Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe a Person Who Has Overcome Challenges in Their Life

The IELTS Speaking test often includes topics that require candidates to discuss personal experiences and describe individuals who have made an impact on their lives. One such topic that frequently appears is “describing a person who has overcome challenges in their life.” This article will provide you with valuable insights and strategies to excel in this particular speaking task, helping you achieve a higher band score in your IELTS Speaking exam.

IELTS Speaking Test Preparation

Understanding the Topic

Before we dive into the specific parts of the IELTS Speaking test, let’s analyze the topic “Describe A Person Who Has Overcome Challenges In Their Life.” This topic allows you to showcase your ability to:

1. Describe a person in detail
2. Explain the challenges they faced
3. Discuss how they overcame these challenges
4. Reflect on the impact of their journey

This topic has been a recurring theme in IELTS Speaking tests and is likely to continue being relevant in future exams due to its universal nature and the opportunity it provides for candidates to demonstrate their language skills.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask you general questions related to challenges and overcoming difficulties. Here are some potential questions you might encounter:

1. Do you think challenges are important in life?
2. How do you usually deal with challenges?
3. Can you tell me about a challenge you’ve faced recently?

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

Examiner: Do you think challenges are important in life?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely, I believe challenges play a crucial role in our personal growth and development. They push us out of our comfort zones and help us discover our true potential. Without challenges, life would be rather monotonous, and we wouldn’t have the opportunity to develop resilience and problem-solving skills. In my experience, overcoming challenges has always led to a sense of achievement and boosted my self-confidence.”

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Now, let’s focus on the main topic. Here’s a sample cue card you might receive:

Describe a person who has overcome challenges in their life

You should say:

• Who this person is
• What challenges they faced
• How they overcame these challenges
• And explain how their experience has inspired you

You will have one minute to prepare your answer, and then you should speak for 1-2 minutes. Here’s a sample answer:

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to talk about my aunt, Sarah, who has faced and conquered numerous challenges throughout her life. Sarah was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease in her early twenties, which severely impacted her mobility and caused chronic pain.

The primary challenge she faced was adapting to a life with physical limitations while pursuing her dream of becoming a successful entrepreneur. She had to navigate a world that wasn’t always accessible and deal with the emotional toll of her condition.

However, Sarah’s unwavering determination and positive attitude were truly remarkable. She refused to let her condition define her and instead used it as motivation to succeed. She invested countless hours in physical therapy and explored alternative treatments to manage her symptoms. Simultaneously, she educated herself about business management and digital marketing, recognizing that an online business would allow her to work flexibly around her health needs.

Over time, Sarah built a thriving e-commerce platform that not only became financially successful but also created job opportunities for other individuals with disabilities. She transformed her challenge into a means of empowering others facing similar difficulties.

Her journey has been incredibly inspiring to me. It has taught me the power of resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity. Sarah’s experience shows that with the right mindset, even the most daunting obstacles can be overcome. Her story constantly reminds me to approach my own challenges with a positive attitude and to look for creative solutions rather than dwelling on limitations.”

Examiner: That’s interesting. How has her success affected her personally?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“Sarah’s success has had a profound impact on her personally. Firstly, it has significantly boosted her self-confidence. Overcoming such formidable challenges and achieving her goals has given her a strong sense of self-efficacy. She now approaches new obstacles with a ‘can-do’ attitude, believing in her ability to find solutions.

Moreover, her journey has fostered a deep sense of empathy in her. Having experienced hardship firsthand, she’s become more understanding and supportive of others facing difficulties. This has led her to actively engage in mentoring young entrepreneurs with disabilities, further enriching her life with a sense of purpose and community contribution.

Lastly, her success has allowed her to prioritize her well-being without financial stress, enabling her to invest in better healthcare and maintain a healthier work-life balance. This has resulted in improved physical health and overall life satisfaction.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner will ask you more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

Examiner: Do you think society does enough to support people facing challenges?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“I believe society has made significant progress in supporting people facing challenges, but there’s still room for improvement. Many countries have implemented laws to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities and provide support services. However, there are often gaps in these systems, particularly in terms of accessibility and employment opportunities. I think we need to focus more on creating inclusive environments in all aspects of life, from education to the workplace. Additionally, raising awareness about various challenges people face can help foster a more understanding and supportive society.”

Examiner: How can overcoming challenges contribute to a person’s success in life?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Overcoming challenges can be a catalyst for personal growth and success in numerous ways. Firstly, it builds resilience, which is crucial for navigating the ups and downs of life and career. When people successfully tackle obstacles, they develop problem-solving skills and adaptability, which are highly valuable in any field.

Moreover, facing and overcoming challenges often leads to increased self-awareness. People discover their strengths and limitations, allowing them to leverage their abilities more effectively in future endeavors. This self-knowledge can guide them towards paths where they’re more likely to succeed.

Additionally, the process of overcoming challenges often requires individuals to step out of their comfort zones and acquire new skills or knowledge. This continuous learning and development can open up new opportunities and contribute to long-term success.

Lastly, there’s a psychological aspect to consider. Overcoming significant challenges can boost self-confidence and provide a sense of accomplishment. This positive mindset can propel individuals to set and achieve even more ambitious goals, creating a cycle of growth and success.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To achieve a high band score, it’s crucial to use a range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures. Here are some key terms and phrases that can elevate your response:

1. Resilience /rɪˈzɪliəns/ (noun): The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties.
   Example: “Her resilience in the face of adversity was truly inspiring.”

2. Persevere /ˌpɜːsɪˈvɪə(r)/ (verb): To continue doing something despite difficulties.
   Example: “Despite numerous setbacks, she persevered with her business plan.”

3. Adaptability /əˌdæptəˈbɪləti/ (noun): The quality of being able to adjust to new conditions.
   Example: “His adaptability allowed him to thrive in a rapidly changing industry.”

4. Overcome /ˌəʊvəˈkʌm/ (verb): To succeed in dealing with a problem or difficulty.
   Example: “She overcame her fear of public speaking through practice and determination.”

5. Transformative /trænsˈfɔːmətɪv/ (adjective): Causing a marked change in someone or something.
   Example: “The experience was transformative, changing her outlook on life.”

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing a person who has overcome challenges:

1. Practice storytelling: Develop your ability to narrate events coherently and engagingly.
2. Expand your vocabulary: Learn and use a variety of descriptive words and idiomatic expressions.
3. Focus on fluency: Aim for smooth delivery without long pauses or hesitations.
4. Provide specific examples: Use concrete details to make your description vivid and believable.
5. Show reflection: Demonstrate your ability to analyze the situation and its impact.

By following these strategies and incorporating the provided vocabulary, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle this topic and similar ones in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the key is to practice regularly and stay confident during the exam.

For more tips on acing your IELTS Speaking test, check out our guide on how to describe a person who inspires you to stay positive. This can provide additional insights into effectively describing influential people in your life.