Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
Common questions related to tasks and achievements:
- Do you prefer easy or challenging tasks?
- How do you usually handle difficult tasks?
- What kind of tasks do you find most challenging?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I generally thrive on challenging tasks because they push me out of my comfort zone and help me grow. When facing difficulties, I typically break them down into manageable steps and tackle them systematically. The most challenging tasks for me are usually those requiring extensive collaboration, as coordinating different perspectives can be quite demanding.”
Part 2: Cue Card
Describe a difficult task you completed at work or school that made you feel proud.
You should say:
- What the task was
- How you completed it
- Why it was difficult
- And explain why you felt proud about it
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I want to talk about a challenging group presentation I had to deliver last semester. It was a 20-minute presentation about renewable energy solutions. The task was difficult because I had to coordinate with four team members who had different schedules. We met online several times and divided the work. I was responsible for research and the main presentation. After two weeks of preparation, we successfully delivered the presentation and received good feedback from our professor. I felt proud because we managed to work well together despite the challenges.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to share my experience of spearheading a critical project at work involving the implementation of a new customer management system. The task was particularly demanding as it required coordinating with multiple departments and ensuring minimal disruption to our daily operations. I approached it methodically by first conducting thorough research, then creating a detailed timeline and delegating responsibilities based on team members’ strengths. The main challenge lay in overcoming resistance to change from long-term employees and addressing technical compatibility issues. Through persistent communication and strategic problem-solving, we successfully completed the transition two weeks ahead of schedule. What made me particularly proud was not just the successful outcome, but how it fostered improved collaboration across departments and significantly enhanced our customer service efficiency by 40%.”
Business Professional Delivering Presentation
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Q: How has technology changed the way people complete difficult tasks?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Technology has revolutionized task management in numerous ways. Cloud-based collaboration tools have made it possible for teams to work seamlessly across different time zones and locations. Moreover, artificial intelligence and automation have streamlined complex processes that previously required extensive manual effort. However, this technological advancement has also created new challenges, such as the need to constantly upskill and adapt to new systems. The key is to strike a balance between leveraging technology and maintaining human insight in problem-solving.”
Essential Vocabulary and Phrases
- To spearhead (verb) /ˈspɪəhed/
- Definition: To lead or organize
- Example: “She spearheaded the company’s digital transformation initiative.”
- To overcome impediments (phrase)
- Definition: To successfully deal with obstacles
- Example: “The team overcame numerous impediments to deliver the project on time.”
- Methodical approach (phrase)
- Definition: Organized and systematic way of doing something
- Example: “His methodical approach to problem-solving yielded excellent results.”
Professional Task Management Techniques
Examiner’s Tips
- Structure your response using clear transitions and time markers
- Provide specific examples and quantifiable results
- Use a range of advanced vocabulary naturally
- Demonstrate critical thinking in Part 3 responses
- Maintain good eye contact and confident body language
Remember to practice with various complex tasks to build vocabulary and confidence in describing challenging situations professionally.
