The IELTS Speaking test evaluates your ability to communicate effectively in English across a variety of topics. As a test-taker, your performance is assessed based on fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. The Speaking test is divided into three parts:
- Part 1: Introduction and Interview
- Part 2: Long Turn
- Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Questions about personal experiences, such as describing an accomplishment, frequently arise in Part 2 of the exam. In this article, we will thoroughly analyze the prompt “Describe A Time When You Were Very Happy With An Accomplishment.” We will provide a model cue card, example answers, and questions the examiner may ask, all while optimizing for SEO and enhancing your preparation for the IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
Common Questions
IELTS examiners often begin with simple, introductory questions to help you ease into the conversation. Here are a few examples:
- What is your favorite hobby?
- What do you do in your free time?
- Are you a student or do you work?
Sample Answer
Question: What is your favorite hobby?
“My favorite hobby is painting. I find it incredibly relaxing and a great way to express my creativity. Whenever I have some free time, I like to sit down with my easel and paints and create something new. Painting allows me to disconnect from the stresses of daily life and focus on something completely different.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
You should describe a time when you were very happy with an accomplishment. Include the following points:
- What you accomplished
- How you accomplished it
- Why this accomplishment made you happy
- How you felt after achieving it
Model Answer
“One of the most memorable moments of my life was when I graduated from university with honors. The journey to this achievement was arduous and required years of dedication and hard work.
I attended a highly competitive university and my course was extremely challenging. To excel, I had to maintain a rigorous study schedule, attend additional lectures, and participate in study groups. My hard work paid off when I saw my name on the Dean’s List, and I felt an overwhelming sense of pride and happiness.
This accomplishment was particularly significant to me because it not only validated my efforts but also brought immense joy to my family, who had always supported me. After achieving this milestone, I felt a surge of confidence and was motivated to set higher goals for my professional life.”
Follow-up Questions
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What challenges did you face while working towards this accomplishment?
Sample Answer: “I faced numerous challenges such as maintaining a balance between academic responsibilities and extracurricular activities. There were times when the workload felt overwhelming, but I managed to push through with the help of my friends and family.”
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How did you celebrate your accomplishment?
Sample Answer: “I celebrated by having a dinner with my family and close friends. It was a night filled with laughter and reminiscing about the journey. My parents even gave a heartfelt speech, which made it even more special.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic in Part 2, to assess your ability to discuss and analyze.
Examiner Questions & Model Answers
Question: Why do people often feel happy after achieving something significant?
Sample Answer: “People generally feel happy after achieving something significant because it is a culmination of their efforts and hard work. It validates their skills and dedication, providing a sense of fulfillment and purpose.”
Question: Do you think people work harder if they are rewarded for their efforts?
Sample Answer: “Yes, rewards can be a powerful motivator. They act as a tangible recognition of one’s efforts and can encourage individuals to maintain or even increase their level of performance. However, intrinsic motivation is equally important for sustained effort.”
Student Receiving Degree in Graduation Ceremony
Vocabulary and Key Phrases
To achieve a high band score, it is essential to use a range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures. Here are some key terms and phrases you might use:
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Accomplishment /əˈkʌmplɪʃmənt/ (noun) – the act of achieving or completing something successful.
- Example: “Graduating with honors was a significant accomplishment for me.”
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Dedication /ˌdɛdɪˈkeɪʃ(ə)n/ (noun) – the quality of being committed to a task or purpose.
- Example: “Her dedication to her studies was truly inspiring.”
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Arduous /ˈɑːdjuəs/ (adjective) – involving or requiring strenuous effort.
- Example: “The journey to completing my degree was arduous.”
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Fulfillment /fʊlˈfɪlmənt/ (noun) – the achievement of something desired, promised, or predicted.
- Example: “There was a deep sense of fulfillment after completing the marathon.”
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Intrinsic Motivation – motivation driven by internal rewards.
- Example: “Intrinsic motivation often leads to more sustained effort in achieving goals.”
Tips for High Scores in IELTS Speaking
- Practice Regularly: Consistent practice can help improve your fluency and coherence.
- Expand Vocabulary: Learn and use new words appropriately to show lexical resource.
- Grammar and Pronunciation: Focus on complex sentence structures and clear pronunciation.
- Stay Relaxed: Being calm helps in delivering your answers more confidently and coherently.
Following these guidelines and integrating the tips provided can significantly enhance your chances of achieving a high score in the IELTS Speaking test.
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