Last Updated on September 27, 2024
IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System. It is the most popular English language examination worldwide. This test is chosen by more than 10,000 establishments globally, including various educational institutions, as a trusted test of practical communication skills in real-life situations. It measures how well a person can use their listening skills. IELTS started as a pioneer in four-skill English language testing more than three decades ago and is the worldwide standard today.
IELTS Test Format
For preparing the cue card “Describe a place you visited where the air was not clean,” you get 1 minute. Plan what you want to say by using questions given with the topic. When ready, speak for about 2 minutes. The Speaking Part 3 of the IELTS test will include a continuation section, basically a discussion around/follow-up questions from your cue card topic.
IELTS Speaking Part 2- Cue Card
You will have 1 minute to prepare the cue card: “Describe something you did in your study/work that has made you feel confident.” You can use questions given with the topic to plan your content. After getting ready, you could speak for around 2 minutes. Speaking Part 3 of the IELTS test will have a continuation section, a discussion around/follow-up questions from your cue card topic.
In this IELTS Cue Card topic, we will discuss how you can answer the IELTS cue card question: “Describe something you did in your study/work that has made you feel confident.”
How you should answer the IELTS Cue Card question
To answer the cue card question “Describe something you did in your study/work that has made you feel confident, you must say:
- What is it
- When did you apply it
- How has it helped you
- Explain how you feel when you do it
Read another Cue Card: IELTS Cue Card Topics 2024 With Sample Questions & Answers
Sample Answer 1: Describe something you did in your study/work that has made you feel better
Introduction:
We build confidence through experiences, often at work or during our studies. Specific tasks or challenges help us realize our abilities and boost our self-assurance. In this essay, I’ll share three experiences that made me feel confident. I’ll describe what I did when I applied it, how it helped, and how I felt during the process. These examples show how taking on new challenges can lead to personal and professional growth.
What is it?
One of my most confidence-building experiences was organizing a charity event to raise funds for educational programs for underprivileged children.
When did you apply it?
I applied this skill during my second year of university as part of a community service project.
How has it helped you?
This experience helped me develop essential skills like time management and communication. I had to balance my studies with organizing the event and working with various groups like vendors and volunteers. When a sponsor backed out, I quickly found a replacement, which showed me I could handle pressure and unexpected challenges. The event was a success, exceeding our fundraising target by 30%, which made me realize I could take on large responsibilities.
Explain how you feel when you do it.
Throughout the process, I felt both excited and nervous. Each challenge made me more confident, and I felt incredibly proud when the event went smoothly. Seeing the positive impact on the community was fulfilling, and I realized that I enjoy leading projects and solving problems. This experience showed me that I can perform well under pressure and make a meaningful difference.
Sample Answer 2: Describe something you did in your study/work that has made you feel better
What is it?
Another task that boosted my confidence was completing a research project on the effects of climate change on local agriculture for my final year at university.
When did you apply it?
I applied this during my last year of environmental science studies. The research took several months and was the most challenging project I had worked on.
How has it helped you?
The project strengthened my research and analytical skills. I gathered and analyzed data from various sources and learned how to manage a long-term project. The experience also taught me to work independently and trust my judgment. Although I had support from my professor, most of the work required me to make decisions independently. Ultimately, I received high marks for my project, which gave me a strong sense of accomplishment.
Explain how you feel when you do it.
At first, I felt uncertain due to the project’s complexity. However, as I made progress, my confidence grew. When I finally presented my findings, I felt validated and proud of my hard work. This experience taught me that even large, complex tasks can be completed if broken down into manageable steps, and it reinforced my belief in my ability to succeed through perseverance.
Sample Answer 3: Describe something you did in your study/work that has made you feel better
What is it?
A third experience that boosted my confidence was leading a team project at my first full-time job. Our task was to develop a new marketing campaign for one of the company’s key products.
When did you apply it?
I applied this shortly after graduating and joining the company. Despite being new, my manager chose me to lead the project because of my organizational skills.
How has it helped you?
This role helped me develop leadership and teamwork skills. I had to assign tasks, manage deadlines, and keep everyone on track. I also learned how to give and receive constructive feedback. The project was successful, and the campaign was well-received by both our clients and management. This gave me the confidence to take on more leadership roles in the future.
Explain how you feel when you do it
At first, I was nervous about leading a team, especially since some members had more experience than I did. However, as the project progressed, I became more comfortable and enjoyed motivating the team. By the end, I felt proud of our accomplishments and confident in my ability to lead teams toward successful outcomes. It was a valuable experience that showed me I can excel at leadership with practice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these experiences—organizing a charity event, completing a research project, and leading a team at work—have all contributed to building my confidence. Reflecting on these moments motivates me to continue taking on new challenges and growing both personally and professionally. Confidence, I’ve learned, grows with experience, and each success builds a stronger foundation for future challenges.
Check IELTS Speaking Links:
Follow-Up Questions: Describe something you did in your study/work that has made you feel confident
1. What specific task or project did you work on that boosted your confidence?
One of the most significant projects that boosted my confidence was a comprehensive research analysis I conducted during my final year of university. The assignment required me to investigate the impact of social media marketing on consumer behavior. This topic was relevant and critical in the evolving landscape of digital marketing. This project was important because it combined theoretical knowledge with practical application, allowing me to explore real-world implications. The challenge lay in gathering and analyzing data from various sources, designing surveys, and presenting my findings to a panel of professors and industry experts. The stakes felt high, and the pressure was palpable; I knew my performance could influence my final grade and future career opportunities.
2. How did you approach and complete this task/project?
To tackle this project, I began by meticulously planning each phase of the research process. First, I conducted a literature review to understand existing theories and frameworks related to social media marketing. This foundational step helped me identify gaps in the current research that my project could address. Next, I designed a survey targeting various demographics to gather primary data on consumer attitudes toward social media advertisements.
The preparation included reaching out to potential respondents through social media platforms and university networks, which required me to step out of my comfort zone and engage with strangers. Once I collected the data, I faced the daunting task of analyzing it using statistical software. Initially, I struggled with interpreting the results, but after several late nights of tutorials and practice, I became proficient in drawing meaningful insights from the data.
The final hurdle was preparing for the presentation. I created a visually engaging PowerPoint presentation summarizing my findings and included compelling visuals to illustrate key points. Practicing in front of friends helped me refine my delivery and gain confidence in speaking publicly.
3. What skills or knowledge did you gain or improve through this experience?
Through this project, I significantly improved several skills that have been invaluable in both my academic and professional journey. First and foremost, I enhanced my research skills—learning to design effective surveys, analyze data accurately, and synthesize information from diverse sources. Additionally, my public speaking abilities grew tremendously; presenting in front of an audience no longer felt intimidating but exhilarating.
I also developed critical thinking skills as I learned to evaluate data critically and draw conclusions based on evidence rather than assumptions. This experience deepened my understanding of consumer behavior theories and how they apply in real-world scenarios, giving me subject matter expertise that has proven beneficial in subsequent internships.
4. How did your success on this task/project impact your confidence in your abilities?
Completing this project had a profound impact on my self-confidence. When I received positive feedback from my professors and industry experts during the presentation, it validated all the hard work I had put into it. Their praise made me realize that I could indeed handle high-pressure situations effectively.
This experience taught me that I could overcome challenges and achieve ambitious goals. It instilled a sense of resilience; knowing I could navigate complex projects gave me the courage to take on new challenges without hesitation. It also sparked a desire for leadership roles in future group projects, as I felt more equipped to guide others based on what I had learned.
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Aakriti Kumari is a passionate content writer who finds solace in the world of books. An avid reader from a young age, she has cultivated a deep love for the written word. When she’s not crafting compelling content, you can find her lost in the pages of a captivating novel. Aakriti shares her literary adventures and book recommendations on her Instagram account, @aakthereader, dedicated to her love of reading. With a keen eye for detail and a gift for storytelling, she brings words to life, inviting readers on a journey through her writing.
