How to Describe a Situation When You Had to Overcome an Obstacle in the IELTS Speaking Exam

The IELTS Speaking test is designed to evaluate your proficiency in English through a three-part verbal interview. Understanding and practicing for each part is crucial to scoring high. One common topic in the IELTS Speaking test is describing a situation when you had to overcome an obstacle. Let’s delve into the strategies, sample answers, and vocabulary you can use to master this topic.

Opening: Understanding the IELTS Speaking Test Requirements

The IELTS Speaking test consists of three parts:

1. Part 1: Introduction and Interview
2. Part 2: Long Turn
3. Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiners look for several criteria when evaluating your speaking skills: fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. Questions involving overcoming obstacles are quite frequent as they test your ability to articulate experiences, express thoughts clearly, and use varied vocabulary.

Content

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner asks general questions about yourself. Let’s list some common questions and provide a sample answer.

Common Questions

1. Can you tell me about a time when you faced a challenge?
2. What are some common obstacles people face in your country?
3. How do you usually deal with difficult situations?

Sample Answer

Question: Can you tell me about a time when you faced a challenge?

Answer: Certainly. A few years ago, I had to prepare for a crucial project presentation at work. It was challenging because our team had limited resources and a tight deadline. I decided to manage my time efficiently and divided tasks among my team members based on their strengths. We worked late hours, and despite the difficulties, we successfully completed the project on time.

Part 2: Long Turn

In Part 2, you are given a cue card with a task. You must talk about the topic for 1-2 minutes, covering all points mentioned.

Cue Card

Describe A Situation When You Had To Overcome An Obstacle. You should say:

• What the obstacle was
• How you overcame it
• What the result was
• And how you felt about it

Sample Answer

Answer:

One significant obstacle I faced was during my final year at university. I had a major thesis to complete, which was crucial for my graduation. Unfortunately, halfway through my research, I lost all my data due to a computer malfunction. This was a major setback as I had months’ worth of work on my hard drive.

To overcome this, I first sought help from a data recovery specialist, but the attempt was unsuccessful. Then, I consulted my advisor and explained my situation. He suggested I don’t give up but rather start again using a more systematic approach and better data backup methods. Taking his advice, I began reconstructing my research, working meticulously and ensuring I had multiple copies of my work.

In the end, I managed to complete my thesis before the deadline, and it even received high praise from the evaluation committee. I felt incredibly relieved and proud because overcoming such a setback taught me resilience and the importance of backup plans.

Bullet Points for Examiner:

• How did the experience change you?
• What strategies do you use now to prevent such issues?

Follow-up Questions and Answers

Question: How did the experience change you?

Answer: The experience made me more resilient and better at problem-solving. I also learned the importance of being proactive and prepared for unexpected challenges.

Question: What strategies do you use now to prevent such issues?

Answer: Now, I always have multiple backups of my work, both in physical and cloud storage. I also follow a more organized approach in managing my tasks to ensure nothing is left to chance.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

The examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. This part evaluates your ability to discuss and elaborate on broader issues.

Example Questions and Answers

Question: Do you think facing obstacles is beneficial for personal growth? Why or why not?

Answer: Absolutely. Facing obstacles can significantly enhance personal growth. They challenge us to develop problem-solving skills, resilience, and adaptability. Overcoming difficulties can also boost self-confidence and motivate individuals to tackle future challenges more effectively.

Question: How can educational institutions help students manage and overcome obstacles?

Answer: Educational institutions can play a pivotal role by providing supportive environments and resources. Workshops on time management, stress relief, and resilience-building can equip students with the skills needed to tackle obstacles. Mentorship programs can also offer guidance and support during challenging times.

Key Vocabulary and Structures for High Scores

Understanding and using a wide range of vocabulary and complex grammatical structures can significantly improve your score.

Important Vocabulary

1. Resilient /rɪˈzɪl.i.ənt/ (adj) – able to recover quickly from difficulties.

   • Example: “She is very resilient; she overcame the loss swiftly.”

2. Proactive /proʊˈæk.tɪv/ (adj) – creating or controlling a situation by causing something to happen.

   • Example: “He is proactive in managing his tasks.”

3. Setback /ˈsɛtˌbæk/ (noun) – a reversal or check in progress.

   • Example: “Losing the data was a major setback for me.”

4. Systematic /ˌsɪs.təˈmæt.ɪk/ (adj) – done or acting according to a fixed plan or system.

   • Example: “I adopted a more systematic approach to my research.”

5. Adaptability /əˌdæp.təˈbɪl.ɪ.ti/ (noun) – the quality of being able to adjust to new conditions.

   • Example: “Adaptability is a crucial skill in today’s fast-changing world.”

Structures

1. Complex Sentences:

   • “Despite the setback, I managed to complete my thesis because I adopted a systematic approach.”

2. Linking Words:

   • “Furthermore, this experience taught me the importance of resilience.”

3. Passive Voice:

   • “The project was completed successfully despite the challenges.”

Examiner’s Tips for Practice and Success

1. Practice Regularly: Regular practice with a variety of topics will help you become more comfortable.
2. Expand Your Vocabulary: Learning new words and phrases can help you express ideas more clearly.
3. Seek Feedback: Practice with a partner or a coach who can provide constructive feedback.
4. Stay Calm and Composed: During the exam, staying calm can help you think clearly and articulate your thoughts better.

Academic Research

Remember, expressing your thoughts clearly, using diverse vocabulary, and maintaining fluency are key to scoring high in the IELTS Speaking test.

For more specific examples and detailed practice, you can refer to other related topics like describe a situation when you had to manage multiple tasks or describe a time when you faced a challenge. These resources can provide additional insights and examples to help you prepare comprehensively.