Sample Cue Card Band 8 – Topic: An achievement of your friend that made you proud

IELTS Cue Card: Describe an achievement of your friend that made you proud

You should say:
– what your friend did
– when she/he did it
– why you felt proud of what she/he had done
– and explain how you felt when this happened.

(What your friend did) Emma, one of my best college friends, won the championship in a debate in the last leadership camp of our school, which I really took pride in. It can be said that this is her most triumphant achievement ever as she pushed herself to the limits and went to great lengths to bring home the championship. Moreover, her victory also says that nothing is impossible as along as one is willing to put in the effort and play to your strengths.

(When she did it) Emma captured her maiden debate championship just 3 weeks ago after the school had been holding its leadership camp for 11 consecutive years. This year, the camp was divided into some different sections, one of which included debate battle between classes. Emma joined in the debate battle for the first time in her college life with such hesitation, yet she emerged as the champion of this area.

(Why you felt proud of what she/he had done) I regard Emma as my best college friend, which is one of the reasons I took pride in her triumph. Another reason is that it never crossed her mind that she would join the competition as Emma is the type of person who does not talk much and is afraid of delivering public speeches. Yet, I can recognise her outstanding ability in analysing problems and solving them, which made me encourage her to go in for the competition as I really believed that she had what it took to win the championship.

(and explain how you felt when this happened) As soon as the MC called Emma the champion, the whole hall was surprised. I could have just bursted into tears as what I had expected had finally come true.

Vocabulary for IELTS Speaking Part 2

1. Push oneself to the limits (phrase)
If you really want to know what you are capable of, push yourself to the limits.

2. Go to great lengths (phrase)
Some people go to great lengths to make their homes attractive.

3. Put in effort (phrase): try
You’ll have to put more effort in if you want to improve.

4. Maiden (adj):being or involving the first attempt or act of its kind
The first hydrogen-powered airplane will make its maiden flight this year.

5. Cross someone’s mind (phrase):  to come into someone’s mind
It crossed my mind yesterday that you must be short of staff.

6. Deliver a speech (phrase)
The Governor of New York delivered a rousing speech to the national convention.

7. Play to someone’s strengths (phrase)
The globalization of services in international business has played to India’s strengths.