1. Understand the Cue Card Requirements
- You need to describe a personal experience that made you feel proud.
- Ensure your response covers what you did, why you did it, how you felt, and its impact.
2. Choose a Strong Example
- Pick an achievement or experience that showcases your skills, effort, or personal growth.
- Examples:
- Winning a competition
- Helping someone in need
- Overcoming a challenge
3. Structure Your Answer Well
Use the four-question approach to stay organized:
- What was it? → Describe the event or achievement.
- Why did you do it? → Explain the motivation behind it.
- How did you feel? → Share your emotions and thoughts.
- What was the impact? → Describe how it influenced you or others.
4. Use Good Vocabulary & Fluency Techniques
- Use descriptive words (e.g., rewarding, fulfilling, proud, ecstatic).
- Link ideas smoothly using phrases like "One of my proudest moments was…" or "This experience taught me that…".
- Avoid pauses and fillers (um, uh) by practicing beforehand.
For expert guidance and structured practice, check out upGrad's IELTS Speaking Preparation and boost your speaking skills today!
IELTS Cue Card Sample Answers: Describe an Achievement You Are Proud Of
In the IELTS Speaking test, you may be asked to describe something you did that made you feel proud. To give a high-scoring response, structure your answer clearly by explaining what you did, why you did it, how you felt, and its impact.
Below are two IELTS cue card sample answers that demonstrate how to respond effectively.
Sample Answer 1: Organizing a Charity Event That Made Me Proud
What was the achievement?
One of the most memorable achievements in my life was organizing a charity event to raise funds for underprivileged children. It was a community-driven initiative where I collaborated with local volunteers to host a fundraising campaign. The event included a talent show, a food stall, and an auction, with all proceeds going toward educational support for needy children.
Why did I do it?
I have always believed in giving back to society, and this event was my way of contributing to a meaningful cause. I was deeply moved by the struggles of children who lacked access to proper education, and I wanted to make a difference. Additionally, organizing an event of this scale helped me develop leadership and teamwork skills.
How did I feel after achieving it?
The experience was incredibly fulfilling and rewarding. Seeing the smiles on the children's faces and knowing that our efforts had made a real impact filled me with immense pride and happiness. It also boosted my confidence in my ability to plan and execute large-scale events successfully.
What was the impact of this achievement?
The event raised a substantial amount of money, which helped fund books, stationery, and school fees for several children. Moreover, it inspired other community members to engage in social initiatives. On a personal level, it reinforced my belief in the power of collective effort and the importance of making a difference in people’s lives.
This achievement remains one of the proudest moments of my life, and I would love to organize similar initiatives in the future.
Sample Answer 2: Completing a Half-Marathon – A Proud Moment in My Life
What was the achievement?
One of the proudest achievements in my life was completing a half-marathon. I had never considered myself an athletic person, but I challenged myself to participate in a 21-kilometer race after months of training. The journey was tough, but crossing the finish line was an unforgettable moment.
Why did I do it?
I wanted to test my endurance and push myself beyond my limits. Running a marathon had always seemed impossible to me, so I decided to set a goal and prove to myself that I could achieve it with dedication and effort. It was also a way to adopt a healthier lifestyle and improve my fitness.
How did I feel after achieving it?
I felt an overwhelming sense of pride and accomplishment. Completing the race despite physical exhaustion made me realize that determination and consistency can help overcome any challenge. The support from fellow runners and spectators also made the experience even more memorable.
What was the impact of this achievement?
This achievement transformed my mindset. It taught me the importance of perseverance and self-discipline, which I have applied to other areas of my life, including academics and professional goals. Moreover, it motivated me to continue running and take on more fitness challenges in the future.
Looking back, this experience not only made me physically stronger but also boosted my confidence in taking on challenges that once seemed impossible.
