In IELTS Speaking, candidates are often asked to discuss personal experiences, including challenging situations they’ve faced. The topic “Describe A Time When You Had To Do Something Difficult” is a common one that examiners use to assess a candidate’s ability to articulate complex ideas and emotions. This article will provide you with strategies and sample answers to help you excel in this topic across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask you some general questions about challenges or difficult situations. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:

Question: Do you enjoy challenging yourself?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely! I find that challenging myself is a great way to grow both personally and professionally. For instance, last year I decided to learn a new programming language, which was quite difficult at first, but the sense of accomplishment I felt after creating my first app was incredible. I believe that stepping out of our comfort zones is essential for personal development and can lead to unexpected opportunities.”

Describe a time when you took on a challenging task can be an excellent way to showcase your ability to overcome obstacles and grow from experiences. When discussing such situations, it’s important to provide specific examples and reflect on the outcomes.

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:

Describe a time when you had to do something difficult

You should say:

• What the difficult task was
• When and where it happened
• Why it was difficult
• And explain how you felt about doing this difficult task

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):

“I’d like to talk about a time when I had to give a presentation in English at my university. It happened last semester in our main lecture hall. The task was particularly challenging because English isn’t my first language, and I had to present complex ideas about environmental science to a large audience.

The difficulty lay in several aspects. Firstly, I had to research and understand the topic thoroughly. Then, I needed to organize my thoughts and prepare slides in English. Lastly, I had to overcome my nervousness about speaking in public, especially in a foreign language.

I felt quite anxious leading up to the presentation. However, I prepared extensively by practicing my speech and asking friends to give me feedback. On the day of the presentation, I was nervous but also determined to do my best.

In the end, the presentation went better than I expected. Although I made a few mistakes, I managed to convey my main points clearly. The positive feedback I received from my professor and classmates was very encouraging.

This experience taught me the importance of thorough preparation and the value of pushing myself out of my comfort zone. It also significantly boosted my confidence in using English for academic purposes.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to recount a particularly challenging experience I had during my final year of university when I was tasked with leading a multidisciplinary research project on sustainable urban development. This project took place over six months and culminated in a presentation to a panel of experts from various fields.

The difficulty of this task was multifaceted. Firstly, it required me to coordinate a team of students from different academic backgrounds, including engineering, environmental science, and urban planning. Secondly, we had to conduct extensive field research in our city, which involved liaising with local government officials and community leaders. Lastly, we needed to synthesize our findings into a comprehensive report and presentation that would be accessible to both academics and policymakers.

The challenge was compounded by the fact that we were dealing with complex, real-world issues that didn’t have clear-cut solutions. We often found ourselves grappling with conflicting data and viewpoints, which required careful analysis and diplomatic handling of diverse opinions within the team.

Initially, I felt overwhelmed by the responsibility and the scope of the project. However, as we progressed, I began to feel a growing sense of excitement and purpose. The process of overcoming obstacles, such as reconciling conflicting schedules or finding innovative ways to present complex data, was incredibly rewarding.

By the time we presented our findings, I felt a profound sense of accomplishment. Our presentation was well-received, with the panel commending our thorough research and innovative proposals. This experience not only enhanced my project management and leadership skills but also gave me valuable insights into the complexities of urban sustainability issues.

Reflecting on this experience, I realize that it was a turning point in my academic and professional development. It taught me the value of perseverance, teamwork, and thinking outside the box when faced with complex challenges. Moreover, it instilled in me a deep appreciation for interdisciplinary approaches to problem-solving, which has continued to influence my work to this day.”

IELTS Speaking Cue Card: Describing a Difficult Task

Follow-up Questions:

1. How do you usually handle difficult situations?
2. Do you think it’s important for people to challenge themselves? Why or why not?

Sample Answers (Band 7-8):

1. “When faced with difficult situations, I typically try to break them down into smaller, more manageable tasks. This approach helps me avoid feeling overwhelmed and allows me to make steady progress. I also find it helpful to seek advice from more experienced individuals or collaborate with others when possible. Additionally, I make sure to take care of my mental and physical well-being, as this gives me the resilience to tackle challenges effectively.”

2. “I strongly believe that challenging oneself is crucial for personal growth and development. When we push ourselves out of our comfort zones, we discover new abilities and strengths we might not have known we possessed. Challenges also help us build resilience and problem-solving skills, which are invaluable in both personal and professional contexts. Moreover, overcoming difficulties gives us a sense of achievement and boosts our self-confidence, encouraging us to take on even greater challenges in the future.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic of facing challenges. Here are some sample questions and answers:

Question 1: Why do some people avoid challenging themselves?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“There are several reasons why individuals might shy away from challenges. Fear of failure is often a significant factor; people may worry about not meeting expectations or facing criticism if they don’t succeed. Additionally, comfort with routine can make it difficult for some to step out of their familiar environments. Some individuals might also lack self-confidence or have had negative experiences with challenges in the past, making them hesitant to try again. Lastly, a lack of motivation or clear goals can prevent people from seeking out challenging experiences that could lead to personal growth.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“The avoidance of challenges is a complex psychological phenomenon with multiple underlying factors. Cognitive biases, such as the status quo bias, can lead individuals to prefer their current situation, even if it’s not ideal, over the uncertainty of change. There’s also the concept of learned helplessness, where past failures may have conditioned people to believe they lack control over outcomes, discouraging them from taking on new challenges.

Moreover, our societal and educational systems sometimes inadvertently discourage risk-taking by overly emphasizing success and penalizing failure. This can create a fixed mindset, as described by psychologist Carol Dweck, where individuals believe their abilities are static and thus avoid situations that might prove otherwise.

Additionally, in our fast-paced, high-pressure society, some may view avoiding challenges as a form of self-preservation, prioritizing short-term comfort over long-term growth. However, this approach can ultimately limit personal development and adaptability in an ever-changing world.”

Question 2: How can societies encourage people to take on challenges?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Societies can encourage people to embrace challenges through various means. Educational systems could place more emphasis on the process of learning and problem-solving rather than just focusing on grades. This would help students develop a growth mindset from an early age. Workplaces could create a culture that rewards innovation and risk-taking, even if the outcomes aren’t always successful. Media and public figures could highlight stories of people overcoming difficulties, providing inspirational role models. Additionally, government initiatives could provide support and resources for individuals looking to start businesses or pursue further education, reducing the perceived risks of taking on such challenges.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Encouraging individuals to embrace challenges requires a multifaceted approach that addresses both societal structures and individual mindsets. At the macro level, policymakers could implement educational reforms that foster critical thinking and adaptability rather than rote learning. This could involve project-based learning, interdisciplinary studies, and programs that expose students to real-world problems from an early age.

In the professional sphere, organizations could adopt ‘failure-positive’ cultures that view setbacks as learning opportunities. This might include implementing ‘blameless post-mortems’ after project failures or allocating resources for employees to pursue innovative ideas, similar to Google’s former ‘20% time’ policy.

Public discourse could be shaped to reframe the narrative around failure and challenge. Media outlets and influencers could highlight not just success stories, but also the struggles and setbacks that preceded them, normalizing the idea that challenges are an integral part of growth and achievement.

At a community level, local governments and organizations could create ‘challenge programs’ that encourage citizens to take on new skills or community improvement projects. These could be gamified or incentivized to increase engagement and create a supportive social environment for personal growth.

Lastly, mental health support systems could be strengthened to provide individuals with the resilience and coping mechanisms needed to face challenges. This could include accessible counseling services, mindfulness programs in schools and workplaces, and public campaigns destigmatizing mental health issues.

By implementing such comprehensive strategies, societies can create an ecosystem that not only encourages but also equips individuals to embrace and overcome challenges, fostering a more resilient, innovative, and adaptable populace.”

Describe a time when you felt proud of overcoming a challenge is another excellent opportunity to demonstrate your ability to handle difficult situations and reflect on personal growth.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To enhance your responses and aim for higher band scores, incorporate these advanced vocabulary items and phrases:

1. Perseverance /ˌpɜːsɪˈvɪərəns/ (noun): Persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.
   Example: “My perseverance in studying English daily finally paid off in my IELTS score.”

2. To grapple with (phrasal verb): To struggle or contend with.
   Example: “I had to grapple with complex mathematical concepts during my final year project.”

3. Resilience /rɪˈzɪliəns/ (noun): The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.
   Example: “Developing resilience is crucial for overcoming life’s challenges.”

4. To rise to the occasion (idiom): To show that you can deal with a difficult situation successfully.
   Example: “Despite my nervousness, I managed to rise to the occasion during the important presentation.”

5. Daunting /ˈdɔːntɪŋ/ (adjective): Seeming difficult to deal with in anticipation; intimidating.
   Example: “The prospect of speaking in front of hundreds of people was daunting at first.”

6. To push oneself out of one’s comfort zone (phrase): To force oneself to do something that is uncomfortable but will likely lead to growth.
   Example: “I decided to push myself out of my comfort zone by volunteering for the lead role in the play.”

IELTS Speaking Vocabulary for Describing Difficult Tasks

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in discussing challenging experiences in your IELTS Speaking test:

1. Be specific: Provide concrete examples and details about the difficult situation you faced.
2. Show reflection: Demonstrate your ability to analyze the experience and what you learned from it.
3. Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced words and phrases related to challenges and personal growth.
4. Maintain fluency: Practice speaking about difficult experiences to ensure you can discuss them smoothly during the test.
5. Show emotional range: Describe how you felt before, during, and after the challenging situation to add depth to your answer.
6. Highlight problem-solving: Explain the steps you took to overcome the difficulty, showcasing your critical thinking skills.

Remember, describing a situation where you made a mistake and learned from it can also be a powerful way to demonstrate your ability to handle challenges and grow from experiences. By following these strategies and incorporating advanced language, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle questions about difficult experiences in your IELTS Speaking test.