For many IELTS candidates, describing personal challenges and achievements is a common speaking task that requires both linguistic skills and strategic thinking. Understanding how to approach this topic effectively can significantly boost your speaking score.
IELTS speaking examiner listening to candidate describe challenging experience
Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
Common questions you might encounter:
- Do you enjoy challenging yourself?
- How do you usually handle difficult situations?
- What kind of challenges do people face in your country?
Similar to describe a difficult task you completed at work or school that made you feel proud, these questions require specific examples and personal experiences.
Part 2: Cue Card
Describe a difficult challenge you overcame
You should say:
- What the challenge was
- When you faced it
- How you dealt with it
- And explain why you consider it a significant achievement
IELTS candidate explaining personal achievement with confidence
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
“I’d like to talk about a formidable challenge I encountered while leading a cross-cultural team project. Just as in describe a project you worked on recently, this experience tested my capabilities significantly.
The most daunting aspect was managing team members from five different countries with varying working styles and communication preferences. We were tasked with developing a digital marketing strategy for a global client within an extremely tight deadline of three weeks.
To tackle this challenge, I implemented several strategies. First and foremost, I established clear communication protocols, including daily virtual stand-ups and detailed documentation in a shared workspace. Furthermore, I arranged one-on-one sessions with team members to understand their individual strengths and concerns.
What made this achievement particularly significant was how it transformed our team dynamics. We not only met our deadline but also delivered a strategy that exceeded client expectations. More importantly, this experience taught me invaluable lessons about cultural sensitivity and adaptive leadership.”
Sample Answer (Band 6-7)
“I want to talk about a difficult challenge I had at university. We had to complete a big group project with students from different countries. It was hard because everyone had different ideas and ways of working.
The project was about marketing and we only had three weeks to finish it. I helped organize the team by having regular meetings and making sure everyone knew what they needed to do.
We worked hard and finished the project on time. The teachers were happy with our work. I learned a lot about working with different people and being a better leader.”
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Q: How do you think challenges differ between generations?
Similar to describe a film that changed your view on a social issue, this requires analyzing broader societal perspectives.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
“From my perspective, each generation faces unique challenges shaped by technological advancement and societal changes. While previous generations primarily dealt with physical and economic hardships, contemporary generations grapple with digital overwhelm, work-life balance, and rapidly evolving skill requirements. Nevertheless, I believe the fundamental human capacity to overcome challenges remains constant.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
- Formidable challenge /fɔːˈmɪdəbl ˈtʃælɪndʒ/ (adj + n): A very difficult or serious challenge
- To tackle /ˈtækl/ (v): To deal with a difficult situation
- Daunting /ˈdɔːntɪŋ/ (adj): Seeming difficult to deal with
- Furthermore /ˌfɜːðəˈmɔː/ (adv): In addition to what has been said
- More importantly /mɔː ɪmˈpɔːtntli/ (adv phrase): Used to emphasize a more significant point
Visual representation of key speaking strategies for IELTS success
Just as in describe a time when you faced a fear, remember to maintain good eye contact, use appropriate gestures, and speak with confidence while describing your challenging experience.
