Describe a time you felt proud of yourself: IELTS Speaking Part 2 sample answer

I felt really proud of myself last year when I passed a difficult English speaking exam at my language centre. It might sound small, but for me it was a big achievement because I used to be extremely shy about speaking in public.

A few months before the exam, I could hardly answer a simple question in class without my voice shaking. My teacher advised me to record myself every evening and listen carefully for mistakes. I felt silly at first, but I kept going for about ten weeks. I also joined a small conversation club that met on Sundays, where I talked with other learners about everyday topics.

On the day of the exam I was nervous, yet I managed to stay calm and speak for the full two minutes without stopping. When I saw my result, I could not stop smiling. My mother, who had always supported me, hugged me and cooked my favourite dessert that evening.

I was proud not just because of the score, but because I had faced a fear and stuck to a plan. That experience taught me that confidence grows through practice, and now I volunteer to answer questions in class instead of hiding at the back. My teacher said afterwards that the secret was not talent but routine. I think she was right, and I now apply the same method to other goals, such as running three times a week, which I would never have attempted before.