How to Answer “Describe a Time When You Felt Very Proud of Your Achievements” in IELTS Speaking Test

In the IELTS Speaking test, candidates are evaluated on their fluency, coherence, vocabulary, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. Preparing well for common topics, such as describing a time when you felt proud of an achievement, can significantly enhance your performance.

Introduction to IELTS Speaking Test

The IELTS Speaking test is divided into three parts:

1. Part 1: Introduction and Interview – You will answer general questions about yourself and a range of familiar topics.
2. Part 2: Long Turn – You will be given a cue card with a topic and will need to speak about it for 1-2 minutes without interruption.
3. Part 3: Two-way Discussion – You will engage in a discussion with the examiner linked to the topic in Part 2, but at a more abstract level.

Throughout the test, the examiner will assess your ability to communicate clearly, effectively, and naturally. Let’s delve into a structured approach to tackling the topic “Describe a time when you felt very proud of your achievements.”

IELTS Speaking Part 1: Introduction and Interview

Common Questions

1. Can you tell me about yourself?
2. What do you do for a living?
3. What are your hobbies and interests?
4. Have you ever done something that made you feel really proud?

Sample Answer

Examiner: Have you ever done something that made you feel really proud?

Candidate: Yes, last year I completed a marathon for the first time. I had been training for months, and crossing the finish line was an incredibly proud moment for me. It was a testament to my perseverance and determination.

IELTS Speaking Part 2: Long Turn

Cue Card

Describe a time when you felt very proud of your achievements.

You should say:

• What you did
• When you did it
• How you felt about it
• And explain why you felt proud of your achievement

Sample Answer

Candidate: A time when I felt very proud of my achievements was when I graduated from university with honors. It was two years ago when I finished my degree in Computer Science. The four years of rigorous coursework, numerous projects, and sleepless nights were all worth it when I held that certificate in my hands.

I remember the graduation ceremony vividly. It was held in the university auditorium, filled with my peers, professors, and family members. I felt a surge of emotions when my name was called, and I walked up to receive my degree. The sense of accomplishment was overwhelming, and I couldn’t help but smile ear-to-ear.

The reason why I felt so proud was not just because I graduated with honors, but also because I managed to balance my studies with a part-time job to support myself financially. It taught me the importance of time management and resilience. This achievement reaffirmed my belief that with dedication and hard work, I can overcome any obstacle.

Follow-up Questions

• Examiner: What qualities do you think are necessary to achieve such accomplishments?
  Candidate: I believe qualities like determination, time management, and perseverance are crucial. Without the dedication to continue working towards a goal, it’s easy to get discouraged and give up.

• Examiner: Do you think it’s important for people to take pride in their accomplishments?
  Candidate: Absolutely. Taking pride in one’s achievements boosts self-esteem and motivates individuals to aim higher. It also sets a positive example for others to follow.

IELTS Speaking Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Discussion Questions

Examiner: How do people’s achievements impact their lives?

Candidate: Achievements can greatly impact individuals by boosting their self-confidence and opening up new opportunities. For example, graduating from a prestigious university can lead to better job prospects and professional growth. Achievements also serve as a reminder of what can be accomplished through hard work and persistence.

Examiner: Do you think people should be rewarded for their achievements? Why or why not?

Candidate: Yes, recognizing and rewarding achievements is important as it encourages positive behavior and continuous improvement. Rewards can be in various forms such as promotions, bonuses, or even simple acknowledgments, which all contribute to increasing motivation and productivity.

Vocabulary and Structures for High Scores

Important Vocabulary

• Perseverance (/ˌpɜː.sɪˈvɪə.rəns/): Persistence in doing something despite difficulty.
  • Example: Completing the project required a lot of perseverance.
• Resilience (/rɪˈzɪl.jəns/): The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties.
  • Example: Her resilience was evident when she bounced back after a setback.
• Accomplishment (/əˈkʌmplɪʃmənt/): Something that has been achieved successfully.
  • Example: Graduating from college was a significant accomplishment for me.
• Dedication (/ˌdɛ.dɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/): The quality of being committed to a task or purpose.
  • Example: Her dedication to her work is truly inspiring.
• Time Management (/ˈtaɪm ˌmæn.ɪdʒ.mənt/): The ability to use one’s time effectively or productively.
  • Example: Good time management helped him balance work and study.

Tips for Achieving a High Score in IELTS Speaking

1. Practice Regularly: Regular practice can improve fluency and confidence.
2. Use a Range of Vocabulary: Incorporate diverse vocabulary and avoid repetition.
3. Stay Relevant: Keep your responses relevant to the questions asked.
4. Speak Naturally: Aim to speak naturally rather than reciting memorized answers.
5. Seek Feedback: Get feedback from teachers or native speakers to identify areas of improvement.

By preparing thoroughly and practicing consistently, you can enhance your performance and achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test.

A proud moment at a graduation ceremony

For further reading on related topics, you can visit Describe a situation when you felt very proud of your work and Describe a time when you attended a graduation ceremony.