leap-scholar-logo
hamburger-menu
cue_card_backround_image_mobile

IELTSTM CUE CARD

Describe an Achievement/Success You Are Proud Of

Updated on Oct 08, 2024, 15:00

Overview

An IELTS Speaking cue card is a task in the IELTS speaking test where you're asked to talk about a specific topic for two minutes. Cue cards are designed to assess your ability to speak fluently, coherently, and confidently on various subjects.

 

Talking about the topic, ‘Describe An Achievement Success You Are Proud Of,’ it invites you to share a personal accomplishment that holds significance to you. This could be anything from academic achievements to personal milestones or professional successes.
 

On this page, we'll explore sample answers for this cue card topic, providing you with insights and strategies on how to effectively structure your response to showcase your English language proficiency during the IELTS speaking test. So, let's dive in and discover how you can excel in this task!

 

Cue Card/Topic: Describe An Achievement You Are Proud Of

You should say

  • What you did?
  • When did you do it?
  • How did you feel about it?
  • Why did that achievement make you proud?
Sample Answer 1

Introduction:

 

  • Alright, so one achievement that really makes me proud is when I won the National Science Olympiad back in high school. 
  • It was a moment of immense joy and satisfaction for me, and I'll never forget the thrill of being recognised on a national level for my academic prowess.

 

Describing your experience/opinion/interest:

 

  • To give you a bit of background, participating in the Science Olympiad was a dream come true for me. 
  • I've always had a keen interest in science and solving complex problems, so when the opportunity came to compete against the best minds in the country, I was all in. 
  • I remember spending countless hours studying and practising, but it never felt like a chore because I was genuinely passionate about the subject.

 

Key highlights:

 

  • One of the key highlights of this achievement was the rigorous preparation process leading up to the competition. 
  • I devoted myself wholeheartedly to mastering various scientific concepts and honing my problem-solving skills. 
  • Additionally, the sense of camaraderie among fellow participants was truly inspiring. 
  • Despite the competitive nature of the event, there was a sense of mutual respect and admiration for each other's dedication and talent.

 

  • Another highlight was the actual competition day itself. 
  • Walking into the examination hall filled with nerves and excitement, I was determined to give it my all. 
  • And when the results were announced, and I was declared the national champion, it was an indescribable feeling of pride and accomplishment. 
  • It wasn't just about winning a medal; it was about proving to myself that hard work and perseverance truly pay off.

 

Conclusion:

 

  • In conclusion, winning the National Science Olympiad remains one of the proudest moments of my life. 
  • It taught me the importance of dedication, resilience, and believing in oneself. 
  • And while the trophy may gather dust on my shelf, the memories and lessons learned from this experience will stay with me forever.
Sample Answer 2

Introduction:

 

  • One achievement success that fills me with pride is when I launched my own small business, 'Green Earth Crafts', dedicated to promoting eco-friendly handmade products. 
  • It was a dream I had nurtured for years, and finally, seeing it come to fruition was an incredible moment of accomplishment for me.

 

Describing your experience/opinion/interest:

 

  • From a young age, I've been deeply passionate about environmental conservation and sustainable living. 
  • This passion led me to explore ways in which I could contribute positively to the cause. 
  • After much research and planning, I decided to combine my love for creativity with my commitment to the planet by starting 'Green Earth Crafts'. 
  • The journey from conceptualisation to execution was both challenging and exhilarating, but every step of the way, I was driven by the desire to make a difference.

 

Key highlights:

 

  • One of the key highlights of this endeavour was the overwhelming support I received from my community. 
  • Whether it was family, friends, or even strangers who shared my vision, their encouragement and patronage played a crucial role in the success of my business. 
  • Moreover, being able to collaborate with local artisans and craftsmen who shared my values was incredibly rewarding. 
  • Together, we created a diverse range of sustainable products that resonated with environmentally-conscious consumers.

 

  • Another highlight was the positive impact 'Green Earth Crafts' had on the environment and society. 
  • By promoting the use of biodegradable materials and traditional crafting techniques, we not only reduced our carbon footprint but also empowered local artisans and promoted ethical consumption. 
  • Seeing our products being appreciated not just for their quality but also for their environmental and social impact was immensely gratifying.

 

Conclusion:

 

  • In conclusion, the journey of building and growing 'Green Earth Crafts' has been a deeply fulfilling experience for me. 
  • It's not just about running a successful business; it's about using entrepreneurship as a tool for positive change. 
  • As I continue on this path, I'm committed to furthering the cause of sustainability and inspiring others to embrace eco-friendly practices in their daily lives.
Sample Answer 3

Introduction:

 

  • One achievement success that stands out for me is when I volunteered to teach underprivileged children in my community and witnessed a significant improvement in their academic performance. 
  • It was a deeply gratifying experience that reaffirmed my belief in the power of education to transform lives.

 

Describing your experience/opinion/interest:

 

  • Growing up, I was fortunate to have access to quality education, but I realised that many children in my neighbourhood weren't as privileged. 
  • This sparked a desire within me to do something meaningful to bridge the educational gap. 
  • So, I decided to volunteer my time and knowledge to help those in need. 
  • Witnessing the eagerness and enthusiasm of the children to learn despite their challenging circumstances was truly inspiring and motivated me to give my best.

 

Key highlights:

 

  • One of the key highlights of this journey was witnessing the positive impact of education on the children's lives. 
  • Through consistent tutoring and mentoring, I observed a remarkable improvement in their academic performance and confidence levels. 
  • Seeing their faces light up with joy whenever they grasped a new concept or solved a difficult problem was incredibly rewarding and reinforced my commitment to continue making a difference.

 

  • Another highlight was the sense of community that developed among the children and their families. 
  • By creating a supportive learning environment, we not only focused on academic growth but also fostered values of empathy, teamwork, and perseverance. 
  • It was heartening to see how the children encouraged and helped each other, forming lasting friendships and bonds that extended beyond the classroom.

 

Conclusion:

 

  • In conclusion, volunteering to teach underprivileged children has been a deeply fulfilling experience for me. 
  • It's not just about academic achievements but also about empowering individuals to realise their full potential and create a brighter future for themselves. 
  • As I look back on this achievement, I feel a sense of pride and gratitude for the opportunity to make a positive impact in my community, one child at a time.

 

Take your IELTS preparation to the next level with our practice test series.

When this cue card section starts, the examiner will present you with the card containing the topic "Describe An Achievement Success You Are Proud of." They will give you a minute to prepare your response before you begin speaking.
 

The best way to answer this section is to break it down into smaller pieces: Introduction, describing your experience/opinion/interest, key highlights, and conclusion.

 

Here's what each section should cover:

 

Introduction:

 

  • Start by briefly introducing the achievement success you'll be discussing.
  • Provide context about why this accomplishment is significant to you.
  • Hook the examiner's attention and set the stage for your response.

 

Describing your experience/opinion/interest:

 

  • Share your personal experience or opinion related to the achievement success.
  • Describe the background or circumstances leading up to the accomplishment.
  • Express your feelings, thoughts, or motivations associated with it.

 

Key highlights:

 

  • Highlight the key aspects or milestones of the achievement's success.
  • Provide specific details or examples to support your points.
  • Showcase the significance or impact of the accomplishment on yourself or others.

 

Conclusion:

 

  • Summarise the main points discussed in your response.
  • Reflect on the importance of achieving success and why it makes you proud.
  • End with a closing statement that leaves a lasting impression on the examiner.

 

By following this structure and focusing on conveying your ideas clearly and confidently, you'll be able to effectively answer the cue card topic within the two-minute time limit.

 

Also read: IELTS Speaking Questions with Answers 2024 

Follow-Up Questions

In the follow-up question round of the IELTS speaking test, the examiner will ask you to elaborate further on the topic discussed in the cue card. 
 

These questions are designed to assess your ability to express opinions, provide examples, and engage in a conversation. You can expect questions that delve deeper into the theme of the cue card, allowing you to showcase your language skills in a more interactive manner.

 

Q1. Do you feel terrible when you fail to do something?

Answer 1: Personally, I do feel disappointed when I fail at something, especially if I've put in a lot of effort. However, I try not to dwell on it for too long and instead focus on learning from my mistakes and improving myself.
 

Answer 2: Yes, failing can be disheartening, but I believe it's a natural part of life. It's important to acknowledge our emotions but also to use failure as an opportunity for growth and self-reflection.

Q2. How do we measure a person’s success?

Answer 1: Success can be measured in various ways, including achievements, personal growth, and happiness. It's not just about material wealth or status but also about fulfilling one's goals and aspirations.

 

Answer 2: I believe success is subjective and varies from person to person. While some may consider success in terms of career accomplishments or financial stability, others may value relationships, health, or contributions to society as indicators of success.

Q3. Is failure a necessary thing in people’s life?

Answer 1: Absolutely, failure is a necessary part of life as it provides valuable lessons and opportunities for growth. Without experiencing failure, we wouldn't learn resilience, perseverance, or the importance of trying again.

 

Answer 2: Yes, failure is essential for personal development and innovation. It allows us to reassess our approach, identify areas for improvement, and ultimately achieve greater success in the long run.

Q4. Is it important for young people to have some achievement?

Answer 1: Yes, having achievements can boost young people's confidence, motivation, and sense of purpose. Whether it's academic, extracurricular, or personal achievements, they help individuals develop valuable skills and build a strong foundation for future success.

 

Answer 2: Absolutely, achievements provide young people with a sense of direction and accomplishment. They serve as milestones in their journey and help them explore their interests, discover their strengths, and confidently pursue their aspirations.

FAQs

Q. How do I improve my speaking skills?

Ans. To enhance your speaking skills, regularly practise speaking English with friends, family, or language partners. Additionally, listen to English podcasts or watch English videos to improve pronunciation and vocabulary. Participating in conversation clubs or joining language exchange programs can also provide valuable opportunities for speaking practice.

Q. What is the duration of Part 2 speaking IELTS?

Ans. Part 2 of the IELTS speaking test typically lasts for 3-4 minutes. During this time, the examiner gives you a cue card with a topic to speak about for two minutes. You have one minute to prepare your response before speaking.

Q. What vital language elements should I remember while attempting the cue card section?

Ans. While attempting the cue card section, remember to use a mix of simple and complex language structures to showcase your linguistic range. Utilise appropriate vocabulary related to the cue card topic and vary your sentence lengths for added interest. Moreover, maintain clarity and coherence in your speech by avoiding unnecessary pauses and repetitions.

IELTS Important Information

Read More about IELTS Practice Test

IELTS Accepting Universities

IELTS Test Centre and Dates in India

IELTS Accepting Countries

Top Speaking Sample with Answers