The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about personal experiences and achievements. One common topic that frequently appears is describing a time when you had to push yourself to achieve something. This topic allows examiners to assess your ability to narrate past events, express emotions, and reflect on personal growth. Let’s explore how to tackle this question effectively to maximize your speaking score.

Understanding the Topic

Before we dive into sample answers, it’s crucial to understand what the examiner is looking for when they ask about a time you pushed yourself. They want to hear about:

• A specific situation or event
• The challenges you faced
• How you motivated yourself
• The outcome of your efforts
• What you learned from the experience

This topic is likely to appear in Part 2 of the speaking test, where you’ll be given a cue card and asked to speak for 1-2 minutes. However, related questions may also come up in Parts 1 and 3.

IELTS Speaking Test

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

While this topic is more likely to appear in Part 2, the examiner might ask related questions in Part 1 to warm you up. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:

Q: Do you enjoy challenging yourself?

A: Absolutely. I find that pushing myself out of my comfort zone is incredibly rewarding. It’s not always easy, but I believe that’s where real growth happens. Whether it’s learning a new skill or tackling a difficult project at work, I thrive on the sense of accomplishment that comes from overcoming challenges.

Q: How do you motivate yourself when facing a difficult task?

A: I have a few strategies that I rely on. First and foremost, I try to break the task down into smaller, more manageable steps. This helps me avoid feeling overwhelmed. I also set clear goals for myself and visualize the end result. Additionally, I find that positive self-talk and reminding myself of past successes can be really powerful motivators.

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

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

Describe A Time When You Had To Push Yourself To Achieve Something.

You should say:

• What you were trying to achieve
• Why it was challenging
• What you did to motivate yourself
• What the outcome was

And explain how you felt after achieving it.

Sample Answer:

I’d like to talk about a time when I really had to push myself to achieve something. It was about two years ago when I decided to run a marathon for the first time.

What I was trying to achieve was completing a full 42-kilometer marathon. This had been a long-standing goal of mine, but I’d always put it off, thinking it was beyond my capabilities.

The challenge was immense, both physically and mentally. I was starting from a point where I could barely run 5 kilometers without getting winded. The prospect of multiplying that distance by eight seemed almost insurmountable. Moreover, the training required a significant time commitment, which was difficult to balance with my full-time job and social life.

To motivate myself, I employed several strategies. Firstly, I broke down my training into weekly goals, which made the process less daunting. Secondly, I joined a local running club, which provided me with a support system and accountability. Perhaps most importantly, I signed up for a charity marathon, which meant I was not only running for myself but also for a cause I deeply cared about.

The outcome was beyond my wildest expectations. Not only did I complete the marathon, but I did so in a time that I was truly proud of. Crossing that finish line was one of the most exhilarating moments of my life.

After achieving this goal, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride and accomplishment. It wasn’t just about the physical feat; it was the realization that with determination and perseverance, I could push past my perceived limitations. This experience has since become a touchstone for me, something I reflect on whenever I face new challenges. It’s a powerful reminder that we’re capable of so much more than we often give ourselves credit for.

Follow-up Questions:

1. Q: How has this experience changed your approach to other challenges in your life?
   A: This experience has profoundly impacted my approach to challenges. Now, when faced with a daunting task, I’m much more likely to break it down into manageable steps and set incremental goals. I’ve also learned the value of seeking support and accountability from others. Perhaps most importantly, I’ve developed a stronger belief in my own capabilities, which gives me the confidence to take on new challenges.

2. Q: Do you think it’s important for people to regularly push themselves out of their comfort zones?
   A: Absolutely. I believe that stepping out of our comfort zones is essential for personal growth and development. It’s in these challenging moments that we learn the most about ourselves and discover hidden strengths. While it can be uncomfortable, even scary at times, the rewards in terms of increased confidence, new skills, and a broader perspective are invaluable. That said, it’s important to strike a balance and not push ourselves to the point of burnout.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this part, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

Q: Why do you think some people are more driven to achieve than others?

A: I believe there are several factors at play here. Firstly, personal background and upbringing can have a significant impact. People who grow up in environments that emphasize achievement and perseverance may be more likely to develop these traits themselves. Secondly, individual personality traits, such as natural competitiveness or curiosity, can contribute to a strong drive to achieve.

However, I think it’s also important to consider external factors. Societal pressures and expectations can push some individuals to strive for constant achievement, sometimes to an unhealthy degree. On the flip side, lack of opportunities or resources might suppress the drive to achieve in others, even if they have the innate motivation.

Ultimately, I believe that while some people might have a natural inclination towards high achievement, the drive to achieve is something that can be cultivated and developed over time through practice, mindset shifts, and supportive environments.

Q: Do you think society puts too much pressure on people to constantly achieve and succeed?

A: This is a complex issue with valid arguments on both sides. On one hand, the pressure to achieve can be a positive driving force, pushing people to reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society. It can lead to innovation, personal growth, and societal progress.

However, I do believe that in many cases, this pressure has become excessive and potentially harmful. We live in a culture that often equates success with constant achievement, which can lead to stress, burnout, and mental health issues. There’s a tendency to overlook the value of other aspects of life, such as relationships, personal well-being, and simply enjoying the present moment.

I think we need to strike a balance. While it’s important to encourage ambition and hard work, we should also promote a more holistic view of success. This could include recognizing the importance of work-life balance, valuing personal growth over external achievements, and acknowledging that success looks different for everyone. Ultimately, a society that allows for diverse definitions of success and achievement is likely to be healthier and more fulfilling for its members.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

To score high on the IELTS Speaking test, it’s crucial to use a range of sophisticated vocabulary and phrases. Here are some key terms that can elevate your responses:

1. Insurmountable /ˌɪnsərˈmaʊntəbl/ (adjective): Too great to be overcome.
   Example: The challenge seemed insurmountable at first, but I was determined to try.

2. Perseverance /ˌpɜːrsəˈvɪrəns/ (noun): Persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.
   Example: My success was largely due to my perseverance in the face of obstacles.

3. Exhilarating /ɪɡˈzɪləreɪtɪŋ/ (adjective): Making one feel very happy, animated, or elated; thrilling.
   Example: Crossing the finish line was an exhilarating experience.

4. Touchstone /ˈtʌtʃstoʊn/ (noun): A standard or criterion by which something is judged or recognized.
   Example: This achievement has become a touchstone for me in facing new challenges.

5. Incremental /ˌɪnkrəˈmentl/ (adjective): Increasing or adding on, especially in a gradual way.
   Example: I set incremental goals to make the overall task less daunting.

6. Cultivate /ˈkʌltɪveɪt/ (verb): To develop or acquire a quality, sentiment, or skill.
   Example: Through this experience, I cultivated a stronger sense of self-belief.

Examiner’s Advice

As an IELTS examiner, here are some tips to help you excel in the Speaking test:

1. Be specific: When describing your experience, provide concrete details. This adds authenticity to your story and demonstrates your ability to recall and articulate past events.

2. Show, don’t just tell: Instead of simply stating that something was challenging, describe how it made you feel and what specific obstacles you faced.

3. Use a range of tenses: While you’ll primarily use past tenses to describe the event, incorporate other tenses where appropriate. For example, use present perfect to link the past experience to the present, or future tenses when discussing the impact on your future actions.

4. Demonstrate reflection: Show that you’ve learned from the experience. Examiners appreciate candidates who can articulate personal growth and insights.

5. Practice, but don’t memorize: While it’s good to prepare, avoid memorizing entire answers. The examiner is looking for spontaneous, natural speech.

6. Embrace follow-up questions: These are opportunities to expand on your ideas and showcase more of your language skills.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is to communicate clearly and confidently while demonstrating a wide range of vocabulary and grammatical structures. Good luck with your preparation!

For more tips on acing the IELTS Speaking test, check out our guides on describing a person who has inspired you and discussing a time when you had to work with a difficult team member.