Describing a recent challenge you overcame is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This theme allows examiners to assess your ability to narrate personal experiences, express emotions, and use appropriate vocabulary. Let’s explore how to excel in this task across all parts of the IELTS Speaking exam.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about challenges and difficulties. Here are some possible questions:
- Do you enjoy challenging yourself?
- What kind of challenges do you face in your daily life?
- How do you usually deal with difficulties?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:
Examiner: Do you enjoy challenging yourself?
Candidate (Band 7-8 response):
“Yes, I do find satisfaction in pushing my boundaries. I believe that facing challenges is an essential part of personal growth. For instance, last year I set myself the goal of learning a new language, which was quite demanding but also incredibly rewarding. It’s not always easy, but overcoming obstacles gives me a sense of accomplishment and boosts my confidence.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a recent challenge:
Describe a recent challenge you overcame
You should say:
- What the challenge was
- When and where it happened
- How you overcame it
- And explain how you felt after overcoming this challenge
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to share a recent challenge I faced and successfully overcame. The challenge was adapting to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic, which happened in March 2020 when my company suddenly shifted to a work-from-home model.
Initially, it was quite overwhelming. I had to set up a home office in my small apartment and learn to use various online collaboration tools. The biggest hurdle was maintaining productivity without the structure of a traditional office environment.
To overcome this challenge, I implemented several strategies. Firstly, I established a strict routine, waking up at the same time every day and creating a dedicated workspace. Secondly, I invested in proper equipment, including a comfortable chair and a second monitor, to improve my work setup. Lastly, I actively communicated with my team, scheduling regular video calls to maintain connection and clarity on projects.
After successfully adapting to this new work style, I felt a profound sense of accomplishment. It was gratifying to know that I could rise to the occasion and maintain my professional standards even in uncertain times. This experience boosted my confidence in my ability to handle unexpected changes and reinforced the importance of flexibility in today’s fast-paced world.
Overall, overcoming this challenge taught me valuable lessons about resilience and adaptability, skills that I believe will continue to serve me well in both my personal and professional life.”
Examiner’s follow-up questions:
- Do you think challenges are necessary for personal growth?
- How do you think technology has changed the challenges people face today?
Sample answer for question 1 (Band 8-9):
“Absolutely, I firmly believe that challenges are crucial for personal development. They push us out of our comfort zones and force us to acquire new skills and perspectives. When we face and overcome difficulties, we not only solve immediate problems but also build resilience and self-confidence that can be applied to future situations. For instance, the challenge I mentioned earlier with remote work didn’t just improve my ability to work from home; it enhanced my overall adaptability and problem-solving skills. Challenges act as catalysts for growth, encouraging us to continuously evolve and reach our full potential.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: How do you think society’s attitude towards challenges has changed over time?
Candidate (Band 8-9 response):
“I believe society’s perception of challenges has undergone a significant shift over the years. In the past, challenges were often seen as obstacles to be avoided or unfortunate circumstances. However, there’s been a paradigm shift towards viewing challenges as opportunities for growth and innovation.
This change can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the rapid pace of technological advancement has made adaptability a crucial skill, encouraging people to embrace change rather than resist it. Secondly, there’s been an increased focus on personal development and self-improvement in popular culture, which often emphasizes the role of challenges in achieving success.
Moreover, social media and global connectivity have exposed people to diverse experiences, showcasing how individuals and communities overcome adversity. This has helped foster a more resilient mindset in society.
However, it’s important to note that this shift isn’t universal. There are still individuals and cultures that may view challenges more negatively. Additionally, the increased awareness of mental health issues has led to a more nuanced understanding of how different people cope with challenges.
In conclusion, while society generally seems to have adopted a more positive attitude towards challenges, recognizing their potential for growth and innovation, there’s still a need for balance and support to ensure that facing challenges doesn’t lead to undue stress or burnout.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
-
Rise to the occasion (phrasal verb) – /raɪz tə ði əˈkeɪʒən/ – to show that you can deal with a difficult situation successfully
Example: Despite the tight deadline, the team rose to the occasion and delivered the project on time. -
Paradigm shift (noun) – /ˈpærədaɪm ʃɪft/ – a fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions
Example: The introduction of smartphones caused a paradigm shift in how we communicate and access information. -
Resilience (noun) – /rɪˈzɪliəns/ – the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness
Example: Her resilience in the face of adversity was truly admirable. -
Adaptability (noun) – /əˌdæptəˈbɪləti/ – the quality of being able to adjust to new conditions
Example: In today’s fast-paced business world, adaptability is a crucial skill for success. -
Overcome (verb) – /ˌəʊvəˈkʌm/ – succeed in dealing with (a problem or difficulty)
Example: With determination and hard work, she overcame her fear of public speaking.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing challenges:
- Use a variety of vocabulary and avoid repetition. Incorporate idiomatic expressions and advanced vocabulary where appropriate.
- Provide specific examples to support your points. This demonstrates your ability to articulate complex ideas clearly.
- Show a range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences and conditional forms.
- Maintain fluency by speaking at a natural pace and using appropriate linking words.
- Demonstrate critical thinking by considering different perspectives, especially in Part 3 discussions.
Remember, practice is key to improving your speaking skills. Describe a recent accomplishment that made you feel proud can be a great complementary topic to practice alongside challenges, as they often go hand in hand. Additionally, exploring topics like describe a historical figure you admire can provide inspiration for overcoming challenges.
By following these guidelines and consistently practicing, you’ll be well-prepared to describe a time when you faced a challenge and succeeded in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the key is to stay calm, think clearly, and express yourself confidently.