The IELTS Speaking test is a crucial component of the IELTS exam, assessing candidates’ ability to communicate effectively in English. One common topic that often appears is describing a person who has overcome significant challenges. This article will provide you with valuable insights and strategies to excel in this topic, helping you achieve a high band score in your IELTS Speaking test.

Understanding the Topic

Before we dive into the specifics, it’s essential to understand why this topic is popular in IELTS Speaking tests. Examiners often use this question to assess your ability to:

1. Describe a person in detail
2. Narrate events and experiences
3. Express emotions and opinions
4. Use a wide range of vocabulary and grammatical structures

Now, let’s break down the IELTS Speaking test into its three parts and explore how you can tackle this topic effectively.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this part, the examiner may ask you general questions about challenges and overcoming difficulties. Here are some possible questions:

1. Do you think challenges are important in life? Why/Why not?
2. How do you usually deal with challenges in your daily life?
3. Can you tell me about a challenge you’ve faced recently?

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

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, I believe challenges are crucial in life. They help us grow and develop as individuals. When we face difficulties, we’re forced to think creatively and find solutions, which ultimately makes us stronger and more resilient. Without challenges, life would be rather monotonous and we wouldn’t have the opportunity to push our boundaries and discover our true potential.”

Key vocabulary: crucial, think creatively, find solutions, push our boundaries, resilient

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic and some bullet points. Here’s an example related to our main topic:

Describe A Person Who Has Overcome Great Challenges

You should say:

• Who this person is
• What challenges they faced
• How they overcame these challenges
• And explain why you admire this person

You’ll have one minute to prepare and then speak for 1-2 minutes. Here’s a sample answer:

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to talk about my cousin, Sarah, who has overcome tremendous adversity in her life. Sarah was born with a rare genetic disorder that affected her mobility and speech. From a young age, she faced numerous physical challenges and had to undergo multiple surgeries and extensive therapy.

The main challenges Sarah faced were related to her physical limitations. She struggled to walk and communicate clearly, which made everyday tasks incredibly difficult. Additionally, she had to contend with societal prejudices and misconceptions about her abilities.

Despite these obstacles, Sarah demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination. She worked tirelessly with physical therapists to improve her mobility, often spending hours each day practicing her exercises. To enhance her communication skills, she embraced technology, using speech-generating devices and even learning sign language.

What truly sets Sarah apart is her unwavering positive attitude. Instead of allowing her condition to define her, she channeled her energy into advocacy work, raising awareness about disabilities and fighting for inclusive policies in our community.

I deeply admire Sarah for her indomitable spirit and the way she’s turned her challenges into opportunities to make a difference. She’s not only improved her own life but has also inspired countless others facing similar difficulties. Sarah’s journey reminds me that with perseverance and the right mindset, we can overcome even the most daunting obstacles life throws our way.”

overcoming-challenges-inspiration|Overcoming Challenges Inspiration|Image of a person smiling while participating in a wheelchair race, showing the spirit of overcoming challenges and achieving goals.

Key phrases: overcome tremendous adversity, demonstrated remarkable resilience, channeled her energy, indomitable spirit, inspired countless others

After your response, the examiner might ask follow-up questions such as:

1. How has Sarah’s experience changed her outlook on life?
2. What impact has Sarah’s advocacy work had on your community?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Sarah’s experiences have given her a unique perspective on life. She’s become incredibly appreciative of the small things many of us take for granted, like being able to walk to the store or have a conversation without difficulty. Her challenges have also made her more empathetic towards others facing different types of adversity.

As for her advocacy work, it’s had a significant impact on our community. Thanks to Sarah’s efforts, several local businesses have improved their accessibility features, and our town has implemented more inclusive policies in schools and public spaces. Her work has raised awareness about the challenges faced by people with disabilities and has fostered a more understanding and supportive community atmosphere.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

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

1. Why do you think some people are better at overcoming challenges than others?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I believe a person’s ability to overcome challenges is influenced by various factors. Firstly, their mindset plays a crucial role. Those who view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable obstacles are often more successful in overcoming them. Additionally, resilience and perseverance are key traits that enable individuals to bounce back from setbacks and keep pushing forward.

Another important factor is the support system available to a person. Those with strong networks of family, friends, or mentors often have more resources and encouragement to draw upon when facing difficulties. Furthermore, past experiences can significantly impact one’s ability to handle challenges. People who have successfully navigated tough situations in the past may have developed effective coping strategies and problem-solving skills that they can apply to new challenges.

Lastly, I think education and access to information can make a substantial difference. Those who are well-informed about various problem-solving techniques or have the ability to research and learn new skills may be better equipped to tackle challenges head-on.”

2. How can societies better support individuals facing significant challenges?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“There are several ways societies can provide better support for individuals facing major challenges. Firstly, implementing inclusive policies in education and employment can create more opportunities for those who might otherwise be marginalized. This could include offering specialized training programs or adapting workplaces to accommodate different needs.

Additionally, raising awareness about various challenges people face can foster a more empathetic and supportive community. This could be done through public education campaigns or by incorporating diverse perspectives into school curricula.

Another crucial aspect is improving access to mental health services. Many people facing significant challenges may struggle with stress, anxiety, or depression, so having readily available and affordable mental health support can be invaluable.

Lastly, encouraging community involvement and volunteer programs can create a network of support for those in need. This not only provides practical assistance but also helps build a sense of belonging and community spirit.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To achieve a high band score, it’s essential to use a wide range of vocabulary and complex grammatical structures. Here are some words and phrases that can elevate your speaking:

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

2. Perseverance /ˌpɜːsɪˈvɪərəns/ (noun): Persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.
   Example: “His perseverance eventually paid off when he achieved his goal.”

3. Indomitable /ɪnˈdɒmɪtəbl/ (adjective): Impossible to subdue or defeat.
   Example: “She showed an indomitable spirit throughout her recovery.”

4. Adversity /ədˈvɜːsɪti/ (noun): A difficult or unpleasant situation.
   Example: “He faced numerous adversities but never lost hope.”

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

6. To rise above (phrasal verb): To not allow oneself to be negatively affected by something.
   Example: “Despite the criticism, she managed to rise above it and focus on her goals.”

7. To turn the tables (idiom): To reverse a situation, especially by turning a position of disadvantage into one of advantage.
   Example: “With hard work and dedication, he turned the tables on his circumstances and achieved success.”

Examiner’s Advice for High Scores

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

1. Practice storytelling: Develop your ability to narrate events coherently and engagingly. This will help you in Part 2 of the test.

2. Expand your vocabulary: Learn and use a wide range of words and phrases related to challenges, personal growth, and resilience.

3. Use idiomatic expressions: Incorporate relevant idioms naturally into your responses to demonstrate language proficiency.

4. Provide specific examples: When discussing abstract ideas in Part 3, always support your points with concrete examples or personal experiences.

5. Work on pronunciation and fluency: Regular practice will help you speak more confidently and clearly, which is crucial for a high score.

6. Develop your ideas: Don’t just give short answers. Elaborate on your points and provide reasons for your opinions.

7. Stay on topic: While it’s good to expand on your ideas, make sure you’re always addressing the question asked.

By following these strategies and continuously practicing, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any question about overcoming challenges in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the key is to demonstrate your English language skills while engaging the examiner with interesting and well-structured responses.

For more tips on acing your IELTS Speaking test, you might find it helpful to read about how to describe a person who motivates you to take on new challenges or how to describe a person who inspires you to pursue a new hobby. These resources can provide additional insights and strategies to enhance your speaking skills.