How to Answer “Describe a Time When You Were Very Proud of Yourself” in the IELTS Speaking Test

The IELTS Speaking test assesses a wide range of spoken English skills. Examiners evaluate fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. Questions related to feeling proud of oneself are common and provide an excellent opportunity to showcase a variety of language skills.

Particularly, questions such as “Describe a time when you were very proud of yourself” appear frequently due to their ability to probe into personal experiences, thus testing the candidate’s capacity to narrate and reflect. This article will guide you on how to effectively answer such questions to achieve high band scores.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, examiners often ask general questions to help candidates settle in. Here’s a sample question with a sample answer:

Sample Question

Examiner: “Do you consider yourself a confident person?”

Sample Answer

Candidate: “I would say I am. For example, in group projects, I often take the lead role because I have faith in my organizational skills and decision-making abilities. It didn’t come naturally at first, but over time, I’ve learned to trust myself more.”

Part 2: Long Turn

Cue Card

Describe a time when you were very proud of yourself. You should say:

• When it was
• What you did
• Why you felt proud
• And explain how this event has impacted you

Sample Answer

One reflective cue card answer could be:

“There was a moment in my third year of university when I was incredibly proud of myself. I had been working diligently on my thesis project, which focused on the impact of social media on mental health. Despite numerous setbacks, including data collection issues and a tight deadline, I decided to persevere and put in long hours, often working late into the night.

When I finally submitted my thesis and received feedback from my professor, he commended my research skills and provided high praise for my insights. This made me feel extremely proud because it validated all my hard work and dedication.

This experience taught me the value of resilience and determination. Boosting my self-confidence, it showed me that I could achieve my goals despite the obstacles.”

thesis defense

Follow-up Questions

Examiner’s Questions

1. Why is it important to have moments of pride in life?
2. Do you think people should share their pride with others?

Suggested Answers

1. Importance of pride: “Pride can act as a powerful motivator, encouraging individuals to strive for excellence. It instills a sense of achievement and boosts one’s confidence, which is vital for personal growth and pursuing challenging goals.”

2. Sharing pride: “Sharing moments of pride with others can be beneficial as it can inspire those around us and foster stronger relationships. It also allows for celebration of accomplishments, making the effort feel more worthwhile.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner’s Questions

1. Do you think it’s essential for people to frequently reflect on their achievements? Why or why not?
2. Can you describe the role of external validation in feeling proud?

Suggested Answers

1. Reflection on achievements: “Yes, reflecting on achievements is crucial. It aids in recognizing one’s progress and helps identify areas for further improvement. Additionally, regular reflection encourages a growth mindset, promoting continuous learning and development.”

2. External validation’s role: “External validation can reinforce a sense of self-worth and recognition. While internal validation is important, external acknowledgment can enhance the feeling of pride and provide social validation, motivating individuals to continue excelling.”

Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

• Achieve (v) – /əˈtʃiːv/ – To successfully reach a goal through effort. *E.g., “She achieved top marks in her exams.”
• Resilience (n) – /rɪˈzɪliəns/ – The ability to recover quickly from difficulties. *E.g., “His resilience after losing his job was admirable.”
• Persevere (v) – /ˌpɜːrsɪˈvɪr/ – To continue despite difficulties. *E.g., “She persevered through the tough times.”
• Validation (n) – /ˌvælɪˈdeɪʃn/ – Recognition or affirmation of worth. *E.g., “Receiving validation from his peers boosted his confidence.”

Conclusion

Reflecting on personal experiences and articulating them effectively is key to excelling in the IELTS Speaking test. Utilize a variety of vocabulary and complex sentence structures to convey your message clearly. Practicing regularly and seeking feedback can help you improve and achieve your desired band score.

For further practice, you might find these links helpful:

• Describe a time when you were praised for something
• Describe a time when you were very motivated
• Describe a time when you had to make a decision under pressure
• Describe a time when you felt proud of someone
• Describe a time when you had to communicate in a foreign language

Good luck, and strive to bring out your best self in the IELTS Speaking test!