How to Ace the IELTS Speaking Task: Describing a Significant Achievement

IELTS Mentor

3 months ago

The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about personal achievements, making it crucial for test-takers to be well-prepared to discuss their accomplishments effectively. This topic is not only common in IELTS exams but also highly relevant to real-life situations, such as job interviews or networking events. In this guide, we’ll explore how to excel in describing a time you achieved something important, providing you with strategies and sample answers to boost your confidence and score.

Understanding the IELTS Speaking Test Structure

Before diving into the specifics of describing achievements, let’s briefly review the structure of the IELTS Speaking test:

Part 1: Introduction and Interview (4-5 minutes)
Part 2: Individual Long Turn (3-4 minutes)
Part 3: Two-way Discussion (4-5 minutes)

Each part offers opportunities to showcase your language skills and personal experiences, including your achievements.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

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

Sample Question 1: Do you set goals for yourself?

Sample Answer: Absolutely, I’m a firm believer in setting goals. I find that having clear objectives motivates me to push my boundaries and achieve more than I thought possible. For instance, at the beginning of each year, I set both personal and professional goals, which helps me stay focused and track my progress throughout the months.

Sample Question 2: How do you celebrate your achievements?

Sample Answer: When I accomplish something significant, I like to celebrate in a meaningful way. This often involves sharing the moment with loved ones, perhaps over a special dinner or a small gathering. I also believe in reflecting on the journey that led to the achievement, as it helps me appreciate the effort and growth involved.

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

In this section, you may be given a cue card related to achievements. Here’s a sample cue card and response:

Sample Cue Card:

Describe a time you achieved something important. You should say:

What you achieved
When and where it happened
How you achieved it
And explain why it was important to you

Sample Response:

“I’d like to talk about a significant achievement in my life: completing my first marathon. This accomplishment took place about two years ago in my hometown.

The journey to this achievement began six months prior to the race when I decided to challenge myself physically and mentally. I had always been interested in running but had never attempted such a long distance before.

To achieve this goal, I developed a rigorous training regimen. I started with shorter runs and gradually increased my distance and endurance. I also made significant lifestyle changes, including adopting a healthier diet and prioritizing sleep. The preparation was demanding, requiring early morning runs and sacrificing some social activities.

On the day of the marathon, the atmosphere was electric. Despite the initial excitement, I faced moments of doubt around the 30km mark. However, I pushed through the mental barriers, drawing strength from my training and the cheering crowd.

Crossing the finish line was an indescribable feeling of triumph. This achievement was important to me for several reasons. Firstly, it proved my capability to set and achieve ambitious goals. Secondly, it boosted my self-confidence and showed me that with dedication and perseverance, I could overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges.

Moreover, this experience taught me valuable lessons about discipline, resilience, and the power of incremental progress. These lessons have since positively impacted other areas of my life, both personally and professionally.

In retrospect, completing the marathon was more than just a physical achievement; it was a transformative experience that reshaped my perspective on personal growth and goal-setting.”

Marathon Achievement

Examiner’s Follow-up Questions:

How did this achievement change your approach to future challenges?
Did you face any unexpected obstacles during your preparation?

Sample Answers:

“This achievement significantly altered my mindset towards future challenges. It taught me the value of breaking large goals into smaller, manageable steps. Now, when faced with daunting tasks, I apply the same principle of consistent effort and gradual progress. This approach has made me more confident in taking on complex projects at work and in my personal life.”
“Yes, I encountered several unexpected obstacles. The most challenging was a minor injury about two months before the race. It forced me to adapt my training plan and focus more on cross-training activities. This setback actually improved my overall fitness and taught me the importance of flexibility in goal pursuit. It also reinforced the need for proper rest and recovery, a lesson I’ve applied to all aspects of my life since then.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to achievements and success. Here are some potential questions and sample responses:

Question 1: How do you think society’s definition of success has changed over the years?

Sample Answer: “I believe society’s definition of success has evolved significantly in recent years. Traditionally, success was often measured solely by financial wealth or professional status. However, there’s been a noticeable shift towards a more holistic view of success.

Nowadays, people are increasingly valuing work-life balance, personal fulfillment, and positive social impact as key components of success. This change can be attributed to several factors, including increased awareness of mental health issues, the rise of social entrepreneurship, and a growing emphasis on sustainability.

Furthermore, the digital age has redefined success for many, with social media influence and online presence becoming new metrics. However, this has also led to more discussions about the authenticity of success and the importance of genuine achievements over mere appearances.

I think this evolving definition is generally positive, as it encourages a more balanced and inclusive view of personal and professional accomplishments. It allows for a diversity of paths to be considered successful, rather than adhering to a one-size-fits-all model.”

Question 2: Do you think it’s important for people to set ambitious goals, or is it better to have more modest aspirations?

Sample Answer: “This is a nuanced question, and I believe the answer lies in striking a balance. There are merits to both ambitious goals and modest aspirations, depending on the individual and the context.

Ambitious goals can be incredibly motivating and push people to reach their full potential. They can lead to groundbreaking innovations and remarkable personal growth. When people aim high, they often achieve more than they initially thought possible, even if they don’t fully reach their original target.

On the other hand, modest aspirations have their place too. They can be more achievable in the short term, providing regular boosts of confidence and satisfaction. This steady progress can be crucial for maintaining motivation and avoiding burnout.

I think the key is to have a mix of both. Setting ambitious long-term goals while breaking them down into more modest, achievable milestones can be an effective strategy. This approach allows for the excitement and drive of big aspirations while also providing the regular sense of accomplishment that comes with achieving smaller goals.

It’s also important to consider individual personalities and circumstances. Some people thrive under the pressure of ambitious goals, while others may find them overwhelming. Self-awareness and realistic self-assessment are crucial in determining the right balance.

Ultimately, I believe the most important factor is that goals, whether ambitious or modest, should be personally meaningful and aligned with one’s values and aspirations. This alignment ensures that the pursuit of these goals contributes to overall life satisfaction and personal growth.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To elevate your responses and aim for those higher band scores, incorporate these sophisticated vocabulary items and phrases:

Milestone /ˈmaɪl.stəʊn/ (noun): A significant stage or event in the development of something.
Example: “Completing my degree was a major milestone in my academic journey.”
Perseverance /ˌpɜː.səˈvɪə.rəns/ (noun): Continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties.
Example: “My success was largely due to my perseverance in the face of numerous setbacks.”
To surpass expectations (phrase): To perform better than anticipated.
Example: “The project’s success surpassed even our most optimistic expectations.”
Paradigm shift /ˈpær.ə.daɪm ˌʃɪft/ (noun): A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.
Example: “Achieving this goal caused a paradigm shift in how I view my capabilities.”
To push one’s boundaries (phrase): To extend beyond one’s usual limits.
Example: “Training for the marathon pushed my boundaries both physically and mentally.”
Transformative /trænsˈfɔː.mə.tɪv/ (adjective): Causing a marked change in someone or something.
Example: “The experience was truly transformative, altering my perspective on life.”
To reap the rewards (idiom): To benefit from one’s efforts.
Example: “After months of hard work, I finally began to reap the rewards of my dedication.”
Pivotal /ˈpɪv.ə.təl/ (adjective): Of crucial importance in relation to the development or success of something else.
Example: “That achievement played a pivotal role in shaping my future career path.”

Examiner’s Advice for Success

To maximize your performance in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing achievements:

Be specific: Provide concrete details about your achievement, including dates, places, and specific actions you took.
Show, don’t just tell: Use descriptive language to paint a vivid picture of your experience and emotions.
Highlight the process: Discuss not just the outcome, but the journey and challenges you faced along the way.
Reflect on the impact: Explain how the achievement affected you personally and professionally.
Use a range of tenses: Incorporate past, present, and future tenses to discuss the lead-up, the achievement itself, and its ongoing effects.
Practice varied sentence structures: Mix simple, compound, and complex sentences to demonstrate linguistic flexibility.
Stay relevant: Ensure your responses directly address the questions asked and stay on topic.
Be authentic: While it’s important to use sophisticated language, make sure your responses sound natural and true to your experiences.

By following these guidelines and incorporating the provided vocabulary and phrases, you’ll be well-equipped to discuss your achievements effectively in the IELTS Speaking test. Remember, practice is key to building confidence and fluency, so take every opportunity to discuss your accomplishments in English.

For more tips on acing other aspects of the IELTS Speaking test, check out our guides on how to describe a time you were very proud of yourself and how to describe a time you had to deal with a challenging task. These resources will further enhance your ability to articulate personal experiences effectively during your IELTS Speaking test.