In the IELTS Speaking test, examiners often ask about personal experiences to assess your fluency, coherence, and ability to convey emotion and detail in English. One common topic is “Describe a time when you felt proud of someone.” This article will guide you through how to approach such a question, with examples, detailed analysis, and useful vocabulary to help you achieve a high score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner will ask general questions to help you relax and start speaking confidently. Here are some common questions related to pride and admiration:
- Can you tell me about someone you admire?
- Who is the most important person in your life and why?
- When was the last time you felt proud of someone?
Example Question: Can you tell me about someone you admire?
Suggested Answer: “I truly admire my older sister. She has always been a role model for me because of her relentless dedication to her work and family. Despite facing numerous challenges, she has consistently shown resilience and success, inspiring everyone around her.”
Part 2: Long Turn
In Part 2, you will be given a cue card with a topic and some bullet-point prompts. You will have one minute to prepare and then need to speak for 1-2 minutes.
Cue Card:
“Describe a time when you felt proud of someone.”
- Who this person is
- What they did
- Why you felt proud
- How this affected your relationship with them
Sample Answer:
One vivid memory that comes to mind when I think about feeling proud of someone is about my younger brother, Alex. Alex is a diligent and kind-hearted individual who has always faced academic challenges head-on.
Last year, he participated in a national science competition, which was quite competitive. Despite being relatively new to the subject matter, Alex dedicated himself to numerous hours of study and research. He went beyond his comfort zone, cooperating with team members and asking for guidance from teachers. On the day of the competition, he confidently presented his project and answered the judges’ questions flawlessly. In the end, his team not only won the competition but also received special recognition for their innovative approach.
I was overwhelmed with pride at that moment, not merely because of the win but because I witnessed his journey of hard work and perseverance. Seeing his growth and achievement has significantly strengthened our bond, and it has also inspired me to face my challenges with the same determination.
Bullet Points for Discussion:
- What qualities make someone a role model?
- How do achievements of others influence your own goals?
- Is it important to express pride in others? Why or why not?
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
This part involves a deeper discussion based on Part 2 but with more abstract and broader questions.
Examiner Question: Why do you think it’s important to express pride in others?
Suggested Answer: Expressing pride in others is essential as it boosts their confidence and reinforces positive behavior. It fosters a supportive environment, encouraging people to strive for excellence. Additionally, it helps build stronger relationships and mutual respect. For example, in the workplace, recognizing an employee’s hard work can increase their motivation and job satisfaction, leading to overall better performance.
Examiner Question: Can achievements of close people affect your motivations? How?
Suggested Answer: Absolutely, witnessing the achievements of close individuals can significantly impact one’s motivation. When someone close to us excels, it often serves as a tangible proof of what is possible, thus inspiring us to set higher goals and work harder. For instance, when my brother won the science competition, it motivated me to pursue my own academic interests more vigorously.
Useful Vocabulary and Phrases
To enhance your IELTS Speaking score, incorporating a rich vocabulary and varied sentence structures is crucial. Here are some phrases and words related to this topic:
Vocabulary
- Resilience (/rɪˈzɪl.jəns/): The ability to recover quickly from difficulties.
- Her resilience after overcoming numerous obstacles is truly admirable.
- Perseverance (/ˌpɜː.sɪˈvɪə.rəns/): Persistence in doing something despite difficulty.
- His perseverance in completing the project was commendable.
- Overwhelmed (/ˌoʊ.vərˈwelm/): Have a strong emotional effect.
- I was overwhelmed with pride when she graduated with honors.
- Recognition (/ˌrek.əɡˈnɪʃ.ən/): Acknowledgment of achievement.
- She received special recognition for her contributions to the community.
- Bond (/bɒnd/): A close connection between two people.
- Their shared experiences have created a strong bond between them.
Phrases
- Go beyond one’s comfort zone: To extend oneself outside usual limits.
- He went beyond his comfort zone by taking on the leadership role.
- Face challenges head-on: To deal with problems directly.
- She faced challenges head-on, which earned her great respect.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, consider the following tips:
- Practice Regularly: Familiarize yourself with common topics and practice speaking fluently.
- Use Rich Vocabulary: Enhance your answers with a variety of words and expressions.
- Stay Coherent: Structure your answers logically and ensure they are easy to follow.
- Engage with the Examiner: Show interest in the questions and provide thoughtful responses.
- Record and Evaluate: Record your practice sessions and critically evaluate your performance.
For more sample answers and tips on improving your IELTS Speaking skills, explore these related topics: