IELTS Speaking Part 2: Describe something you did that made you feel proud

Describe something you did that made you feel proud

You should say:

What it was

How you did it

What difficulty you had and how you solved it

And explain why you felt proud of it

 

SUGGESTED IDEAS

What it was:

• Winning a competition or award
• Completing a challenging project
• Accomplishing a personal goal
• Overcoming a fear or obstacle

How you did it:

• Talk about the steps you took to achieve your goal
• Describe any resources or support you used
• Explain any setbacks or challenges you faced along the way

What difficulty you had and how you solved it:

• Discuss any specific obstacles you faced and how you overcame them
• Talk about any skills or strengths you used to solve the problem
• Explain how you learned from the experience and grew as a person

Why you felt proud of it:

• Explain how the accomplishment was meaningful to you
• Describe how it impacted your life or the lives of others
• Talk about the personal growth or satisfaction you gained from the experience

USEFUL PHRASES:

• “I had always wanted to [accomplish goal], and I finally did it when…”
• “It wasn’t easy, but I persevered by…”
• “One of the biggest obstacles I faced was…, but I overcame it by…”
• “Looking back, I learned so much from that experience, especially…”
• “I felt proud of myself because I had worked so hard to [accomplish goal] and it paid off by…”

 

SAMPLE ANSWER

Winning a regional debating competition is something I did that made me feel immensely proud.

To achieve this goal, I followed a systematic approach. Firstly, I extensively researched the given topic, which was the impact of social media on society. I gathered relevant information and statistics from credible sources like academic journals, news articles, and expert opinions.

I crafted a well-structured argument considering both the pros and cons of the topic, while also anticipating counterarguments. To enhance my performance, I practiced my delivery and public speaking skills through mock debates with peers.

I sought guidance from my debate coach, who provided valuable feedback on my arguments, delivery style, and presentation skills. Collaborating with teammates during brainstorming sessions and mock debates also contributed to our overall performance.

The main difficulty I faced was dealing with stage fright and nervousness. To overcome this, I used strategies such as deep breathing exercises and visualization techniques. Practicing mindfulness and positive self-talk helped boost my confidence.

Winning the debating competition was a significant accomplishment for me. It validated my hard work, dedication, and preparation, reinforcing my belief in the power of effective communication. It provided a sense of personal growth and satisfaction, having overcome my fears and delivered a compelling performance.

This accomplishment had a positive impact on my life and the lives of others. It boosted my self-esteem, inspired further improvement in my debating skills, and encouraged peers to engage in intellectual discourse.