Describe a prize you received: IELTS exam Cue Card

Bhargavee Sisodia

15 Jul 2024

The writing, reading, speaking, and listening examinations are the four primary components of the International English Language Testing System, or IELTS test. The format of each test varies, therefore it's critical to understand how each should be completed. You will want a suitable IELTS exam preparation guide in order to accomplish this. In order to succeed on the IELTS test, you need to practice answering the most popular IELTS exam sample questions on your own. It is not enough to just memorize the often-asked IELTS speaking questions. You will have to make a strategy that suits you so that you know the way to handle the IELTS speaking topics.

We will cover many approaches to addressing the IELTS speaking topics in this blog. This will enable you to use the guidelines on the cue card, comprehend each of the IELTS speaking topics and their underlying meanings, and effectively convey your ideas. You should start preparing for the speaking portion of the IELTS speaking test by going through this list.

For the speaking test, you might focus on improving your vocabulary first. This will assist you with both the speaking portion of the exam and your overall IELTS preparation. You can watch and read English-language movies and television series and make a note of any new vocabulary you encounter.

Second, you should work on improving your communication abilities. This will assist you in clearly expressing your ideas and providing a well-flowing response. You will get more proficient at answering IELTS practice test questions as you try more of them.

Thirdly, you need to improve your fluency. One method to achieve this is to practice the IELTS sample test answers. Speaking in English as much as you can is another strategy.

Let's discuss a sample question from the IELTS speaking exam in order to understand how to approach the subject personally. You will brainstorm the solution for one minute, and then you will talk about the assigned topic for the next two minutes. Your two-minute speech will conclude your IELTS speaking test, and the examiner will ask you a few follow-up questions based on your response.  

IELTS sample test topic: Describe a prize you received

The first thing that you need to do after receiving the topic is to think of a prize that you received. It will be easier if you talk about anything that has happened in your life so that you do not have to spend time thinking about what to say. Instead, you can just concentrate on how to frame it. In case you cannot think of any prize which you have received, you will have to make something up and chalk out a rough answer in your head. You can also write it down on the paper. For the topic "Describe a prize you received," you can talk through the following points:

• Introduce the prize first.
• When did you receive it?
• Why did you receive it?
• How did you feel after receiving it?
• Conclusion.

IELTS exam sample answer 1: Describe a prize you received

Introduction:

I received a prize for standing first in an inter-school essay competition where I was representing my school.

When did you receive it?

I was in the tenth grade when the competition took place, and I got the prize. I had to go to another school in my city which was the venue for the competition and the prize distribution ceremony also happened at the auditorium there.

Why did you receive it?

I was always good at writing essays and stories, and my teachers at school were aware of this. When the inter-school competition was announced, they selected me to represent our school in the competition. I remember feeling nervous, however, as soon as I got the topic, my creative mind knew I could deal with it well. The topic was "An Unexpected Guest" and I decided to write about my maternal cousin who lives in another city and came to our house in the middle of a stormy night. He was more than welcome at our place, but we didn't know he was in our city and genuinely didn't expect him. Thus, I played with the words and wrote an essay which fortunately struck a chord with the judges and I was chosen to be the winner.

How did you feel after receiving it?

I was more than happy when I received the award. More so, because I could wear my school uniform and walk up to the stage to receive the prize and make my school and teachers proud. I received two classic books by Charles Dickens, "A Christmas Carol" and "A Tale of Two Cities." When I saw my teachers clapping for me from the audience, my heart filled with joy. To date, the books remain safely on my shelf and are two of my prized possessions.

Conclusion:

Even when I go through my storybooks, I remember the moment on stage when I received these two classics. The feeling of joy is still fresh in my heart.

IELTS exam sample answer 2: Describe a prize you received

Introduction:

I am good at painting and I received the first prize in the inter-department painting competition which was held at my college.

When did you receive it?

This competition is held every year at college, however I participated only during my final year. This is because I was on the organizing committee of the inter-department extracurricular competitions and thus, never got the chance to participate in one. My friends and juniors, however, coaxed me into participating during the final year and I am glad that I did.

Why did you receive it?

The theme of the painting competition was a beachside scene, and I dived into the creative side of my mind and painted a picture of the ocean meeting the sky and the waves crashing on the beach. I depicted a regular sunny day with kids playing in the water and people chilling and having coconut water under the umbrella. The judges felt my painting stood out from the rest and declared me as the winner.

How did you feel after receiving it?

I was elated to be the winner among so many departments, however, more than me my friends were happy. When I had gone up on the stage to receive the prize, I clearly recall them cheering for me from the crowd. I received a prize money of Rs.2000/- which I came home and handed to my mother as she was the one who had identified my talent for painting and sent me to a professional class after seeing me draw in my coloring books as a kid. My happiness was doubled seeing her proud and smiling ear to ear.

Conclusion:

Getting validation with a prize and appreciation for my talent always boosts my confidence, and that prize definitely did the same for me. Handing over that prize money to my mother will always be a memorable incident in my life.

IELTS speaking test next step: Follow up questions

The goal of the IELTS speaking exam follow-up questions is to assess your proficiency in meaningful discourse, effective communication, and beautiful idea expression. This segment of the IELTS speaking test is thought to be the hardest since it requires quick thinking and active engagement. You should go over each IELTS speaking question and practice speaking as much as you can to feel comfortable in this section. 

IELTS speaking test - Follow up question

Question 1: Do you think it is important to give prizes and rewards?

Answer: Yes, because recognition and validation motivate everyone to do better. When someone has a talent or has put in effort for something, it is important to recognize that and appreciate that with rewards and prizes.

Question 2: has there been any situation where you felt someone deserved a prize but was not given it?

Answer: Yes. One of my teammates at work handled and solved one critical bug by working overtime as the project was about to go live in a week. It was only because of him that we could maintain the deadline of making the project go live. Although he was very much appreciated by his teammates, higher management, and clients, I feel he also deserved a reward for that, which he hadn't received yet. I am hopeful that this is taken into notice by the year's end and he is given his due.

Question 3: Receiving what as a prize makes you happy?

Answer: I love books and thus, receiving books as a prize makes me the happiest. It can be anything from classic, fiction, to an autobiography. I have a shelf in my study room that is filled with books and every time a new masterpiece is added there, I feel content.

Question 4: Do you think adults are less excited to receive prizes than younger ones?

Answer: No. While the expression of excitement might be different in adults than in children, the feeling of happiness still remains. Anyone irrespective of their age will be happy and excited to receive a reward and be recognized for their talent.

Conclusion

Working with an experienced instructor to prepare for the IELTS exam is essential if you want to improve your score. With customized programs for each student and a vast collection of IELTS sample test questions and answers covering a variety of IELTS speaking topics, D-VIVID is your top choice for IELTS preparation. You can practice, learn the answers, and expand your vocabulary by using the IELTS exam sample questions on our website. You can receive guidance from our group of knowledgeable coaches during the IELTS preparation process. You will benefit from our specifically crafted IELTS sample test in terms of time management, speaking practice, and understanding the significance of each area of the test. Our instructors will be available to assist you at every turn, and you will be aware of your main areas for progress. Thus, don't hesitate to contact us and start your IELTS exam preparation process now.