The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about personal experiences and challenges. One common topic is describing a time when you faced and overcame a personal challenge. This topic allows examiners to assess your ability to narrate past events, express emotions, and reflect on personal growth. Let’s explore how to effectively answer this question and maximize your score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions related to challenges and difficulties. Here are some possible questions:
- Do you like facing challenges in life?
- How do you usually deal with difficulties?
- What kind of challenges do young people face today?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:
Examiner: Do you like facing challenges in life?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I’d say I have a mixed feeling about challenges. On one hand, they can be quite daunting and stressful at times. But on the other hand, I believe challenges are essential for personal growth. They push me out of my comfort zone and help me discover new abilities I didn’t know I had. So, while I may not always enjoy the process, I do appreciate the sense of accomplishment that comes with overcoming a challenge.”
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a time when you faced a personal challenge and overcame it
You should say:
- What the challenge was
- When and where it happened
- How you dealt with it
- And explain how you felt after overcoming the challenge
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“I’d like to talk about a personal challenge I faced during my first year of university. The challenge was adapting to a new environment and managing my time effectively.
When I started university, I moved to a new city, away from my family and friends. This happened about three years ago, in a large metropolitan area. Initially, I struggled with homesickness and found it difficult to balance my studies with my social life and personal responsibilities.
To deal with this challenge, I took several steps. Firstly, I created a detailed schedule to manage my time better. I allocated specific hours for studying, socializing, and personal tasks. Secondly, I joined some university clubs to meet new people and feel more connected to the campus community. Lastly, I learned to cook some simple meals, which helped me feel more independent and save money.
After overcoming this challenge, I felt a great sense of pride and accomplishment. It boosted my self-confidence and made me realize that I’m capable of adapting to new situations. This experience also taught me valuable life skills that I continue to use today.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to recount a significant personal challenge I encountered during my initial year at university, which revolved around acclimatizing to a novel environment and honing my time management skills.
This challenge manifested itself approximately three years ago when I embarked on my tertiary education journey in a bustling metropolis, far removed from the familiar comforts of home. The abrupt transition from a sheltered hometown existence to the hustle and bustle of city life initially overwhelmed me. I found myself grappling with acute homesickness and struggling to strike a delicate balance between my academic pursuits, social engagements, and personal responsibilities.
To surmount this obstacle, I implemented a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, I meticulously crafted a comprehensive schedule, allocating specific time slots for various activities. This systematic approach allowed me to optimize my productivity and ensure that no aspect of my life was neglected. Secondly, I made a concerted effort to integrate myself into the university community by actively participating in various clubs and societies. This not only expanded my social circle but also fostered a sense of belonging. Lastly, I took it upon myself to learn the culinary arts, which not only promoted my independence but also proved to be a cost-effective solution.
Upon successfully navigating this challenge, I was inundated with a profound sense of achievement. This experience served as a catalyst for personal growth, significantly bolstering my self-assurance and revealing my innate adaptability. Moreover, it equipped me with a repertoire of invaluable life skills that continue to serve me well in various facets of my life.”
Follow-up questions:
- How did this experience change you as a person?
- What advice would you give to someone facing a similar challenge?
Sample answer for question 1 (Band 8-9):
“This experience was truly transformative. It instilled in me a greater sense of resilience and self-reliance. I became more adept at problem-solving and learned to approach obstacles with a positive mindset. Additionally, it enhanced my empathy towards others facing similar challenges, making me more supportive and understanding as a friend and peer.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: How do you think society’s attitude towards personal challenges has changed over time?
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“I think society’s attitude towards personal challenges has become more positive over time. In the past, people might have seen challenges as something negative or something to avoid. But now, many people see challenges as opportunities for growth. There’s more emphasis on personal development and overcoming obstacles. Social media has also played a role, with people sharing their stories of overcoming challenges, which can inspire others.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I believe there’s been a significant shift in societal perceptions of personal challenges over the years. In the past, challenges were often viewed through a lens of adversity, something to be avoided or overcome quietly. However, there’s been a paradigm shift towards seeing challenges as catalysts for personal growth and development.
This change can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the rise of positive psychology has highlighted the importance of resilience and personal growth in mental well-being. Secondly, the proliferation of self-help literature and motivational speaking has popularized the notion of turning obstacles into opportunities.
Moreover, social media platforms have created a space for individuals to share their journeys of overcoming challenges, fostering a culture of openness and mutual support. This has normalized the experience of facing difficulties and celebrating personal victories, no matter how small.
However, it’s worth noting that this shift isn’t universal. There are still cultural variations in how challenges are perceived, and some societies may still stigmatize certain types of personal struggles. Nonetheless, the overall trend seems to be moving towards a more empowering and growth-oriented perspective on personal challenges.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
-
Resilience /rɪˈzɪliəns/ (noun): The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties.
Example: “Overcoming this challenge helped me develop greater resilience.” -
Paradigm shift /ˈpærəˌdaɪm ʃɪft/ (noun): A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.
Example: “There’s been a paradigm shift in how society views personal challenges.” -
Surmount /sərˈmaʊnt/ (verb): To overcome (a difficulty or obstacle).
Example: “I had to surmount several obstacles to achieve my goal.” -
Catalyst /ˈkætəlɪst/ (noun): A person or thing that precipitates an event or change.
Example: “This experience served as a catalyst for my personal growth.” -
Inundated /ˈɪnʌnˌdeɪtɪd/ (adjective): Overwhelmed by things or people to be dealt with.
Example: “After overcoming the challenge, I was inundated with a sense of accomplishment.”
Examiner’s Advice
To score high in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing personal challenges:
- Use a variety of vocabulary and complex sentence structures.
- Provide specific examples and details to support your points.
- Show reflection and analysis of your experiences.
- Use appropriate tenses consistently, especially when narrating past events.
- Maintain fluency by practicing speaking about personal experiences regularly.
Remember, the key to success is not just in what you say, but how you say it. Confidence, clarity, and coherence in your speech will greatly enhance your performance.
For more tips on improving your IELTS Speaking performance, you might find it helpful to read about describing a time when you worked with a team to achieve a goal or describing a person who has overcome challenges in their life. These topics can provide additional context and vocabulary for discussing personal challenges and achievements.