The IELTS Speaking Test evaluates various aspects of your English-speaking ability, including fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. One of the common topics you may encounter is “Describe a time when you felt proud of yourself.” This topic not only gauges your ability to recount personal experiences but also assesses your capacity to express feelings and reflections.
In this guide, we’ll walk through exemplary responses to questions you might be asked in all parts of the Speaking section, with particular emphasis on the theme of feeling proud.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Common Questions in Part 1
- Where are you from?
- What do you like to do in your free time?
- Do you enjoy your work or studies?
- Can you describe a recent personal achievement that made you proud?
Sample Answer
“Recently, I completed a challenging project at work ahead of schedule. This was significant because it not only demonstrated my ability to meet tight deadlines but also earned me praise from my supervisor, making me feel incredibly proud.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a time when you felt proud of yourself. You should say:
- When it happened
- What you did
- Who was there
- And explain why you felt proud
Model Answer
One of the moments I felt truly proud of myself was when I graduated from university with honors. This event took place two years ago in the grand auditorium of my university. The journey leading up to that day was exceedingly challenging. I had to balance my studies with a part-time job to support myself financially, which often left me exhausted.
On the day of the ceremony, my parents, who had always been my pillars of support, were seated in the audience. As my name was called, and I walked up the stage to receive my diploma, I saw the beaming smiles of my parents. That sight alone was enough to fill me with pride.
The sense of achievement I felt was not just about academic success. It was more about overcoming numerous obstacles, managing time efficiently, and remaining resilient despite the odds. This experience taught me that determination and hard work can turn any situation around. This momentous occasion affirmed my belief in my abilities, making me immensely proud.
Follow-up Questions (Bullet Points)
- What challenges did you face leading up to this achievement?
- I faced significant financial difficulties and time management issues as I was juggling studies and work.
- How did this achievement impact your life?
- This accomplishment boosted my self-confidence and opened multiple career opportunities for me.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner Questions and Sample Answers
Examiner: Why do you think people often feel proud after achieving something significant?
Candidate: I think people feel pride after an achievement because it is a recognition of their hard work and perseverance. Achievements are the culmination of sustained effort, often involving overcoming obstacles and challenges. This not only enhances self-esteem but also provides motivation for future endeavors.
Examiner: Can feelings of pride be both positive and negative? How so?
Candidate: Absolutely, while pride is generally seen as positive, excessive pride or arrogance can lead to negative outcomes. Positive pride boosts self-esteem and encourages further growth. However, overbearing pride can alienate people and often leads to complacency, diminishing one’s ability to recognize and rectify mistakes.
Vocabulary and Structures for High Scores
Key Vocabulary
- Achievement (əˈtʃiːvmənt) – n. Accomplishment, success.
- Perseverance (pɜːrsɪˈvɪərəns) – n. Continued effort and determination.
- Resilient (rɪˈzɪliənt) – adj. Able to recover quickly from difficulties.
- Overcome (ˌəʊ.vəˈkʌm) – v. Succeed in dealing with (a problem or difficulty).
- Complacency (kəmˈpleɪsənsi) – n. A feeling of uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one’s achievements.
Useful Structures
- Hypotheticals and Conditionals: “If I had not managed my time well, I wouldn’t have been able to balance work and studies.”
- Complex Sentences: “Despite the constant challenges I faced, I remained focused on my goals.”
- Contrast Clauses: “While the journey was tough, the sense of accomplishment made it all worthwhile.”
Example Sentences
- “Overcoming such significant challenges, I felt a profound sense of pride.”
- “Without the unwavering support of my family, achieving this milestone would not have been possible.”
Conclusion
Describing a moment when you felt proud of yourself in the IELTS Speaking Test requires not only recounting a personal experience but also reflecting on the emotional and psychological impact. To excel, focus on providing a coherent, well-structured narrative while showcasing a rich vocabulary and a range of grammatical structures.
Remember, practice is key. Engage in regular speaking exercises and seek feedback to refine your responses. For more insights on related topics, you might find resources like Describe a time when you faced an ethical dilemma quite beneficial. Good luck with your preparation!