The IELTS Speaking test can be nerve-wracking, especially when you’re hit with unexpected questions. One such question that often throws test-takers off is “What makes you feel proud?” While seemingly simple, this question requires a thoughtful response that reveals your personality and values to the examiner.
This article will guide you on how to effectively answer this question, providing you with the tools and strategies to impress the examiner and boost your overall IELTS Speaking score.
Understanding the Question’s Intent
The examiner isn’t just looking for a list of achievements. They want to understand what motivates you, what values you hold dear, and how well you can articulate your feelings. This question digs into your emotional intelligence and self-awareness, key aspects of fluent communication.
Brainstorming for Authentic Answers
Before crafting your response, take a moment to reflect on what truly makes you feel proud. Here are some potential areas to consider:
Personal Achievements
- Overcoming a challenge: “One thing that makes me incredibly proud is conquering my fear of public speaking. I used to get incredibly nervous, but I joined a Toastmasters club and with practice, I’m now much more confident.”
- Developing a new skill: “I’m really proud of myself for learning how to play the guitar. It took a lot of dedication and practice, but being able to play my favorite songs is incredibly rewarding.”
- Personal growth: “I’m proud of how much I’ve grown as a person over the past few years. I’ve learned to be more independent, responsible, and resilient.”
Helping Others
- Volunteering or community involvement: “Volunteering at the local animal shelter fills me with a sense of pride. Knowing I’m making a difference in the lives of animals who need it most is truly rewarding.”
- Supporting friends and family: “I feel a great deal of pride when I see my younger siblings succeed. I always try to be a positive influence and support them in their endeavors.”
Cultural Heritage and Values
- Family traditions: “I’m immensely proud of my family’s history and traditions. We have a strong sense of community and always come together to celebrate important occasions.”
- Upholding personal values: “Integrity is a value I hold dear, and I’m proud of always striving to be honest and ethical in all aspects of my life.”
Structuring Your Response
A well-structured answer is crucial for clarity and coherence. Here’s a simple framework:
- Introduce your answer: Briefly state your chosen topic.
- “Well, I feel a great sense of pride when…”
- “Something that truly makes me proud is…”
- Explain your reason: Elaborate on why this makes you proud.
- “This is important to me because…”
- “It makes me proud because…”
- Provide a specific example: Share a concise, relevant anecdote to illustrate your point.
- Conclude briefly: Summarize your feeling of pride.
- “So, that’s something I’m truly proud of.”
- “Overall, it’s a source of great pride for me.”
Confident Person Speaking on Stage
Example Response
“One thing that truly makes me proud is my dedication to lifelong learning. I believe in constantly expanding my knowledge and skills, whether it’s through reading books, taking online courses, or attending workshops. This commitment to learning has not only enriched my life but has also allowed me to contribute meaningfully to my career and personal relationships. For example, last year I completed a challenging online course in digital marketing. It was tough finding the time to study while working full-time, but I persevered and ended up topping my class. The skills I gained have been invaluable in my current role, and it gives me a real sense of accomplishment knowing I achieved something significant through hard work and dedication. So, yeah, that’s definitely something I’m proud of.”
Key Tips for Success
- Be genuine: Speak from the heart and choose a topic that truly resonates with you.
- Use a range of vocabulary: Showcase your vocabulary related to emotions, achievements, and values.
- Maintain fluency: Speak smoothly and confidently, avoiding unnecessary pauses or hesitations.
- Practice makes perfect: Rehearse answering this question and similar prompts to improve your confidence.
Conclusion
By preparing thoughtfully and structuring your answer effectively, you can confidently tackle the “What makes you feel proud?” question in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember to be yourself, showcase your personality, and let your genuine pride shine through.