Describe a prize that you received

The IELTS speaking test is one of the important modules in the IELTS exam, where the students' speaking skills are tested. This test has 3 parts and will be conducted for 10-15 minutes in front of the examiner. In Speaking part 2, the examiner will be asking you to give a long-run speech on any specific topic to assess your ability. Thus in this article, we have given sample essays on the topic describe a prize that you received. You can make use of the essay to boost your band score. 

You have to speak for 2-3 minutes on the topic addressing all the parts of the question given in the cue card. In the Describe a prize that you received question, you will be talking about the memorable prize and the event connected to it. You will be scored in the IELTS speaking test based on the marking criteria such as fluency, pronunciation, vocabulary, and Grammar. 

IELTS speaking part 2: Cue Cards

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In the Cue card IELTS (Speaking) section, where the examiner will be testing your speaking skills by examining your ability to form a sentence coherently around the given topic. You must pay attention to your speaking skills rather than information. You can share any reliable information with suitable examples for the topic Describe a prize that you received. 

How should I talk about this topic

Once the topic is given, use the 1 minute preparation time to note down the points you are going to say to the examiner. Remember to use only the relevant information with necessary details. To secure a band score of 7 or above in the following question, your speech must include all the following questions. 

Describe a prize that you received

You should say:

What was it?
When did you receive it?
What did you do about it?
And explain how you felt about it.

Model answer and follow-up questions for the cue card - describe a prize that you received

Here we have given the sample describe a prize that you received essay for your reference. Using the topic you practise your own answer that is rich in vocabulary in grammar to secure a band 8 in your final exam. 

Sample 1: Describe a prize that you received

Introduction 

Receiving a prize is always a memorable event because it is the token of appreciation you are getting for your work. Prizes can be a life changer, which motivates you to become who you are now. 

What was it?

The best prize, which is my life changer, is the first recognition I received from a publication for my writing. The prize was a book written by Norman Vincent Pearl, “The Power of Positive Thinking”. Still, now I secure this book and read it to motivate myself. 

When did you receive it?

I received this book four years ago in an online writing contest conducted for young writers. This was so special to me because, after my graduation when I was thinking about my career, this prize gave me an insight into my writing skills. 

What did you do about it?

I used this prize as a motivation factor to pursue my career in the field of my passion. I started to improve my writing skills and am still continuing the process to reach my dream. Everyone needs a stepping stone in life to grow and this prize has been my first step toward my career growth.

And explain how you felt about it.

When I applied for the context, I was not sure how my writing was, but took part only to check my ability. But when the results came, I was flying on the moon as I had secured second place where my expectation was to receive only a participation certificate. 

Conclusion

We do not know when our life takes a turn. In my life, the prize has given me a career and still continues to be an encouraging fact. 

Sample 2: Describe a prize that you received

Introduction 

Well, I believe everybody is fond of prizes. We need the appropriate recognition and appreciation for the work we are doing. This will motivate us to perform better in the near future. 

What was it?

The best reward in my life was the Champion trophy I received 7 years ago in my school days. This trophy is given to the students who excelled in their academic performance throughout the year along with active participation in the extra-curricular activity. 

When did you receive it?

I received this award in my 11th standard, where I was able to exhibit an incredible academic performance along with participation in the basketball team. The award was given in front of the whole school in the school cultural fest. This award was presented to me by the District collector who was the Chief Guest for the event. 

What did you do about it?

Being an average student till 9th concentrating more on my basketball, I have not given much thought to academics. With the 10th board exams approaching, I realised academics is also as important as my games. So I started learning and at the same time practising my games equally. My parents were my constant support and finally made them proud with the Champion trophy. 

And explain how you felt about it.

This was an elating feeling, where I flew in the skies. The moment of holding the trophy in hand and walking down the aisle was ecstatic, emotional, and thrilling. The joy I encountered during this cannot be described in words. 

Conclusion

Awards are always special in our life. No one could deny they aren't expecting a reward for their work. This is simply human nature, but if we need a reward, the hard work we put in must be really strong. 

Sample 3: Describe a prize that you received 

Introduction 

• The token of appreciation we get in our chosen field is always an encouraging factor for every one of us. 
• May the prize be small or big, we are only considering the feeling that gives us. 
• One such prize was received by me in my college days. 

What was it?

• Being a non-competitive person, I was not involved much in competitions till my college days. 
• Once a paper presentation event was conducted at an inter-college level and all my friends decided to participate in it. 
• In this event, I along with my best friend received second place for our outstanding performance. 

When did you receive it?

• Initially, I took part in the competition as a companion to my friend. 
• But as days passed by, I got interested in the topic and started working on the presentation. 
• On the day of the presentation, I was nervous to speak in front of the audience, but my friend was by my side and motivated me to speak what I know. 
• These words gave me the strength to speak and explain our topic fluently in front of the judges. 
• The judges were impressed by the hard work we put into the research part and appreciated us once the event was over. 

What did you do about it?

• It all started just as a simple task, but the research process made me get involved in the topic.
• I was able to come up with new topics which we used in enhancing content quality before we presented. 
• The preparation gave me the confidence to face the crowd and present our work. 

And explain how you felt about it.

• Despite presenting the paper, I was nervously waiting for the results to be announced. 
• It was so surreal when our names were called upon the stage for the second prize. 
• We were so happy and the feeling still remains in my memory so fresh that I could still think of my friends and professors congratulating us on that day. 

Conclusion

• Receiving a prize may look small, but the result it has on an individual life is immense. 
• This is the token of appreciation that keeps us going in the flow of the life race. 

Sample 4: Describe a prize that you received

Introduction 

• Receiving a prize always has a special place in our minds. 
• This is because of the appreciation and recognition we are receiving from the people around us. 
• These rewards are a unique factor that makes a stand out from the crowd. 

What was it?

• The prize which I would like to share with you is, getting the first prize for the first time in my school. 
• This was the event that made me realise that I can also receive rewards and can compete in my life. 
• Being a self-driven person, I did not concentrate much on the quiz competition that is held every year in my school. 

When did you receive it?

• Once when I was in class 8 all my classmates were participating in one or the other, 
• I was left without options but had to participate in any one of the competitions for my team's sake. 
• Thus I decided to participate in the quiz as I usually read newspapers and have an interest in history. 
• My regular newspaper reading habit has helped me in receiving the prize. 

What did you do about it?

• There were 10 participants, each from a different team. 
• The first round was an MCQ round, where you need to pick the right answer from the given choice. 
• Out of 20, I received 17 and entered the second round as one of the top 7 contestants. 
• Round two was a general knowledge part, and 4 of us were selected for the final round. 
• Round three was a buzzer round, where we needed to compete among ourselves to give the most number of answers. 
• I was cautious only to press the buzzer for the answer I knew well as there was negative scoring. 
• I was able to answer 6 questions correctly and secured first place. 

And explain how you felt about it.

• The feeling of being picked for the first place was ecstatic. 
• I received the prize without much expectation, but this prize always illustrates my accomplishment. 
• After this event, I started to actively take part in the events conducted in my school and received many prizes. 

Conclusion

• Whenever I talk about the prize this event always remains vivid and lively in my mind. 
• I still hold a grin when I think about this because it was awarded in front of felicitous and prominent personalities. 

IELTS speaking part 3: Follow-up questions

The IELTS speaking part 3 is a discussion session, where you will be interacting with the examiner about the topic spoken in part 2. Here are the few follow-up questions that can be asked after speaking about describing a prize you have received IELTS speaking cue card. 

1.What kind of prizes do students get?

Students generally receive prizes for their academic performance or sports activities. The prizes will be mostly in the form of certificates, trophies, gifts, sports kits, etc. Nowadays students have started to take part in online competitions and are receiving cash prizes also. 

2.Should students get the same prize in sports and academics?

In my opinion, academic as well as sports activity is important for a student. They must be able to equally balance their performance in both fields. The rewards given for their achievements must be equal as in both fields the students are putting in their full hard work to accomplish the task. 

3.Why should people be rewarded?
Individuals need encouragement to proceed with their daily routines. The prizes will act as a stepping stone, which will make you perform better. This will act as a driving force that will make the people have good productivity. 

4.Are awards always good for the winners?

Yes, the awards are good for the winners to keep them motivated for new records. However, getting continuous awards may make them confident and may reduce their efforts. Thus the awards may be considered a stepping stone. 

5.Is it good for children to compete for prizes in their school?

Yes, I believe competing for the prizes will be a driving force that makes the students be interested in the particular activity. 

Related IELTS cue card topics

• Describe a special hotel you stayed in IELTS cue card
• Describe a long walk you ever had
• Describe a law on environmental protection
• Describe a bag you want to own
• Describe an activity that you do after school/work

Summary

“Describe a prize that you received” is an important topic, where you will be expressing your speaking skills while talking about the prize you have won. Make use of these sample answers to draft your own answer.