The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about personal experiences and achievements. One common topic is describing a time when you felt very proud of yourself. This subject has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being a popular choice for examiners. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions related to this theme and maximize your speaking score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about pride and accomplishments. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Q: Do you often feel proud of yourself?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I do feel proud of myself sometimes. Usually, it’s when I achieve something I’ve worked hard for, like getting a good grade or completing a difficult project at work.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Indeed, I experience a sense of pride periodically. It typically occurs when I surpass my own expectations or overcome significant challenges. For instance, recently I felt particularly proud after successfully organizing a charity event that raised substantial funds for a local orphanage.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a time when you felt very proud of yourself
You should say:
- What the achievement was
- When it happened
- What you did to achieve it
- And explain why you felt proud of yourself
Band 6-7 Sample Answer:
I’d like to talk about a time when I felt very proud of myself. It was when I successfully completed my first half-marathon last year.
The achievement was finishing the 21-kilometer race in under two hours, which was a personal goal I had set for myself. It happened in the spring of last year in my hometown.
To achieve this, I had to train rigorously for several months. I followed a strict schedule, running four times a week and gradually increasing my distance. I also had to pay attention to my diet and make sure I was eating the right foods to fuel my training.
I felt proud of myself because it was a significant physical challenge that I had never attempted before. Crossing the finish line within my target time gave me a tremendous sense of accomplishment. It showed me that with dedication and hard work, I could push my limits and achieve things I once thought were impossible.
Band 8-9 Sample Answer:
I’d like to recount an instance when I experienced an overwhelming sense of pride in myself. The achievement I’m referring to is successfully defending my doctoral thesis in environmental science last year.
This momentous event took place at my university’s main auditorium in front of a panel of esteemed professors and fellow researchers. The culmination of years of dedicated study and research, this achievement marked the pinnacle of my academic journey thus far.
To reach this point, I had to immerse myself completely in my research topic, which focused on sustainable urban development. This involved countless hours in the laboratory, extensive fieldwork in various cities, and meticulous data analysis. I also had to hone my presentation skills to effectively communicate my findings to both experts and laypeople.
The sense of pride I felt was multifaceted. Firstly, I was proud of the intellectual rigor my work demonstrated and the potential real-world impact of my research findings. Secondly, I felt a deep sense of personal growth, having overcome numerous obstacles along the way, including funding challenges and setbacks in my experiments. Lastly, I was proud to have contributed meaningfully to my field of study, potentially paving the way for more sustainable urban planning practices.
This experience not only validated my years of hard work but also reinforced my passion for environmental science and my commitment to making a positive impact on the world through research and innovation.
Proud moment: thesis defense
Follow-up questions:
- How did you celebrate this achievement?
Band 6-7 Answer:
After defending my thesis, I went out for dinner with my family and close friends. We had a nice meal and I felt really happy sharing this moment with them.
Band 8-9 Answer:
To commemorate this significant milestone, I organized an intimate gathering with my closest friends, family, and mentors. We indulged in a gourmet meal at a local restaurant, followed by a heartfelt toast where I expressed my gratitude for their unwavering support throughout my academic journey. The evening was filled with joyous reminiscence and excited discussions about future possibilities.
- Do you think it’s important to take pride in your achievements?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I think it’s important to be proud of what you achieve. It helps boost your confidence and motivates you to set new goals.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely, I believe that taking pride in one’s achievements is crucial for personal growth and motivation. It serves as a powerful affirmation of one’s capabilities and efforts, bolstering self-esteem and fostering resilience in the face of future challenges. However, it’s equally important to maintain a balance, ensuring that pride doesn’t transform into arrogance, but rather acts as a catalyst for continuous improvement and the pursuit of new aspirations.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner may ask more abstract questions related to pride and achievements. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Q: Do you think people today have more or fewer opportunities to achieve things they can be proud of compared to the past?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I think people today have more opportunities to achieve things they can be proud of. With technology and globalization, there are many new fields and areas where people can excel and make a difference.
Band 8-9 Answer:
I believe that the landscape of opportunities has significantly evolved rather than simply increased or decreased. In today’s interconnected and technologically advanced world, individuals have access to a vast array of possibilities that were inconceivable in the past. The digital revolution has opened up new frontiers in fields like artificial intelligence, space exploration, and biotechnology, offering novel avenues for groundbreaking achievements.
However, it’s important to note that this abundance of opportunities comes with its own set of challenges. The increased competition and rapidly changing skill requirements mean that individuals must be more adaptable and resilient than ever before. Furthermore, the definition of achievement itself has become more nuanced, with a growing emphasis on social impact and sustainability alongside traditional measures of success.
In essence, while the quantity of opportunities may have increased, the nature of these opportunities and the skills required to capitalize on them have undergone a profound transformation, creating a complex landscape where individuals must navigate carefully to find their path to pride-worthy achievements.
Q: How does society’s definition of success impact individual feelings of pride?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Society’s definition of success can have a big impact on how people feel proud of themselves. If society values things like money and fame, people might only feel proud when they achieve these things, even if they’re not personally fulfilling.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Society’s definition of success profoundly influences individual perceptions of pride and self-worth. This influence operates on multiple levels and can have both positive and negative ramifications.
On one hand, societal standards can serve as motivational benchmarks, inspiring individuals to strive for excellence and push their boundaries. When these standards align with personal values and aspirations, achieving them can lead to a deep sense of fulfillment and pride.
However, the flip side is that narrowly defined societal success metrics can create undue pressure and lead to feelings of inadequacy or imposter syndrome. For instance, in societies that predominantly value financial success or social status, individuals who excel in less tangible areas like artistic expression or community service might struggle to feel proud of their achievements, despite their significant impact.
Moreover, the pervasive nature of social media has amplified this effect, creating a constant stream of curated success stories that can distort perceptions of what constitutes a pride-worthy achievement. This can lead to a cycle of comparison and self-doubt, potentially undermining genuine feelings of pride in personal accomplishments.
Ultimately, the key lies in striking a balance between acknowledging societal standards and maintaining a strong sense of personal values. Individuals who can cultivate self-awareness and define success on their own terms are better equipped to experience authentic pride in their achievements, regardless of external validation.
Impact of societal success on pride
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Overwhelming sense of (phrase) – /ˌəʊvəˈwelmɪŋ sens əv/ – an extremely strong feeling
Example: The achievement gave me an overwhelming sense of accomplishment.Pinnacle (noun) – /ˈpɪnəkl/ – the highest point of achievement or success
Example: Defending my thesis was the pinnacle of my academic career.Immerse oneself (phrasal verb) – /ɪˈmɜːs wʌnˈself/ – to become completely involved in something
Example: I had to immerse myself in research to complete my project.Meticulous (adjective) – /məˈtɪkjʊləs/ – very careful and precise
Example: The experiment required meticulous attention to detail.Multifaceted (adjective) – /ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd/ – having many different aspects or features
Example: My sense of pride was multifaceted, stemming from various aspects of the achievement.Intellectual rigor (phrase) – /ˌɪntəˈlektʃʊəl ˈrɪɡə/ – strict and careful reasoning or study
Example: The thesis defense demonstrated a high level of intellectual rigor.Pave the way (idiom) – /peɪv ðə weɪ/ – to make subsequent development or progress easier
Example: My research could pave the way for new environmental policies.Bolster (verb) – /ˈbəʊlstə/ – to support or strengthen
Example: Achieving this goal has bolstered my confidence in my abilities.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing proud moments:
Use varied vocabulary: Incorporate advanced words and phrases relevant to the topic. This demonstrates language proficiency and enhances your Lexical Resource score.
Provide specific details: When describing your proud moment, include concrete information about what happened, when, and why. This adds authenticity to your answer and improves your Fluency and Coherence score.
Employ complex sentence structures: Mix simple and complex sentences to showcase your grammatical range. This positively impacts your Grammatical Range and Accuracy score.
Maintain fluency: Practice speaking at length about your achievements to build confidence and reduce hesitations. This is crucial for a high Fluency and Coherence score.
Reflect on the deeper meaning: When explaining why you felt proud, go beyond surface-level reasons. Discuss personal growth, overcoming challenges, or the impact of your achievement. This demonstrates critical thinking skills and can boost your overall performance.
Stay on topic: While elaborating is good, ensure your answers remain relevant to the question asked. This shows good comprehension and improves your Fluency and Coherence score.
Use appropriate tenses: When describing past events, consistently use past tenses. Switch to present or future tenses when discussing current feelings or future implications of your achievement.
Remember, regular practice is key to improving your speaking skills. Try recording yourself answering sample questions and listen back to identify areas for improvement. With consistent effort and application of these strategies, you can significantly enhance your performance in the IELTS Speaking test.
Describe a time when you stayed up late to finish something can be another interesting topic to practice, as it often relates to achievements and proud moments. Similarly, describe a time when you taught something to someone can help you articulate experiences where you felt a sense of accomplishment through helping others.
By mastering these techniques and expanding your repertoire of personal stories, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any question about proud moments or achievements in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, confidence in your abilities and genuine enthusiasm for your experiences will naturally shine through in your responses, leaving a positive impression on the examiner.