In the IELTS Speaking test, you are required to express yourself clearly and coherently. Your responses should display a good command of English, including grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. Here, we’ll explore how to tackle the cue card topic: “Describe A Situation When You Felt Very Determined.”
I. Introduction
The IELTS Speaking test consists of three parts: Introduction and Interview (Part 1), Long Turn (Part 2), and Two-way Discussion (Part 3). Examiners assess fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range, accuracy, and pronunciation.
Common Part 1 Questions
In Part 1, you will be asked general questions about yourself. Here are some sample questions:
- Can you tell me about your hometown?
- What do you do for leisure?
- Describe a close friend. How did you meet?
Sample Answer for a Part 1 Question
Question: Can you tell me about your hometown?
Answer: “My hometown is a vibrant city located in the northern part of my country. It is renowned for its dynamic cultural scene and picturesque landscapes. I particularly enjoy the lively markets and the historical architecture that tells a story of our rich heritage.”
II. Main Content
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Task: Describe a situation when you felt very determined.
- What was the situation?
- Why did you need to be determined?
- What did you do?
- Explain how you felt about this situation.
Sample Answer
“In my final year of university, I faced an extremely challenging situation. I had to balance my academic obligations with a demanding part-time job to support myself financially. I needed to be incredibly determined to complete my thesis on time while not compromising on work performance.
Initially, the pressure was overwhelming, but I devised a stringent schedule to allocate time effectively. I dedicated my mornings to job responsibilities and evenings to my thesis. By relentlessly sticking to this schedule, I managed to achieve my goal. The satisfaction of completing my thesis on time was immense, and this experience significantly bolstered my time-management skills and self-discipline.”
Follow-Up Questions
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How did this experience impact your outlook on challenges?
- Answer: “This experience reinforced the idea that with persistence and effective planning, obstacles can be overcome. It has made me more resilient and confident in handling future challenges.”
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Can you think of other times you had to be determined?
- Answer: “Certainly, another instance was when I trained for a marathon. It required consistent training and mental fortitude to push through physical boundaries. Completing it provided a profound sense of achievement.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner Questions and Sample Answers
Question: Why do you think determination is important for success?
Answer: “Determination is crucial because it acts as the driving force that propels individuals toward their goals. It encourages perseverance even when faced with significant setbacks. Without determination, one might easily give up when encountering obstacles.”
Question: Can you give an example of a successful person who had to be very determined?
Answer: “A classic example is Thomas Edison, who persisted through countless failures in his quest to invent the light bulb. His story epitomizes persistence and serves as an inspiration for many.”
Question: How can parents encourage determination in their children?
Answer: “Parents can nurture determination by setting a good example themselves and encouraging their children to set achievable goals. They should also provide positive reinforcement and help children understand that failures are stepping stones to success.”
III. Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
- Vibrant (/ˈvaɪ.brənt/): Full of energy and life.
- Dynamic (/daɪˈnæm.ɪk/): Constantly changing, active, or progressing.
- Picturesque (/ˌpɪk.tʃərˈesk/): Visually attractive, especially in a quaint or charming way.
- Challenging (/ˈtʃæl.ɪn.dʒɪŋ/): Testing one’s abilities; demanding.
- Persistence (/pəˈsɪs.təns/): The quality of continuing firmly or obstinately in a course of action despite difficulty or opposition.
- Perseverance (/ˌpɜː.sɪˈvɪə.rəns/): Steadfastness in doing something despite difficulty.
Example Sentence: “Her determination and perseverance in the face of numerous failures eventually led to her success.”
IV. Tips for Achieving High Scores
- Practice regularly: Regular speaking practice can significantly enhance fluency and confidence.
- Expand your vocabulary: Use a variety of words and phrases to avoid repetition and demonstrate lexical resource.
- Stay coherent: Organize your thoughts logically and clearly.
- Watch your pronunciation: Ensure that your pronunciation is clear and accurate.
- Use idiomatic expressions: Incorporate idiomatic phrases naturally to boost your score.
For more unique topics and exam preparation, consider exploring articles such as “Describe a situation when you had to motivate yourself”.
By following these guidelines and practicing diligently, you can confidently tackle the IELTS Speaking test and aim for a high band score.