the project on time.”Tangible impact (noun phrase): a result or effect that can be clearly seen or felt
Example: “The new policy had a tangible impact on reducing poverty in the region.”To transcend /trænˈsend/ (verb): to go beyond the usual limits of something
Example: “Her musical talent transcends cultural boundaries.”To wear multiple hats (idiom): to perform different roles or tasks
Example: “In a startup, you often have to wear multiple hats to get everything done.”To push out of one’s comfort zone (phrase): to do something that is challenging or unfamiliar
Example: “Learning to public speak really pushed me out of my comfort zone.”Paradigm shift /ˈpærədaɪm ʃɪft/ (noun): a fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions
Example: “The internet caused a paradigm shift in how businesses operate.”
Describe a skill you taught to someone is another topic that can benefit from using these high-level vocabulary items and phrases.
Examiner’s Advice
To score high in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing accomplishments:
- Use a variety of descriptive language and idiomatic expressions.
- Provide specific details and examples to support your points.
- Show your ability to discuss abstract concepts, especially in Part 3.
- Practice speaking about your achievements in a structured, coherent manner.
- Focus on fluency and natural delivery, avoiding memorized responses.
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Confidence, clarity, and the ability to elaborate on your ideas are crucial factors in achieving a high score.
IELTS Speaking Practice Session
Describe something you are proud of achieving is a similar topic that can be approached using the strategies and vocabulary discussed in this article. By applying these techniques and continuously practicing, you can improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking test and describe a difficult task you completed at work or study with confidence and eloquence.