Achieving high marks in the IELTS Speaking test, especially when answering questions like “Describe a time when you were very proud of an accomplishment,” requires both practice and preparation. In this article, we will explore what IELTS Examers look for in a high-scoring response, provide sample answers, and give practical tips for each section of the test.
I. Introduction
The IELTS Speaking test evaluates several key criteria, including fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. It’s crucial to address these criteria effectively to maximize your score. Questions that ask you to describe a time when you were proud of an accomplishment are common, and this article will guide you through how to respond to such questions excellently.
II. Main Content
1. Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner will ask general questions about your life, such as your home, family, work, and interests. One frequently asked topic is:
Question: Have you ever accomplished something you’re proud of at work or school?
Sample Answer:
“Yes, I have. Last year, I spearheaded a project at work that involved developing a new marketing strategy for our flagship product. The project took about six months, and we faced numerous challenges, particularly in terms of budget constraints and tight deadlines. However, my team and I managed to exceed all our targets, significantly increasing our product’s market share. This accomplishment made me very proud because it was a real team effort and demonstrated our ability to overcome obstacles.”
2. Part 2: Long Turn
In Part 2, also known as the Cue Card, you will be given a topic to talk about for 1-2 minutes, with one minute to prepare your response. Here is a cue card based on our keyword:
Cue Card:
Describe a time when you were very proud of an accomplishment. You should say:
- What you did
- When you did it
- How you did it
- And explain why you were proud of this accomplishment
Sample Answer:
“One significant accomplishment that I am incredibly proud of is completing my Master’s thesis. I completed it last year after months of intensive research and writing. The topic was on sustainable urban development, a subject that I am deeply passionate about.
To achieve this, I dedicated many late nights to pouring over academic journals and conducting surveys. I also had to manage my time meticulously, balancing between my part-time job and study. What made the accomplishment even more rewarding was the praise and recognition I received from my professors and peers. Receiving an ‘A’ grade and presenting my findings at an academic conference made all the hard work worth it. This accomplishment instilled a sense of confidence and pride in my abilities.”
Bullet Points Questions:
- Can you explain more about the challenges you faced during this project?
- How did overcoming these challenges impact you?
- What did this accomplishment teach you about yourself?
Sample Answers:
- “One of the main challenges was time management. I was working part-time to support myself financially while also trying to devote enough time to my research. This required a lot of planning and prioritization.”
- “Overcoming these challenges taught me the importance of perseverance and resilience. It also showed me that I am capable of achieving more than I initially thought possible.”
- “This accomplishment taught me that I can handle significant pressure and that I am more resourceful and determined than I previously believed.”
3. Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner will discuss more abstract and complex questions related to Part 2. Here is an example:
Examiner Question:
“Why do you think people feel proud when they achieve something difficult?”
Sample Answer:
“People often feel proud when they achieve something difficult because it typically involves overcoming significant challenges and demonstrating personal growth. Successfully tackling difficult tasks can boost one’s self-esteem and prove their capabilities, leading to a strong sense of accomplishment. Furthermore, achieving a difficult goal often requires perseverance, hard work, and dedication, which are qualities that people naturally find rewarding and fulfilling.”
Examiner Question:
“How can parents encourage their children to be proud of their accomplishments?”
Sample Answer:
“Parents can encourage their children to be proud of their accomplishments by offering consistent support and positive reinforcement. Celebrating small milestones and acknowledging hard work rather than just results can help build a child’s confidence. Parents should also teach their children to set realistic goals and to view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles. By fostering a positive and encouraging environment, parents can help their children develop a strong sense of self-worth and pride in their achievements.”
4. Essential Vocabulary and Phrases for a High-Scoring Speaking Test
Here are some important words and phrases that will help you score higher:
Accomplishment (noun)
- /əˈkʌmplɪʃmənt/
- Something that has been achieved successfully
- “Graduating from university was a significant accomplishment for me.”
Perseverance (noun)
- /ˌpɜːrsɪˈvɪərəns/
- Persistence in doing something despite difficulty
- “Her perseverance helped her overcome the challenges she faced.”
Meticulously (adverb)
- /mə’tɪkjələsli/
- In a way that shows great attention to detail
- “He meticulously planned every aspect of the project.”
Self-esteem (noun)
- /ˌselfɪˈstiːm/
- Confidence in one’s own worth or abilities
- “Achieving her goals gave her a sense of self-esteem.”
By using these words and phrases effectively, you can make your responses more impactful and increase your chances of scoring higher.
III. Tips from an Examiner
Here are several tips to help you excel in the IELTS Speaking test:
- Practice Regularly: Regular practice will help you become more fluent and confident.
- Record Yourself: Listen to your recordings to identify areas for improvement.
- Seek Feedback: Practice with a teacher or fluent English speaker to get constructive feedback.
- Expand Your Vocabulary: Regularly learn new words and practice using them in sentences.
- Stay Calm: Take deep breaths and stay calm during the test to ensure that you can think clearly and answer effectively.
By focusing on these areas, you can enhance your speaking skills and significantly improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking test.
Remember, continuous practice and a strategic approach are key to success in the IELTS Speaking test. Good luck!