In the IELTS Speaking test, your ability to narrate experiences with coherent structure, advanced vocabulary, and natural fluency will be evaluated. A common question that you might encounter in Part 2 of the IELTS Speaking test is “Describe A Time When You Were Praised For Something”. This question tests your ability to describe personal experiences, utilize appropriate vocabulary, and maintain a smooth flow of speech.
IELTS Speaking Examiners look for criteria such as fluency, lexical resource, grammatical range, and pronunciation. Questions about being praised are quite frequent as they allow candidates to demonstrate their ability to discuss personal success, which typically elicits detailed responses.
Examiner’s Questions and Suggested Answers
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the Examiner asks general questions about yourself. Here are some typical examples:
- “Do you enjoy receiving compliments?”
- “What kind of praises do you usually receive?”
Sample Question and Suggested Answer:
Question: “Do you enjoy receiving compliments?”
Answer: “Yes, I genuinely appreciate receiving compliments as they serve as positive reinforcement. Compliments not only boost my confidence, but they also encourage me to continue working hard and striving for excellence in my endeavors.”
Part 2: Long Turn
In Part 2, you will be given a cue card with a specific topic to discuss. Here is a sample cue card related to the keyword:
Cue Card:
Describe a time when you were praised for something. You should say:
- What the praise was about
- Who praised you
- How you felt about it
- And explain why you think you were praised
Suggested Answer:
“One notable time I was praised was during my final year in university when I successfully presented my thesis on renewable energy solutions. My thesis advisor, a renowned professor in the field, praised me for my thorough research and innovative ideas.
I can vividly remember the details of that moment. It happened in the university’s main auditorium, where many of my peers and faculty members were present. After my presentation, my professor approached me and said, ‘Your work is exemplary and sets a new standard for future research in our department.’
I felt immensely proud and elated, as his words were the culmination of all my hard work and dedication. The praise resonated with me because it came from someone who is highly respected in the field. Moreover, it motivated me to pursue further research in the area and to continuously strive for excellence in my career.”
thesis presentation
Examiner Follow-up Questions and Suggested Answers:
-
Why do you think your professor praised you?
- “I believe my professor praised me because of the originality of my research and the practical implications it had for real-world applications. He appreciated my meticulous attention to detail and the innovative approach I took in my methodology.”
-
How important is it to receive praise at work or in school?
- “Receiving praise in professional or academic settings is incredibly important. It serves as an acknowledgment of one’s efforts and achievements, boosts morale, and can greatly enhance motivation and job satisfaction.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, the discussion will become more abstract and you will need to analyze and evaluate different viewpoints. Here are potential questions and responses:
Examiner’s Questions:
- “Do you think people in your country praise others enough?”
- “Is it better to be praised or to receive constructive criticism?”
Suggested Answers:
Do you think people in your country praise others enough?
“I think in my country, there is a cultural modesty that often limits overt praise. While people do appreciate and value achievements, praise tends to be more subtle or indirect. However, I believe it could be beneficial if we acknowledged achievements more openly, as it can greatly enhance self-esteem and motivate individuals to excel further.”
Is it better to be praised or to receive constructive criticism?
“In my opinion, both praise and constructive criticism are essential but serve different purposes. Praise boosts morale and reinforces positive behavior, while constructive criticism is crucial for personal growth and improvement. Ideally, a balance of both is necessary to foster development and maintain high levels of motivation and performance.”
Essential Vocabulary and Structures for High Band Scores
Key Vocabulary:
- Praise ( /preɪz/ ) – to express warm approval or admiration.
- Example: “She received high praise for her exceptional performance.”
- Exemplary ( /ɪɡˈzɛmpləri/ or /ɛɡˈzɛmˌpləri/ ) – serving as a desirable model; very good.
- Example: “He was praised for his exemplary conduct.”
- Innovative ( /ˈɪnəˌveɪtɪv/ ) – featuring new methods; advanced and original.
- Example: “Her innovative approach was widely praised.”
- Elated ( /ɪˈleɪtəd/ ) – very happy, jubilant.
- Example: “He felt elated after receiving the award.”
Key Structures:
- “One notable time I was praised was…”
- “I felt immensely…”
- “The praise resonated with me because…”
- “Receiving praise is incredibly important because…”
Example Sentence:
“Receiving criticism constructively has made me consistently improve my skills and refine my work.”
Tips for Practice and Preparation
- Record Yourself: Recording and listening to your own answers helps identify areas to improve.
- Use Advanced Vocabulary: Incorporate high-level vocabulary and phrases related to the topic.
- Structured Responses: Follow a clear structure—introduction, body, and conclusion—to organize your responses.
- Stay Calm: Practicing relaxation techniques can help maintain fluency under pressure.
- Feedback: Seek feedback from teachers or fluent speakers to refine your pronunciation and grammatical accuracy.
By adhering to these strategies and utilizing the sample responses provided, you can enhance your preparedness for the IELTS Speaking test and aim for a higher band score.
