Describe a prize you have received (e.g. a medal, money, something valuable)
You should say:
- What it was
- When you received it
- What you did to receive it
- And explain how you felt about it.
Sample answer to describe a prize you have received
One of the most memorable prizes I’ve received was a scholarship award during my second year at university. It was a financial award given to students with outstanding academic performance, and I was fortunate enough to receive it after a year of hard work and dedication to my studies.
I received the scholarship at the end of the school year during a formal ceremony organized by the university. To be eligible for the award, I had to maintain a high GPA throughout the academic year and actively participate in extracurricular activities that contributed to the school community. I remember spending long hours in the library and attending numerous group discussions to prepare for exams and projects. It wasn’t just about studying hard, but also about managing my time effectively and balancing academics with other commitments.
When I received the award, I felt a sense of accomplishment and relief. All the effort I had put in finally paid off, and it felt amazing to be recognized for my hard work. Not only did the scholarship help me financially, but it also boosted my confidence. It motivated me to keep pushing myself academically and take on new challenges. I also felt grateful because it wasn’t just an individual effort – my professors, classmates, and family all supported me along the way.
Overall, receiving that prize was an experience that made me realize the importance of perseverance and how rewarding it can be when your efforts are recognized. It also showed me that prizes aren’t just about the material benefit, but the personal satisfaction and motivation they provide to keep growing.
Part 3 – describe a prize you have received
IELTS speaking part 3 question types
Do you think competition is all about the prize?
I don’t think competition is just about the prize. While winning can be a big motivation, there’s much more to it. For many people, competition is about personal growth, challenging themselves, and pushing their limits. It helps them develop new skills, build confidence, and learn how to handle both success and failure. Additionally, competition can foster teamwork and collaboration, especially in group settings. The experience itself often provides valuable lessons that go beyond just getting a reward. So, while the prize is important, it’s the journey and what you learn along the way that really matters.
What prizes should schools set for students?
Schools should set meaningful prizes that not only motivate students but also encourage personal growth. For example, academic awards for top performers are important, but it’s also good to have prizes that recognize improvement, creativity, or leadership skills. Scholarships or educational opportunities like field trips, books, or access to online courses could be great incentives. Schools could also consider offering extracurricular rewards, such as special privileges or activities, which encourage students to be well-rounded. These kinds of prizes can inspire students to focus on more than just grades and foster a holistic approach to education.
What criteria should be set for students to win a particular prize?
The criteria for winning a particular prize should be fair and clearly defined. For academic prizes, the focus might be on consistent performance, high grades, or mastery of certain skills. However, it’s also important to include criteria that recognize effort, improvement, and dedication. For non-academic awards, like those for leadership or creativity, schools could evaluate how students contribute to the community, show initiative, or think outside the box. It’s essential that the criteria encourage a well-rounded approach, so students aren’t only competing based on scores but also on their overall personal development.
Why do many companies offer prizes to their customers?
Many companies offer prizes to customers as a way to boost engagement and build brand loyalty. Prizes, whether through contests or promotions, give customers an incentive to interact with the brand more frequently, which can lead to increased sales. It also creates a sense of excitement and can attract new customers who want to participate in the opportunity to win. Additionally, offering prizes helps companies stand out in a competitive market and can generate positive word of mouth, as customers are likely to share their experiences with others.
Why should we set prizes for competitions?
Setting prizes for competitions is important because it provides motivation for participants to give their best effort. Prizes act as a clear incentive, encouraging people to strive for success and stay committed to the challenge. They also add a sense of excitement and can make the competition more engaging. Additionally, prizes help recognize achievement and reward hard work, which can boost participants’ confidence and sense of accomplishment. Beyond the material value, the recognition associated with winning a prize can inspire continued growth and improvement in future competitions.
Why do some companies encourage employees to compete with each other?
Some companies encourage employees to compete with each other to increase productivity and drive performance. Healthy competition can motivate employees to work harder and achieve their targets, as they want to stand out and earn recognition or rewards. It can also foster innovation, as employees push themselves to come up with new ideas or solutions to problems. However, it’s important that competition is kept healthy and doesn’t create a negative work environment. When managed well, it can boost morale and help employees develop their skills through continuous improvement.