The IELTS Speaking test often includes topics that require candidates to reflect on personal experiences. One such topic is describing a time when you felt lost but found a solution. This theme has appeared in past IELTS exams and is likely to continue being relevant in future tests. Let’s explore how to approach this topic effectively across all parts of the IELTS Speaking exam.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions related to the theme of feeling lost or solving problems. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Sample Question: Do you often feel lost in new places?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Sometimes I do feel lost in new places, especially when I’m traveling to a city I’ve never been to before. It can be a bit overwhelming at first, but I usually try to use maps on my phone or ask locals for directions.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“While I wouldn’t say I often feel lost, there are certainly occasions when I find myself in unfamiliar territory. However, I tend to view these situations as opportunities for exploration rather than moments of anxiety. I typically prepare in advance by researching the area and downloading offline maps, which significantly reduces the likelihood of feeling truly lost.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card:
Describe A Time When You Felt Lost But Found A Solution. You should say:
- When and where this happened
- Why you felt lost
- How you found a solution
- How you felt about the experience
Band 6-7 Sample Answer:
“I remember a time when I felt really lost during a hiking trip with my friends last summer. We were exploring a new trail in a national park, and somehow we took a wrong turn and ended up in an unfamiliar area. At first, I felt quite anxious because we were running low on water and the sun was starting to set.
We tried to retrace our steps, but everything looked the same in the dense forest. That’s when I remembered I had downloaded an offline map of the park on my phone before the trip. I quickly pulled it out and used it to figure out where we were and how to get back to the main trail.
It took us about an hour of careful navigation, but we finally made it back safely. The experience taught me the importance of being prepared, even for short hikes. I felt relieved when we found our way back, but also proud that we managed to solve the problem as a team.”
Band 8-9 Sample Answer:
“I’d like to recount an incident that occurred during my solo backpacking trip across Southeast Asia last year. I found myself in a particularly challenging situation in a remote village in northern Vietnam, where I had ventured off the beaten path to experience the local culture.
The predicament arose when I realized my smartphone had died, leaving me without access to maps or translation apps. To compound matters, I discovered that my rudimentary Vietnamese was woefully inadequate for meaningful communication in this rural setting. The feeling of isolation and disorientation was palpable, and for a moment, I felt genuinely lost, both literally and figuratively.
However, this moment of uncertainty prompted me to draw upon my problem-solving skills and cultural adaptability. I decided to embrace the situation as an opportunity for genuine interaction. Using a combination of gestures, basic phrases, and a hand-drawn map, I managed to convey my need for assistance to some local villagers.
Their response was heartwarming. Despite the language barrier, they went out of their way to help, with one elderly gentleman even accompanying me to the local bus stop and ensuring I boarded the correct vehicle back to the nearest town.
This experience was transformative. While initially disconcerting, it evolved into a profound lesson in human connection and the universal language of kindness. It reinforced my belief in the importance of stepping out of one’s comfort zone and the value of face-to-face interactions in our increasingly digital world. Moreover, it taught me that being ‘lost’ can sometimes lead to the most enriching discoveries about oneself and others.”
IELTS Speaking: Describing a lost and found solution
Follow-up Questions:
- How did this experience change your approach to new situations?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“This experience made me more careful about planning ahead. Now, I always make sure to have some backup plans when I’m going somewhere new or doing something unfamiliar.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“This encounter fundamentally altered my perspective on navigating unfamiliar territories, both literally and metaphorically. It instilled in me a profound appreciation for preparedness coupled with adaptability. Now, I approach new situations with a dual strategy: thorough preparation, including researching potential challenges, and cultivating a mindset that views unexpected hurdles as opportunities for growth and creative problem-solving.”
- Do you think technology has made it easier or harder for people to find their way when lost?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I think technology has mostly made it easier for people to find their way. GPS and map apps on smartphones are really helpful when you’re in a new place.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Technology has undoubtedly revolutionized our ability to navigate unfamiliar terrain, with GPS-enabled devices and real-time mapping applications providing unprecedented access to geographical information. However, this reliance on technology is a double-edged sword. While it has significantly reduced instances of physical disorientation, it may have inadvertently diminished our innate sense of direction and our ability to problem-solve without digital assistance. Moreover, the ubiquity of technology might be impeding our opportunities for serendipitous discoveries and meaningful local interactions, which often arise from moments of being ‘productively lost’.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: Do you think people today are less capable of solving problems without technology compared to previous generations?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I think people today might be less capable of solving some problems without technology. We’re very used to using our phones or computers for everything, so when we don’t have them, it can be harder to figure things out. However, I also think we have different skills that help us solve new types of problems.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“This is a nuanced issue that warrants careful consideration. On one hand, our increasing reliance on technology for everyday tasks and problem-solving has potentially atrophied certain cognitive skills that previous generations honed through necessity. The ubiquity of instantaneous information at our fingertips may have reduced our capacity for patient, methodical problem-solving and our ability to retain and apply knowledge without external aids.
However, it’s crucial to recognize that the problems we face today are often of a different nature and complexity compared to those of previous generations. Our technology-driven world has fostered new forms of creativity, digital literacy, and the ability to process and synthesize vast amounts of information rapidly. These are skills that are increasingly vital in our interconnected, fast-paced society.
Moreover, the very process of adapting to and leveraging new technologies is itself a form of problem-solving that previous generations didn’t encounter. So while we may have lost some traditional problem-solving skills, we’ve gained others that are equally, if not more, relevant to our current context.
Ultimately, I believe the key lies in striking a balance – leveraging technology as a tool to enhance our problem-solving capabilities, while also cultivating the critical thinking and resourcefulness that allow us to function effectively when technology isn’t available or applicable.”
Examiner: How can we encourage children to develop problem-solving skills in the digital age?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I think we can encourage children to develop problem-solving skills by giving them puzzles and games that make them think. We should also let them try to figure things out on their own sometimes, instead of always showing them the answer or using technology to solve problems for them.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Fostering problem-solving skills in children in this digital era requires a multifaceted approach that balances technological engagement with real-world experiences. Firstly, we should encourage the use of educational technologies that promote critical thinking and creativity, such as coding platforms or interactive science simulations. These tools can harness children’s natural affinity for digital interfaces while developing crucial analytical skills.
Simultaneously, it’s imperative to create opportunities for hands-on, tactile learning experiences that exist independently of digital devices. This could involve engaging children in practical projects like building models, conducting science experiments, or solving physical puzzles. Such activities not only develop spatial reasoning and logical thinking but also enhance perseverance and the ability to learn from failure.
Furthermore, we should cultivate an environment that values the process of problem-solving over immediate results. Encouraging children to brainstorm multiple solutions, test hypotheses, and refine their approaches instills a growth mindset that’s crucial for lifelong learning and adaptability.
Importantly, adults should model effective problem-solving strategies and demonstrate that it’s okay not to have immediate answers. This can involve thinking aloud while tackling challenges or involving children in household problem-solving scenarios.
Lastly, limiting screen time and creating ‘tech-free’ zones or periods can provide essential opportunities for independent thought and creativity. This balanced approach can help children develop a robust toolkit of problem-solving skills that seamlessly integrate both digital and traditional methods, preparing them for the complex challenges of the future.”
Children developing problem-solving skills in the digital age
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Navigate /ˈnævɪɡeɪt/ (verb): To find a way through or around a place.
Example: “We had to navigate through the crowded streets to find the museum.”Adaptability /əˌdæptəˈbɪləti/ (noun): The quality of being able to adjust to new conditions.
Example: “Her adaptability allowed her to thrive in the new work environment.”Resourcefulness /rɪˈsɔːsfəlnəs/ (noun): The ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties.
Example: “His resourcefulness in finding alternative solutions impressed his colleagues.”Serendipitous /ˌserənˈdɪpɪtəs/ (adjective): Occurring or discovered by chance in a happy or beneficial way.
Example: “Our meeting was a serendipitous event that led to a fruitful collaboration.”Compound /kəmˈpaʊnd/ (verb): To make (something bad) worse; intensify the negative aspects of.
Example: “The lack of clear signage compounded our confusion in the new city.”Palpable /ˈpælpəbl/ (adjective): Able to be touched or felt; obvious or tangible.
Example: “The tension in the room was palpable as we waited for the results.”Atrophy /ˈætrəfi/ (verb): To gradually decline in effectiveness or vigor due to underuse or neglect.
Example: “Without practice, language skills can atrophy over time.”Synthesis /ˈsɪnθəsɪs/ (noun): The combination of ideas to form a theory or system.
Example: “The report provided a synthesis of various economic theories.”
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing topics like feeling lost and finding solutions, focus on the following:
Develop your narrative skills: Practice telling stories with a clear beginning, middle, and end. This is especially important for Part 2 responses.
Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate less common words and phrases naturally in your responses. This demonstrates language proficiency.
Show reflection: Don’t just describe events, but also discuss how they affected you or what you learned from them.
Practice speaking on various topics: Regularly discuss different subjects to improve your ability to speak fluently on a range of issues.
Work on pronunciation and intonation: Clear pronunciation and natural intonation contribute significantly to your overall score.
Engage with the examiner: In Parts 1 and 3, try to have a natural conversation rather than just answering questions briefly.
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about language skills, but also about confidence and the ability to communicate ideas effectively.
Describe a problem while shopping online can be another challenging topic that requires similar problem-solving skills. Practice articulating your experiences with online shopping issues to further enhance your speaking abilities.
By following these guidelines and consistently practicing, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any topic in the IELTS Speaking test, including describing times when you felt lost but found a solution.
