In the IELTS Speaking test, especially in PART 2, candidates are often required to describe a personal experience or event. The topic “Describe a Time When You Were Proud of Yourself” is frequently encountered and can provide an excellent opportunity to showcase your speaking skills. As an IELTS Speaking Examiner, I can tell you that you will be assessed on your fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. This kind of question allows you to utilize a wide range of vocabulary and complex structures, which can lead to a higher band score.
Let’s dive into this topic and see how you can prepare effectively.
II. Main Content
1. Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
In Part 1 of the IELTS speaking test, the examiner will ask you general questions to introduce yourself and warm up.
Possible Questions:
- Do you enjoy celebrating achievements with your family and friends?
- What was the last thing you felt proud of?
Sample Answer for “What was the last thing you felt proud of?”:
“Recently, I completed a tough project at work that required a lot of dedication and long hours. It was a comprehensive report on market analysis, and when I presented it to my team, they were incredibly impressed. I felt a sense of immense pride because my hard work and meticulous attention to detail were recognized and appreciated.”
2. Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a time when you were proud of yourself. You should say:
- what you did
- when you did it
- why you were proud of it
- and explain how you felt about it.
Sample Answer
“One particular moment when I felt deeply proud of myself was when I graduated from university with honors. This happened about three years ago. I had spent four years tirelessly working towards my degree in Economics, balancing intense coursework with part-time jobs to support myself financially.
What made this achievement especially significant for me was the sheer determination and resilience it took. During my second year, I faced several personal challenges, including losing a close family member. Despite the emotional turmoil, I managed to stay focused on my studies and maintain high grades.
On graduation day, seeing my parents’ elated faces and hearing my name called out as an honors graduate filled me with a profound sense of pride and accomplishment. It reinforced my belief in my ability to overcome obstacles and achieve my goals. This experience taught me the value of perseverance and hard work.”
Follow-up Questions
Possible Questions:
- How do you usually celebrate your achievements?
- Do you think people should be more proud of their efforts or results? Why?
Sample Answers:
- “I usually celebrate my achievements by treating myself to something special, like a dinner out or a small gift. I also love to share the news with my close friends and family to include them in my joy.”
- “I believe people should be proud of both their efforts and their results. Effort signifies dedication and hard work, which is essential in any achievement. Results are the outcomes that validate one’s effort and success. Focusing on both can encourage continued persistence and improvement.”
3. Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner’s Questions and Suggested Responses
Examiner: “In your opinion, why is it important to feel proud of one’s achievements?”
Candidate: “Feeling proud of one’s achievements is pivotal as it boosts self-confidence and provides motivation for future endeavors. Pride in accomplishments reinforces a positive self-image and enhances one’s overall well-being, fostering a mindset that is conducive to tackling bigger challenges.”
Examiner: “Can too much pride be a negative thing? Why or why not?”
Candidate: “Yes, excessive pride can be detrimental as it might lead to arrogance and a lack of humility. When pride turns into hubris, individuals may become complacent and stop striving for improvement. It is crucial to maintain a balance where one recognizes their achievements without undermining the importance of continuing growth and learning.”
III. Key Vocabulary and Structures
Important Vocabulary and Phrases
- Immense pride: (n) A very high level of pride. “I felt immense pride in my achievements.”
- Meticulous: (adj) Very careful and with great attention to every detail. “Her meticulous planning paid off.”
- Resilience: (n) The ability to recover quickly from difficulties. “His resilience in facing setbacks is admirable.”
- Perseverance: (n) Persistence in doing something despite difficulty. “Her perseverance through tough times was remarkable.”
- Elated: (adj) Extremely happy and excited. “He felt elated after receiving the award.”
Structures to Use for High Scores
- Complex sentences: “Despite the emotional turmoil, I managed to stay focused on my studies and maintain high grades.”
- Passive voice: “On graduation day, seeing my parents’ elated faces, I was filled with a profound sense of pride.”
- Conditionals: “If I hadn’t put in the effort, I wouldn’t have achieved this honor.”
- Comparatives and superlatives: “This was one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life.”
IV. Tips for Practice
- Record Yourself: Practice speaking on different topics and record yourself to evaluate fluency and coherence.
- Expand Vocabulary: Read widely and note down useful expressions related to emotions, achievements, and personal milestones.
- Mock Interviews: Engage in mock interviews with a friend or mentor to simulate the test environment.
- Self-reflection: Think of personal experiences that have made you proud and practice articulating them clearly.
By meticulously crafting your responses and practicing regularly, you’ll be better prepared to handle the question, “Describe a time when you were proud of yourself,” and other similar prompts effectively, ultimately aiming for a high band score in the IELTS Speaking test.
For further practice, you might find these topics useful: Describe a time when you achieved something, Describe a time when you were proud of your achievement, Describe a time when you had to be responsible.