The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about personal experiences and achievements. One common topic that frequently appears is describing a time when you felt very accomplished. This question allows examiners to assess your ability to articulate your thoughts, use appropriate vocabulary, and structure your response coherently. Let’s explore how to effectively answer this question and maximize your score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask some general questions related to accomplishments. Here are a few examples:
- Do you often feel accomplished?
- What kind of accomplishments make you feel proud?
- How do you celebrate your accomplishments?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:
Examiner: Do you often feel accomplished?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I’d say I feel accomplished quite often. I try to set goals for myself regularly, both big and small, and I feel a sense of achievement when I complete them. For example, I might feel accomplished after finishing a challenging project at work or even after tidying up my apartment.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I would say that I experience a sense of accomplishment fairly frequently. I’m a firm believer in setting both short-term and long-term goals for personal and professional growth. When I achieve these milestones, whether it’s successfully completing a complex project at work or mastering a new skill I’ve been practicing, I definitely feel a strong sense of accomplishment. However, I also try to appreciate the smaller victories in my day-to-day life, like maintaining a consistent exercise routine or helping a colleague solve a problem.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a time when you felt very accomplished.
You should say:
- What the accomplishment was
- When and where it happened
- Who you were with
- And explain why you felt so accomplished
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I’d like to talk about a time when I felt very accomplished. It was when I successfully organized a charity event for my local community. This happened last year in my hometown. I worked with a team of volunteers to plan and execute the event.
The accomplishment was organizing a fundraising run to support a local children’s hospital. We managed to get over 500 participants and raised a significant amount of money. It took place in the city park on a sunny Saturday morning.
I felt very accomplished because it was the first time I had taken on such a big responsibility. Seeing all the people come together for a good cause and knowing that our efforts would make a real difference to the hospital made me feel proud. The positive feedback from the participants and the hospital staff also added to my sense of achievement.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I’d like to share an experience that left me feeling incredibly accomplished. It was when I successfully spearheaded a major charity event in my local community. This milestone achievement took place last summer in my hometown, where I collaborated with a dedicated team of volunteers to bring this vision to life.
The accomplishment in question was organizing a large-scale fundraising run to benefit our local children’s hospital. We managed to surpass our expectations by attracting over 500 participants and raising a substantial sum that significantly exceeded our initial target. The event unfolded in our city’s central park on a gloriously sunny Saturday morning, creating a perfect backdrop for this community-driven initiative.
I felt a profound sense of accomplishment for several reasons. Firstly, it marked my debut in taking on such a monumental responsibility. The sheer scale of the event and the logistical challenges we overcame were unprecedented in my experience. Secondly, witnessing the community rally together for a noble cause was incredibly heartening. The knowledge that our collective efforts would make a tangible difference to the hospital’s resources and, by extension, to countless young patients, filled me with an overwhelming sense of pride and purpose.
Moreover, the overwhelmingly positive feedback we received from participants, spectators, and hospital staff alike further reinforced my sense of achievement. It was incredibly rewarding to see how our hard work had not only met but exceeded everyone’s expectations. This experience bolstered my confidence in my organizational and leadership abilities, proving to myself that I could successfully execute complex projects with far-reaching impacts.”
Follow-up questions:
- How did this accomplishment change you?
- Do you think it’s important to celebrate accomplishments? Why or why not?
Band 6-7 Answer for question 1:
“This accomplishment changed me in several ways. It boosted my confidence and made me realize I’m capable of taking on big challenges. I also learned a lot about teamwork and project management, which has been useful in other areas of my life.”
Band 8-9 Answer for question 1:
“This accomplishment was truly transformative for me on multiple levels. It significantly boosted my self-confidence and expanded my perception of what I’m capable of achieving. The experience honed my leadership skills, teaching me how to effectively delegate tasks, motivate team members, and navigate unexpected challenges. Moreover, it ignited a passion for community service that has since become an integral part of my life. I’ve become more proactive in seeking out opportunities to make a positive impact, and I approach complex projects with a newfound sense of self-assurance and strategic thinking.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to accomplishments and success. Here are some examples:
Examiner: Do you think society places too much emphasis on individual accomplishments?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I think there’s definitely a strong focus on individual accomplishments in many societies today. While it’s important to recognize personal achievements, sometimes this emphasis can be too much. It might lead to people feeling pressured to constantly achieve and compare themselves to others. However, individual accomplishments can also inspire others and drive progress, so it’s a complex issue.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“This is a nuanced issue that merits careful consideration. On one hand, recognizing individual accomplishments can serve as a powerful motivator and inspire others to strive for excellence. It can foster innovation and drive societal progress. However, an excessive emphasis on individual achievements can have detrimental effects. It may create undue pressure and contribute to mental health issues like anxiety and depression, especially among young people. Moreover, it can overshadow the importance of collective efforts and undervalue roles that may not result in easily quantifiable accomplishments.
I believe a more balanced approach would be beneficial. We should celebrate individual successes while also recognizing the value of teamwork, community contributions, and personal growth that may not always result in tangible achievements. This could help create a more supportive and collaborative social environment.”
Examiner: How do cultural differences affect the way people view accomplishments?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Cultural differences can have a big impact on how people view accomplishments. In some cultures, academic or professional achievements are highly valued, while in others, personal relationships or spiritual growth might be seen as more important. Some cultures focus on individual success, while others place more emphasis on group achievements. These differences can affect what people strive for and how they measure success in life.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Cultural differences play a significant role in shaping perceptions of accomplishments. These variations can be observed across multiple dimensions:
Firstly, the nature of valued accomplishments differs across cultures. In many Western societies, there’s often a strong emphasis on individual professional or academic achievements. Conversely, some Eastern cultures might place higher value on collective accomplishments or maintaining harmonious relationships.
Secondly, the timeframe in which accomplishments are viewed can vary. Some cultures, particularly those influenced by Confucian philosophy, tend to take a long-term perspective, valuing accomplishments that contribute to family legacy or societal progress over generations. In contrast, other cultures might focus more on immediate or short-term achievements.
Moreover, the way accomplishments are celebrated differs culturally. In some societies, there’s a tendency to publicly acknowledge and celebrate individual successes, while others prefer more subtle or private recognition.
It’s also worth noting that globalization is increasingly blurring these cultural lines, leading to more hybrid perspectives on accomplishments in many parts of the world. This underscores the importance of cultural intelligence in our increasingly interconnected global society.
Understanding these cultural nuances is crucial as it affects not only personal motivations but also interpersonal dynamics in multicultural environments, be it in educational institutions or international business settings.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, it’s crucial to use a wide range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures. Here are some key words and phrases that can help elevate your responses:
-
Milestone achievement /ˈmaɪlstəʊn əˈtʃiːvmənt/ (noun): A significant or important achievement in one’s life or career.
Example: Completing my master’s degree was a milestone achievement in my academic journey. -
To surpass expectations /tə səˈpɑːs ɪkˌspekˈteɪʃənz/ (verb phrase): To do better than what was expected.
Example: The fundraising event surpassed our expectations, raising twice the amount we had initially aimed for. -
To spearhead /tə ˈspɪəhed/ (verb): To lead an activity or project.
Example: I was given the opportunity to spearhead the company’s new environmental initiative. -
Profound sense of accomplishment /prəˈfaʊnd sens əv əˈkʌmplɪʃmənt/ (phrase): A deep feeling of achievement.
Example: Crossing the marathon finish line gave me a profound sense of accomplishment. -
To bolster confidence /tə ˈbəʊlstə ˈkɒnfɪdəns/ (verb phrase): To increase or strengthen one’s confidence.
Example: Successfully completing this challenging project really bolstered my confidence in my abilities.
Using these words and phrases appropriately can demonstrate your language proficiency and help you achieve a higher band score in your IELTS Speaking test.
Describe a famous actor from your country can be another interesting topic that might come up in your IELTS Speaking test. Being prepared for a variety of topics will help you perform better overall.
Examiner’s Advice
As an experienced IELTS examiner, I would offer the following advice to test-takers aiming for a high score in the Speaking test:
- Practice regularly: Consistent practice is key to improving your speaking skills. Try to speak English every day, even if it’s just talking to yourself.
- Expand your vocabulary: Learn new words and phrases related to common IELTS topics, and practice using them in context.
- Work on your pronunciation: Clear pronunciation is crucial for effective communication. Pay attention to word stress and intonation.
- Develop your ideas: Don’t just give short answers. Expand on your points and provide examples to support your ideas.
- Use a variety of grammatical structures: Demonstrate your language proficiency by using a mix of simple and complex sentence structures.
- Stay calm and confident: Remember, the examiner is there to assess your English, not to trick you. Stay relaxed and speak naturally.
- Listen carefully to the questions: Make sure you understand what’s being asked before you start answering.
Remember, describing accomplishments is just one of many topics you might encounter. Being prepared to discuss a wide range of subjects, such as describing a famous actor or singer from your country, will help you feel more confident during the test.
By following these tips and consistently practicing, you can improve your chances of achieving a high score in the IELTS Speaking test. Good luck with your preparation!