How to Ace the “Proud Moment” Question in IELTS Speaking: A Comprehensive Guide

As an IELTS Speaking examiner, I’ve encountered numerous candidates struggling to effectively describe a moment of pride during their test. This article will provide you with valuable insights and practical tips to help you excel in this particular aspect of the IELTS Speaking exam.

Understanding the Question

The “proud moment” question is a common topic in IELTS Speaking, particularly in Part 2. It’s designed to assess your ability to recount a personal experience, express emotions, and use a range of vocabulary and grammar structures. Examiners are looking for fluency, coherence, lexical resource, and grammatical range and accuracy.

IELTS Speaking Proud Moment

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

While the “proud moment” question is typically asked in Part 2, related questions might come up in Part 1. Here are some examples:

1. Do you often feel proud of yourself?
2. What kinds of achievements make people feel proud?
3. Is it important to celebrate achievements?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:

Examiner: Do you often feel proud of yourself?

Candidate: Well, I’d say I experience a sense of pride fairly regularly, but I try to keep it in perspective. I believe it’s important to acknowledge personal accomplishments, whether big or small. For instance, I felt quite proud last week when I successfully delivered a presentation at work that I had been preparing diligently for. However, I also think it’s crucial to remain humble and recognize that there’s always room for improvement.

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Here’s a sample cue card related to the “proud moment” theme:

Describe a time when you were very proud of yourself.

You should say:

• What the occasion was
• What you did
• Why you felt proud
• And explain how this experience affected you

Here’s a sample answer:

“I’d like to talk about a time when I felt incredibly proud of myself. It was about two years ago when I successfully organized a charity event for a local orphanage.

The occasion was a fundraising gala that I initiated and coordinated from scratch. I’ve always been passionate about giving back to the community, and when I learned about the financial struggles of this orphanage, I felt compelled to act.

I took on the responsibility of planning the entire event, which was no small feat. I reached out to local businesses for sponsorships, recruited a team of volunteers, and meticulously planned every detail from the venue decoration to the entertainment program. It was a challenging endeavor that required me to push my boundaries and step out of my comfort zone.

The reason I felt so proud was the overwhelming success of the event. We managed to raise a substantial amount of money, far exceeding our initial goal. The smiles on the children’s faces when we presented the cheque to the orphanage were absolutely priceless.

This experience had a profound effect on me. It boosted my self-confidence and made me realize that with determination and hard work, I could make a real difference in people’s lives. It also ignited a passion for event planning and philanthropy, which has since become a significant part of my life. The skills I developed during this process, such as leadership, organization, and communication, have proven invaluable in both my personal and professional life.

Looking back, I’m not only proud of the tangible results we achieved but also of the personal growth I experienced through this endeavor. It serves as a constant reminder of what I’m capable of when I set my mind to something and put my heart and soul into it.”

Possible follow-up questions:

1. How did you handle the stress of organizing such a big event?
2. What was the most challenging aspect of the fundraising process?
3. How has this experience influenced your future goals?

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: Do you think people today have fewer opportunities to feel proud of their achievements compared to the past?

Candidate: That’s an interesting question, and I believe it’s quite nuanced. On one hand, we could argue that people today have more diverse opportunities to achieve and feel proud due to advancements in technology and globalization. For instance, someone can now start an online business or gain recognition for their skills on a global platform, which wasn’t possible in the past.

However, on the other hand, the increased competition and information overload in today’s world might make it harder for individuals to stand out or feel that their achievements are significant. There’s also the issue of social media comparison, where people might feel less proud of their own accomplishments when constantly exposed to others’ successes.

Ultimately, I think the nature of pride-worthy achievements has changed rather than diminished. While traditional milestones like career advancements or academic achievements still exist, we now also value things like work-life balance, personal growth, and social impact. So, while the landscape has shifted, I believe people still have ample opportunities to feel proud; it’s just that these opportunities might look different from those in the past.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. To take pride in (phrasal verb) – to feel deep pleasure or satisfaction as a result of one’s achievements, qualities, or possessions.
   Example: I take pride in my ability to solve complex problems.

2. Accomplishment (noun) – /əˈkʌmplɪʃmənt/ – something that has been achieved successfully.
   Example: Graduating from university was a major accomplishment for me.

3. To overcome obstacles (phrase) – to succeed in dealing with or moving past difficulties.
   Example: She overcame numerous obstacles to become the company’s first female CEO.

4. Milestone (noun) – /ˈmaɪlstəʊn/ – an important event in the development or history of something or in someone’s life.
   Example: Running my first marathon was a significant milestone in my fitness journey.

5. To exceed expectations (phrase) – to be or do something better than what was anticipated.
   Example: The project’s success exceeded all our expectations.

Examiner’s Advice

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

1. Practice storytelling: Develop your ability to narrate events coherently and engagingly.
2. Expand your vocabulary: Learn and use a variety of descriptive words and idiomatic expressions.
3. Use complex grammar structures: Incorporate a mix of tenses and conditional sentences where appropriate.
4. Show reflection: Discuss how the experience affected you or what you learned from it.
5. Be specific: Provide concrete details to make your story more vivid and believable.

Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Confidence, fluency, and the ability to express your thoughts clearly are crucial. Regular practice and exposure to English will help you achieve these goals.

For more tips on handling different types of questions in IELTS Speaking, you might find it helpful to read about how to describe a time you had to handle a stressful situation or how to describe a time you were very determined. These resources can provide additional strategies to enhance your speaking skills across various topics.