The IELTS Speaking test often challenges candidates to reflect on personal experiences, including times when they pushed their boundaries. The topic “describe a time when you did something outside of your comfort zone” is a common theme that examiners use to assess a candidate’s ability to articulate personal growth and adaptability. This topic has appeared frequently in past IELTS exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests due to its universal applicability and potential for insightful responses.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In the first part of the Speaking test, the examiner may ask general questions related to comfort zones and trying new things. Here are some potential questions and a sample answer:
Examiner: “Do you enjoy trying new things?”
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely. I find that stepping out of my comfort zone often leads to personal growth and exciting experiences. While it can be daunting at first, I believe that embracing new challenges is crucial for self-improvement and broadening one’s horizons. Recently, I’ve been making a conscious effort to try something new each month, whether it’s a new cuisine, hobby, or even a different route to work. It’s been incredibly rewarding so far.”
Describe a time when you tried something new and unexpected
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a time when you did something outside of your comfort zone
You should say:
- What you did
- When and where it happened
- Why you decided to do it
- How you felt about the experience
Sample Answer (Band 6-7)
“I’d like to talk about a time when I stepped out of my comfort zone by participating in a public speaking competition at my university. This happened last year in the main auditorium of our campus.
I decided to do this because I’ve always been quite shy and struggled with speaking in front of large groups. However, I realized that this skill would be crucial for my future career, so I pushed myself to sign up for the competition.
When I first got on stage, I was extremely nervous. My hands were shaking, and I could feel my heart racing. But as I started speaking, I gradually became more comfortable. By the end of my speech, I felt a sense of accomplishment and pride for facing my fear.
Overall, this experience was challenging but rewarding. It helped me gain confidence and showed me that I’m capable of more than I thought. Since then, I’ve become more open to trying new things and pushing my boundaries.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
“I’d like to recount an experience that truly pushed me beyond my comfort zone. Last summer, I made the bold decision to embark on a solo backpacking trip across Southeast Asia, despite being accustomed to traveling with companions.
The journey began in Bangkok, Thailand, and spanned three months, taking me through Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. I opted for this adventure because I felt the need to challenge my self-reliance and immerse myself in unfamiliar cultures without the safety net of familiar faces.
Initially, the prospect was utterly daunting. The first few days were a whirlwind of anxiety and excitement. I found myself navigating bustling markets, deciphering foreign languages, and adapting to new customs on my own. However, as the days progressed, I discovered an inner resilience I hadn’t known existed.
This experience was transformative on multiple levels. It honed my problem-solving skills as I faced unexpected challenges, from missed buses to language barriers. More importantly, it fostered a deep sense of self-confidence and cultural appreciation. I returned home with a newfound adaptability and a richer perspective on the world.
In retrospect, stepping out of my comfort zone in such a significant way was one of the most enriching decisions I’ve ever made. It not only broadened my horizons but also instilled in me a passion for continuous personal growth and a willingness to embrace the unknown.”
Follow-up Questions
Examiner: “How do you think stepping out of your comfort zone can benefit a person?”
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I believe that stepping out of one’s comfort zone can be incredibly beneficial for personal growth. It helps people develop resilience and adaptability, which are crucial skills in today’s fast-paced world. When we challenge ourselves, we often discover hidden talents or strengths we didn’t know we possessed. Additionally, it can boost confidence and reduce fear of failure, making us more willing to take on new challenges in the future. Overall, I think it’s an essential part of self-improvement and can lead to a more fulfilling life.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Venturing beyond one’s comfort zone can yield multifaceted benefits for personal development. Primarily, it fosters cognitive flexibility, enabling individuals to adapt more readily to unforeseen circumstances. This psychological resilience is invaluable in both professional and personal spheres. Moreover, it cultivates a growth mindset, encouraging people to view challenges as opportunities rather than obstacles. From a neurological perspective, novel experiences stimulate the brain to form new neural pathways, potentially enhancing cognitive function and creativity. Socially, it can broaden one’s perspective, leading to increased empathy and cultural awareness. Ultimately, regularly pushing personal boundaries can result in a more dynamic, well-rounded individual who is better equipped to navigate the complexities of modern life.”
Describe an activity you did in a new place
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: “Do you think society encourages people to step out of their comfort zones?”
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“I think society does encourage people to step out of their comfort zones to some extent. We often see motivational messages in media and advertising that push people to try new things. Schools and workplaces also sometimes organize activities or challenges that require people to do things they’re not used to. However, I also think there’s a lot of pressure to conform in society, which can make some people hesitant to take risks or do something different. Overall, I believe there’s a mix of encouragement and discouragement when it comes to stepping out of comfort zones in society.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“The societal stance on encouraging individuals to transcend their comfort zones is rather nuanced and multifaceted. On one hand, contemporary society, particularly in the realm of personal development and entrepreneurship, heavily advocates for pushing boundaries and embracing discomfort as a pathway to growth. This ethos is pervasive in educational institutions, corporate cultures, and even social media, where narratives of transformation through challenge are celebrated.
However, this encouragement is often juxtaposed with societal structures that inadvertently promote stability and risk aversion. The pressure to conform to established norms, secure stable employment, and maintain a predictable lifestyle can create a counterforce to innovation and personal risk-taking. This dichotomy is further complicated by socioeconomic factors, as the ability to take risks often correlates with one’s financial security and social safety net.
Moreover, cultural differences play a significant role in this dynamic. Some societies place a higher premium on collective harmony and tradition, which may implicitly discourage deviation from established norms. In contrast, others champion individualism and innovation, creating a more conducive environment for stepping outside comfort zones.
In essence, while there is a growing societal recognition of the value in challenging oneself, the actual encouragement to do so is not uniform and is often influenced by a complex interplay of social, economic, and cultural factors.”
Describe a time when you tried something new and liked it
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
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Step out of one’s comfort zone (phrasal verb)
Pronunciation: /step aʊt əv wʌnz ˈkʌmfət zəʊn/
Definition: To do something that you find difficult or that makes you feel nervousExample: “To improve my language skills, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and study abroad for a year.”
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Push oneself (phrasal verb)
Pronunciation: /pʊʃ wʌnˈself/
Definition: To make yourself do something difficult or challengingExample: “I had to really push myself to finish the marathon, but it was worth it in the end.”
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Daunting (adjective)
Pronunciation: /ˈdɔːntɪŋ/
Definition: Seeming difficult to deal with in anticipation; intimidatingExample: “The prospect of giving a presentation to the entire company was daunting, but I managed to overcome my fears.”
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Adaptability (noun)
Pronunciation: /əˌdæptəˈbɪləti/
Definition: The quality of being able to adjust to new conditions or situationsExample: “Her adaptability allowed her to thrive in various work environments throughout her career.”
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Resilience (noun)
Pronunciation: /rɪˈzɪliəns/
Definition: The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughnessExample: “His resilience in the face of adversity was truly inspiring to everyone around him.”
Describe an interesting outdoor activity you tried
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing experiences outside your comfort zone, consider the following tips:
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Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions related to challenges and personal growth. This demonstrates language proficiency and adds depth to your responses.
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Provide specific examples: When describing your experience, offer detailed examples that illustrate your thoughts and feelings. This adds authenticity and helps the examiner understand your perspective better.
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Demonstrate critical thinking: In Part 3, try to analyze the topic from different angles. Consider both positive and negative aspects, and support your opinions with logical reasoning.
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Maintain fluency: Practice speaking on various topics to improve your ability to express ideas smoothly and coherently. Avoid long pauses or hesitations, especially in Part 2.
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Show enthusiasm: Engage with the topic enthusiastically. Your tone and body language can contribute to a more dynamic and engaging response.
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Elaborate on your answers: Don’t just give short, simple responses. Develop your ideas fully, especially in Parts 2 and 3 of the test.
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Use appropriate tenses: When describing past experiences, ensure you use past tenses correctly. This demonstrates your grasp of English grammar.
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Practice self-reflection: Be prepared to discuss how the experience affected you or changed your perspective. This shows depth of thought and self-awareness.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about knowing the language, but also about effectively communicating your ideas and experiences. Regular practice and exposure to a wide range of topics will help you feel more confident and perform better on test day.
Describe a friend who is very different from you
By following these guidelines and continuously challenging yourself to step out of your comfort zone in your English language practice, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any topic that comes your way in the IELTS Speaking test.