IELTS Speaking Cue Card

In my view, commendation goes a long way in motivating an individual. Winning prizes for a job well done gives a boost of confidence for everyone, be it in an educational institution or workplace. I have received numerous awards since my childhood. I frequently participated in team sports and was a laudable student in school and university. Being multi-talented fetched me a lot of prizes which I treasure to this day. However, an award that made me immensely proud of myself is the one which I received shortly after I started working professionally in an IT firm.

I started working in 2018 and later in mid-2019, I received a prize for a commendable performance and significant contributions to the team. The prize named ‘Best new performance’ was awarded to me by the delivery head of my business unit in front of the whole office for the radical solutions that I have provided in a short time of my being in the team. Although I struggled initially in my new workplace as the software application I was working on was complicated, I quickly learned the intricacies involved and performed well enough that I resolved critical issues as well as implemented innovative solutions to long term problems. I spent hours creating a resolution and a model that solved a recurring issue were users using and online payment application received errors while linking their bank account.

I achieved a sense of accomplishment with this award consequently pushing myself to work harder and add value to my life. It made me realise my own worth and talent which I utilised to bag better job offers. In short, that award changed my life for the better.

 

Vocabulary:

1. Commendation – a formal praise
2. Laudable – deserving praise
3. Radical – ground-breaking
4. Intricacy – details of a perplexing subject
5. Recurring – occurring repeatedly

---

Part 3 Follow Up - Questions & Answers

---

1. What kind of prizes do students get?

Students generally achieve prizes for outstanding academic performances. In addition, schools and universities regularly conduct various competitions like quiz, debate, talent shows and sports events where students get a chance to showcase their talents and win prizes.

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

Treating sports and academics with equal importance is vital to encourage students to have a diverse career. Therefore, awarding the same prizes to students achieving success in both sections should be vitalized by the management.

3. Why should people be awarded?

I believe awards recognise people for their praiseworthy efforts and good work. They inspire people to become better at what they do and achieve more. They also induce a sense of competition among peers which is healthy and much needed at every stage of life.

4. Are awards always good for the winners?

Although awards are a good source of motivation, some people take them to prove that they are better than others eventually demotivating their peers. This could negatively impact those who have never won anything significant which could lead to mental stress and unwanted pressure. I think awards are a double-edged sword.