The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about personal experiences and challenges. One common topic is describing a time when you had to overcome a major obstacle. This theme allows examiners to assess your ability to narrate events, express emotions, and reflect on personal growth. Let’s explore how to effectively answer such questions and maximize your speaking score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions related to challenges and obstacles. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:
Examiner: Do you think facing challenges is important for personal growth?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
Absolutely. I firmly believe that facing challenges is crucial for personal development. When we encounter obstacles, we’re forced to step out of our comfort zones and develop new skills or perspectives. This process of adapting and overcoming difficulties builds resilience and self-confidence. Moreover, successfully navigating challenges often leads to a sense of accomplishment, which can be incredibly motivating. In my experience, some of my most significant periods of growth have come after tackling particularly daunting problems.
Describe a person who has overcome a major challenge in life can be an excellent way to illustrate this point during your IELTS Speaking test.
Part 2: Long Turn
In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic to speak about for 1-2 minutes. Here’s a sample cue card related to our theme:
Describe A Time When You Had To Overcome A Major Obstacle
You should say:
- What the obstacle was
- When and where you faced this obstacle
- How you overcame it
- And explain how you felt after overcoming this obstacle
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
I’d like to talk about a time when I had to overcome a major obstacle in my life. It was during my first year at university when I struggled with a particularly challenging math course. The obstacle I faced was understanding complex calculus concepts that were crucial for my engineering degree.
I encountered this problem in the fall semester of my freshman year. The lectures were held in a large auditorium, and I often felt lost among the sea of students. At first, I tried to keep up by studying harder, but I quickly realized that my approach wasn’t working.
To overcome this obstacle, I decided to take several steps. First, I started attending extra help sessions offered by the teaching assistants. I also formed a study group with some classmates who were also struggling. Together, we worked through problem sets and explained concepts to each other. Additionally, I found some online resources and video tutorials that helped me grasp the material better.
After overcoming this obstacle, I felt a great sense of accomplishment and relief. My confidence in my ability to tackle difficult subjects increased significantly. This experience taught me the importance of perseverance and seeking help when needed. It also showed me that with the right approach and mindset, I could overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges.
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
I’d like to recount a time when I faced a significant obstacle in my professional life. The challenge arose when I was tasked with leading a high-stakes project at work, despite having limited experience in project management.
This daunting situation unfolded about two years ago at the tech startup where I was employed. The project involved developing a new software product that was crucial for the company’s growth, and the pressure was immense. The obstacle wasn’t just the complexity of the project itself, but also my own self-doubt and the skepticism of some team members who questioned my capability to lead such an important initiative.
To surmount this obstacle, I adopted a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, I invested considerable time in upskilling myself, enrolling in an intensive online project management course. Simultaneously, I sought mentorship from a senior colleague who had a wealth of experience in similar projects. I also focused on building strong relationships with my team members, fostering an environment of open communication and collaborative problem-solving.
One of the most crucial steps I took was to break down the project into smaller, manageable tasks and set clear milestones. This not only made the overall goal seem less overwhelming but also allowed us to celebrate small victories along the way, boosting team morale.
After successfully completing the project ahead of schedule and exceeding expectations, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride and accomplishment. This experience was transformative, significantly boosting my self-confidence and earning me the respect of my colleagues and superiors. It taught me the value of embracing challenges as opportunities for growth and the importance of effective leadership in overcoming obstacles.
Moreover, this experience instilled in me a deep-seated belief in the power of perseverance and continuous learning. It reinforced the idea that with the right mindset and approach, seemingly insurmountable obstacles can be overcome, leading to personal and professional growth.
IELTS candidate describing overcoming a major obstacle
Follow-up questions:
- Examiner: How did this experience change your approach to future challenges?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
This experience fundamentally altered my approach to future challenges. It instilled in me a growth mindset, where I now view obstacles as opportunities for learning and development rather than insurmountable barriers. I’ve become more proactive in seeking out resources and support when faced with difficult situations, recognizing that it’s not a sign of weakness but a strategic approach to problem-solving. Moreover, I’ve learned to break down complex problems into smaller, manageable tasks, which has significantly improved my ability to tackle large-scale projects efficiently. This shift in perspective has not only enhanced my professional capabilities but has also positively impacted my personal life, making me more resilient and adaptable in the face of adversity.
- Examiner: Do you think overcoming obstacles is easier or harder for people today compared to in the past?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
That’s an intriguing question, and I believe the answer is nuanced. In some ways, overcoming obstacles might be easier today due to the abundance of information and resources available at our fingertips. The internet provides access to a wealth of knowledge, online courses, and global communities that can offer support and guidance. Additionally, technological advancements have simplified many tasks that were once considered challenging.
However, I would argue that in other aspects, overcoming obstacles might be more difficult today. The rapid pace of change in our modern world means that we’re constantly facing new and unprecedented challenges. The pressure to succeed and the visibility of others’ achievements through social media can also create additional stress and self-doubt. Furthermore, the complexity of global issues we face today, such as climate change or economic instability, presents obstacles that require collective effort and innovative thinking to overcome.
Ultimately, I believe that while the nature of obstacles has changed, the fundamental skills required to overcome them – resilience, creativity, and adaptability – remain constant. The key difference lies in how we leverage modern tools and mindsets to tackle these challenges effectively.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some sample questions with suggested answers:
Examiner: How do you think society’s attitude towards failure affects people’s ability to overcome obstacles?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
Society’s attitude towards failure plays a crucial role in shaping people’s ability to overcome obstacles. In cultures where failure is stigmatized, individuals may be less likely to take risks or persevere in the face of challenges, fearing the social and emotional consequences of not succeeding. This fear can be paralyzing, hindering personal growth and innovation.
Conversely, in societies that view failure as a natural part of the learning process, people tend to be more resilient and adaptable. They’re more likely to approach obstacles with a growth mindset, seeing them as opportunities for development rather than insurmountable barriers. This attitude fosters creativity and problem-solving skills, as individuals feel more comfortable experimenting with different solutions without the overwhelming fear of failure.
Moreover, a societal acceptance of failure can lead to greater transparency about challenges and setbacks, creating a supportive environment where people can learn from each other’s experiences. This collective knowledge can be invaluable in overcoming obstacles, as it provides diverse perspectives and strategies.
However, it’s important to strike a balance. While accepting failure as a part of growth is crucial, we shouldn’t glorify failure for its own sake. The goal should be to create an environment that encourages perseverance and learning from mistakes, while still maintaining high standards and a drive for success.
In my opinion, fostering a societal attitude that views obstacles and potential failures as stepping stones to success can significantly enhance our collective ability to overcome challenges and drive progress.
Examiner: Do you believe that the ability to overcome obstacles is innate or can it be learned?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
This is a complex question that touches on the age-old nature versus nurture debate. While I believe that some individuals may have a natural predisposition towards resilience and problem-solving, I’m firmly convinced that the ability to overcome obstacles is primarily a learned skill that can be developed and honed over time.
Firstly, our capacity to face challenges is significantly influenced by our early experiences and environment. Children who are encouraged to tackle age-appropriate problems and are supported through failures tend to develop stronger problem-solving skills and resilience. This suggests that the ability to overcome obstacles is, to a large extent, nurtured.
Secondly, there are numerous examples of people who have dramatically improved their ability to handle adversity through deliberate practice and learning. This can involve developing specific skills like critical thinking and emotional regulation, or adopting mindsets that frame obstacles as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable barriers.
Moreover, research in neuroplasticity shows that our brains can form new neural connections throughout life, allowing us to learn and adapt continuously. This scientific evidence supports the idea that we can enhance our ability to overcome obstacles at any age through proper training and experiences.
That being said, I acknowledge that innate factors such as personality traits or cognitive abilities may influence how easily someone can develop these skills. However, I believe these innate factors set a starting point rather than a fixed limit.
In conclusion, while natural predispositions may play a role, I’m convinced that the ability to overcome obstacles is largely a learned skill. This perspective is empowering as it suggests that with the right mindset, education, and practice, anyone can improve their capacity to face and surmount life’s challenges.
Describe a person who has achieved something important often involves discussing how they overcame obstacles, which can provide valuable insights for answering such questions in your IELTS Speaking test.
Illustration of overcoming obstacles as a learning process
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing overcoming obstacles, consider using the following vocabulary and phrases:
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Resilience /rɪˈzɪliəns/ (noun): The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties.
Example: “Developing resilience is crucial for overcoming life’s obstacles.” -
Perseverance /ˌpɜːsɪˈvɪərəns/ (noun): Persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.
Example: “Her perseverance in the face of numerous setbacks was truly admirable.” -
To surmount /səˈmaʊnt/ (verb): To overcome (a difficulty or obstacle).
Example: “With determination and hard work, she was able to surmount all challenges.” -
Adversity /ədˈvɜːsəti/ (noun): A difficult or unpleasant situation.
Example: “He showed remarkable strength in the face of adversity.” -
To rise to the challenge (idiom): To respond successfully to a difficult situation.
Example: “When presented with the complex project, the team rose to the challenge admirably.” -
Turning point (noun phrase): A time at which a decisive change in a situation occurs, especially one with beneficial results.
Example: “Overcoming this obstacle was a turning point in my career.” -
To adapt /əˈdæpt/ (verb): To adjust to new conditions or circumstances.
Example: “The ability to adapt quickly is essential in overcoming unexpected obstacles.” -
Setback /ˈsetbæk/ (noun): A reversal or check in progress.
Example: “Despite numerous setbacks, she never lost sight of her ultimate goal.” -
To persevere /ˌpɜːsɪˈvɪə(r)/ (verb): To continue in a course of action even in the face of difficulty or with little or no prospect of success.
Example: “He persevered with his studies despite financial difficulties.” -
Resourcefulness /rɪˈsɔːsfəlnəs/ (noun): The ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties.
Example: “Her resourcefulness in finding solutions to complex problems was impressive.”
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing overcoming obstacles:
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Use personal anecdotes: Real-life examples make your answers more engaging and authentic.
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Demonstrate reflection: Show how overcoming obstacles has contributed to your personal growth.
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Vary your vocabulary: Use a range of words and phrases related to challenges and success.
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Structure your answers: Organize your thoughts logically, especially in Part 2.
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Show enthusiasm: Your tone and body language should convey genuine interest in the topic.
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Practice regularly: Familiarize yourself with common questions and practice articulating your thoughts clearly.
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Be specific: Provide concrete details about the obstacle and how you overcame it.
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Highlight lessons learned: Emphasize what you gained from the experience beyond just solving the problem.
Remember, the key to a high score is not just what you say, but how you say it. Confidence, fluency, and the ability to express complex ideas clearly are all crucial factors in the IELTS Speaking test.
Describe a person who has influenced your personal growth can be an excellent way to discuss overcoming obstacles through the lens of mentorship or inspiration, adding depth to your IELTS Speaking responses.
