As an IELTS Speaking examiner, I’ve seen countless candidates struggle with this topic. “Describe a challenging situation you faced while learning something new” is a common theme in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Part 2. It’s a versatile topic that allows examiners to assess your ability to narrate an experience, express emotions, and reflect on personal growth. Let’s dive into how you can excel in this task and boost your IELTS Speaking score.
IELTS Speaking Test
Understanding the IELTS Speaking Test Structure
Before we delve into the specific topic, let’s quickly review the structure of the IELTS Speaking test:
- Part 1: Introduction and Interview (4-5 minutes)
- Part 2: Long Turn (3-4 minutes)
- Part 3: Two-way Discussion (4-5 minutes)
Our focus topic, “Describe a challenging situation you faced while learning something new,” typically appears in Part 2, but related questions may arise in Parts 1 and 3 as well.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
While this part doesn’t directly address our main topic, the examiner might ask related questions to warm you up. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
Q: Do you enjoy learning new things?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I do enjoy learning new things. It’s always exciting to gain new knowledge or skills. Recently, I’ve been learning how to cook Italian cuisine, which has been both challenging and rewarding.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Absolutely! I have an insatiable curiosity for acquiring new knowledge and skills. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about pushing my boundaries and expanding my horizons. For instance, I recently embarked on learning to play the piano, which has been a formidable yet exhilarating journey.”
Q: What’s the most challenging thing you’ve ever learned?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“The most challenging thing I’ve learned is probably speaking English. It took me a long time to feel confident, especially with pronunciation and grammar.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I would say mastering data science has been my most arduous learning endeavor to date. The complexity of statistical analysis coupled with programming languages like Python and R presented a steep learning curve. However, overcoming these challenges has been immensely rewarding.”
Part 2: Long Turn
This is where you’re most likely to encounter our main topic. Here’s a sample cue card:
Cue Card
Describe a challenging situation you faced while learning something new.
You should say:
- What you were learning
- What made it challenging
- How you overcame the challenge
- And explain how you felt about the experience
Sample Answer (Band 6-7)
“I’d like to talk about a challenging situation I faced while learning to drive. Driving was something I’d always wanted to learn, but when I finally started taking lessons, I found it much harder than I expected.
The most challenging part was multitasking. I had to focus on so many things at once – steering, changing gears, watching the road, and following traffic rules. It was overwhelming at first, and I felt quite stressed during my initial lessons.
To overcome this challenge, I decided to practice more often. I asked my father to take me out for extra practice sessions after my regular lessons. We would go to quiet areas where there wasn’t much traffic, and I could focus on one skill at a time.
Gradually, I began to feel more comfortable behind the wheel. The actions that once required so much concentration started to become more natural and automatic.
Looking back, I feel proud of myself for not giving up. It was a tough experience, but it taught me the importance of persistence and practice. Now, I enjoy driving and feel confident on the road.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
“I’d like to recount a particularly challenging situation I encountered while learning to code in Python, a programming language I decided to master to enhance my data analysis skills.
The most formidable aspect of this learning journey was grasping the concept of object-oriented programming. The abstract nature of classes and objects, coupled with the intricate syntax, presented a significant cognitive hurdle. I found myself grappling with these concepts, often feeling overwhelmed and questioning my aptitude for programming.
To surmount this challenge, I adopted a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, I enrolled in an online course that offered a more structured learning path. Secondly, I joined a local coding meetup group, which provided me with a supportive community of fellow learners and experienced programmers. Additionally, I committed to a daily coding practice, working on small projects to apply the concepts I was learning.
The turning point came when I successfully completed a project that involved creating a simple game using object-oriented principles. This tangible achievement not only boosted my confidence but also solidified my understanding of the concepts I had been struggling with.
Reflecting on this experience, I feel a profound sense of accomplishment. It was undoubtedly a grueling process, but it taught me the value of perseverance and the importance of seeking help when needed. This experience has not only equipped me with a valuable skill but has also bolstered my self-efficacy when it comes to tackling complex learning challenges.”
Follow-up Questions
Q: How do you usually approach learning new skills?
Band 6-7 Answer: “I usually start by reading about the skill online or in books. Then I try to practice regularly and ask for help when I need it.”
Band 8-9 Answer: “I typically adopt a systematic approach to acquiring new skills. I begin by thoroughly researching the subject matter, then create a structured learning plan with clear milestones. I believe in the power of deliberate practice, so I ensure I dedicate consistent time to honing the skill. Additionally, I seek out mentorship opportunities and join relevant communities to accelerate my learning process.”
Q: Do you think it’s important to challenge yourself with new learning experiences?
Band 6-7 Answer: “Yes, I think it’s very important. Challenging ourselves helps us grow and keeps our minds active. It can also be very rewarding when we succeed.”
Band 8-9 Answer: “Absolutely. I believe that embracing new learning challenges is crucial for personal and professional growth. It fosters cognitive flexibility, enhances problem-solving skills, and cultivates resilience. Moreover, the sense of achievement derived from overcoming these challenges can significantly boost self-esteem and motivation, creating a positive cycle of continuous improvement.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this part, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Q: Why do some people avoid challenging themselves with new experiences?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I think some people avoid challenges because they’re afraid of failing. It can be scary to try something new, especially if you’re not sure you’ll be good at it. Also, learning new things takes time and effort, which some people might not want to invest.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“There are several factors that might deter individuals from embracing new challenges. Primarily, the fear of failure often acts as a significant psychological barrier. This apprehension can stem from past negative experiences or a lack of self-confidence. Additionally, the comfort of familiarity can be alluring; people may prefer to remain within their established routines and skill sets rather than venture into unknown territories. Furthermore, the perceived time and effort investment required for learning new skills might be daunting, particularly for those with already busy schedules. Lastly, some individuals might suffer from a fixed mindset, believing that their abilities are static and cannot be significantly improved, which discourages them from taking on new learning experiences.”
Q: How can society encourage lifelong learning?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I think society can encourage lifelong learning by making education more accessible. This could include offering free online courses or having more flexible schedules for adult learners. Schools could also teach students about the importance of continuous learning from a young age.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Society can foster a culture of lifelong learning through various multifaceted approaches. Firstly, revamping educational systems to emphasize critical thinking, adaptability, and learning how to learn, rather than mere rote memorization, can lay a strong foundation. Secondly, promoting accessible and flexible learning opportunities, such as MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) and part-time degree programs, can cater to diverse learning needs and schedules. Additionally, incentivizing continuous professional development in workplaces, perhaps through tax benefits or career advancement opportunities, can motivate individuals to keep upgrading their skills. Public libraries and community centers could be transformed into vibrant learning hubs, offering workshops, talks, and resources for self-directed learning. Lastly, leveraging technology to create personalized learning experiences and facilitating knowledge sharing platforms can make learning more engaging and relevant to individual needs.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To elevate your speaking performance, incorporate these sophisticated words and phrases:
Formidable /ˈfɔːrmɪdəbl/ (adjective): Inspiring fear or respect through being impressively large, powerful, intense, or capable.
Example: “Learning quantum physics was a formidable task.”Arduous /ˈɑːrdʒuəs/ (adjective): Involving or requiring strenuous effort; difficult and tiring.
Example: “The journey to fluency in a new language is often arduous.”Perseverance /ˌpɜːrsəˈvɪrəns/ (noun): Persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.
Example: “His perseverance in the face of repeated failures was admirable.”Cognitive hurdle (noun phrase): A mental obstacle or challenge that needs to be overcome.
Example: “Understanding abstract mathematical concepts presented a significant cognitive hurdle.”Self-efficacy /ˌselfəˈfɪkəsi/ (noun): An individual’s belief in their capacity to execute behaviors necessary to produce specific performance attainments.
Example: “Overcoming this challenge greatly improved my self-efficacy.”Grueling /ˈɡruːəlɪŋ/ (adjective): Extremely tiring and demanding.
Example: “The training for the marathon was a grueling process.”Surmount /sərˈmaʊnt/ (verb): Overcome (a difficulty or obstacle).
Example: “With determination, she was able to surmount all the obstacles in her path.”
Tips from an IELTS Speaking Examiner
Practice regularly: Consistent practice is key to improving your speaking skills. Try to speak English every day, even if it’s just to yourself.
Record yourself: This allows you to identify areas for improvement in your pronunciation, fluency, and coherence.
Expand your vocabulary: Learn new words and phrases related to common IELTS topics and practice using them in context.
Work on your pronunciation: Focus on stress, intonation, and individual sounds that you find challenging.
Develop your ideas: Don’t just give short answers. Expand on your points and provide examples to support your ideas.
Stay calm: Remember, the examiner is not trying to trick you. They want to give you the opportunity to demonstrate your English skills.
Be authentic: While it’s good to prepare, avoid memorizing answers. Speak naturally and genuinely about your experiences and opinions.
By following these tips and practicing regularly, you can significantly improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking test. Remember, describing a challenging learning situation is not just about recounting events, but also about demonstrating your ability to reflect on experiences and articulate your thoughts clearly and coherently.
For more insights on improving your IELTS Speaking performance, you might find it helpful to read about how to describe a person who taught you an important lesson or how to describe a time when you made a quick decision under pressure. These topics can provide additional context and vocabulary that could be useful in discussing challenging learning situations.