Category Archives: Part 2

Lesson 180: Talk about a popular public location in your country🏞️

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Non-stop shadowing lessons!

This week we look at a new Part 2 cue card (see below).

Step 1: Tune in to this week’s lesson. (Audio and video version below.)

This week’s cue card:

Talk about a popular public location in your country. You should say:
-where this place is
-what people do there
-why it is popular
and explain how you feel about this place

Step 2: Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.

Step 3: Engage this week’s full speech shadowing lesson. (If you do not yet have access, click here to sign up for full lessons.)

Step 4: Below is Monday’s speech exercise. Post yourself saying this excerpt to your Whatsapp group. Exercises for Tuesday to Friday will be posted in the group by your instructor. (If you have not yet been added to a group, click here to sign up – select ‘Join a Whatsapp group’.)

Post yourself saying this into your Whatsapp group!🗣️📲

I’m from Los Angeles in the United States. A highly visited location in Los Angeles is Venice Beach. It’s known for its mix of art, recreation and local culture.

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Step 5: It’s very important that you note any new language items or pronunciation points from this week’s lesson in your journal to help you chronicle your improvement.📝

Transcript

Talk about a popular public location in your country. You should say:
-where this place is
-what people do there
-why it is popular
and explain how you feel about this place

I’m from Los Angeles in the United States. A highly visited location in Los Angeles is Venice Beach. It’s known for its mix of art, recreation and local culture.

Venice Beach is located west of downtown, and it attracts both locals and tourists who come for the beach life and the vibrant boardwalk. Here, people can walk or cycle along the boardwalk and shop for handmade items at small vendor stalls. The area also has skate parks and open-air gyms, including the iconic Muscle Beach, where bodybuilders train in front of audiences.

Venice Beach is celebrated for its eclectic and energetic environment. It combines California’s beach culture with artistic and bohemian vibes. Its famous canals, which were designed to be similar to Venice, Italy, add a quiet contrast to the more lively atmosphere of the boardwalk.

For me, Venice Beach represents the spirit of Los Angeles. It’s a place where diverse communities and creative expressions come together. The mix of natural beauty, art and open-minded culture makes it an inspiring place to visit, and I find the lively energy there refreshing. It’s a space where you can observe a unique blend of art and individuality that’s hard to find anywhere else.

Lesson 177: A website you regularly visit🖥️

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👇Driving?🚗Jogging? 🏃Click the button for hands-free training!👇

Non-stop shadowing lessons!

This week you will train to respond to a Part 2 cue card on the topic of ‘a website you regularly visit.’

Step 1: Tune in to this week’s lesson. (Audio and video version below.)

Describe a website that you regularly visit.
You should say:
What the website is
What you use it for
Why you like it
And explain how it benefits you.

Step 2: Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.

Step 3: Engage this week’s full speech shadowing lesson. (If you do not yet have access, click here to sign up for full lessons.)

Step 4: Below is Monday’s speech exercise. Post yourself saying this excerpt to your Whatsapp group. Exercises for Tuesday to Friday will be posted in the group by your instructor. (If you have not yet been added to a group, click here to sign up – select ‘Join a Whatsapp group’.)

Post yourself saying this into your Whatsapp group!🗣️📲
One website that I frequently visit is Coursera.com. It’s an online learning platform that offers a wide range of courses across various disciplines.
I primarily use Coursera for continuing my education. It offers a rich collection of courses that are both theoretical and practical, covering topics like machine learning, artificial intelligence and statistical analysis.
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Step 5: It’s very important that you note any new language items or pronunciation points from this week’s lesson in your journal to help you chronicle your improvement.📝

Transcript

Describe a website that you regularly visit.
You should say:
What the website is
What you use it for
Why you like it
And explain how it benefits you.

One website that I frequently visit is Coursera.com. It’s an online learning platform that offers a wide range of courses across various disciplines.

I primarily use Coursera for continuing my education. It offers a rich collection of courses that are both theoretical and practical, covering topics like machine learning, artificial intelligence and statistical analysis. The interactive learning approach, including hands-on projects and quizzes, has been instrumental in enhancing my knowledge.

What I appreciate most about this website is its flexibility. Being able to learn at my own pace is incredibly convenient. Additionally, the platform often provides certificates upon completion, which helps me build a credible portfolio. This is a real advantage in today’s competitive job market.

Coursera has benefited me immensely, and it was key to my career transition into data science. It has broadened my knowledge base, introduced me to real-world applications and improved my confidence in handling complex techniques. Moreover, the global network of learners allows me to collaborate with and learn from others who share similar interests. It’s a website that I would highly recommend.

Lesson 174: Describe a time when you interacted with an animal🐻

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👇Driving?🚗Jogging? 🏃Click the button for hands-free training!👇

Non-stop shadowing lessons!

This week we’re looking at a Part 2 cue card that asks you to speak about a time when you interacted with an animal.

Step 1: Tune in to this week’s lesson. (Audio and video version below.)

Part 2 cue card
Describe a time when you interacted with an animal. You should say:
What kind of animal it was
Where you were and what you did with the animal
How the experience made you feel
And explain whether you would like to spend more time with this kind of animal in the future

Step 2: Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.

Step 3: Engage this week’s full speech shadowing lesson. (If you do not yet have access, click here to sign up for full lessons.)

Step 4: Below is Monday’s speech exercise. Post yourself saying this excerpt to your Whatsapp group. Exercises for Tuesday to Friday will be posted in the group by your instructor. (If you have not yet been added to a group, click here to sign up – select ‘Join a Whatsapp group’.)

Post yourself saying this into your Whatsapp group!🗣️📲

“I’d like to talk about a memorable experience I had with a sea turtle. This took place during a holiday in Spain. I visited a local wildlife sanctuary that had a special section dedicated to marine life, and this area included sea turtles.”
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Step 5: It’s very important that you note any new language items or pronunciation points from this week’s lesson in your journal to help you chronicle your improvement.📝

Transcript

Part 2 cue card
Describe a time when you interacted with an animal. You should say:
What kind of animal it was
Where you were and what you did with the animal
How the experience made you feel
And explain whether you would like to spend more time with this kind of animal in the future

I’d like to talk about a memorable experience I had with a sea turtle. This took place during a holiday in Spain. I visited a local wildlife sanctuary that had a special section dedicated to marine life, and this area included sea turtles.

At the sanctuary, I was given the opportunity to assist the staff in feeding the turtles as part of a conservation programme. I helped prepare a mixture of vegetables and fish, which was the turtles’ preferred food. Once the food was ready, I gently placed it in the water. A few moments later, one of the turtles swam up and slowly started to eat it!

This experience made me feel deeply connected to nature. It was a humbling reminder of the vast diversity of life on our planet and how much we can learn from creatures that live so differently from us. I also felt a sense of responsibility toward protecting endangered species like this one, as they are so vulnerable to human activity.

As for whether I’d like to spend more time with this kind of animal: absolutely. Turtles are peaceful, ancient creatures, and being around them has a calming effect. I’d love to be involved in more conservation efforts. It would give me more chances to learn about turtle behaviour and contribute to their preservation.

Lesson 171: A special place in your hometown 🌇

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👇Driving?🚗Jogging? 🏃Click the button for hands-free training!👇

Non-stop shadowing lessons!

This week we’re looking at a Part 2 cue card on the topic of ‘a special place in your hometown’.

Step 1: Tune in to this week’s podcast episode (audio and video version below).

Describe a place in your hometown that is special to you. You should say:
-what this place is
-where it is located
-how often you visit it
and explain why this place is special to you.

Step 2: Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.

Step 3: Engage this week’s full speech shadowing lesson. (If you do not yet have access, click here to sign up for full lessons.)

Step 4: Below is Monday’s speech exercise. Post yourself saying this excerpt to your Whatsapp group. Exercises for Tuesday to Friday will be posted in the group by your instructor. (If you have not yet been added to a group, click here to sign up – select ‘Join a Whatsapp group’.)

Post yourself saying this into your Whatsapp group!🗣️📲

“A place that is particularly special to me is a small hill located just outside my old high school. This hill, though modest in size, offers an incredible view of the surrounding area. It’s located on the outskirts of the town where I grew up, and it’s a spot that holds a lot of memories for me.”
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Step 5: It’s very important that you note any new language items or pronunciation points from this week’s lesson in your journal to help you chronicle your improvement.📝

Transcript

Describe a place in your hometown that is special to you. You should say:
-what this place is
-where it is located
-how often you visit it
and explain why this place is special to you.

A place that is particularly special to me is a small hill located just outside my old high school. This hill, though modest in size, offers an incredible view of the surrounding area. It’s located on the outskirts of the town where I grew up, and it’s a spot that holds a lot of memories for me.

I used to visit this hill frequently after my classes or on weekends. Even now, I make it a point to stop by when I’m back in town. I’d say I visit a few times a year, and each time, it feels like visiting an old friend.

What makes this hill so special to me is the sense of peace and reflection it offers. During my high school years, it was my go-to place whenever I needed to clear my head or take a break from studying. I would sit at the top. There’s an amazing view that stretches out over the town and allows you to catch the sunset. The colours of the sunset from that vantage point are breathtaking! It’s a sight that never fails to calm my mind and lift my spirits.

Beyond its beauty, the hill has a deep personal significance. It was a place where I would often go with friends after school. We would sit and talk about our dreams, our fears and our plans for the future. Those conversations, which often occured against the backdrop of the setting sun, are some of my most cherished memories.

Even now, this simple hill is a reminder of a simpler time and of the friendships and dreams I had when I was younger.

Lesson 168: A time when you worked with others✍️(A common job interview question!)

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This week’s IELTS Part 2 cue card is also a common question in job interviews. (Click here to engage another prompt that is also commonly asked in interviews.)

Step 1: Tune in to this week’s podcast episode (audio and video version below).

Describe a time when you worked with others. You should say:
-what you were doing
-when this occurred
-who you were working with
and explain how you felt about working with these people
🧑‍🎓Target language:

particularly(adv.)
-at a higher degree than is normal

“One member was particularly skilled in data analysis, another in graphic design, while the others focused on traditional marketing methods.”

Step 2: Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.

Step 3: Engage this week’s full speech shadowing lesson. (If you do not yet have access, click here to sign up for full lessons.)

Step 4: Below is Monday’s speech exercise. Post yourself saying this excerpt to your Whatsapp group. Exercises for Tuesday to Friday will be posted in the group by your instructor. (If you have not yet been added to a group, click here to sign up – select ‘Join a Whatsapp group’.)

Post yourself saying this into your Whatsapp group!🗣️📲

“One memorable time when I worked with others was during a group project at university. We were tasked with developing a marketing strategy for a local startup as part of our final-year business course.”
Chat on WhatsApp

Step 5: It’s very important that you note any new language items or pronunciation points from this week’s lesson in your journal to help you chronicle your improvement.📝

Transcript

Describe a time when you worked with others. You should say:
-what you were doing
-when this occurred
-who you were working with
and explain how you felt about working with these people

One memorable time when I worked with others was during a group project at university. We were tasked with developing a marketing strategy for a local startup as part of our final-year business course.

The project took place during my final semester, about a year ago. It involved conducting market research, analysing competitors and ultimately proposing a comprehensive marketing plan. My role within the group was to focus on the digital marketing aspects, including social media strategies and online advertising campaigns.

I worked closely with four other classmates, each of whom had a different area of expertise. One member was particularly skilled in data analysis, another in graphic design, while the others focused on traditional marketing methods. We all brought our unique strengths to the table, which made the collaboration very dynamic.

I felt very positive about working with this group of people. We had a great balance of skills and personalities, which allowed us to tackle the project from multiple angles. In the end, our hard work paid off, as we received top marks for our project. This experience not only strengthened my teamwork skills but also gave me confidence in my ability to work in groups.

Lesson 167: A party you attended🕺

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This week, you will train to speak about a party you attended. This is a band 9 response scripted in response to a real IELTS Speaking Part 2 cue card.

Step 1: Tune in to this week’s podcast episode (audio version below).

Talk about a party you attended at some point in the past. You should say:
-what the party was for
-why you attended this party
-what happened at the party
and explain how you felt about the party
🧑‍🎓Target language:

profoundly (adv.)
-in a significant or important way

“He was a mentor and a guide who profoundly influenced my academic and personal growth.”

Step 2: Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.

Step 3: Engage this week’s full speech shadowing lesson. (If you do not yet have access, click here to sign up for full lessons.)

Step 4: Below is Monday’s speech exercise. Post yourself saying this excerpt to your Whatsapp group. Exercises for Tuesday to Friday will be posted in the group by your instructor. (If you have not yet been added to a group, click here to sign up – select ‘Join a Whatsapp group’.)

Post yourself saying this into your Whatsapp group!🗣️📲

“An important party I attended in the past was a surprise retirement celebration for my favourite university professor, Dr Ken Williams. The party honoured Dr Williams’ remarkable career and contributions to the field of literature over the past 40 years.”
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Step 5: It’s very important that you note any new language items or pronunciation points from this week’s lesson in your journal to help you chronicle your improvement.📝

Transcript

Talk about a party you attended at some point in the past. You should say:
-what the party was for
-why you attended this party
-what happened at the party
and explain how you felt about the party

An important party I attended in the past was a surprise retirement celebration for my favourite university professor, Dr Ken Williams. The party honoured Dr Williams’ remarkable career and contributions to the field of literature over the past 40 years. This event took place about a year ago in the lobby of my professor’s university department and was organised by his colleagues and former students.

I attended this party because Dr Williams was more than just a professor to me. He was a mentor and a guide who profoundly influenced my academic and personal growth. Being part of this celebration was my way of showing appreciation for everything he had done for us.

The party itself was an unforgettable experience. The evening began with a heartfelt speech by the dean, followed by a series of tributes from former students and colleagues. There was a slideshow highlighting his career achievements and memorable moments from his teaching years.

Reflecting on this experience, I feel incredibly honoured and grateful to have been a part of such a special occasion. The party was a beautiful tribute to a remarkable individual who had made a lasting impact on so many lives. It was not only a great celebration but also a reminder of the importance of appreciating those who inspire us.

Lesson 166: An educational experience that impacted you professionally 🧑‍🎓

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This week, you will train to speak about your education. This is a great exercise to help with job interviews in English as well. Speaking at length about your education is not uncommon when interviewing with a potential employer.

Step 1: Tune in to this week’s podcast episode (audio and video version below).

Talk about an important educational experience you had that impacted you as a person or a professional. You should say:
-what the experience was
-when you had this experience
-how this experience impacted you
-and how you feel about this experience
🧑‍🎓Target language:

keen on
-interested in

“I am also sincerely keen on pursuing computer science as a career.”

Step 2: Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.

Step 3: Engage this week’s full speech shadowing lesson. (If you do not yet have access, click here to sign up for full lessons.)

Step 4: Below is Monday’s speech exercise. Post yourself saying this excerpt to your Whatsapp group. Exercises for Tuesday to Friday will be posted in the group by your instructor. (If you have not yet been added to a group, click here to sign up – select ‘Join a Whatsapp group’.)

Post yourself saying this into your Whatsapp group!🗣️📲

“An important educational experience that impacted me professionally was a first-year university course I took in computer programming. This experience took place during my first semester at university around four years ago.”
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Step 5: It’s very important that you note any new language items or pronunciation points from this week’s lesson in your journal to help you chronicle your improvement.📝

Transcript

Talk about an important educational experience you had that impacted you as a person or a professional. You should say:
-what the experience was
-when you had this experience
-how this experience impacted you
-and how you feel about this experience

An important educational experience that impacted me professionally was a first-year university course I took in computer programming. This experience took place during my first semester at university around four years ago.

The course was an introduction to the fundamentals of Java programming. It covered essential concepts such as object-oriented programming and a variety of data structures. Initially, I enrolled in the class because I had a general interest in technology, but I had little experience with programming. As the semester progressed, I found myself increasingly fascinated by the logical and creative aspects of coding.

Academically, it opened my eyes to the world of computer science. This newfound interest led me to pursue further courses in computer science, and I ultimately ended up changing my major to the subject. I now am a very skilled programmer and have built several programs that are quite popular online. I am also sincerely keen on pursuing computer science as a career.

Reflecting on this experience, I feel immensely grateful and inspired. The course not only expanded my academic and career prospects but also contributed significantly to my personal growth.

Lesson 164: An actor/actress you admire🤩

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This week, you will train to respond to a Part 2 cue card that asks your to speak about an actor or actress you admire. As always, this band 9 sample response was scripted by an active IELTS examiner.

Step 1: Tune in to this week’s podcast episode (audio and video version available below).

Describe an actor or actress you admire. You should say
-who he/she is
-what he/she looks like
-what kind of movies he/she appears in
and explain why you admire this actor/actress
🧑‍🎓Target language:

down to earth
-a person who is not pretentious

“Additionally, he has a reputation for being kind and generous to his fans and colleagues, and he comes across as a very down to earth person in interviews.”

Step 2: Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.

Step 3: Engage this week’s full speech shadowing lesson. (If you do not yet have access, click here to sign up for full lessons.)

Step 4: Below is Monday’s speech exercise. Post yourself saying this excerpt to your Whatsapp group. Exercises for Tuesday to Friday will be posted in the group by your instructor. (If you have not yet been added to a group, click here to sign up – select ‘Join a Whatsapp group’.)

Post yourself saying this into your Whatsapp group!🗣️📲

“One actor I greatly admire is Tom Cruise. He is an internationally renowned actor and producer, known for his dedication to his craft and his impressive filmography.”
Chat on WhatsApp

Step 5: It’s very important that you note any new language items or pronunciation points from this week’s lesson in your journal to help you chronicle your improvement.📝

Transcript

Describe an actor or actress you admire. You should say
-who he/she is
-what he/she looks like
-what kind of movies he/she appears in
and explain why you admire this actor/actress

One actor I greatly admire is Tom Cruise. He is an internationally renowned actor and producer, known for his dedication to his craft and his impressive filmography.

What more can I tell you about him? Tom Cruise is an American actor who has been a prominent figure in Hollywood for over three decades. Tom Cruise has a very distinctive appearance, and I think it’s safe to say most people would describe him as ‘handsome’. He is of average height and is known for his confident smile.

As for the movies he appears in, his films tend to span several different genres. I guess these days he is best known for roles in action films such as the Mission: Impossible series. However, he has also starred in dramatic movies like Jerry Maguire, Eyes Wide Shut and Minority Report, so I feel he is quite versatile in his acting.

There are several reasons why I admire Tom Cruise. Firstly, his willingness to push boundaries is truly inspiring. For example, he does a lot of his own stunts. I heard that several of the high-speed chases in the Mission: Impossible movies were carried out by him. Tom Cruise is also known for his professionalism and work ethic on set, which I think is admirable. Additionally, he has a reputation for being kind and generous to his fans and colleagues, and he comes across as a very down to earth person in interviews.

Lesson 161: A time when you woke up early👀

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This week, we will examine a band 9 response to this Part 2 cue card:

Describe a time when you had to wake up early. You should say
-what time you woke up
-why you woke up at this time
-what you did after waking up
and explain how you felt about getting up at this time

Step 1: Tune in to this week’s podcast episode (audio and video version available below).

🧑‍🎓Target language:

grogginess (noun)
-feeling confused due to tiredness

“However, my anticipation of the interview quickly overshadowed any grogginess I felt.”

Step 2: Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.

Step 3: Engage this week’s full speech shadowing lesson. (If you do not yet have access, click here to sign up for full lessons.)

Step 4: Below is Monday’s speech exercise. Post yourself saying this excerpt to your Whatsapp group. Exercises for Tuesday to Friday will be posted in the group by your instructor. (If you have not yet been added to a group, click here to sign up – select ‘Join a Whatsapp group’.)

Post yourself saying this into your Whatsapp group!🗣️📲

“I’m going to talk about a time when I had to wake up early for an important job interview I had last year. I set my alarm for 5:00 AM, which is significantly earlier than my usual wake-up time.”
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Step 5: It’s very important that you note any new language items or pronunciation points from this week’s lesson in your journal to help you chronicle your improvement.📝

Transcript

Describe a time when you had to wake up early. You should say
-what time you woke up
-why you woke up at this time
-what you did after waking up
and explain how you felt about getting up at this time

I’m going to talk about a time when I had to wake up early for an important job interview I had last year. I set my alarm for 5:00 AM, which is significantly earlier than my usual wake-up time.

The reason I had to wake up so early was that the interview was scheduled for 8:30 AM in a different city. It was about a two-hour drive from my home. I wanted to make sure I had ample time to get ready, review my notes, and account for any potential traffic delays.

After getting out of bed, I immediately started my morning routine. I took a quick shower to help wake myself up fully and then prepared a light breakfast. As I ate, I started to review my resume and the company’s profile one last time to ensure I was well-prepared for any questions they might throw my way. Around 6:00 AM, I left my house and began the drive to the interview location.

Regarding how I felt about waking up at this unusually early hour, I would say it was a mix of excitement and a bit of nervousness. Initially, the early wake-up call was a bit of a shock to my system, as I am not typically a morning person. However, my anticipation of the interview quickly overshadowed any grogginess I felt. By the time I was on the road, the crisp morning air and the peaceful drive helped me to feel more awake and focused. I arrived to the interview with time to spare, and this gave me a sense of accomplishment for having managed my time so effectively.

Although waking up at 5:00 AM was challenging, it was necessary for the important occasion and led to a successful interview.

Thank you.

Lesson 158: A situation when people congratulated you🥳

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This week, you will train to speak about a situation when you were congratulated by others. This lesson uses a Part 2 cue card that was recently seen in a real IELTS Speaking exam.

Step 1: Tune in to this week’s podcast episode (audio and video version available below).

Describe a situation when people congratulated you. You should say:
-what you did
-when it was
-how they congratulated you
and explain how you felt about it
🧑‍🎓Target language:

comprehensive (adjective)
-includes all components

“The project involved developing a comprehensive marketing strategy.”

Step 2: Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.

Step 3: Engage this week’s full speech shadowing lesson. (If you do not yet have access, click here to sign up for full lessons.)

Step 4: Below is Monday’s speech exercise. Post yourself saying this excerpt to your Whatsapp group. Exercises for Tuesday to Friday will be posted in the group by your instructor. (If you have not yet been added to a group, click here to sign up – select ‘Join a Whatsapp group’.)

Post yourself saying this into your Whatsapp group!🗣️📲

“I’d like to talk about a situation when people congratulated me. This occurred last year when I successfully completed a challenging project at work.

The project involved developing a comprehensive marketing strategy for a new product our company was launching. It was a significant undertaking as it required not only a deep understanding of the market but also innovative thinking to differentiate our product from the competition.”
Chat on WhatsApp

Step 5: It’s very important that you note any new language items or pronunciation points from this week’s lesson in your journal to help you chronicle your improvement.📝

Transcript

Describe a situation when people congratulated you. You should say:
-what you did
-when it was
-how they congratulated you
and explain how you felt about it

I’d like to talk about a situation when people congratulated me. This occurred last year when I successfully completed a challenging project at work.

The project involved developing a comprehensive marketing strategy for a new product our company was launching. It was a significant undertaking as it required not only a deep understanding of the market but also innovative thinking to differentiate our product from the competition. I worked tirelessly for three months. I conducted extensive market research and coordinated with various departments. The end result was a marketing campaign that was highly profitable for the company.

The moment of recognition came during our annual company meeting last December. The CEO, in front of the entire company, highlighted the success of the project and praised my efforts specifically. He then invited me to the stage to receive a certificate of excellence.

The congratulatory gestures didn’t stop there. My colleagues gave me a standing ovation, and many came up to me personally after the meeting to shake my hand and offer their heartfelt congratulations.

It felt great to be recognised, and I also felt an overwhelming sense of pride and accomplishment. The experience not only boosted my confidence but also motivated me to continue striving for excellence in my work. Having my peers congratulate me in this way reinforced my belief in the importance of dedication and hard work.

Thank you.