How to Answer the IELTS Speaking Question: “Describe a Time When You Were Proud of Your Achievement”

The IELTS Speaking Test is designed to evaluate your spoken English skills. The test is divided into three parts:

1. Part 1: Introduction and Interview – The examiner will ask questions about yourself and everyday topics.
2. Part 2: Long Turn – You will be given a cue card with a topic and some bullet points. You will have one minute to prepare and then must speak for up to two minutes.
3. Part 3: Two-way Discussion – The examiner will ask questions related to the topic from Part 2 but in a more abstract manner.

The question “Describe a time when you were proud of your achievement” is a frequent topic that may be encountered in Part 2. This article will explore how to effectively answer this question and provide tips to achieve a high score.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this part, the examiner will ask you about common topics such as work, study, hobbies, etc.

Sample Question and Suggested Answer

Question: What hobbies do you enjoy?
Answer: “I enjoy reading novels, particularly those written by contemporary authors. Reading helps me to relax and expand my vocabulary, which is particularly useful for improving my English skills.”

Analysis:

• Provides a clear, concise answer.
• Explain briefly why you enjoy the hobby.
• Linking your hobby to an English skill can demonstrate your purpose and commitment.

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Let’s delve into our main topic, “Describe a time when you were proud of your achievement.”

Sample Cue Card

Describe a time when you were proud of your achievement. You should say:

• What you achieved
• When you achieved it
• How you achieved it
• And explain how you felt about it

Suggested Answer

“One of the proudest moments in my life was when I successfully completed my first marathon. This event took place last year in my hometown. Initially, I was very hesitant since running long distances had always been a challenge for me. However, I decided to set this goal for myself and began training rigorously.

To achieve this, I followed a strict training regime that included running every day, maintaining a healthy diet, and getting ample rest. I also joined a local running club which provided me with additional support and motivation.

marathon-finish-line|marathon achievement|A photo of a person crossing the finish line of a marathon, with their arms raised in victory and a medal around their neck. The background is a crowd of cheering people and a banner that says “Finish”.

On the day of the marathon, I was filled with a mix of excitement and nervousness. As I crossed the finish line, I felt immense pride and a sense of accomplishment. This achievement taught me the value of perseverance and hard work, and it remains one of the most memorable events in my life.”

Analysis:

• Structured Response: Clearly outlines what you achieved, when, how, and your feelings.
• Detail-Oriented: Provides specific details about training, the event, and the emotions involved.
• Complex Sentences: Uses complex sentences and varied vocabulary to demonstrate language proficiency.

Follow-up Questions and Suggested Answers

1. Question: How did your family and friends react to your achievement?
   Answer: “My family and friends were incredibly supportive and proud of me. They knew how much effort I had put into training and were there to cheer me on during the marathon. Their encouragement meant the world to me.”

2. Question: Why do you think achieving personal goals is important?
   Answer: “Achieving personal goals is crucial because it helps individuals build confidence and self-discipline. It serves as a reminder that with hard work and determination, anything is possible. Personal achievements also set a positive example for others.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this part, the discussion will be related to the topic from Part 2 but more abstract.

Examiner’s Questions and Suggested Answers

1. Question: How do personal achievements affect an individual’s self-esteem?
   Answer: “Personal achievements significantly boost an individual’s self-esteem. Accomplishing a challenging goal provides a sense of validation and reinforces the belief in one’s abilities. This confidence can spill over into other aspects of life, making the individual more resilient and motivated.”

2. Question: Do schools in your country encourage the pursuit of personal achievements? How?
   Answer: “Yes, schools in my country do encourage personal achievements through various programs and extracurricular activities. Students are often motivated to participate in sports, arts, and academic competitions. These activities not only enhance their skills but also teach them the importance of setting and achieving goals.”

3. Question: Can public recognition of achievements be motivating, or is it sometimes counterproductive?
   Answer: “Public recognition can be very motivating as it provides individuals with a sense of appreciation and acknowledgment. However, it can sometimes be counterproductive if the recognition leads to excessive pressure or anxiety. It is important for individuals to balance public recognition with personal satisfaction.”

Vocabulary and Expressions to Boost Your Score

Here are some useful expressions and vocabulary words that can help elevate your IELTS Speaking score:

1. Accomplishment /əˈkʌmplɪʃmənt/ – (noun) A successful achievement of a task.

   • Example: Completing the marathon was a significant accomplishment for me.

2. Rigorous /ˈrɪɡərəs/ – (adjective) Extremely thorough and careful.

   • Example: I followed a rigorous training regime to prepare for the marathon.

3. Perseverance /ˌpɜːsɪˈvɪərəns/ – (noun) Steadfastness in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.

   • Example: Perseverance is key to achieving long-term goals.

4. Resilient /rɪˈzɪl.i.ənt/ – (adjective) Able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions.

   • Example: Personal achievements make individuals more resilient.

5. Self-discipline /ˌselfˈdɪs.ə.plɪn/ – (noun) The ability to control one’s emotions and behavior.

   • Example: Training for the marathon taught me self-discipline.

Conclusion: Tips for Practicing Speaking

1. Practice Regularly: Consistent practice improves fluency and confidence. Use a variety of topics to practice.
2. Record Yourself: Record your answers to identify areas for improvement.
3. Use a Wide Range of Vocabulary: Incorporate varied vocabulary and expressions into your responses.
4. Seek Feedback: Practice with a teacher or language partner who can provide constructive feedback.
5. Simulate Real Test Conditions: Time yourself and practice in environments similar to the actual test setting.

By preparing thoroughly and using the strategies outlined above, you can enhance your performance in the IELTS Speaking Test and achieve a higher band score.