Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Confidently Describe Overcoming a Challenge

Describing a time when you felt proud of overcoming a challenge is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This theme allows examiners to assess your ability to narrate personal experiences, express emotions, and use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures. Let’s explore how to effectively tackle this topic and aim for a high score.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions related to challenges and achievements. Here are some possible questions:

1. Do you enjoy taking on challenges?
2. What kind of challenges do you face in your daily life?
3. How do you usually deal with difficult situations?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:

Examiner: Do you enjoy taking on challenges?

Candidate (Band 8-9 response): Absolutely! I find challenges to be incredibly stimulating and a great opportunity for personal growth. There’s something deeply satisfying about pushing my limits and overcoming obstacles. Whether it’s tackling a complex project at work or learning a new skill in my free time, I always feel a sense of accomplishment when I rise to the occasion.

Part 2: Long Turn

For Part 2, you might receive a cue card like this:

Describe a time when you felt proud of overcoming a challenge

You should say:
- What the challenge was
- When and where it happened
- How you overcame it
- And explain why you felt proud of this achievement

Here’s a sample answer targeting different band scores:

Band 6-7 Response:

The challenge I want to talk about is when I had to give a presentation in English for the first time. It happened last year at my university. I was really nervous because English isn’t my first language, and I was worried about making mistakes.

To overcome this challenge, I practiced a lot. I wrote my speech and read it aloud many times. I also asked my friends to listen to me and give feedback. On the day of the presentation, I tried to stay calm and focused on my content.

I felt proud because I managed to finish the presentation without major problems. My classmates understood me, and my teacher gave me good feedback. It was a big step for me in improving my English skills.

Band 8-9 Response:

I’d like to share an experience that truly tested my mettle – delivering a crucial presentation in English at an international conference. This daunting task took place last summer in Singapore, where I was representing my company at a major industry event.

The challenge was multifaceted. Not only did I need to articulate complex ideas in my second language, but I also had to engage a diverse audience of industry experts. The stakes were high, as this presentation could potentially lead to significant business opportunities for my firm.

To surmount this obstacle, I adopted a methodical approach. First, I immersed myself in the subject matter, ensuring I could discuss it fluently and confidently. I then crafted my presentation, paying close attention to clarity and engagement. I relentlessly practiced, recording myself and analyzing my delivery. I also sought feedback from colleagues who were native English speakers, fine-tuning my pronunciation and intonation.

The sense of pride I felt after successfully delivering the presentation was immense. I had not only conquered my apprehensions about public speaking in English but also managed to captivate my audience, as evidenced by the thoughtful questions and positive feedback I received. This achievement marked a significant milestone in my professional development and bolstered my confidence in my ability to rise to challenges in high-pressure situations.

IELTS candidate delivering a presentation

Follow-up questions:

1. How did this experience change your approach to future challenges?
2. What advice would you give to someone facing a similar situation?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

This experience was truly transformative in shaping my approach to future challenges. It instilled in me a profound sense of self-belief and reinforced the value of thorough preparation. Now, when faced with daunting tasks, I draw upon this experience as a reminder of my capability to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

My advice to someone in a similar situation would be to break down the challenge into manageable steps. Meticulous preparation is key – immerse yourself in the subject matter, practice relentlessly, and seek constructive feedback. Additionally, I’d emphasize the importance of maintaining a positive mindset. Remember that challenges are opportunities for growth, and each obstacle overcome is a stepping stone to greater achievements.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In Part 3, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to challenges and achievements. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

Examiner: Do you think young people today face more challenges than previous generations?

Candidate (Band 8-9 response): That’s an intriguing question, and I believe the answer is nuanced. While each generation faces its unique set of challenges, I’d argue that young people today are grappling with an unprecedented level of complexity in their lives. The rapid pace of technological advancement means they need to constantly adapt to new tools and ways of working. Moreover, the global nature of competition in education and employment puts immense pressure on them to excel.

However, it’s also worth noting that today’s youth have unprecedented access to information and opportunities. This double-edged sword can be both empowering and overwhelming. While they might face challenges like information overload and decision paralysis, they also have more resources at their disposal to overcome obstacles.

Ultimately, I believe that while the nature of challenges has evolved, the resilience and adaptability of young people continue to rise to meet these new demands.

Young people navigating modern challenges

Examiner: In your opinion, what role does failure play in achieving success?

Candidate (Band 8-9 response): I firmly believe that failure plays a pivotal role in achieving success. It’s often said that failure is the best teacher, and I wholeheartedly agree with this sentiment. When we fail, we’re forced to confront our weaknesses and reassess our approaches, which is crucial for personal and professional growth.

Failure serves as a catalyst for innovation and creativity. Many groundbreaking inventions and successful businesses have emerged from initial failures. Take Thomas Edison, for example, who famously said he didn’t fail 1,000 times in inventing the light bulb, but rather found 1,000 ways that didn’t work. This perseverance in the face of setbacks is what ultimately leads to success.

Moreover, failure builds resilience and develops character. It teaches us to bounce back from adversity and helps us develop a growth mindset. People who have experienced and overcome failure often demonstrate greater adaptability and problem-solving skills.

However, it’s important to note that the value of failure lies in how we respond to it. Constructive analysis of what went wrong and how to improve is key. When approached with the right mindset, failure becomes not just a stepping stone to success, but an integral part of the journey itself.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To elevate your speaking performance, incorporate these sophisticated vocabulary items and phrases:

1. To rise to the occasion [phrasal verb] – to successfully deal with a difficult situation
   Example: Despite the pressure, she rose to the occasion and delivered an outstanding presentation.

2. Multifaceted [adjective] /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/ – having many different aspects or features
   Example: Overcoming this challenge required a multifaceted approach.

3. To surmount [verb] /səˈmaʊnt/ – to overcome (a difficulty or obstacle)
   Example: With determination, she surmounted all the obstacles in her path.

4. To grapple with [phrasal verb] – to struggle with or work hard to deal with a difficult problem
   Example: Many students grapple with the challenge of balancing studies and part-time work.

5. Unprecedented [adjective] /ʌnˈpresɪdentɪd/ – never having happened or existed in the past
   Example: The rapid advancement of technology has created unprecedented opportunities and challenges.

6. Pivotal [adjective] /ˈpɪvətl/ – of crucial importance in relation to the development or success of something else
   Example: Failure often plays a pivotal role in achieving ultimate success.

Describe a project you worked on that was challenging can be another excellent topic to practice for your IELTS Speaking test, as it allows you to demonstrate similar language skills and experiences.

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing challenges and achievements:

1. Use a variety of tenses accurately to narrate your experience.
2. Incorporate idiomatic expressions and advanced vocabulary naturally.
3. Provide specific details and examples to support your points.
4. Show reflection and personal growth in your responses.
5. Maintain good fluency and coherence throughout your answer.

Remember, practice is key. Regularly describe a time when you had to solve a problem on your own to improve your ability to discuss challenges and problem-solving experiences fluently.

By following these guidelines and incorporating sophisticated language, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle this topic and aim for a high score in your IELTS Speaking test. Good luck!