The ability to articulate personal accomplishments with pride is a crucial skill in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when faced with topics like “describe an event that made you proud.” This theme has been a recurring element in past IELTS examinations and is likely to remain relevant in future tests. Let’s explore how to effectively tackle this topic and maximize your score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask questions to warm you up and get you talking about yourself. Here’s a sample question with a suggested response:
Examiner: “Do you often feel proud of yourself?”
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Well, I’d say I experience a sense of pride occasionally, especially when I’ve overcome a significant challenge or achieved a long-term goal. For instance, I felt incredibly proud when I describe a time when you shared good news about my academic achievements with my family. However, I try to balance feeling proud with staying humble and motivated to continue improving myself.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to the theme:
Describe an event that made you proud
You should say:
- What the event was
- When it happened
- Who was involved
- And explain why it made you feel proud
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“I’d like to talk about an event that made me incredibly proud. It was when I organized a charity run for a local children’s hospital last summer. The event took place in my hometown’s central park and involved over 200 participants from all walks of life.
I had been volunteering at the hospital for a few months and noticed they needed funds for new equipment. So, I decided to take the initiative and organize this run. It took about two months of planning, during which I worked with a small team of volunteers to handle logistics, promotion, and fundraising.
On the day of the event, seeing so many people come together for a good cause was overwhelming. We managed to raise a substantial amount of money, far exceeding our initial goal. What made me feel especially proud was not just the success of the event, but the positive impact it had on the children’s hospital and our community.
This experience taught me the power of community action and made me realize that with determination and teamwork, we can make a real difference in people’s lives. It was a proud moment that I’ll cherish for a long time.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d be delighted to share an event that filled me with an immense sense of pride. The occasion I’m referring to was the successful launch of a groundbreaking environmental initiative in my community last autumn. This project, which I spearheaded, aimed to transform our city’s waste management system and promote sustainable living practices.
The genesis of this initiative can be traced back to a moment that made me feel accomplished when I realized the pressing need for ecological conservation in our rapidly growing urban area. Over six months, I collaborated with local authorities, environmental experts, and community leaders to design and implement a comprehensive recycling program and educational campaign.
The launch event, held in the city’s main square, was a culmination of our collective efforts. It featured interactive displays, workshops, and speeches from prominent environmentalists. What struck me most was the overwhelming enthusiasm and engagement from citizens of all ages, from school children to retirees, all united in their commitment to a greener future.
The pride I felt stemmed not just from the immediate success of the launch, but from the long-term impact this initiative promises. Within weeks, we observed a significant reduction in landfill waste and an increase in recycling rates. Moreover, the project has sparked a wider conversation about environmental responsibility in our region.
This experience reinforced my belief in the power of grassroots movements and the importance of taking initiative for causes one believes in. It demonstrated that with vision, perseverance, and community involvement, we can effect tangible, positive change in our world. The sense of pride I derive from this achievement continues to motivate me to pursue further projects for the betterment of society and the environment.”
Follow-up questions:
- How do you usually celebrate your achievements?
- Do you think it’s important to share your proud moments with others?
Sample answer for question 1 (Band 8-9):
“When it comes to celebrating achievements, I prefer a balanced approach. While I believe it’s important to acknowledge successes, I’m not one for grand gestures. Typically, I might treat myself to a special meal or take a day off to relax and reflect on the journey. More importantly, I find it fulfilling to share the moment with close friends or family who have supported me along the way. This not only allows me to express my gratitude but also creates lasting memories associated with the achievement. Additionally, I often use these moments as an opportunity for introspection, considering what I’ve learned and how I can apply these lessons to future endeavors. This method of celebration helps me stay grounded while also motivating me for the next challenge.”
Sample answer for question 2 (Band 8-9):
“I firmly believe that sharing proud moments with others can be immensely beneficial, both personally and collectively. On a personal level, articulating our achievements helps us internalize our success and boosts our self-confidence. It also provides an opportunity for self-reflection, allowing us to appreciate the journey and lessons learned.
From a broader perspective, sharing accomplishments can inspire and motivate others. It can demonstrate what’s possible and encourage people to pursue their own goals. However, it’s crucial to strike a balance – the sharing should come from a place of genuine excitement and desire to motivate, rather than boastfulness.
Moreover, in professional settings, tastefully sharing achievements can be instrumental in career advancement and networking. It allows colleagues and superiors to recognize your capabilities and potentially opens doors to new opportunities.
That said, it’s equally important to be sensitive to the context and audience when sharing proud moments. The key is to do so in a way that is humble, authentic, and considerate of others’ feelings.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: “Do you think people today have more or fewer opportunities to achieve things they can be proud of compared to the past?”
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I believe that in many ways, people today have more opportunities to achieve things they can be proud of compared to the past. With advancements in technology and globalization, we now have access to a wider range of resources, information, and platforms to showcase our talents and ideas. For instance, the internet has made it possible for individuals to start businesses, learn new skills, or make a global impact from anywhere in the world.
However, it’s also important to note that increased opportunities often come with increased competition and pressure. This can make it more challenging to stand out or feel a sense of unique accomplishment. Additionally, the definition of what’s considered ‘achievement-worthy’ has evolved over time.
In the past, people might have taken pride in more traditional accomplishments like owning a home or having a stable job. Today, while these are still valued, there’s also emphasis on personal growth, entrepreneurship, and making a positive impact on society.
So, while I think there are more opportunities available, the nature of what we consider proud achievements has become more diverse and perhaps more complex.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“This is a nuanced question that requires careful consideration of various factors. On one hand, I’d argue that in many respects, people today have unprecedented opportunities to achieve things they can be proud of. The digital age has democratized access to information, education, and global platforms, enabling individuals to pursue diverse passions and make significant impacts in ways that were inconceivable in the past.
For instance, someone with a unique idea can now crowdfund their project, reaching supporters worldwide. Similarly, the gig economy and remote work have opened up new avenues for career achievement and work-life balance that previous generations couldn’t have imagined.
Moreover, our expanded understanding of what constitutes an achievement worthy of pride has broadened the spectrum of opportunities. We now recognize and celebrate a wider range of accomplishments, from personal growth and mental health milestones to contributions to social causes and environmental conservation.
However, it’s crucial to acknowledge the flip side of this coin. The abundance of opportunities can lead to a paradox of choice, making it harder for individuals to focus and feel satisfied with their achievements. There’s also the issue of increased global competition and the pressure of constant connectivity, which can make it more challenging to feel a sense of unique accomplishment.
Furthermore, while some barriers have been lowered, others persist or have even heightened. Economic inequality, for example, continues to limit opportunities for many, perhaps more starkly than in some past eras.
In conclusion, while I believe the potential for achievement has expanded significantly, the landscape has also become more complex. Today’s world offers more diverse opportunities for pride-worthy accomplishments, but also presents new challenges in recognizing and appreciating these achievements amidst the noise of our fast-paced, hyper-connected society.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
-
Groundbreaking /ˈɡraʊnd.breɪ.kɪŋ/ (adjective): Innovative; pioneering.
Example: “The groundbreaking research opened up new possibilities in cancer treatment.” -
Spearhead /ˈspɪə.hed/ (verb): To lead or organize (an attack or movement).
Example: “She spearheaded the campaign for environmental awareness in her community.” -
Culmination /ˌkʌl.mɪˈneɪ.ʃən/ (noun): The highest or climactic point of something.
Example: “The gala dinner was the culmination of years of fundraising efforts.” -
Grassroots movement /ˈɡrɑːs.ruːts ˌmuːv.mənt/ (noun phrase): A movement that starts at the local level.
Example: “The policy change was the result of a powerful grassroots movement.” -
Introspection /ˌɪn.trəˈspek.ʃən/ (noun): The examination of one’s own mental and emotional processes.
Example: “After the project, I took time for introspection to understand what I had learned.” -
Nuanced /ˈnjuː.ɑːnst/ (adjective): Characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression.
Example: “The issue requires a nuanced approach, considering all aspects carefully.”
By incorporating these phrases and maintaining a confident, articulate delivery, you can significantly enhance your IELTS Speaking score when describing proud moments or achievements.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing proud moments:
- Practice articulating your achievements clearly and concisely.
- Use a variety of vocabulary and complex sentence structures.
- Provide specific examples to support your points.
- Show reflection and depth in your responses, especially in Part 3.
- Maintain a balance between confidence and humility when describing your accomplishments.
Remember, consistent practice and exposure to English through various media can greatly improve your speaking skills. Consider engaging in discussions about books that have impacted you positively or reflecting on times when you’ve traveled to historical sites to broaden your range of topics and vocabulary for the IELTS Speaking test.