As an experienced IELTS Speaking examiner, I understand the importance of providing valuable insights to help test-takers succeed. In this article, we’ll explore how to effectively answer questions about a challenging but rewarding project you’ve worked on. This topic is frequently featured in IELTS Speaking tests and is likely to appear in future exams as well.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about projects and challenges. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
- Do you enjoy working on challenging projects?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely! I find challenging projects to be incredibly stimulating. They push me out of my comfort zone and provide opportunities for personal growth. While they can be stressful at times, the sense of accomplishment I feel upon completion is unparalleled.”
- What kind of projects do you usually work on?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“In my line of work, I’m frequently involved in cross-functional team projects that require extensive collaboration and problem-solving skills. These projects often involve developing innovative solutions to complex business challenges, such as streamlining operations or implementing new technologies. The diversity of these projects keeps my work exciting and allows me to continuously expand my skill set.”
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Now, let’s focus on the main topic. Here’s a sample cue card you might encounter:
Describe a project you worked on that was challenging but rewarding
You should say:
- What the project was
- Why it was challenging
- How you overcame the challenges
- Why you found it rewarding
You will have 1-2 minutes to talk about this topic. You will have 1 minute to prepare what you are going to say.
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I’d like to talk about a group project I worked on during my final year of university. We had to create a mobile app that could help people manage their mental health. It was challenging because none of us had much experience in app development, and we had to learn new programming languages.
The main difficulties were coordinating our schedules and dealing with technical issues. We overcame these by setting up regular online meetings and seeking help from our professors. We also divided the tasks based on our strengths.
In the end, we managed to create a functional app that received positive feedback from our instructors. It was rewarding because we learned valuable skills and created something that could potentially help people. The experience taught me a lot about teamwork and perseverance.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to describe a particularly ambitious project I spearheaded at my previous workplace. Our team was tasked with developing and implementing a new customer relationship management (CRM) system that would revolutionize how our company interacted with clients across multiple departments.
The project was exceptionally challenging for several reasons. Firstly, we were working with a tight deadline and limited resources. Secondly, the new system needed to seamlessly integrate with our existing infrastructure while significantly enhancing efficiency. Lastly, we had to ensure minimal disruption to ongoing operations during the transition.
To overcome these obstacles, I employed a multi-faceted approach. We formed cross-functional teams to leverage diverse expertise and foster innovation. I implemented an agile project management methodology to maintain flexibility and respond quickly to unforeseen issues. Additionally, we conducted extensive user testing and iterative development to refine the system based on real-time feedback.
The project was immensely rewarding on multiple levels. Professionally, it honed my leadership and problem-solving skills. Personally, it was gratifying to see how our work tangibly improved the day-to-day operations of the company. The new CRM system increased customer satisfaction by 35% and boosted overall productivity by 20%. This experience reinforced my belief in the power of perseverance, teamwork, and innovative thinking when faced with complex challenges.”
Follow-up Questions:
- How did this project impact your future career choices?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“This project had a profound impact on my career trajectory. It ignited a passion for tackling complex, large-scale challenges and steered me towards roles that involve driving organizational change. The experience enhanced my project management skills and boosted my confidence in leading diverse teams, which has been invaluable in my subsequent positions. Moreover, it underscored the importance of continuous learning and adaptability in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape.”
- What advice would you give to someone starting a challenging project?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I would advise them to first break down the project into manageable tasks. It’s crucial to set realistic milestones and celebrate small victories along the way. I’d also emphasize the importance of building a strong support network, whether it’s team members, mentors, or subject matter experts. Lastly, I’d remind them to stay flexible and view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to challenging projects. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
- How do you think challenging projects contribute to personal growth?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Challenging projects are catalysts for personal growth in numerous ways. Firstly, they push individuals out of their comfort zones, forcing them to develop new skills and expand their knowledge base. This process of continuous learning and adaptation is crucial for personal development. Secondly, challenging projects often require individuals to confront their limitations and overcome self-doubt, which can significantly boost self-confidence and resilience.
Moreover, such projects typically involve collaboration and conflict resolution, enhancing one’s interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence. The problem-solving aspect of challenging projects also sharpens critical thinking and creativity, skills that are transferable to various aspects of life. Lastly, the sense of accomplishment upon completing a difficult task can increase self-efficacy and motivation, encouraging individuals to take on even greater challenges in the future.”
- Do you think companies should assign challenging projects to new employees? Why or why not?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I believe there are both advantages and potential drawbacks to assigning challenging projects to new employees. On the positive side, it can be an excellent way to fast-track their learning and integration into the company. Challenging projects often provide a comprehensive overview of the organization’s operations and can help new employees quickly develop valuable skills.
However, it’s crucial to strike a balance. Overwhelming new employees with excessively difficult tasks might lead to stress and burnout, potentially affecting their job satisfaction and performance. I think the best approach would be to gradually increase the complexity of projects assigned to new employees, providing adequate support and mentorship along the way. This method allows them to build confidence and gain experience while still feeling challenged and engaged.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
-
Spearhead (verb) /ˈspɪəhed/ – to lead an attack or an important activity
Example: “I spearheaded the initiative to implement a new customer service strategy.” -
Cross-functional (adjective) /krɒs ˈfʌŋkʃənl/ – involving different areas of a business working together
Example: “We formed cross-functional teams to tackle the complex project.” -
Innovative thinking (noun phrase) /ˈɪnəveɪtɪv ˈθɪŋkɪŋ/ – the ability to come up with new and creative ideas
Example: “The project required innovative thinking to solve unprecedented challenges.” -
Agile methodology (noun phrase) /ˈædʒaɪl meθəˈdɒlədʒi/ – a project management approach that involves breaking tasks into short phases of work with frequent reassessment and adaptation
Example: “We implemented an agile methodology to maintain flexibility throughout the project.” -
Tangible improvement (noun phrase) /ˈtændʒəbl ɪmˈpruːvmənt/ – a clear and measurable positive change
Example: “Our efforts resulted in tangible improvements to the company’s efficiency.”
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing challenging but rewarding projects:
- Use a variety of advanced vocabulary and complex sentence structures.
- Provide specific examples and details to support your points.
- Demonstrate your ability to analyze and reflect on your experiences.
- Show enthusiasm and a positive attitude towards challenges.
- Practice speaking about various projects and challenges to improve fluency.
Remember, the key to success is not just in knowing the right answers, but in expressing them confidently and eloquently. Regular practice and exposure to English will help you achieve this goal.
For more tips on acing the IELTS Speaking test, you might find these articles helpful:
- Describe a time when you helped someone overcome a personal challenge
- Describe a time when you worked with a team to accomplish something significant
By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss challenging but rewarding projects in your IELTS Speaking test. Good luck with your preparation!