Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Shine When Describing a Proud Achievement

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In the IELTS Speaking test, examiners often ask questions about personal achievements and moments of pride. Here are some common questions you might encounter:

1. Can you tell me about a recent achievement you’re proud of?
2. How do you usually celebrate your accomplishments?
3. Do you think it’s important to feel proud of your achievements?
4. What kind of achievements do people in your country value most?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:

Examiner: Can you tell me about a recent achievement you’re proud of?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Well, I’m particularly proud of completing my first half-marathon last month. It was a significant milestone for me because I’ve never been much of a runner. I set myself the goal of finishing under two hours, and I managed to cross the finish line in one hour and fifty-five minutes. What made it even more rewarding was that I raised funds for a local charity through my run. The whole experience was incredibly fulfilling, both personally and in terms of giving back to my community.”

This answer demonstrates a good range of vocabulary, uses relevant examples, and shows the ability to speak at length on the topic.

Part 2: Long Turn

Now, let’s move on to the cue card task:

You should say:

• What the achievement was
• When and where it happened
• Who was involved
• And explain why you felt proud of this achievement

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):

“I’d like to talk about an achievement I’m really proud of, which was organizing a successful charity event at my university last year.

The event took place in May, on our university campus. It was a day-long fair with various activities, food stalls, and performances, all aimed at raising funds for a local children’s hospital.

I was the lead organizer, working with a team of about ten other students. We also collaborated with local businesses and the university administration to make it happen.

I felt incredibly proud of this achievement for several reasons. Firstly, we managed to raise over $5,000, which was well beyond our initial target. This money made a real difference to the hospital, helping them purchase much-needed equipment.

Secondly, the event brought together the entire university community. It was heartwarming to see students, staff, and local residents all enjoying themselves while supporting a good cause.

Lastly, I was proud of my personal growth through this experience. Coordinating such a large event was challenging, but it improved my leadership and communication skills significantly. It also boosted my confidence in my ability to make a positive impact.

Overall, this achievement was special because it combined personal development with making a meaningful contribution to society, which is something I value greatly.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to share an achievement that I’m particularly proud of, which was spearheading a successful charity event at my university last year.

This ambitious undertaking took place in May, transforming our sprawling university campus into a vibrant hub of activity for an entire day. We curated a diverse array of attractions, including interactive workshops, gourmet food stalls, and captivating performances, all meticulously designed to maximize fundraising for a local children’s hospital.

As the project lead, I had the privilege of orchestrating a dedicated team of ten fellow students. We also forged partnerships with local businesses and liaised closely with the university administration to bring our vision to fruition.

The sense of pride I feel about this achievement stems from multiple factors. Primarily, we surpassed our financial goal by a significant margin, raising over $5,000 – a sum that tangibly enhanced the hospital’s capacity to procure essential medical equipment.

Moreover, the event served as a catalyst for community cohesion, bringing together students, faculty, and local residents in a shared spirit of generosity and enjoyment. It was profoundly gratifying to witness the diverse segments of our community unite for a common cause.

On a personal level, this experience was a crucible for growth. The complexities of coordinating such a large-scale event honed my leadership acumen and refined my communication skills. It also instilled in me a newfound sense of self-efficacy, reinforcing my belief in my ability to effect positive change.

In essence, this achievement holds special significance for me as it epitomizes the harmony between personal development and societal contribution – a synergy that I hold in high regard and strive to maintain in my endeavors.”

Follow-up Questions:

1. How did you handle any challenges or setbacks during the planning process?
2. What was the most rewarding aspect of organizing this event?
3. How has this experience influenced your future goals or career aspirations?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8) for Question 1:

“Handling challenges was a crucial part of the planning process. One major setback we faced was securing venues for all our activities. To overcome this, we had to think creatively and adapt our plans. We ended up utilizing outdoor spaces more effectively and negotiating with different departments to use their facilities. This experience taught me the importance of flexibility and problem-solving in event management.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9) for Question 2:

“The most rewarding aspect of organizing this event was undoubtedly witnessing the tangible impact of our efforts. Seeing the gratitude on the faces of the hospital staff when we presented the funds was incredibly moving. It reinforced the notion that collective effort can bring about significant change. Moreover, the event fostered a sense of community among participants, creating connections that transcended the day itself. This ripple effect of positivity was perhaps the most fulfilling outcome of our endeavor.”

Student organizing charity event at university

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: Do you think people today are more or less likely to volunteer for charitable causes compared to previous generations?

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I think people today, especially younger generations, are more likely to volunteer for charitable causes compared to previous generations. This is probably because of increased awareness about social issues, thanks to social media and the internet. We’re more connected to global problems now, which makes us want to help. Also, many schools and companies encourage volunteering, making it easier for people to get involved. However, I also think that busy lifestyles might make it harder for some people to find time to volunteer regularly.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“The landscape of charitable engagement has undoubtedly evolved over generations, and I believe there’s a nuanced picture to consider. On one hand, the digital age has fostered unprecedented awareness of global issues, galvanizing many, particularly younger individuals, into action. Social media platforms have amplified the reach of charitable causes, making it easier to mobilize volunteers and resources swiftly.

Moreover, there’s been a paradigm shift in corporate culture, with many organizations now integrating social responsibility into their core values and incentivizing employee volunteerism. This institutional support has lowered barriers to participation for many individuals.

Conversely, the frenetic pace of modern life and increasing economic pressures might impede sustained engagement for some. There’s also the phenomenon of ‘slacktivism‘, where online support doesn’t always translate into tangible action.

Ultimately, while the mechanisms and motivations for volunteering have transformed, I’d argue that the propensity for altruism remains strong. The key difference lies in how this altruistic impulse is expressed – often through more diverse, flexible, and technologically-mediated channels than in previous generations.”

Examiner: How do you think achievements in charitable work compare to achievements in one’s career or education?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“I believe achievements in charitable work and those in career or education are both valuable, but they differ in nature. Career and educational achievements often lead to personal benefits like better job prospects or higher salaries. They’re important for individual growth and success.

On the other hand, charitable achievements usually focus on helping others and making a positive impact on society. They may not always bring direct personal benefits, but they can be incredibly fulfilling on an emotional and moral level.

I think society tends to place more emphasis on career and educational achievements, as they’re often more measurable and directly linked to economic success. However, there’s a growing recognition of the importance of giving back to the community.

Ideally, I believe a balance between both types of achievements is crucial for well-rounded personal development and creating a better society.”

Person balancing career and charitable work

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Spearhead /ˈspɪəhed/ (verb): To lead an attack or an important activity
   Example: “She spearheaded the campaign to raise awareness about climate change.”

2. Milestone /ˈmaɪlstəʊn/ (noun): An important event in the development of something
   Example: “Completing my first marathon was a significant milestone in my fitness journey.”

3. Orchestrate /ˈɔːkɪstreɪt/ (verb): To plan or coordinate an event or situation carefully
   Example: “The team successfully orchestrated a complex product launch across multiple countries.”

4. Curate /kjʊəˈreɪt/ (verb): To select, organize, and look after items in a collection or exhibition
   Example: “We curated a diverse range of artworks for the charity auction.”

5. Tangible /ˈtændʒəbl/ (adjective): Clear and definite; real
   Example: “The new policy had a tangible impact on improving working conditions.”

6. Galvanize /ˈɡælvənaɪz/ (verb): Shock or excite someone into taking action
   Example: “The inspiring speech galvanized the audience into supporting the cause.”

7. Paradigm shift /ˈpærədaɪm ʃɪft/ (noun phrase): A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions
   Example: “The invention of the internet caused a paradigm shift in how we communicate and access information.”

8. Propensity /prəˈpensəti/ (noun): An inclination or natural tendency to behave in a particular way
   Example: “He has a propensity for taking on challenging projects.”

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing achievements:

1. Expand your vocabulary: Use a wide range of words and phrases, especially those related to accomplishments, emotions, and personal growth.

2. Provide specific examples: Don’t just make general statements. Support your points with concrete examples from your experiences.

3. Show reflection: Demonstrate your ability to analyze why something was important or how it affected you.

4. Practice fluency: Aim to speak smoothly, without too many hesitations or repetitions. Regular practice can help with this.

5. Use a variety of grammatical structures: Mix simple and complex sentences to show your language proficiency.

6. Stay on topic: Ensure your answers are relevant to the question asked, but don’t be afraid to add depth to your responses.

7. Be authentic: While it’s good to prepare, your answers should sound natural and personal, not memorized.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is to communicate effectively and confidently while showcasing your English language skills.