Talking about a time you were proud of a family member is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This theme allows candidates to showcase their ability to describe personal experiences, express emotions, and use a range of vocabulary related to achievements and family relationships. Let’s explore how to excel in this topic across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about your family and proud moments. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
Sample Question 1: Do you often feel proud of your family members?
Sample Answer: Absolutely! I frequently feel a sense of pride in my family members’ accomplishments. Whether it’s my younger sister excelling in her studies or my parents achieving milestones in their careers, there’s always something to be proud of. I believe it’s important to celebrate each other’s successes, no matter how big or small.
Sample Question 2: What kind of achievements make you feel proud of someone?
Sample Answer: I tend to feel proud when I see someone overcoming significant challenges or demonstrating exceptional perseverance. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a grand achievement; sometimes, it’s the small, consistent efforts that impress me the most. For instance, I admire when someone shows remarkable improvement in a skill they’ve been working on or when they go out of their way to help others.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
In this section, 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 being proud of a family member:
Sample Cue Card:
Describe a time when you felt proud of a family member.
You should say:
- Who the family member is
- What they did that made you proud
- When this happened
- And explain why you felt proud of them
Sample Answer:
“I’d like to talk about a time when I felt incredibly proud of my older brother, Mark. The event that sparked this feeling was his successful completion of a marathon last year.
Mark had always been interested in fitness, but he’d never attempted anything as challenging as a full marathon before. About a year ago, he decided to push his limits and signed up for the city marathon. What made me particularly proud was not just the end result, but the dedication and perseverance he showed throughout his training.
For six months, I watched him wake up at dawn every day to run, regardless of the weather conditions. He meticulously planned his diet and even gave up some of his favorite foods to ensure he was in the best possible shape. There were days when he was exhausted or discouraged, but he never once considered giving up.
The day of the marathon was incredibly exciting. Our whole family went to cheer him on, and seeing him cross the finish line after hours of grueling effort was an emotional moment for all of us. He didn’t just complete the marathon; he finished with an impressive time that was much better than he had anticipated.
I felt proud of Mark for several reasons. Firstly, his unwavering commitment to his goal was inspiring. It showed me the power of setting a clear objective and working tirelessly towards it. Secondly, the way he balanced his training with his work and personal life demonstrated excellent time management skills. Lastly, throughout the process, he remained humble and even encouraged others to join him in his training, showing great leadership.
This experience reinforced the importance of perseverance and self-discipline in achieving one’s goals. It also brought our family closer together as we all rallied around to support him. Mark’s achievement was a powerful reminder that with determination and hard work, we can surpass our own expectations and achieve things we once thought impossible.”
Possible Follow-up Questions:
- How did your family celebrate this achievement?
- Do you think this experience changed your brother in any way?
Sample Answers:
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“To celebrate Mark’s achievement, we organized a surprise dinner party at our family home. We invited close friends and relatives, decorated the house with marathon-themed decorations, and even had a cake shaped like a running shoe! It was a joyous occasion filled with laughter, stories from the marathon experience, and heartfelt congratulations. We also presented him with a scrapbook we had secretly put together, containing photos from his training journey and messages of support from everyone. The celebration was not just about the marathon itself, but also a recognition of his dedication and personal growth throughout the process.”
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“Yes, I believe this experience had a profound impact on my brother. Firstly, it significantly boosted his self-confidence. Completing such a challenging goal made him realize he was capable of much more than he had previously thought. This newfound confidence has spilled over into other areas of his life, including his career and personal relationships. Secondly, the discipline required for marathon training has made him more structured and organized in his daily life. He’s become more adept at setting and achieving long-term goals. Lastly, the experience has made him more health-conscious and committed to fitness as a lifestyle rather than just a one-time achievement. Overall, the marathon was a transformative experience that has positively shaped his character and outlook on life.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
Question 1: Do you think it’s important for family members to share each other’s achievements? Why or why not?
Sample Answer: I firmly believe that sharing achievements within a family is crucial for fostering a supportive and motivating environment. When family members celebrate each other’s successes, it creates a positive atmosphere that encourages further growth and accomplishment. This practice helps to strengthen family bonds and build a sense of collective pride.
Moreover, sharing achievements can serve as inspiration for other family members. For instance, when a sibling sees their brother or sister succeeding in a particular field, it might motivate them to pursue their own goals with renewed vigor. It also provides opportunities for family members to learn from each other’s experiences and gain insights that could be valuable in their own pursuits.
However, it’s important to strike a balance in how achievements are shared and celebrated. Excessive focus on achievements could potentially lead to unhealthy competition or feelings of inadequacy among family members who might not be achieving at the same level. Therefore, it’s essential to cultivate an environment where effort and personal growth are valued as much as the achievements themselves.
Question 2: In what ways do you think society’s definition of achievement has changed over the years?
Sample Answer: Society’s definition of achievement has undergone significant changes over the years, reflecting broader shifts in cultural values and economic realities. In the past, achievements were often narrowly defined and typically associated with traditional markers of success such as high-paying jobs, academic qualifications, or material possessions.
However, in recent years, there’s been a noticeable shift towards a more holistic view of achievement. Many people now place greater emphasis on personal fulfillment, work-life balance, and overall well-being. For instance, choosing a career that aligns with one’s passions or values is increasingly seen as an achievement, even if it doesn’t necessarily lead to financial wealth.
Moreover, there’s growing recognition of achievements in non-traditional fields. Success in areas like social media influencing, e-sports, or sustainable living – which might not have been considered achievements a few decades ago – are now widely respected.
The digital age has also redefined what it means to achieve. The ability to create a viral video, build a large online following, or successfully crowdfund a project are now considered significant accomplishments in their own right.
Lastly, there’s an increasing appreciation for social and environmental achievements. Making a positive impact on one’s community or contributing to environmental conservation are increasingly valued as important accomplishments.
This evolving definition of achievement reflects a more inclusive and diverse understanding of success, acknowledging that accomplishments can take many forms and are deeply personal.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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To excel in (phrasal verb) /ɪkˈsel/ – to be exceptionally good at something
Example: “My sister excels in mathematics, consistently achieving top grades.” -
Milestone (noun) /ˈmaɪl.stoʊn/ – an important event in a person’s life or career
Example: “Graduating from university was a significant milestone in my brother’s life.” -
Perseverance (noun) /ˌpɜː.səˈvɪə.rəns/ – continued effort and determination
Example: “His perseverance in training for the marathon was truly inspiring.” -
To go out of one’s way (idiom) – to make a special effort to do something
Example: “My father always goes out of his way to help others in need.” -
To push one’s limits (phrase) – to test the extent of one’s abilities
Example: “By attempting the marathon, my brother was really pushing his limits.” -
Unwavering commitment (phrase) – firm dedication that doesn’t falter
Example: “Her unwavering commitment to her studies led to her academic success.” -
To rally around (phrasal verb) /ˈræl.i əˈraʊnd/ – to come together to support someone
Example: “Our family rallied around my sister during her difficult time at work.” -
Profound impact (phrase) – a deep and significant effect
Example: “The experience had a profound impact on his outlook on life.” -
To foster (verb) /ˈfɒs.tər/ – to encourage the development of something
Example: “Parents should foster a love for learning in their children.” -
To cultivate (verb) /ˈkʌl.tɪ.veɪt/ – to try to develop or improve something
Example: “It’s important to cultivate an environment of mutual respect in the family.”
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing proud family moments:
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Use a variety of vocabulary and avoid repetition. Incorporate idiomatic expressions and phrasal verbs naturally.
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Provide detailed responses with specific examples. Don’t just say you were proud; explain why and how it made you feel.
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Use a range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences. This demonstrates your language proficiency.
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Practice speaking about various family-related topics to improve fluency and confidence.
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Focus on clear pronunciation and natural intonation to enhance overall communication.
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When answering abstract questions in Part 3, try to provide balanced views and consider different perspectives.
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Stay on topic but be prepared to expand your answers with relevant details and personal insights.
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 factors in achieving a high score.
If you found this guide helpful, you might also be interested in learning about how to describe a time when you had to manage a stressful situation or how to talk about a time you were very busy. These topics can further enhance your ability to discuss personal experiences in the IELTS Speaking test.