As an IELTS Speaking examiner, I can share that topics related to personal achievements and pride are frequently tested. Similar to describe a difficult task you completed, this topic allows examiners to evaluate candidates’ ability to express emotions and describe experiences clearly.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
Common questions include:
- Do you feel proud of your achievements often?
- What makes you feel proud of yourself?
- How do you celebrate your accomplishments?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I believe it’s important to acknowledge personal achievements, though I try to stay humble. When I accomplish something significant, I usually celebrate modestly with close friends or family. I find that sharing success with loved ones makes the achievement even more meaningful.”
Part 2: Cue Card
Your task is to describe a time when you felt proud of your accomplishments. You should say:
- What the accomplishment was
- When it happened
- How you achieved it
- And explain why you felt proud of it
Similar to describe a time when you felt a sense of accomplishment, here’s a model answer:
Band 6-7 Response:
“I want to talk about when I passed my driving test last year. It was quite difficult because I had to practice a lot. I took lessons twice a week for three months and studied the road rules. I felt proud because it was my first attempt and I worked hard for it.”
Band 8-9 Response:
“I’d like to share an experience from my final year of university when I successfully completed my research thesis on environmental sustainability. The project spanned over six months and required extensive field work and data analysis. I demonstrated exceptional dedication by conducting interviews with 50 participants and analyzing complex environmental data. What made me particularly proud was that my research contributed meaningful insights to the field and was later published in an academic journal. This accomplishment validated my commitment to environmental science and reinforced my passion for research.”
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Q: How do different cultures celebrate achievements?
Band 6-7 Response:
“Different cultures have different ways to celebrate. In some countries, people have big parties, while in others, they prefer quiet celebrations with family. It depends on their traditions.”
Band 8-9 Response:
“Cultural celebrations of achievement exhibit fascinating diversity. While Western societies often emphasize individual recognition through formal ceremonies and public acknowledgments, Eastern cultures typically demonstrate more collective appreciation, incorporating family and community elements. This cultural distinction reflects deeper societal values regarding success and accomplishment.”
For those interested in describe a time when you felt proud of a close friend, similar principles of detailed description and emotional expression apply.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
- Pinnacle of success /ˈpɪnəkl/ (noun) – the highest point of achievement
- Milestone /ˈmaɪlstəʊn/ (noun) – a significant stage or event
- To surpass expectations /səˈpɑːs/ (verb phrase) – to do better than expected
- Ground-breaking /ˈɡraʊnd.breɪ.kɪŋ/ (adjective) – innovative; pioneering
- To go above and beyond (idiom) – to do more than required
Similar vocabulary can enhance responses about describe a personal project you completed successfully.
Examiner’s Tips
- Use specific examples and details
- Show emotional range when describing feelings of pride
- Incorporate advanced vocabulary naturally
- Maintain coherent structure in longer responses
- Connect personal experiences to broader contexts
Like describe an event that made you proud, focus on authentic experiences and genuine emotions in your responses.