IELTS Speaking Part 2: IELTS speaking New Cue card 

Note: you have to talk for 1 to 2 minutes. You have 1 minute to take a look at the main points and prepare some notes which you can use while speaking.

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Sample answers (1) of Describe an achievement success you are proud of

I am extremely proud of an achievement I accomplished during my school years when I received a medal for the best turban worn at a school event. This was an achievement that I hold year to my heart as it has not only acknowledged my cultural identity but also showcased my dedication and commitment towards preserving my religious customs.

I participated in a school event that celebrated the diversity of cultures within our school community. As a student from a Sikh background, I decided to wear a turban to the event as a way to showcase my cultural identity. I had spent hours perfecting the way my turban was tied, ensuring that it was neat and tidy.

The event was held on a Friday evening, and as I walked into the hall, I could feel the eyes of the judges on me as I made my way to my seat. I felt a sense of nervousness, but I knew that I had put in the effort, and I was confident that I had done my best.

As the event came to a close, the judges announced the winners, and my heart was beating fast as they announced the winner for the best turban worn at the event. And to my surprise and delight, I heard my name being called out. I felt a sense of euphoria wash over me as I walked up to the stage to receive my medal.

This achievement made me proud because it acknowledged my cultural identity and my dedication towards preserving my religious customs. It was a validation of my efforts and an acknowledgement of my cultural heritage. It also made me realize that my culture is an integral part of who I am, and I should always strive to preserve and promote it.

In conclusion, receiving a medal for the best turban worn at a school event was an achievement that I am extremely proud of

Sample answers (2) of Describe an achievement success you are proud of

One of my most significant achievements that I am particularly proud of is when I received a prize for first position in my school. This accomplishment occurred during my final year of high school, in the year 2020.

The achievement was the result of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. I had spent countless hours studying and preparing for my exams, and my efforts paid off when I received the highest marks in my class. I had always been an academically inclined individual, and this recognition served as a testament to my capabilities and potential.

When I received the prize, I was filled with a sense of elation and satisfaction. It was a validation of all the hard work and effort that I had put in throughout the year. It was also a moment of pride for my family and friends who had supported me throughout my journey.

This achievement holds a special place in my heart because it was not only a personal victory but also a recognition of my abilities. It served as a source of motivation for me to continue striving for excellence in all aspects of my life. Additionally, it was a stepping stone for my future academic pursuits and professional career.

In conclusion, receiving the prize for first position in my school was an achievement that I am extremely proud of.

Sample answers (3) of Describe an achievement success you are proud of

• Whenever anyone achieves anything, he or she is very proud of it.
• What may be a simple thing for one person may be an achievement for another.
• For me overcoming my glossophobia was a very difficult thing.
• I used to be very stage shy and could never speak in front of an audience.
• It so happened that once I participated in an environment fair held in my hometown.
• We were a team of four students – Mohit, Rohan, Ravi and I.
• We had to make a model on pollution.
• It was very difficult to collect ideas for the model, but our teacher, Mrs Promilla helped us.
• We collected all data from different sources like the internet, library, magazines and so on
• We presented all three types of pollution – air, water and noise pollution – on thermocol
• In this project we showed the causes, effects and ways to control pollution

• We had to speak turn-wise on our model.
• I remember I was very afraid to speak.
• But my other friends gave me confidence. I felt very good that I was part of that team.
• I spoke very well that time.
• Getting over my glossophobia was an accomplishment for me.
• I felt very good after that.
• We won the first prize in this competition.
• The judges specially mentioned that the first prize was mainly because of the verbal
explanation of the model.

• This fair was covered by the local cable TV and so many people of the neighbourhood
congratulated me the next day.
• Our photograph was also there in the local newspaper Jag Baani.
• Our school principal also appreciated us
• I cannot forget that day.
• All four of us were on cloud nine on that day.
• So, this was an achievement I was proud of.

Part 3 Follow-Up Questions of Describe an achievement/success you are proud of

1. How to measure a person’s success?
It is very difficult to measure success. Success is a very subjective term. Different people give
different meanings to success. For some earning a lot of money means success. For others, leading a
life in which they can help others, means success. For a student, passing the exams with flying
colours means success. So measuring success is not easy.
2. Do you think the way people gain success has changed?
Yes, definitely, the way people gain success has changed. Earlier, people did a lot of hard work and
success was limited to a small area. Only politicians and film stars and sportsmen who were in the
news or on national TV were successful over a wider area. But, nowadays, because of reality
shows, any person with some talent can become successful overnight. People can get worldwide
success through the Internet, YouTube and other such networks. Today, people know of
Indian successful businessmen, all over the world, because the world has shrunk.

3. How do you define success?
It is very difficult to define success. Success is a very subjective term. Different people give
different meanings to success. For some earning a lot of money means success. For others, leading a
life in which they can help others, means success. For a student, passing the exams with flying
colours means success. So defining success is not easy.
4. How to reward successful people?
We can reward successful people by acknowledging their work. Some awards can be given. Some
monetary benefits can be given. Sometimes giving promotions is a good way to reward successful
people.
5. What’s the most difficult thing you have ever done?
I am very stage shy. I remember, in the annual science fair of my school, I had to speak on a model,
which I had prepared. The model was on different types of pollution. I found it very difficult, but
somehow I managed it. That was the most difficult thing I did.

6. What qualities does a person need to have, to be successful?
The person should be hard-working. He should have good communication skills. He should have the
courage to take calculated risks. He should have a helping and caring nature.
7. Do you feel terrible when you fail to do something?
I feel terrible, but only for a short period of time. Then, I try to learn from my failure and work even
harder to succeed the next time.

8. Is failure a necessary thing in people’s life?
Yes, it is. Without knowing failure, we can never enjoy success. Without knowing about the night,
we can never enjoy the day. Without unhappiness, we can never enjoy happiness. The freedom we
are enjoying today is also because we have been under the British rule for a long time.