Describing a proud accomplishment is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This theme allows examiners to assess your ability to articulate personal experiences, express emotions, and reflect on significant moments in your life. Given its relevance to personal growth and achievement, it’s likely to remain a popular topic in future IELTS exams. Let’s explore how to excel in this speaking task and boost your chances of achieving a high band score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about pride and accomplishments. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
Examiner: Do you often feel proud of yourself?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I’d say I experience pride in moderation. While I do feel a sense of accomplishment when I achieve my goals, I try to maintain a balanced perspective. I believe it’s important to acknowledge personal successes without becoming overly boastful.”
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a potential cue card related to the topic:
Describe something you did that made you proud.
You should say:
- What you did
- When you did it
- Why you did it
- And explain why it made you feel proud
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about a significant achievement that filled me with pride – successfully organizing a large-scale charity event for underprivileged children in my community.
This event took place about two years ago, during the summer break of my final year at university. The primary motivation behind this initiative was to make a tangible difference in the lives of disadvantaged children who often miss out on educational opportunities due to financial constraints.
The entire process was both challenging and rewarding. I started by forming a team of like-minded individuals, then we reached out to local businesses for sponsorships and donations. We also collaborated with several schools to identify children who could benefit most from our initiative.
The event itself was a day-long affair, featuring educational workshops, fun activities, and a donation drive for school supplies. We managed to raise a substantial amount of money and collected enough school materials to support over 200 children for an entire academic year.
What made me particularly proud was not just the success of the event, but the lasting impact it had. We received heartwarming feedback from the children and their families, and even inspired other youth groups to undertake similar initiatives.
This experience made me feel immensely proud because it demonstrated the power of community action and reinforced my belief in the ability of young people to drive positive change. It also helped me develop crucial skills in leadership, project management, and public relations, which have proven invaluable in my professional life.
In retrospect, this event stands out as a defining moment in my personal growth. It taught me that with determination, teamwork, and a clear vision, we can overcome challenges and create meaningful change in our communities.”
Charity event for underprivileged children
Examiner: How did this experience change your perspective on community service?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“This experience was truly eye-opening and transformative. It significantly broadened my understanding of community service and its impact. Before this event, I had participated in smaller volunteer activities, but organizing something of this scale made me realize the immense potential of collective action.
I came to understand that effective community service isn’t just about providing immediate aid, but also about creating sustainable solutions and empowering others. It showed me how a single initiative can create a ripple effect, inspiring others to take action and contribute to their communities.
Moreover, this experience challenged my preconceptions about the limitations of what young people can achieve. It proved that with passion, dedication, and proper planning, even students can make a significant difference in addressing social issues.
Ultimately, this event reshaped my career aspirations. It ignited a passion for social entrepreneurship and has led me to pursue opportunities where I can combine business acumen with social impact. I now see community service not as an occasional activity, but as an integral part of my personal and professional life.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: Do you think people today have fewer opportunities to feel proud of their achievements compared to the past?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“That’s an intriguing question. I believe the nature of achievements and sources of pride have evolved rather than diminished. In the past, people might have taken pride in overcoming physical hardships or achieving milestones that were considered significant at the time.
Today, we live in a more complex, interconnected world that offers diverse opportunities for achievement. For instance, technological advancements have opened up new fields where people can excel and feel proud of their innovations. Similarly, increased awareness about social and environmental issues has created avenues for people to take pride in their contributions to these causes.
However, I acknowledge that the prevalence of social media and constant exposure to others’ achievements might make some people feel their own accomplishments are less significant. This could potentially lead to a decreased sense of pride in personal achievements.
Ultimately, I think opportunities for pride still exist abundantly, but they may require a shift in perspective and a focus on personal growth rather than comparison with others.”
Examiner: How can societies encourage young people to take pride in their achievements without becoming arrogant?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“This is a delicate balance that societies must strive to achieve. I believe the key lies in fostering a culture of growth mindset and emphasizing the value of the journey, not just the destination.
Firstly, educational institutions and families can play a crucial role by encouraging effort and perseverance rather than just praising innate talent or results. This approach helps young people take pride in their hard work and the progress they’ve made, rather than feeling superior due to natural abilities.
Secondly, societies can promote the idea of continuous improvement. By encouraging young people to set new goals after achieving one, we can help them maintain a sense of humility while still feeling proud of their accomplishments.
Another effective strategy would be to emphasize the importance of giving back to the community. When young people use their achievements to benefit others, it naturally cultivates a sense of purpose and humility alongside pride.
Moreover, exposing young people to diverse perspectives and challenges can help them maintain a balanced view of their achievements. This could involve international exchange programs, volunteering opportunities, or mentorship from individuals in different fields.
Lastly, media and public figures have a significant role to play. By showcasing stories of accomplished individuals who remain humble and continue to strive for improvement, we can provide positive role models for young people.
In essence, the goal should be to cultivate a sense of ‘proud but not satisfied’ – where young people can acknowledge their achievements with pride, but always see room for growth and contribution to society.”
Promoting growth mindset in education
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Tangible difference /ˈtændʒəbəl ˈdɪfərəns/ (adjective + noun): A real or noticeable change.
Example: “The charity event made a tangible difference in the lives of underprivileged children.”Lasting impact /ˈlæstɪŋ ˈɪmpækt/ (adjective + noun): An effect that continues for a long time.
Example: “The experience had a lasting impact on my perspective towards community service.”Eye-opening /aɪ ˈəʊpənɪŋ/ (adjective): Revealing or enlightening.
Example: “Organizing the charity event was an eye-opening experience.”Broaden one’s understanding /ˈbrɔːdən wʌnz ˌʌndəˈstændɪŋ/ (phrase): To expand one’s knowledge or perspective.
Example: “The project significantly broadened my understanding of social issues.”Foster a culture /ˈfɒstər ə ˈkʌltʃər/ (phrase): To encourage the development of certain attitudes or behaviors.
Example: “It’s important to foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement.”
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing personal achievements:
- Use a range of advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions naturally.
- Provide detailed examples to support your points.
- Demonstrate critical thinking by considering different perspectives.
- Maintain fluency while organizing your thoughts coherently.
- Use a variety of grammatical structures accurately.
- Practice speaking on various topics to improve your confidence and fluency.
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Confidence, clarity, and the ability to express complex ideas in a structured manner are crucial. Regular practice and exposure to English through various media can significantly enhance your performance.
Describe a time when you set and achieved a personal goal can be another interesting topic to explore for enhancing your IELTS Speaking skills. It allows you to demonstrate your ability to plan, execute, and reflect on personal achievements, which are valuable skills in both academic and professional contexts.