The topic of describing a proud accomplishment is a common theme in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows examiners to assess candidates’ ability to articulate personal experiences, emotions, and reflections. This topic has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions related to this theme across all parts of the IELTS Speaking exam.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about achievements and pride. Here are some potential questions and a sample answer:

Sample Question: “Do you often feel proud of yourself?”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Well, I’d say I experience a sense of pride fairly regularly, but I try to maintain a balance. I believe it’s important to acknowledge personal achievements without becoming overly boastful. For instance, I recently completed a challenging project at work, which gave me a great sense of accomplishment. However, I also recognize that success often comes from teamwork and support from others, so I try to share the credit when appropriate.”

This answer demonstrates a nuanced understanding of pride, uses varied vocabulary, and provides a specific example, which are all characteristics of a high-scoring response.

describe a time when you received a compliment from someone

Part 2: Long Turn

Cue Card:

Describe A Time When You Felt Proud Of Your Accomplishment
You should say:

• What the accomplishment was
• When and where it happened
• What you did to achieve it
• And explain why you felt proud of this accomplishment

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):

“I’d like to talk about a time when I felt really proud of myself. It was when I successfully organized a charity event at my university last year.

The event was a fundraising concert to support local homeless shelters. It took place in the university auditorium in May. To make it happen, I had to do a lot of work. I formed a team of volunteers, contacted local musicians, and promoted the event on social media and around campus.

On the day of the concert, everything went smoothly. We had a good turnout, and we raised a significant amount of money for the shelters. I felt proud because it was the first time I had taken on such a big responsibility. Seeing how our efforts made a real difference in the community was really rewarding.

This accomplishment made me feel proud because it showed me that I could turn an idea into reality and make a positive impact. It also helped me develop my leadership and organizational skills, which I think will be useful in the future.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to share an experience that filled me with an immense sense of pride. Last year, I spearheaded a groundbreaking research project in my field of environmental science.

The project focused on developing an innovative method for plastic waste reduction in urban areas. It culminated in a presentation at an international conference in Stockholm in September. The journey to this accomplishment was arduous yet incredibly rewarding. I meticulously designed the research methodology, collaborated with a diverse team of experts, and persevered through numerous setbacks and challenges.

The day of the presentation was both nerve-wracking and exhilarating. Our findings were met with enthusiastic reception from the scientific community, and we even garnered interest from several environmental agencies for potential real-world applications.

This achievement instilled a profound sense of pride in me for several reasons. Firstly, it represented the culmination of years of study and hard work in my field. Moreover, the potential of our research to contribute significantly to environmental conservation was incredibly fulfilling. Perhaps most importantly, it reinforced my belief in the power of innovation and perseverance to drive meaningful change in the world.

This accomplishment not only bolstered my credibility in the scientific community but also reaffirmed my passion for environmental research. It served as a powerful reminder of the impact we can have when we push the boundaries of our capabilities and strive for excellence in our chosen fields.”

describe a time when you completed a project successfully

Follow-up Questions:

1. How do you usually celebrate your achievements?
2. Do you think it’s important to share your accomplishments with others?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

1. “When it comes to celebrating achievements, I prefer a balanced approach. For significant milestones, I might treat myself to a special dinner or a weekend getaway to decompress and reflect. However, for smaller victories, I find that simply taking a moment to acknowledge my progress and express gratitude is equally rewarding. I believe it’s crucial to savor these moments without becoming complacent, using them as motivation to set new goals and push myself further.”

2. “I think sharing accomplishments can be beneficial when done thoughtfully. It’s an opportunity to inspire others, foster a culture of achievement, and even gain valuable feedback. However, it’s essential to strike a balance and be mindful of the context. In professional settings, sharing achievements can highlight your value to the team or organization. In personal relationships, it allows loved ones to celebrate with you and strengthens bonds. The key is to share in a way that is genuine and humble, focusing on the journey and lessons learned rather than just the end result.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Sample Questions and Answers:

1. Q: How do societal expectations influence personal achievements?

Answer (Band 8-9):
“Societal expectations can be a double-edged sword when it comes to personal achievements. On one hand, they can serve as a motivating force, pushing individuals to strive for excellence and reach their full potential. For instance, in many cultures, there’s a strong emphasis on academic success, which can drive students to work harder and achieve more.

However, these expectations can also be limiting and potentially harmful. They may create undue pressure, leading to stress and burnout. Moreover, societal norms might pigeonhole individuals into pursuing certain types of achievements while overlooking others that might be more personally fulfilling.

It’s crucial to strike a balance between meeting societal standards and pursuing personal passions. Ideally, individuals should be encouraged to define success on their own terms, while still benefiting from the positive aspects of societal expectations. This approach can lead to more authentic and sustainable achievements that contribute both to personal growth and societal progress.”

2. Q: Do you think the concept of achievement varies across different cultures?

Answer (Band 8-9):
“Absolutely, I believe the concept of achievement is profoundly influenced by cultural values and norms. Different cultures prioritize various aspects of life, which in turn shapes what is considered an achievement.

For example, in many Western cultures, individual accomplishments in career or education are often highly valued. Climbing the corporate ladder or obtaining advanced degrees might be seen as significant achievements. In contrast, some Eastern cultures might place greater emphasis on collective achievements or contributions to family and community.

Moreover, the timeline for achievements can vary culturally. Some societies expect certain milestones to be reached by specific ages, while others are more flexible. For instance, in some cultures, getting married and starting a family by a certain age is considered a crucial achievement, while in others, personal development or career success might take precedence.

It’s also worth noting that globalization is blurring these distinctions to some extent. As cultures interact and influence each other, we’re seeing a more diverse and nuanced understanding of achievement emerging worldwide. This cross-cultural exchange is leading to a more holistic view of success that incorporates elements from various cultural perspectives.

Recognizing these cultural differences is crucial in our increasingly interconnected world. It helps foster empathy, broadens our perspective on what constitutes success, and encourages a more inclusive approach to acknowledging and celebrating achievements across diverse cultural contexts.”

describe something that made you feel proud

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Spearhead /ˈspɪəhed/ (verb): To lead an attack or an important movement
   Example: “She spearheaded the company’s expansion into international markets.”

2. Culmination /ˌkʌlmɪˈneɪʃn/ (noun): The highest or climactic point of something
   Example: “The project was the culmination of years of research and development.”

3. Garner /ˈɡɑːnə(r)/ (verb): To gather or collect (something, especially information or approval)
   Example: “The new policy garnered widespread support from the public.”

4. Persevere /ˌpɜːsɪˈvɪə(r)/ (verb): To continue in a course of action even in the face of difficulty
   Example: “Despite numerous setbacks, she persevered and eventually achieved her goal.”

5. Bolster /ˈbəʊlstə(r)/ (verb): To support or strengthen
   Example: “The positive feedback bolstered his confidence in the project.”

describe a time when you tried something new and unexpected

Proud accomplishment in IELTS speaking success

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing proud accomplishments:

1. Be specific: Provide detailed examples and avoid generic statements.
2. Show reflection: Explain why the accomplishment was significant to you.
3. Use diverse vocabulary: Incorporate a range of words and phrases related to achievement and emotions.
4. Maintain fluency: Practice speaking about your achievements to ensure smooth delivery.
5. Demonstrate critical thinking: In Part 3, analyze the broader implications of achievements in society.

Remember, the key to a high score is not just what you say, but how you say it. Confidence, clarity, and the ability to expand on your ideas are crucial. Regular practice with these techniques will help you perform at your best on test day.