Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Confidently Describe Your Achievements

Describing personal accomplishments is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Part 2. The ability to articulate your achievements confidently can significantly impact your overall score. This article will guide you through effectively answering questions related to “describing something you did that made you feel confident” in your IELTS Speaking exam.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask simple questions to ease you into the conversation. Here are some potential questions related to confidence and achievements:

1. Do you consider yourself a confident person?
2. What activities make you feel confident?
3. How do you boost your confidence before an important event?

Let’s look at a sample answer for question 2:

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Well, I’d say that engaging in public speaking always gives me a significant confidence boost. Whenever I successfully deliver a presentation or participate in a debate, I feel a real sense of accomplishment. Additionally, mastering a new skill, like learning a difficult piano piece or solving a complex coding problem, greatly enhances my self-assurance.”

Part 2: Long Turn

For Part 2, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic to speak about for 1-2 minutes. Here’s a sample cue card related to our main topic:

Describe something you did that made you feel confident.

You should say:
- What you did
- When and where you did it
- Who you were with
- And explain why it made you feel confident

Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“I’d like to talk about a time when I gave a presentation in my English class, which really boosted my confidence. It happened last semester at my university. I had to present a topic on environmental issues to about 30 classmates and my professor.

I spent a lot of time preparing for this presentation. I researched the topic thoroughly and practiced my speech many times. On the day of the presentation, I was nervous at first, but as I started speaking, I felt more and more comfortable.

What made me feel confident was how well I handled the questions from my classmates and professor after the presentation. I was able to answer them clearly and provide additional information. My professor praised my presentation skills and knowledge of the subject.

This experience made me feel confident because it showed me that I could effectively communicate complex ideas in English, which is not my native language. It also improved my public speaking skills and made me realize that with proper preparation, I can overcome my nervousness and perform well under pressure.”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to recount an experience that significantly boosted my confidence – when I spearheaded a community recycling initiative in my neighborhood. This took place about six months ago in the suburban area where I reside.

The project involved collaborating with a diverse group of individuals, including local council members, environmental experts, and fellow community volunteers. We set out to implement a comprehensive recycling program that would substantially reduce our area’s landfill contribution.

What made this endeavor particularly challenging was the need to educate and motivate a large number of residents, many of whom were initially skeptical about the benefits of recycling. I took it upon myself to organize informational sessions, create engaging promotional materials, and even go door-to-door to address individual concerns.

The initiative made me feel immensely confident for several reasons. Firstly, it demonstrated my ability to turn a vision into reality through perseverance and strategic planning. Secondly, successfully persuading a significant portion of the community to change their habits validated my communication and leadership skills. Lastly, seeing the tangible positive impact on our local environment gave me a profound sense of accomplishment.

This experience not only enhanced my self-assurance but also ignited a passion for environmental advocacy. It taught me the value of taking initiative and the power of community engagement in driving meaningful change.”

Follow-up questions:

1. How did this experience change your approach to new challenges?
2. What advice would you give to someone who lacks confidence in public speaking?

Sample answer for question 1 (Band 8-9):
“This experience fundamentally transformed my approach to new challenges. It instilled in me a profound belief in my ability to tackle complex problems through meticulous planning and perseverance. Now, when faced with daunting tasks, I break them down into manageable steps and approach them with a more positive mindset. Moreover, it highlighted the importance of collaboration and seeking diverse perspectives, which I now actively incorporate into my problem-solving strategy.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In Part 3, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions:

1. Do you think confidence is an innate trait or something that can be developed?
2. How does technology impact people’s confidence in modern society?
3. What role does confidence play in professional success?

Sample answer for question 3 (Band 8-9):
“Confidence plays a pivotal role in professional success, acting as a catalyst for various aspects of career development. Firstly, a confident individual is more likely to seize opportunities and take calculated risks, which can lead to innovative solutions and career advancement. Additionally, confidence enhances communication skills, enabling professionals to articulate their ideas persuasively and navigate complex interpersonal dynamics in the workplace.

Moreover, confidence fosters resilience, a crucial trait in today’s fast-paced and often unpredictable work environments. Confident professionals are better equipped to handle setbacks, learn from failures, and persist in the face of challenges. This resilience not only contributes to individual success but also inspires and motivates team members, creating a positive ripple effect throughout an organization.

However, it’s important to strike a balance, as excessive confidence can lead to arrogance or overestimation of one’s abilities, potentially hindering professional growth. The key lies in cultivating a healthy level of confidence grounded in competence and self-awareness. This balanced approach enables professionals to recognize their strengths, acknowledge areas for improvement, and continuously strive for personal and professional development.”

Confident professional leading meeting

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To elevate your speaking performance, incorporate these advanced vocabulary items and phrases:

1. Spearhead /ˈspɪəhed/ (verb): To lead or organize an activity or campaign.
   Example: “I spearheaded the initiative to improve our company’s environmental practices.”

2. Tangible /ˈtændʒəbl/ (adjective): Clear and definite; real.
   Example: “The project yielded tangible benefits for the community.”

3. Ignite a passion (phrase): To cause a strong interest or enthusiasm for something to begin.
   Example: “This experience ignited a passion for environmental conservation in me.”

4. Meticulous /məˈtɪkjələs/ (adjective): Showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise.
   Example: “The success of the project was due to our meticulous planning.”

5. Pivotal /ˈpɪvətl/ (adjective): Of crucial importance in relation to the development or success of something else.
   Example: “Confidence plays a pivotal role in professional success.”

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, focus on these key areas:

1. Fluency and Coherence: Practice speaking on various topics to improve your ability to express ideas smoothly and logically.

2. Lexical Resource: Expand your vocabulary and use idiomatic expressions naturally. Describe a time when you were asked for your opinion to practice using advanced vocabulary in context.

3. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Use a mix of simple and complex structures accurately. Describe a time when you made a decision that others did not agree with to practice incorporating various grammatical structures.

4. Pronunciation: Work on clear articulation and natural intonation. Record yourself speaking and listen for areas of improvement.

5. Develop your ideas: Provide specific examples and explanations to support your points. Describe a memorable picnic you had with family or friends to practice elaborating on experiences with rich details.

Remember, confidence in your speaking abilities is crucial. Describe a time when you felt anxious about something and how you overcame it to build your self-assurance. Regular practice and exposure to English in various contexts will help you perform confidently on test day.

IELTS Speaking test preparation

By following these guidelines and incorporating advanced language skills, you’ll be well-prepared to describe your confident moments and achieve a high score in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the key to success lies in thorough preparation and consistent practice. Good luck with your IELTS journey!