The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about personal experiences, including challenging situations. One common topic is describing a challenging thing you have done. This theme has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests. Let’s explore how to effectively answer such questions and maximize your score.
Describe an ambition you have had for a long time can also be a challenging topic to discuss in the IELTS Speaking test. It requires similar skills in articulating personal experiences and goals.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions related to challenges or difficult experiences. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:
Q: Do you enjoy challenging yourself?
A: Absolutely! I find great satisfaction in pushing my boundaries and taking on new challenges. It’s through these experiences that I grow both personally and professionally. For instance, last year I decided to learn a new language, which was quite demanding but incredibly rewarding.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a challenging thing you have done.
You should say:
- What the challenge was
- When and where you did it
- Why you found it challenging
- And explain how you felt after completing it
Sample Answers
Band 6-7 Answer:
The challenging thing I want to talk about is when I participated in a marathon last year. It took place in my hometown in October. I found it extremely challenging because I had never run such a long distance before, and I had to train for several months to prepare. The day of the race was really tough, and there were moments when I wanted to give up. But I kept pushing myself, and when I finally crossed the finish line, I felt an incredible sense of achievement. It was a mix of exhaustion and pure joy. This experience taught me a lot about perseverance and setting goals.
Band 8-9 Answer:
One of the most formidable challenges I’ve undertaken was participating in a full marathon last October in my hometown. This grueling 26.2-mile race was a true test of both physical endurance and mental fortitude. The challenge was multifaceted – not only did I have to prepare my body through months of rigorous training, but I also had to overcome psychological barriers and self-doubt.
The preparation itself was incredibly demanding. I had to adhere to a strict training regimen, waking up at dawn to run before work and dedicating my weekends to long-distance runs. Balancing this intensive training with my professional and personal life was a challenge in itself.
On the day of the race, I faced numerous obstacles. The sheer physical exertion was overwhelming, and around the 20-mile mark, I hit the infamous “wall” where my body screamed for me to stop. However, I drew upon my mental reserves and the support of the cheering crowd to persevere.
Upon crossing the finish line, I was inundated with a myriad of emotions. There was an overwhelming sense of accomplishment, coupled with physical exhaustion and an indescribable euphoria. This experience was transformative, teaching me the true extent of my capabilities when I push beyond my perceived limits. It instilled in me a newfound confidence and reinforced the value of setting ambitious goals and working tirelessly to achieve them.
IELTS Speaking: Describing a challenging marathon experience
Follow-up Questions
Q: How do you usually prepare for challenges?
Band 6-7 Answer:
When preparing for challenges, I usually start by setting clear goals and creating a plan. I try to break the big challenge into smaller, manageable tasks. I also seek advice from people who have experience in that area and try to learn from their insights.
Band 8-9 Answer:
My approach to preparing for challenges is multifaceted and methodical. Firstly, I conduct thorough research to understand the scope and nature of the challenge. Then, I devise a comprehensive strategy, breaking down the overall goal into incremental, achievable milestones. I’m a firm believer in the power of mental preparation, so I often incorporate techniques like visualization and positive affirmations. Additionally, I seek out mentors or experts in the relevant field to gain valuable insights and potentially avoid common pitfalls. Lastly, I ensure I have a robust support system in place, as I’ve found that having encouragement and accountability can be crucial in overcoming obstacles.
Q: Do you think challenges are important in life?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I believe challenges are very important in life. They help us grow and learn new things. Without challenges, we might not push ourselves to improve or try new experiences. Challenges can be difficult, but they often lead to personal development and a sense of achievement.
Band 8-9 Answer:
I firmly believe that challenges play a pivotal role in personal growth and development. They serve as catalysts for self-improvement and help us expand our horizons. Challenges push us beyond our comfort zones, forcing us to acquire new skills, adapt to unfamiliar situations, and discover hidden strengths. Moreover, overcoming challenges builds resilience and boosts self-confidence, which are invaluable traits in both personal and professional spheres. The process of tackling challenges also fosters problem-solving abilities and creative thinking. In essence, challenges are the crucibles in which our character is forged and our true potential is realized.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Q: How do you think technology has changed the way people face challenges?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Technology has definitely changed how we deal with challenges. It has made information more accessible, so we can easily find solutions to problems. For example, if someone wants to learn a new skill, they can find online courses or tutorials. Technology also allows us to connect with experts or communities for support. However, it might also make some people too reliant on technology instead of developing their own problem-solving skills.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Technology has fundamentally transformed the landscape of challenge-tackling in myriad ways. On one hand, it has democratized access to information and resources, enabling individuals to acquire knowledge and skills at an unprecedented pace. This has leveled the playing field in many areas, allowing people to overcome traditional barriers to learning and problem-solving.
Moreover, technology has facilitated global connectivity, enabling collaboration and the sharing of ideas on a scale never before possible. This has led to the emergence of crowd-sourcing solutions and virtual support networks, which can be invaluable when facing complex challenges.
However, the ubiquity of technology has also introduced new dimensions to challenges. The rapid pace of technological advancement means that individuals and organizations must constantly adapt and upskill to remain relevant. Additionally, there’s a risk of over-reliance on technology, potentially atrophying certain cognitive skills and problem-solving abilities.
Furthermore, technology has altered the nature of challenges themselves. Issues like cybersecurity, digital privacy, and the ethical implications of AI are entirely new frontiers that require novel approaches and skillsets.
In essence, while technology has undoubtedly empowered us to tackle challenges more efficiently in many ways, it has also introduced new complexities and requires a judicious approach to harness its benefits effectively.
Technology enhancing problem-solving skills
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Formidable challenge [fɔːˈmɪdəbl ˈtʃælɪndʒ] (adj. + n.): A difficult task or situation that requires great effort to overcome.
Example: Climbing Mount Everest is a formidable challenge that tests one’s physical and mental limits.To persevere [ˌpɜːsɪˈvɪə(r)] (v): To continue trying to do something despite difficulties.
Example: Despite numerous setbacks, she persevered and eventually achieved her goal.Mental fortitude [ˈmentl ˈfɔːtɪtjuːd] (adj. + n.): Strength of mind that enables one to endure adversity with courage.
Example: Completing a marathon requires not just physical training but also great mental fortitude.To push beyond one’s limits (phrase): To exceed what you thought you were capable of doing.
Example: By taking on this project, I really pushed beyond my limits and discovered new abilities.Transformative experience [trænsˈfɔːmətɪv ɪkˈspɪəriəns] (adj. + n.): An event or occurrence that causes a significant change in someone’s life or perspective.
Example: Her year abroad was a transformative experience that changed her worldview completely.
Describe a puzzle you have played can be another interesting topic to discuss when talking about challenging experiences. Puzzles often require problem-solving skills and persistence, which are relevant to overcoming challenges.
Tips from an Examiner
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing challenging experiences:
Practice storytelling: Develop your ability to narrate experiences coherently and engagingly.
Expand your vocabulary: Learn and use a wide range of descriptive words and idiomatic expressions.
Work on pronunciation and fluency: Regular practice will help you speak more naturally and confidently.
Develop your ideas: Don’t just state facts; explain your thoughts and feelings in detail.
Use a variety of grammatical structures: This demonstrates your language proficiency.
Stay relevant: Always address the question directly and stay on topic.
Be authentic: Share genuine experiences and opinions to make your responses more convincing and natural.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about language skills, but also about effectively communicating your ideas and experiences.
Describe a time when you felt proud of a family member could be another topic where you might discuss overcoming challenges, as family achievements often involve surmounting difficulties.
IELTS Speaking preparation tips from an examiner
By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to describe challenging experiences effectively in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the goal is not just to demonstrate language skills, but to communicate your experiences and thoughts clearly and engagingly.