Mastering the IELTS Speaking: How to Effectively Describe Overcoming a Challenge

The IELTS Speaking test often includes topics related to personal experiences and achievements. One common theme that frequently appears is describing a time when you faced a challenge and succeeded. This topic allows examiners to assess your ability to narrate past events, express emotions, and reflect on personal growth. Let’s explore how to effectively tackle this subject and maximize your speaking score.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In the first part of the IELTS Speaking test, the examiner may ask you some general questions related to challenges and success. Here are some potential questions you might encounter:

1. Do you enjoy challenging yourself?
2. What kind of challenges do you usually face in your daily life?
3. How do you typically deal with difficulties?
4. Do you think it’s important for people to face challenges? Why or why not?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:

Examiner: Do you enjoy challenging yourself?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely! I find great satisfaction in pushing myself out of my comfort zone. Challenging myself not only helps me grow as a person but also allows me to discover new abilities I didn’t know I had. For instance, last year, I decided to learn a new language, which was quite daunting at first. However, the sense of accomplishment I felt when I could hold a basic conversation was incredibly rewarding.”

Part 2: Long Turn

For the second part of the test, you might receive a cue card related to describing a challenge you faced and overcame. Here’s a sample cue card:

Describe a time when you faced a challenge and succeeded

You should say:
- What the challenge was
- When and where it happened
- How you overcame it
- And explain how you felt after succeeding

Sample answer (Band 6-7):

“I’d like to talk about a time when I faced a significant challenge and managed to overcome it. The challenge I encountered was giving a presentation in English for the first time at an international student conference.

This event took place about two years ago at my university. As a non-native English speaker, I was extremely nervous about speaking in front of a large audience in a language that wasn’t my mother tongue.

To overcome this challenge, I prepared extensively. I spent weeks researching my topic, writing and rewriting my speech, and practicing my delivery. I also sought help from my English teacher, who gave me valuable feedback on my pronunciation and presentation skills.

On the day of the conference, I was still nervous, but I felt more confident due to my thorough preparation. I took deep breaths to calm myself before going on stage. During the presentation, I focused on speaking clearly and maintaining eye contact with the audience.

After successfully delivering my presentation, I felt an immense sense of pride and accomplishment. The positive feedback I received from the audience and other speakers boosted my confidence significantly. This experience taught me that with proper preparation and determination, I could overcome my fears and achieve my goals.”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d be delighted to share an experience where I confronted a formidable challenge and emerged victorious. The obstacle I faced was delivering a keynote speech in English at an international student conference, which was particularly daunting as a non-native speaker.

This pivotal event transpired approximately two years ago at my university’s grand auditorium. As someone who had always been more comfortable expressing myself in my native language, the prospect of addressing a diverse, multilingual audience in English was nothing short of intimidating.

To surmount this challenge, I embarked on a rigorous preparation journey. I immersed myself in extensive research, crafting and refining my speech meticulously. I sought guidance from my English professor, who provided invaluable insights on refining my pronunciation and enhancing my presentation techniques. Additionally, I recorded myself numerous times, analyzing each recording to identify areas for improvement.

On the day of reckoning, despite residual nervousness, I felt a sense of preparedness wash over me. I employed mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing and positive self-talk, to center myself before taking the stage. During the presentation, I focused on articulating my thoughts clearly, maintaining engaging eye contact, and using appropriate gestures to emphasize key points.

Upon concluding my speech to a round of applause, I was overwhelmed with a profound sense of accomplishment. The positive reception from the audience, coupled with commendations from fellow speakers and organizers, significantly bolstered my self-assurance. This experience was truly transformative, teaching me that with unwavering determination, meticulous preparation, and a willingness to step outside one’s comfort zone, even the most formidable challenges can be conquered.”

IELTS candidate giving a presentation

Follow-up questions:

1. How did this experience change you as a person?
2. Do you think facing challenges is important for personal growth?

Sample answers (Band 8-9):

1. “This experience was truly transformative. It significantly boosted my self-confidence, not just in public speaking but in various aspects of my life. I learned that I’m capable of much more than I initially believed, which has encouraged me to take on new challenges with enthusiasm. Moreover, it honed my problem-solving skills and taught me the value of thorough preparation, which I now apply to other areas of my academic and personal life.”

2. “Absolutely. I firmly believe that facing challenges is crucial for personal growth. Challenges push us out of our comfort zones and force us to develop new skills and perspectives. They teach us resilience, adaptability, and creative problem-solving. Without challenges, we might never discover our true potential or the depths of our capabilities. Each obstacle we overcome contributes to our personal evolution, making us more robust and versatile individuals, better equipped to handle future difficulties.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to challenges and success. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

Examiner: Do you think modern technology has made it easier or harder for people to overcome challenges?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“That’s an interesting question. I believe modern technology has had a dual impact on how we face challenges. On one hand, it has made many aspects of life easier. We have instant access to information and resources that can help us solve problems quickly. For example, if someone is struggling with a math problem, they can find tutorials online or connect with tutors virtually.

However, technology has also introduced new challenges. The fast-paced digital world can be overwhelming, leading to issues like information overload and decreased attention spans. Moreover, our increasing reliance on technology might make us less resilient when faced with challenges that require offline skills or creative thinking.

Overall, I think technology can be a powerful tool in overcoming challenges, but it’s crucial to use it wisely and maintain a balance between digital solutions and developing our own problem-solving abilities.”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“That’s a thought-provoking question. I believe the impact of modern technology on our ability to overcome challenges is multifaceted and somewhat paradoxical.

On one hand, technology has undeniably empowered us with unprecedented access to information, resources, and tools that can significantly aid in problem-solving. The internet, for instance, serves as a vast repository of knowledge, allowing us to learn new skills, find solutions to complex problems, and connect with experts globally. This democratization of information has leveled the playing field in many areas, enabling individuals to tackle challenges that might have seemed insurmountable in the past.

However, the pervasiveness of technology has also introduced a new set of challenges. The constant connectivity and information overload can lead to decreased focus and increased stress, potentially hampering our ability to think deeply about complex issues. There’s also a risk of over-reliance on technology, which might atrophy our innate problem-solving skills and creativity.

Moreover, technology has accelerated the pace of change in many fields, creating a constant need for adaptation and learning. While this can be seen as a positive challenge that keeps us on our toes, it can also be overwhelming and lead to burnout.

In conclusion, I believe that while modern technology has provided us with powerful tools to overcome challenges, it has simultaneously created new obstacles and altered the landscape of problem-solving. The key lies in striking a balance – leveraging technology as an aid while continuing to develop our core cognitive abilities and resilience. It’s crucial to use technology mindfully, ensuring it enhances rather than replaces our innate problem-solving capabilities.”

Technology's impact on solving challenges

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To enhance your IELTS Speaking performance when discussing challenges and success, consider using the following vocabulary and phrases:

1. To overcome /ˌəʊvəˈkʌm/ (verb): To succeed in dealing with or gaining control of a problem or difficulty.
   Example: “I had to overcome my fear of public speaking to give the presentation.”

2. Resilience /rɪˈzɪliəns/ (noun): The ability to recover quickly from difficulties.
   Example: “Developing resilience is crucial for facing life’s challenges.”

3. To persevere /ˌpɜːsɪˈvɪə(r)/ (verb): To continue trying to do something despite difficulties.
   Example: “I had to persevere through many setbacks before finally succeeding.”

4. Daunting /ˈdɔːntɪŋ/ (adjective): Seeming difficult to deal with in prospect; intimidating.
   Example: “The challenge seemed daunting at first, but I was determined to succeed.”

5. To step out of one’s comfort zone (phrase): To do something that you find difficult or that makes you feel nervous.
   Example: “Giving a speech in English required me to step out of my comfort zone.”

6. To rise to the challenge (phrase): To show that you can do something well when you are in a difficult situation.
   Example: “Despite my initial fears, I managed to rise to the challenge and deliver a successful presentation.”

Tips from an IELTS Examiner

As an experienced IELTS examiner, I would advise candidates to:

1. Practice storytelling: Develop your ability to narrate events coherently and engagingly. This skill is crucial for Part 2 of the Speaking test.

2. Expand your vocabulary: Learn and use a variety of words and phrases related to challenges, success, and personal growth. This will help you express your ideas more precisely and impressively.

3. Work on your fluency: Regular practice speaking English, even if it’s just talking to yourself, can significantly improve your fluency and confidence.

4. Develop your ideas: Don’t just give short, simple answers. Try to explain your thoughts in detail, providing examples and reasons for your opinions.

5. Listen carefully to the questions: Make sure you understand what the examiner is asking and answer accordingly. Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification if needed.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about perfect grammar or extensive vocabulary. It’s about communicating your ideas effectively and confidently. Keep practicing, and you’ll see improvement in no time!

describe a memorable school project can also be an excellent way to demonstrate your ability to overcome challenges and achieve success. Similarly, when you describe a goal you achieved recently, you can highlight the obstacles you faced and how you surmounted them. These topics provide great opportunities to showcase your language skills and personal experiences in the IELTS Speaking test.