Describing a time when you felt proud of someone else is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This theme allows examiners to assess your ability to express emotions, narrate experiences, and use descriptive language. Let’s explore how to effectively tackle this topic and showcase your English proficiency.
Describe a decision you made that affected others is another interesting topic that can help you practice your speaking skills. However, let’s focus on describing a proud moment of someone else.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about pride and accomplishments. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:
Examiner: Do you often feel proud of others?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, I’d say I frequently experience a sense of pride for others. I believe it’s important to celebrate the achievements of those around us, whether they’re family members, friends, or even strangers who’ve accomplished something remarkable. It’s a positive emotion that not only makes others feel appreciated but also fosters a supportive environment.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:
Describe a time when you felt proud of someone else
You should say:
- Who the person was
- What they did that made you proud
- How you expressed your pride
- And explain why you felt proud of them
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about a time when I felt incredibly proud of my younger sister, Emma. It was about two years ago when she successfully launched her own small business, an eco-friendly clothing line.
Emma had always been passionate about sustainable fashion, but starting a business from scratch was a daunting challenge. She spent months researching, planning, and working tirelessly to bring her vision to life. What made me particularly proud was her unwavering determination in the face of numerous obstacles, including financial constraints and initial skepticism from some family members.
When she finally launched her online store, I was absolutely thrilled. I expressed my pride by organizing a small surprise celebration with our family and close friends. I gave a heartfelt speech, highlighting her journey and the importance of her work in promoting sustainability. I also shared her accomplishment on my social media platforms to help spread the word about her business.
The reason I felt so proud was multi-faceted. Firstly, I admired her entrepreneurial spirit and the courage it took to pursue her dreams. Secondly, I was impressed by her commitment to environmental causes and how she managed to align her passion with her career. Lastly, seeing her overcome self-doubt and prove to herself that she was capable of such an achievement was truly inspiring.
Emma’s success served as a reminder that with dedication and hard work, it’s possible to turn one’s dreams into reality. Her journey not only made me proud as her sister but also motivated me to pursue my own goals with renewed enthusiasm.”
Sister celebrating successful business launch
Follow-up questions:
Examiner: How important is it to show pride in others’ achievements?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I believe demonstrating pride in others’ achievements is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it fosters a supportive environment where people feel valued and appreciated for their efforts. This recognition can boost confidence and motivate individuals to continue striving for excellence. Moreover, expressing pride strengthens relationships by showing that we genuinely care about others’ success. It also creates a positive ripple effect in communities, inspiring others to pursue their goals and celebrate collective achievements. Ultimately, showing pride in others contributes to a culture of encouragement and mutual support, which is essential for personal and societal growth.”
Examiner: Do you think people in your country are generally proud of their national achievements?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, I believe people in my country are generally quite proud of our national achievements. This pride is often evident in various aspects of our society. For instance, there’s usually a surge of national enthusiasm when our athletes perform well in international competitions. Similarly, scientific breakthroughs or cultural recognitions on the global stage tend to be widely celebrated. However, it’s worth noting that this pride is often balanced with a critical perspective. Many people also recognize areas where improvement is needed and don’t shy away from discussing these aspects. This combination of pride and self-reflection contributes to a healthy national identity and drives continuous progress.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: How do different cultures express pride?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“The expression of pride varies significantly across cultures, reflecting diverse values and social norms. In some Western cultures, pride is often expressed openly and verbally, with people directly praising achievements and celebrating successes publicly. This might involve throwing parties, giving speeches, or sharing accomplishments on social media.
In contrast, many Eastern cultures tend to have a more subdued approach to expressing pride. There’s often an emphasis on modesty and humility, where individuals might downplay their achievements to avoid appearing boastful. In these cultures, pride might be expressed through more subtle gestures like a respectful bow or offering a small gift to acknowledge someone’s success.
Some cultures prioritize collective pride over individual achievements. For instance, in many Latin American and African cultures, pride is often expressed through communal celebrations that highlight the accomplishments of the entire community or family unit.
It’s also worth noting that the context of the achievement can influence how pride is expressed across cultures. Academic or professional successes might be celebrated differently from personal or artistic achievements, depending on the cultural values at play.
Understanding these cultural nuances in expressing pride is crucial for effective cross-cultural communication and avoiding misunderstandings in our increasingly globalized world.”
Different cultural expressions of pride
Examiner: Do you think it’s important for countries to take pride in their historical achievements?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I believe it’s important for countries to take pride in their historical achievements, but this pride should be balanced with critical thinking and historical accuracy. National pride can foster a sense of collective identity and social cohesion, which are vital for a country’s stability and progress. It can also inspire future generations to strive for excellence and contribute positively to their nation’s development.
However, it’s equally important to approach historical pride with nuance. Countries should acknowledge both their triumphs and their past mistakes or controversial actions. This balanced view of history allows for learning from past experiences and promotes a more inclusive national narrative.
Moreover, pride in historical achievements shouldn’t lead to a sense of superiority over other nations or cultures. Instead, it should encourage international cooperation and mutual respect. In our globalized world, understanding how a country’s historical achievements have contributed to global progress can foster a sense of shared human heritage.
Ultimately, a thoughtful approach to historical pride can serve as a foundation for national unity while promoting critical thinking and global citizenship.”
Describe a famous historical event from your country can be an excellent way to practice expressing national pride while maintaining a balanced perspective.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
To achieve a high score in IELTS Speaking, incorporate these advanced vocabulary items and phrases:
To foster /ˈfɒstə(r)/ (verb): To encourage or promote the development of something
Example: “Expressing pride can foster a supportive environment.”Unwavering /ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ/ (adjective): Steady or resolute
Example: “Her unwavering determination impressed me.”Daunting /ˈdɔːntɪŋ/ (adjective): Seeming difficult to deal with in prospect
Example: “Starting a business was a daunting challenge.”To align /əˈlaɪn/ (verb): To arrange in a straight line or in correct relative positions
Example: “She managed to align her passion with her career.”Multi-faceted /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/ (adjective): Having many different aspects or features
Example: “The reason I felt proud was multi-faceted.”Entrepreneurial /ˌɒntrəprəˈnɜːriəl/ (adjective): Characterized by the taking of financial risks in the hope of profit
Example: “I admired her entrepreneurial spirit.”
Describe a time when you faced a challenge at work is another topic where you can use these advanced vocabulary items to enhance your response.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a time you felt proud of someone else:
Practice storytelling: Develop your ability to narrate events coherently and engagingly.
Expand your emotional vocabulary: Learn a range of words and phrases to express feelings accurately.
Use specific examples: Provide detailed, concrete examples to support your points.
Develop your ideas: Don’t just state facts; explain your thoughts and feelings in depth.
Work on pronunciation and fluency: Regular practice will help you speak more naturally and confidently.
Learn to elaborate: Be prepared to expand on your initial answers, especially in Part 3 discussions.
Stay relevant: Always keep your responses focused on the question asked.
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about using advanced vocabulary, but about communicating your ideas clearly and effectively. Describe a time when you worked with a team can be an excellent topic to practice these skills, as it involves narrating experiences and expressing your thoughts on collaboration.
By following these tips and regularly practicing with a variety of topics, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any question in your IELTS Speaking test, including describing a time when you felt proud of someone else.