Preparing for the IELTS Speaking Test can seem daunting, but with the right strategies and practice, you can achieve a high band score. One common topic in the IELTS Speaking Test is “Describe a time when you were very successful.” In this post, we will guide you through an in-depth examination of this topic and provide you with sample answers and detailed explanations to help you succeed.
I. Introduction
The IELTS Speaking Test consists of three parts: Part 1 (Introduction and Interview), Part 2 (Long Turn), and Part 3 (Two-way Discussion). Each part aims to assess different aspects of your speaking skills, including fluency, coherence, vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. Topics like “Describe a time when you were very successful” often appear, as they allow the examiner to gauge your ability to narrate events, express feelings, and discuss abstract concepts.
By understanding how to approach such questions and practicing your responses, you can improve your confidence and performance in the test.
II. Main Content
1. Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner asks general questions about yourself, your life, and interests. Here are some common questions and sample answers:
Q: Do you often feel successful?
A: “I try to set realistic goals for myself, so I do feel a sense of success fairly often. For example, when I complete a challenging project at work or achieve a personal milestone, I feel a considerable amount of satisfaction and accomplishment.”
2. Part 2: Long Turn
In Part 2, you will be given a cue card with a topic and have one minute to prepare a two-minute talk. Let’s create a cue card based on the topic “Describe a time when you were very successful.”
Cue Card
Describe a time when you were very successful. You should say:
- What you did
- When and where it happened
- How you felt about it
And explain why you think it was successful.
Sample Answer
“One of the most successful moments in my life was when I passed my university entrance exam with flying colors. This happened three years ago when I was living in Hanoi. I had been preparing for the exam for months, studying hard and attending extra classes. On the day of the exam, I felt a mix of anxiety and anticipation.
When the results were announced, I was ecstatic to see that I had scored in the top 5% of all the candidates. This achievement meant a lot to me because it opened the doors to my dream university and set the stage for my future career. I felt an immense sense of pride and relief. This experience taught me the value of hard work and perseverance, and it remains one of the highlights of my academic journey.”
Follow-up Questions (Bullet Points)
- Why do people feel successful after achieving something significant?
Sample Answer: “People often feel successful because it provides a sense of accomplishment, validation, and confidence. Achieving a significant goal can also lead to new opportunities and personal growth.” - What qualities or attributes contribute to success?
Sample Answer: “Qualities like determination, resilience, hard work, and effective time management are crucial for achieving success. A positive mindset and the ability to adapt to challenges also play a significant role.”
university-acceptance-letter|university acceptance letter|A student opening a university acceptance letter with a joyful expression.
3. Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, the discussion becomes more abstract and involves your opinions. The questions often relate to the topic discussed in Part 2 but in a broader context.
Q: Do you think success is more important than happiness?
A: “I don’t think success is more important than happiness. Success and happiness are deeply interconnected. While being successful can contribute to happiness by providing a sense of fulfillment and financial stability, true happiness often comes from intangible aspects of life, such as personal relationships and inner peace. Sometimes, chasing success at the expense of happiness can lead to stress and dissatisfaction. Therefore, a balance between the two is essential.”
Q: How do cultural differences influence the perception of success?
A: “Cultural differences significantly influence how success is perceived. In some cultures, success is often measured by professional achievements and wealth, while in others, it might be more about community contributions and family well-being. These variations shape how individuals set their goals and define their achievements. For example, in many Western cultures, personal success and independence are highly valued, whereas in many Eastern cultures, collective success and harmony are prioritized.”
4. Key Vocabulary and Structures for High Scores
Important Vocabulary
- Accomplishment /əˈkɑːmplɪʃmənt/ (n): An impressive thing that is done or achieved after a lot of work
- Example: Passing the exam was a significant accomplishment in my academic career.
- Ecstatic /ɪkˈstætɪk/ (adj): Feeling or expressing overwhelming happiness or joyful excitement
- Example: I was ecstatic to receive the job offer from my dream company.
- Perseverance /ˌpɜːrsəˈvɪrəns/ (n): Steadfastness in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success
- Example: Her perseverance in the face of challenges was truly inspiring.
- Resilience /rɪˈzɪliəns/ (n): The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness
- Example: His resilience after the failure helped him bounce back stronger.
- Validation /ˌvælɪˈdeɪʃn/ (n): Recognition or affirmation that a person or their feelings or opinions are valid or worthwhile
- Example: Receiving praise from my mentor was a form of validation for my hard work.
Example Sentences Using Key Vocabulary
- Accomplishment: “Graduating from university felt like a huge accomplishment because it was the culmination of years of dedication.”
- Ecstatic: “She was ecstatic when she found out that her artwork had been accepted into the prestigious exhibition.”
- Perseverance: “His perseverance paid off when his startup finally received funding after numerous rejections.”
- Resilience: “The community showed remarkable resilience in rebuilding their town after the natural disaster.”
- Validation: “Gaining positive feedback from the audience provided the validation he needed to continue his public speaking career.”
III. Examiner’s Advice
Practice Tips for High Scores
- Record Yourself: Practice speaking on various topics and record yourself. Review the recordings to identify areas for improvement.
- Expand Vocabulary: Learn and use a variety of words and phrases. Avoid repetition and aim for precise and sophisticated vocabulary.
- Structure Answers: Organize your answers logically with clear introductions, bodies, and conclusions.
- Practice Under Time Constraints: Simulate real test conditions by practicing with a timer to get used to speaking within the given time limits.
- Seek Feedback: Get feedback from teachers, friends, or online forums to refine your speaking skills and address any weaknesses.
Remember, consistent practice and a positive mindset are key to excelling in the IELTS Speaking Test. Good luck!