The IELTS Speaking Test is an essential part of the overall IELTS exam, assessing your ability to communicate effectively in English. This part consists of three sections: Part 1 (Introduction and Interview), Part 2 (Long Turn), and Part 3 (Two-way Discussion). A well-prepared candidate is typically assessed on fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range, and pronunciation. One of the common topics that might come up is “Describe a time when you felt very proud of someone else.” In this article, I will provide sample answers, useful vocabulary, and tips to excel in answering this question, ensuring you perform at your best and achieve a high band score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Common Questions and Sample Answer
Q: Can you tell me about someone you’re proud of?
Sample Answer:
“I’d love to talk about my younger sister. Recently, she won a prestigious scholarship to study abroad, which was an absolutely fantastic achievement. She worked incredibly hard, balancing her schoolwork and extracurricular activities, and it all paid off in the end.”
Analysis: This answer introduces someone the candidate is proud of, offering specific achievements and expressing genuine admiration. It’s clear, concise, and showcases specific examples, making it compelling.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card and Sample Answer
Cue Card:
“Describe a time when you felt very proud of someone else. You should say:
- Who this person is
- When this happened
- What they did
- And explain why you felt proud of them”
Sample Answer:
“I would like to discuss a moment that made me extremely proud of my best friend, Sarah. Last year, Sarah organized a charity event to raise funds for underprivileged children in our community. Despite facing numerous challenges, such as finding sponsors and participants, she persevered and made the event a huge success. She managed to gather more than $10,000, which went directly to providing educational materials and food supplies for the children.
Her dedication and compassion were truly inspiring. What stood out the most was her ability to mobilize others and her unwavering commitment to the cause. Seeing the joy and gratitude in the children’s eyes made me realize how significant her efforts were. I felt incredibly proud because she not only set an example for me but for our entire community. Her actions demonstrated that one person can indeed make a substantial difference.”
Follow-up Questions:
How did Sarah’s success impact your relationship with her?
- Sample Answer: “Sarah’s success made me value our friendship even more. It also inspired me to get involved in community service, and I’ve since started volunteering regularly.”
Do you think it’s important to recognize the achievements of others? Why?
- Sample Answer: “Absolutely. Recognizing others’ achievements not only boosts their confidence but also motivates them to continue their good work. It fosters a supportive and encouraging environment.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Example Questions and Sample Answers
Q: Why do you think some people feel proud of others?
Sample Answer:
“People tend to feel proud of others when they witness acts of kindness, perseverance, or outstanding achievements, especially if it involves overcoming significant obstacles. This sense of pride stems from a shared connection and the positive impact of those achievements on our lives or communities.”
Q: How can parents encourage their children to be proud of others’ accomplishments?
Sample Answer:
“Parents can set a positive example by expressing admiration and appreciation for the achievements of others. They can also teach their children the value of empathy and understanding, explaining how everyone’s success can contribute to the community’s well-being. Praising teamwork and collective efforts at home can reinforce this mindset.”
Vocabulary and Important Structures
Key Vocabulary:
- Prestigious: (adj) of high status; highly esteemed.
- Persevere: (verb) continue in a course of action even in the face of difficulty.
- Mobilize: (verb) to organize or prepare people for a purpose.
- Unwavering: (adj) steady or resolute; not wavering.
- Empathy: (noun) the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
- Gratitude: (noun) the quality of being thankful.
Examples:
- “Sarah won a prestigious scholarship.”
- “She managed to mobilize an entire community.”
- “Her unwavering commitment was inspiring.”
Tips for IELTS Speaking Success
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, consider the following tips:
- Practice Fluency: Regularly practice speaking English to improve your fluency and coherence. Engage in conversations on a variety of topics.
- Expand Your Vocabulary: Learn and use a wide range of vocabulary to express yourself more clearly and accurately.
- Use Grammatical Structures: Incorporate complex grammatical structures to demonstrate your range and accuracy to the examiner.
- Listen and Respond: Pay close attention to the examiner’s questions and respond thoughtfully. Structuring your answers properly will help maintain coherence.
- Stay Calm and Confident: Confidence plays a crucial role. Practice relaxation techniques to manage nervousness during the exam.
Moment of Pride
By following these strategies and practicing the provided examples, candidates can aim for a high band score in the IELTS Speaking test. Good luck!
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