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Part 2&3  A time when you won a prize答案及解析_雅思口语练习「新东方雅思官方网校」

The time I remember really clearly when I won a prize was when I was in school in a singing contest. It was an annual event, I think before Spring Festival… There was a big end-of-year stage performance at school, and in teams or individually, we were encouraged to join a singing or music competition. I decided to do a solo, because I’m really into singing and I’m really good at it. I had singing lessons since I was a kid and I’m a huge fan of performing cover versions of songs and going to KTV and really trying to sing better and better, and more challenging things. I decided that I would sing a song by Adele, called Chasing Pavements, which I find a little bit difficult, actually. I practiced intensely for at least a month, at home and also during rehearsals with a microphone and the proper sound equipment that we would use in the contest. When the big day came I was obviously really, really nervous. I dressed in a shiny metallic long dress and did my hair in wavy sort of curls and wore a silver necklace, so I felt really elegant as I got up on stage, and I think this helped me feel more confident. I thought I sang particularly well on this occasion and I felt really empowered singing in from of hundreds of people and seeing their faces of admiration as I hit some of the high notes spot on. I did make a couple of mistakes, which I was disappointed about, but in the end when the judges all gave their results, I came first!! Yes, I won first prize! I was amazed. I knew I had performed pretty well, but I didn’t think I was the best or that I’d win first prize. I was so proud of myself, and after the show I went for a meal with my parents and a couple of my friends to celebrate. Oh, I forgot to say what the first prize was!! I was presented, on stage, by the judges, with a large gold trophy in the shape of a musical note, and an android tablet. That was first prize. I was really pleased with that, but to be honest, I was more pleased with coming first and achieving such a great thing, than the actual prize gift for the achievement, if that makes sense.

Not at all. While prizes can be motivating, competition offers much more. It's a chance for personal growth and skill development. Competitors often push themselves beyond their limits, learning valuable lessons about perseverance and self-improvement. It's also about the thrill of the challenge and the satisfaction of giving your best effort. Competitions can foster innovation and creativity as people strive to stand out. They also provide networking opportunities and a platform to showcase talents. The experience itself, including the preparation and the friendships formed, is often more valuable than any prize.

Schools should offer a diverse range of prizes to cater to different talents and motivations. Academic excellence awards are important, but so are prizes for improvement, creativity, and effort. Recognition for community service or leadership can encourage well-rounded development. Practical prizes like internships or mentorship opportunities can be incredibly valuable for future careers. Some schools offer scholarships or funding for special projects, which can be life-changing. Fun, experience-based prizes like field trips or special privileges can also be motivating. The key is to ensure prizes align with educational goals and student interests.


I believe there are three key criteria to consider. First, academic performance is crucial - this could include grades, test scores, or outstanding work in a specific subject. Second, personal growth and effort should be recognized. It's not just about being the best, but also about how much a student has improved and how hard they've worked. Finally, extracurricular involvement is important. This could mean leadership in school clubs, community service, or excellence in sports or arts. By considering these three aspects - academics, personal growth, and extracurricular activities - we can identify well-rounded students who truly deserve recognition.

Companies offer prizes mainly for three reasons. First, it's a great marketing tool to attract attention and create excitement around their brand. Prizes can draw in new customers and keep existing ones interested. Second, it encourages customer engagement. People are more likely to interact with a company when there's a chance to win something. Third, it helps gather customer data. When people enter contests, companies can learn about their preferences, which is valuable for future marketing. Essentially, prizes benefit both the company and the customers.
