Similar to describing a time when you managed multiple responsibilities successfully, talking about challenging tasks requires careful preparation and strategic language use.
Part 1: Introduction Questions
Common questions examiners ask:
- Do you enjoy challenging tasks? Why/why not?
- What kind of challenges do you face at work/school?
- How do you usually handle difficult situations?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I thrive on challenges because they push me out of my comfort zone. When facing difficult situations, I typically break them down into manageable steps and tackle them systematically.”
Student confidently answering IELTS speaking questions about challenging tasks
Part 2: Cue Card
Describe a challenging task you completed at work or school
You should say:
- What the task was
- When and where it happened
- Why it was challenging
- How you completed it
This topic connects well with describing a difficult task you completed at work or school that made you feel proud.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about an incredibly demanding project I undertook during my final year of university. The task involved coordinating a team of five students to develop a sustainable energy solution for our campus.
The project spanned over six months, and what made it particularly challenging was the need to balance multiple stakeholders’ interests while working within strict budget constraints. We had to conduct extensive research, liaise with faculty members, and present progress reports regularly.
To overcome these obstacles, I implemented a systematic approach. First, I created a detailed project timeline and assigned specific roles to each team member based on their strengths. We held weekly progress meetings and used project management software to track our milestones.
The most challenging aspect was when we encountered technical difficulties midway through. However, I maintained my composure and sought guidance from our professor, which helped us devise innovative solutions. Through perseverance and effective collaboration, we successfully completed the project ahead of schedule.”
Student presenting complex project details during IELTS speaking test
Alternative Answer (Band 6-7):
“I want to talk about a difficult group project at university. We had to create an energy-saving plan for our school. It was hard because we had to work with different people and didn’t have much money. I made a plan and gave everyone jobs to do. We had some problems, but I asked our teacher for help. In the end, we finished the project on time.”
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Question 1: How do you think challenging tasks affect personal growth?
Band 8-9 Response:
“Challenging tasks play a pivotal role in personal development. They foster resilience and enhance problem-solving capabilities. When individuals push beyond their perceived limitations, they often discover untapped potential and develop crucial life skills.”
Band 6-7 Response:
“I think difficult tasks help us grow. They make us stronger and better at solving problems. We learn new things when we try hard tasks.”
For those interested in describing a time when you felt excited about the future, overcoming challenges often leads to such positive emotions.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
- Tackle systematically (phrasal verb) – to handle something in an organized way
- Devise innovative solutions (phrase) – to create new ways to solve problems
- Implement a strategic approach (phrase) – to put a carefully planned method into action
- Overcome obstacles (collocation) – to successfully deal with problems
- Maintain composure (phrase) – to stay calm under pressure
IELTS speaking examiner evaluating candidate's vocabulary usage
Examiner’s Tips
- Organize your response using clear structure and transitions
- Incorporate specific examples to support your points
- Use a mix of simple and complex sentences
- Practice describing various challenging situations
- Focus on positive outcomes and learning experiences
Understanding how to describe an educational experience you had outside of school can also help you discuss challenging tasks more effectively.
