Describe a Situation When You Felt Very Determined to Succeed

The IELTS Speaking test is designed to assess your spoken English skills. In this test, examiners evaluate you based on fluency, lexical resources, grammatical range, accuracy, and pronunciation. The topic “Describe a situation when you felt very determined to succeed” is a common cue card prompt meant to gauge your ability to articulate personal experiences, showcasing determination and perseverance.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In the first part of the IELTS Speaking test, the examiner will ask you general questions to get to know you better and to help you settle down.

Common Questions in Part 1

1. What do you do?
2. Where are you from?
3. Do you think motivation is important for achieving success?

Sample Answer

Yes, I believe motivation is crucial for achieving success. When you’re motivated, you are more focused and driven to reach your goals despite the challenges you might face. Motivation fuels your determination to succeed and can dramatically improve your performance.

Part 2: Long Turn

In this part, you will be given a cue card with a topic. You have one minute to prepare and then need to speak for up to two minutes.

Cue Card

Describe a situation when you felt very determined to succeed. You should say:

• What the situation was
• Why you wanted to succeed
• What you did to achieve your goal
• And explain how you felt after you succeeded

Sample Answer

One situation when I felt very determined to succeed was during my final year of university. I had a challenging statistics course that was known for its high difficulty level. I wanted to succeed because I needed a strong GPA to secure a good job.

To achieve my goal, I dedicated immense time to studying. I attended every lecture and participated actively in discussions. Additionally, I formed a study group with my classmates where we would regularly review challenging concepts. I also reached out for help from the professor whenever necessary.

After months of hard work, I managed to excel in the course and achieved an A-grade. The sense of accomplishment I felt was overwhelming, and it reinforced my belief that determination and hard work are key to overcoming obstacles.

University Student Studying

Follow-up Questions

1. Were there any moments when you doubted yourself? How did you overcome these doubts?
2. How did this experience shape your future goals and motivations?

Suggested Answers

1. Yes, there were moments when I doubted myself, especially during tough assignments. However, I overcame these doubts by reminding myself of my end goal and seeking support from my peers and mentors.
2. This experience taught me the value of perseverance and reinforced my belief in continuous effort. It has significantly shaped my future goals by making me more resilient and tenacious.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

The examiner will engage in a more abstract discussion related to the topic from Part 2.

Sample Questions

1. Why do some people give up easily while others are determined?
2. Is there a difference between determination and being stubborn?

Sample Answers

1. People give up easily due to a lack of motivation or belief in their abilities. Conversely, determined individuals possess a strong willpower and a clear vision of their goals, motivating them to push through difficulties.
2. Yes, there is a difference. Determination involves a steadfast commitment to achieving a goal, often with a flexible approach. Being stubborn, however, implies a resistance to change and an insistence on following a single path, even when it might not be the best course of action.

Vocabulary and Structures to Enhance Your Speaking Score

Here are some key terms and phrases to help boost your IELTS Speaking score:

• Determination (noun): /ˌdɪtɚˈmɪneɪʃən/ — Firmness of purpose
  • Example: Her determination to succeed was evident in her relentless studying.
• Perseverance (noun): /ˌpɚsəˈvɪrəns/ — Continuation in a course of action despite difficulty
  • Example: His perseverance in the face of adversity was truly inspiring.
• Overcome (verb): /ˌoʊvɚˈkʌm/ — Succeed in dealing with a problem
  • Example: She overcame her fears and delivered an excellent presentation.
• Achieve (verb): /əˈtʃiːv/ — Successfully reach a goal
  • Example: He achieved his lifelong dream of becoming a doctor.

Utilize these words and structures to improve the complexity and variety of your language, making your responses more compelling.

Tips for Practice

1. Practice regularly: Consistency is key. Engage in daily speaking practice on various topics.
2. Record yourself: This helps you evaluate your speaking and spot areas for improvement.
3. Get feedback: Work with a study partner or a tutor to get constructive feedback.
4. Expand your vocabulary: Regularly learn and incorporate new words into your speech.
5. Stay calm: Keep a relaxed state of mind during the test to help with fluency and coherence.

For more related practice topics, you can check out these other cue card prompts:

• Describe a time when you felt very nervous about something
• Describe a situation when you were very focused
• Describe a situation when you faced a difficult challenge
• Describe a time when you were very determined to succeed
• Describe a time when you felt very motivated to achieve something