The Speaking component of the IELTS test is a crucial aspect that assesses your ability to communicate effectively in English. As an IELTS Speaking Examiner, it’s important to understand that examiners look for four key factors: Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Pronunciation. Among these, demonstrating a positive attitude despite adversities via comprehensive and eloquent responses is highly valued.
The cue card on “Describe a time when you had to stay positive despite difficulties” is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This guide provides a detailed strategy to answer this cue card, along with valuable tips and question examples from all three parts of the Speaking test to help you ace your IELTS Speaking exam.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking test involves introductory questions to make you comfortable. Here are some example questions:
Sample Question and Answer
Examiner: Do you prefer to live in a big city or a small town?
Candidate: I personally prefer living in a big city because it provides ample opportunities for career growth, diverse cultural experiences, and better amenities. However, small towns offer tranquility and a close-knit community which can be appealing as well.
Part 2: Long Turn
In this part, you’ll be given a cue card and have 1 minute to prepare. You will then speak for about 2 minutes.
Cue Card
Describe a time when you had to stay positive despite difficulties.
You should say:
- What the situation was
- Why it was difficult
- How you stayed positive
- How you felt after overcoming it
Sample Answer
Candidate:
One significant moment when I had to stay positive despite difficulties was during my final year of university. My coursework became overwhelmingly challenging, particularly with a gruelling thesis project looming over my head. Coupled with personal issues at home, it became arduous to keep a positive outlook.
To combat the mounting stress, I set up a structured schedule, breaking my tasks into manageable chunks. Additionally, I practiced mindfulness meditation regularly to stay grounded. I told myself that perseverance would yield success, and I focused on small victories to keep my morale high.
Despite the relentless pressure, staying positive enabled me to complete my thesis with distinction. The experience taught me that with resilience and a positive mindset, we can turn adversities into stepping stones for progress, and that sense of achievement was incredibly rewarding.
Follow-up Questions
Examiner: Can you tell me about a time when someone helped you stay positive?
Candidate: Certainly! During that challenging period, my mentor played a crucial role. He provided guidance and motivational support, which reinforced my belief that I could overcome the obstacles.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Part 3 involves deeper discussion and analyses about related topics.
Sample Question and Answer
Examiner: Why do you think people find it difficult to remain positive during tough times?
Candidate: Maintaining positivity can be difficult during tough times because stress and pressure often cloud judgment. People might feel overwhelmed, leading to negative thinking patterns. Therefore, it’s essential to build resilience and coping mechanisms to navigate adversities effectively.
Examiner: How can society encourage individuals to stay positive despite facing difficulties?
Candidate: Society can foster positivity by promoting mental health awareness, providing support systems like counselling services, and facilitating environments where expressing emotions is normalized. Encouraging empathy and social connectedness also plays a significant role in helping individuals stay positive.
Key Vocabulary and Structures to Achieve High Band Scores
Using sophisticated vocabulary and a variety of sentence structures can significantly boost your score. Here are some useful words and expressions:
- Resilience [rɪˈzɪliəns] – the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties.
- Perseverance [ˌpɜːrsəˈvɪərəns] – continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties.
- Mindfulness [ˈmaɪndf(ə)lnəs] – a mental state achieved by focusing on the present moment.
- Gratifying [ˈɡrætɪfaɪɪŋ] – providing pleasure or satisfaction.
- Empathy [ˈempəθi] – the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
Example Sentences
- “Her resilience was evident when she faced adversities with a positive demeanor.”
- “Adopting mindfulness techniques helped me stay focused and composed during stressful times.”
Expert Tips for Practicing
- Engage in Regular Practice: Speak English daily, immersing yourself in the language.
- Record Yourself: Listening to your recordings helps you identify and correct mistakes.
- Use a Variety of Sources: Utilize books, online resources, and practice tests from reputable sources.
- Join Speaking Groups: Participate in speaking clubs or groups to gain confidence and receive feedback.
By following the advice and examples provided in this guide, you will be well-prepared to handle the cue card related to “Describe a time when you had to stay positive despite difficulties” and other topics in the IELTS Speaking test.
For additional insights into handling IELTS Speaking topics, consider reading Describe a time when you were disappointed, Describe a time when you were proud of yourself, and Describe a time when you were disappointed by something.
Good luck with your preparation, and remember that staying positive and well-practiced is key to success in your IELTS Speaking test!