The topic of describing a proud moment is a common theme in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows examiners to assess candidates’ ability to articulate personal experiences and emotions effectively. This topic has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests. Let’s explore how to excel in answering questions related to this theme across all parts of the IELTS Speaking exam.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about pride and achievements. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

Q: Do you often feel proud of yourself?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I do feel proud of myself sometimes. It usually happens when I achieve something I’ve been working hard for, like getting a good grade or completing a difficult task at work.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely. I believe it’s essential to acknowledge our accomplishments, both big and small. I often feel a sense of pride when I overcome challenges or make progress towards my goals. For instance, recently, I felt particularly proud after successfully organizing a charity event that raised a significant amount for a local cause.

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card related to the theme:

Describe something that made you feel proud of yourself

You should say:

• What it was
• When it happened
• What you did
• And explain why it made you feel proud

Band 6-7 Answer:
I’d like to talk about a time when I felt proud of myself. It was when I completed my first half marathon last year. I had been training for several months, waking up early every morning to run before work. On the day of the race, I was nervous but excited. I managed to finish the race in just under two hours, which was better than I expected. I felt proud because I had set a goal for myself and achieved it through hard work and dedication. It showed me that with persistence, I could accomplish things I never thought possible.

Band 8-9 Answer:
I’d like to share an experience that filled me with an immense sense of pride. It was the culmination of a year-long project where I spearheaded the development of an innovative mobile application designed to help visually impaired individuals navigate urban environments more independently.

The project came to fruition last summer when we officially launched the app. Throughout the development process, I coordinated a diverse team of software engineers, accessibility experts, and potential users. We faced numerous challenges, from technical hurdles to ensuring the app was genuinely user-friendly for our target audience.

My role involved not only overseeing the technical aspects but also securing funding, liaising with various stakeholders, and conducting extensive user testing. The day we launched, we received overwhelmingly positive feedback from both users and industry experts.

This achievement made me feel incredibly proud for several reasons. Firstly, it demonstrated my ability to lead a complex project from conception to completion. Secondly, the app has made a tangible difference in people’s lives, enhancing their independence and quality of life. Lastly, it showcased the power of technology when applied thoughtfully to address real-world problems.

This experience not only boosted my professional confidence but also reinforced my belief in the importance of leveraging one’s skills for the betterment of society. It stands as a testament to what can be achieved through perseverance, teamwork, and a clear vision.

Follow-up questions:

Q: Do you think it’s important to celebrate achievements?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I think it’s important to celebrate achievements. It helps motivate us and makes us feel good about our hard work. Celebrating can be as simple as treating yourself to a nice meal or sharing your success with friends and family.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely. Celebrating achievements, regardless of their magnitude, is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it serves as a form of positive reinforcement, encouraging us to persist in our endeavors and set new, more ambitious goals. Additionally, celebrations provide an opportunity for reflection, allowing us to acknowledge the journey and lessons learned along the way. Moreover, sharing our successes with others can inspire and motivate those around us, fostering a culture of achievement and mutual support.

Q: How do you think pride in one’s achievements affects future performance?

Band 6-7 Answer:
I believe pride in achievements can have a positive effect on future performance. When we feel proud of something we’ve done, it gives us confidence to tackle new challenges. It can also motivate us to keep improving and try to achieve even more in the future.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Pride in one’s achievements can have a profound impact on future performance. It acts as a powerful catalyst for continued success by boosting self-efficacy – our belief in our ability to succeed in specific situations. This enhanced confidence often translates into increased resilience in the face of obstacles and a greater willingness to take on challenging tasks.

However, it’s important to strike a balance. While healthy pride can be motivational, excessive pride might lead to complacency or overconfidence. The key is to use pride as a springboard for setting new, more ambitious goals and maintaining a growth mindset. When properly channeled, pride in past achievements can fuel a cycle of continuous improvement and innovation, driving individuals to consistently push their boundaries and strive for excellence in their future endeavors.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

Q: Why do you think some people find it difficult to feel proud of their achievements?

Band 6-7 Answer:
I think some people find it hard to feel proud because they might compare themselves to others too much. They might also set very high standards for themselves, so even when they achieve something good, they don’t think it’s good enough. Sometimes, people are just too modest and don’t want to seem like they’re boasting.

Band 8-9 Answer:
There are several complex factors that can contribute to individuals struggling to feel proud of their achievements. Firstly, in our increasingly interconnected world, constant exposure to others’ successes through social media can lead to detrimental social comparisons. This can skew perceptions of what constitutes a noteworthy achievement.

Additionally, some individuals may have internalized excessively high standards or suffer from perfectionism, which can make it challenging to appreciate incremental progress or smaller victories. Cultural factors also play a role; in some societies, modesty is highly valued, which might discourage open expressions of pride.

Furthermore, past experiences, such as criticism or lack of recognition for efforts, can condition individuals to downplay their accomplishments. Mental health issues like imposter syndrome or low self-esteem can also significantly impact one’s ability to acknowledge and take pride in their achievements.

Ultimately, learning to recognize and celebrate one’s accomplishments is a skill that often requires conscious effort and sometimes professional guidance to develop, especially in a world that often emphasizes constant striving over pausing to appreciate progress made.

Q: How does society’s view of success influence individual feelings of pride?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Society’s view of success can have a big impact on how people feel about their achievements. If society values certain things, like making a lot of money or having a prestigious job, people might only feel proud if they achieve these specific things. This can make it hard for people who have different kinds of successes to feel proud of themselves.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Society’s perception of success profoundly influences individual feelings of pride, often in complex and sometimes problematic ways. In many cultures, success is predominantly defined by tangible, quantifiable metrics such as wealth, career status, or academic achievements. This narrow definition can lead to a skewed sense of self-worth and pride, where individuals may struggle to value achievements that fall outside these societal norms.

This societal lens can create a dichotomy where certain accomplishments are disproportionately celebrated, while others, equally valuable but less visible or conventional, are overlooked. For instance, personal growth, overcoming adversity, or contributions to community welfare might not receive the same recognition as financial success or fame.

Moreover, the rapid dissemination of information in our digital age has intensified this effect. Social media platforms often present a curated version of success, which can lead to unrealistic comparisons and diminish pride in one’s own achievements.

However, there’s a growing countermovement that recognizes the need for a more holistic view of success. This shift encourages pride in a wider range of accomplishments, including personal development, work-life balance, and positive social impact. As this perspective gains traction, it has the potential to foster a more inclusive and psychologically healthy approach to individual pride and self-worth.

Ultimately, while societal views significantly shape our perceptions of pride-worthy achievements, there’s an increasing recognition of the importance of cultivating personal definitions of success that align with individual values and goals.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Spearhead (verb) /ˈspɪəhed/ – to lead an attack or an important movement or activity
   Example: She spearheaded the campaign for environmental awareness in her community.

2. Culmination (noun) /ˌkʌlmɪˈneɪʃn/ – the highest or climactic point of something, especially as attained after a long time
   Example: The project’s success was the culmination of years of hard work and dedication.

3. Tangible difference (phrase) – a noticeable and real change or effect
   Example: The new policy made a tangible difference in employees’ work-life balance.

4. Perseverance (noun) /ˌpɜːsɪˈvɪərəns/ – continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition
   Example: His perseverance in the face of numerous setbacks was truly admirable.

5. Leverage (verb) /ˈliːvərɪdʒ/ – use (something) to maximum advantage
   Example: We need to leverage our strengths to overcome these challenges.

Visual representation of key IELTS vocabulary

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing proud moments:

1. Develop a bank of personal stories: Prepare various anecdotes about achievements or proud moments that can be adapted to different questions.

2. Practice articulating emotions: Work on expressing feelings and motivations clearly and in detail.

3. Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions naturally in your responses.

4. Provide specific details: Instead of general statements, offer concrete examples and elaborate on your experiences.

5. Connect your experiences to broader themes: Show your ability to think critically by linking your personal experiences to wider societal issues or universal concepts.

6. Maintain fluency: Practice speaking at length without long pauses. Use linking words and phrases to connect your ideas smoothly.

7. Reflect on lessons learned: Demonstrate maturity and depth of thought by discussing how your proud moments have influenced your personal growth or future goals.

Remember, authenticity is key. While it’s important to prepare, your responses should sound natural and genuine during the test.

For more practice on describing significant experiences, you might want to describe a time when you tried something new and unexpected or describe a memorable event from your childhood. These topics can help you develop a broader range of personal stories to draw from during your IELTS Speaking test.