The topic of describing a proud achievement is a common and important one in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows examiners to assess candidates’ ability to articulate personal experiences, emotions, and reflections. This theme has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests due to its versatility and personal nature.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about achievements and pride. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Question: Do you often feel proud of yourself?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I do feel proud of myself sometimes. It usually happens when I accomplish something challenging or receive recognition for my hard work. For example, I felt quite proud when I got a promotion at work last year.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Indeed, I experience a sense of pride periodically, particularly when I’ve overcome significant obstacles or made substantial progress towards my goals. For instance, I felt immensely proud when I successfully completed a marathon last year, as it required months of rigorous training and unwavering dedication.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card:
Describe a time when you were proud of an achievement.
You should say:
- What the achievement was
- When it happened
- How you achieved it
- And explain why you felt proud of it
Band 6-7 Answer:
I’d like to talk about a time when I was proud of an achievement. It was when I passed my driving test last year. I had been practicing for several months, taking lessons twice a week. It wasn’t easy because I was quite nervous about driving in busy traffic. On the day of the test, I was very anxious, but I managed to stay calm and focus on what I had learned. When the examiner told me I had passed, I felt so relieved and happy. I felt proud because I had overcome my fear of driving and proved to myself that I could do it if I worked hard enough.
Band 8-9 Answer:
I’d like to share an experience where I felt particularly proud of an achievement. It was when I successfully organized a charity event for a local orphanage last summer. The event was a large-scale undertaking that required months of meticulous planning and coordination.
To bring this event to fruition, I spearheaded a team of volunteers, delegating tasks based on individual strengths and ensuring seamless communication throughout the process. We faced numerous challenges, from securing sponsorships to managing logistics, but our perseverance and collaborative spirit saw us through.
The event itself was a resounding success, raising a substantial amount of money for the orphanage and garnering significant community support. What made me especially proud was not just the tangible outcome, but the positive impact we had on the lives of the children at the orphanage.
This achievement filled me with pride for several reasons. Firstly, it demonstrated my ability to lead and motivate a diverse team towards a common goal. Secondly, it showcased my project management skills in handling a complex event with multiple moving parts. Lastly, and most importantly, it allowed me to make a meaningful difference in my community, embodying the principle that individual actions can indeed create positive change.
Follow-up questions:
- How do you usually celebrate your achievements?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I usually celebrate my achievements by treating myself to something special, like a nice meal or a small gift. Sometimes, I also share the news with my family and close friends to celebrate together.
Band 8-9 Answer:
When it comes to celebrating achievements, I believe in striking a balance between personal reflection and shared joy. I often take some time for quiet contemplation, allowing myself to fully absorb the significance of the accomplishment. This might involve journaling about the experience or simply engaging in mindful meditation. Additionally, I find great value in sharing these moments with my inner circle – be it a intimate dinner with family or a casual gathering with close friends. These celebrations serve not only as a reward but also as a source of motivation and inspiration for future endeavors.
- Do you think it’s important for people to feel proud of their achievements?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I think it’s very important. Feeling proud of our achievements gives us confidence and motivation to keep working hard. It helps us recognize our own abilities and can inspire us to set new goals.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely, I believe that feeling pride in one’s achievements is crucial for personal growth and self-esteem. This sense of accomplishment serves as a powerful intrinsic motivator, propelling individuals to set more ambitious goals and push their boundaries. Moreover, acknowledging and celebrating our successes helps to build resilience, enabling us to better navigate future challenges. However, it’s equally important to maintain a balanced perspective, ensuring that pride doesn’t evolve into arrogance or complacency. When approached with humility and gratitude, pride in our achievements can foster a positive self-image and contribute to overall well-being.
IELTS Speaking: Describing a Proud Achievement
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Question: How do you think society’s definition of achievement has changed over time?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I think society’s definition of achievement has changed quite a bit over time. In the past, people often focused on material success, like having a big house or a high-paying job. Nowadays, I believe there’s more emphasis on personal growth and making a positive impact on society. For example, many people now consider achievements like work-life balance or volunteering as important as traditional career success.
Band 8-9 Answer:
The evolution of society’s perception of achievement has been quite profound and multifaceted. Historically, achievement was often equated with tangible markers of success – financial prosperity, social status, or professional accolades. However, there’s been a significant shift towards a more holistic and individualized understanding of achievement in recent times.
Today, we’re witnessing a growing appreciation for personal fulfillment, work-life balance, and societal contribution as key indicators of success. This transformation can be attributed to various factors, including increased awareness of mental health, the rise of social entrepreneurship, and a greater emphasis on sustainability and ethical living.
Moreover, the digital age has redefined achievement in many ways. The ability to create impact through online platforms, for instance, has opened up new avenues for recognition that weren’t previously available. This has democratized the concept of achievement, making it more accessible and diverse.
That said, it’s important to note that this shift isn’t uniform across all sectors of society. There’s still a coexistence of traditional and contemporary views on achievement, often varying based on cultural, generational, and individual perspectives. This diversity in defining achievement reflects the complexity and richness of our modern society.
Question: Do you think people today face more pressure to achieve than in the past?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I believe people today face more pressure to achieve than in the past. With social media, we constantly see other people’s successes, which can make us feel like we need to do more. Also, there’s a lot of competition in education and jobs, which adds to the pressure. However, I think this pressure can sometimes motivate people to work harder and achieve more.
Band 8-9 Answer:
The question of whether contemporary individuals face greater pressure to achieve compared to previous generations is indeed complex and multifaceted. On one hand, there are compelling arguments to suggest that the pressure has intensified significantly.
The ubiquity of social media has created a culture of constant comparison, where people are continuously exposed to curated highlights of others’ achievements. This digital showcase of success can foster feelings of inadequacy and fuel a relentless drive to keep up or outperform peers.
Moreover, the rapid pace of technological advancement and globalization have led to a more competitive job market, where individuals often feel compelled to continuously upskill and adapt to remain relevant. The concept of lifelong learning has shifted from being an option to a necessity in many fields.
There’s also the economic factor to consider. Rising costs of living, coupled with stagnant wages in many sectors, have amplified the pressure to achieve financial stability and security.
However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that this increased pressure isn’t universally negative. It has also spawned greater opportunities and pathways to success that were previously unavailable. The democratization of information and accessibility of online learning platforms have empowered individuals to pursue achievements in diverse fields.
Furthermore, there’s a growing counter-movement that emphasizes work-life balance, mental health awareness, and alternative definitions of success. This pushback against traditional notions of achievement is helping to alleviate some of the pressure, particularly among younger generations.
In conclusion, while the pressure to achieve has undoubtedly intensified in many respects, it’s accompanied by expanded opportunities and evolving perspectives on what constitutes success. The key lies in navigating this landscape with self-awareness, resilience, and a balanced approach to personal and professional growth.
IELTS Speaking: Discussing Achievement Pressure
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Overcome significant obstacles /ˌəʊvəˈkʌm sɪɡˈnɪfɪkənt ˈɒbstəkəlz/: To successfully deal with major challenges.
Example: She overcame significant obstacles to become the first person in her family to graduate from university.Make substantial progress /meɪk səbˈstænʃəl ˈprəʊɡres/: To achieve considerable advancement.
Example: The research team has made substantial progress in developing a new cancer treatment.Spearhead a team /ˈspɪəhed ə tiːm/: To lead or organize a group effort.
Example: He spearheaded a team of engineers working on the innovative project.Perseverance /ˌpɜːsɪˈvɪərəns/: Continued effort and determination despite difficulties.
Example: Her perseverance in the face of numerous setbacks finally led to success.Resounding success /rɪˈzaʊndɪŋ səkˈses/: A clear, impressive, and definite success.
Example: The charity event was a resounding success, raising twice the expected amount.Striking a balance /straɪkɪŋ ə ˈbæləns/: Finding a satisfactory compromise between different things.
Example: It’s important to strike a balance between work and personal life for overall well-being.Intrinsic motivator /ɪnˈtrɪnsɪk ˈməʊtɪveɪtə/: Something that motivates from within, not due to external rewards.
Example: Personal growth is often an intrinsic motivator for many successful individuals.Multifaceted /ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd/: Having many different aspects or features.
Example: The issue of climate change is multifaceted, requiring a comprehensive approach.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing achievements:
Develop your ideas fully: Don’t just give short answers. Expand on your points with examples and explanations.
Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions naturally in your responses.
Maintain fluency: Practice speaking at length without long pauses. Use fillers appropriately if you need time to think.
Show flexibility: Be prepared to discuss the topic from various angles, especially in Part 3.
Demonstrate critical thinking: In Part 3, try to analyze issues deeply rather than giving superficial responses.
Work on pronunciation: Clear pronunciation and appropriate intonation contribute significantly to your score.
Practice regularly: Consistent practice will help you become more comfortable and confident in expressing your ideas.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Confidence, clarity, and the ability to express complex ideas are all crucial factors in achieving a high score.