Sign in Get Started

Describe an occasion when you celebrated an achievement

Archived Old Topic

Cue Card

Describe an occasion when you celebrated an achievement

You should say:

  • What you achieved
  • How you celebrated it
  • Who you celebrated it with
  • And how you felt about it.

Sample Part 3 Questions

  1. How do people in your country celebrate events? Do you think it’s different from other countries?
  2. Why is it important for sports fans to celebrate when their favorite team wins?
  3. Do people prefer winning when they’re in a team or when they’re on their own?
  4. How do young and old people celebrate their birthdays?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I still recall the day I finally completed my first marathon. I had been training for months, and the sense of accomplishment I felt as I crossed that finish line was indescribable. My friends and family were there to cheer me on, and we celebrated with a big dinner at a fancy restaurant. We took tons of photos, and I even got a cake with a picture of me running on it. It was such a surreal moment, seeing my face on a cake, but it made the achievement feel even more real.

What made that celebration even more special was that it wasn't just about me. My friends and family had been supporting me throughout my training, and we had all been through so much together. So, when I crossed that finish line, it was like we all achieved something together. We took a group photo with a big banner that said 'Finisher' on it, and it's still one of my favorite photos to this day.

Looking back, that celebration was more than just a party – it was a reminder that hard work and perseverance can lead to incredible achievements. And it's not just about the achievement itself, but about the people who support you along the way. That's what made that celebration so special, and it's a memory I'll always treasure.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

crossed that finish line
to complete a difficult task or project
I finally crossed that finish line after months of training
She crossed that finish line and felt an overwhelming sense of relief

Sample Part 3 Answers

How do people in your country celebrate events? Do you think it’s different from other countries? In the United States, people celebrate events in a variety of ways, depending on the occasion. For example, when a sports team wins a championship, fans often gather in public spaces, such as city squares or outside stadiums, to cheer and celebrate together. They might also hold parades, rallies, or other public events to mark the occasion. For example, when the Chicago Cubs won the World Series in 2016, millions of people gathered in the streets of Chicago to celebrate, and the city held a massive parade to honor the team. In contrast, other countries might celebrate events in more low-key ways, such as with family gatherings or smaller community events.

Why is it important for sports fans to celebrate when their favorite team wins? For sports fans, celebrating a win is a way to release pent-up energy and excitement after a long season of cheering on their team. It's also a way to feel connected to others who share their passion and enthusiasm. When a team wins, it's not just about the players on the field - it's about the community of fans who have supported them all season. Celebrating a win is a way for fans to feel like they're part of something bigger than themselves, and to relish in the joy and pride of their team's achievement. Plus, let's be real - it's just plain fun! There's nothing quite like the thrill of being part of a crowd of screaming fans, all high-fiving and hugging each other in celebration of a big win.

Do people prefer winning when they’re in a team or when they’re on their own? I think it really depends on the person, but for many people, winning as part of a team is way more satisfying than winning alone. When you're part of a team, you've worked together with others towards a common goal, and the sense of camaraderie and shared achievement is a big part of the fun. Plus, when you win as a team, you've got a built-in support system to celebrate with - your teammates! On the other hand, winning alone can be isolating, and it's easy to feel like you're missing out on the social aspect of celebrating. Of course, there are definitely some people who prefer to compete alone, and that's okay too - but for many of us, the team aspect is a big part of what makes winning so sweet.

How do young and old people celebrate their birthdays? In the United States, birthday celebrations can vary a lot depending on the age of the person. For young kids, birthdays are often a big deal - they might have a big party with friends, complete with games, cake, and presents. As people get older, their birthday celebrations might become more low-key - maybe just a dinner with family or close friends. But some people never lose the love of a big birthday bash! For example, I know someone who throws a huge party every year, complete with a live band and a big cake. It's a fun way to mark the occasion and celebrate another year of life. Older adults might also have more subdued celebrations, but they're still important - maybe a quiet dinner with loved ones, or a special outing to a favorite place.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

release pent-up energy
to express or let out strong feelings that have been building up inside
For sports fans, celebrating a win is a way to release pent-up energy and excitement after a long season of cheering on their team.
part of something bigger than themselves
to feel connected to a larger group or community
Celebrating a win is a way for fans to feel like they're part of something bigger than themselves, and to relish in the joy and pride of their team's achievement.
high-fiving and hugging each other
to celebrate or show excitement by hitting hands together or hugging
There's nothing quite like the thrill of being part of a crowd of screaming fans, all high-fiving and hugging each other in celebration of a big win.
built-in support system
a group of people who provide help and encouragement
When you win as a team, you've got a built-in support system to celebrate with - your teammates!
lose the love of
to stop feeling affection or enthusiasm for something
But some people never lose the love of celebrating their birthdays with a big party.

Warning: This is an archived topic from a past exam season. It is now out of date.

Do you want all the latest topics and questions that are on the exam right now?

How many questions are on the exam today?

The IELTS speaking test is constantly changing. Here you can find all of the current questions that are valid from October 2024. None of the questions are old or out of date, and they are all being asked by examiners on tests today.

Part 1

57 Topics

(302 current questions)

Read all the topics

Part 2

73 Cue Cards

(For tests beginning 1 Oct 2024)

See all the cue cards

Part 3

300+ Questions

(Today's real questions)

Get all the questions

Start your IELTS speaking test preparation today

Don't be shocked and surprised by what the examiner can ask you.

Get all the speaking test questions before your test date so you're not left speachless when the examiner asks you a weird question you've never thought of before.

Photo of Sophia Rodriguez

“The content and advice were spot on — I scored 8.0 in IELTS speaking and I'm thrilled!”

Sofia Rodriguez, speaking score: 8.0

Get 15% off with coupon code 15OFF at checkout today