As an experienced IELTS Speaking examiner, I’ve seen countless candidates tackle the task of describing a time when they had to work through a difficult problem. This topic is not only common in IELTS Speaking tests but also highly relevant to real-life situations. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how to excel in this speaking task, providing you with valuable insights, sample answers, and expert tips to help you achieve a high band score.

Understanding the Task

Before we dive into the specifics, it’s crucial to understand what this task entails. When asked to describe a time you had to work through a difficult problem, the examiner is looking for your ability to:

1. Recount a specific experience
2. Explain the problem clearly
3. Describe your problem-solving process
4. Reflect on the outcome and lessons learned

This task typically appears in Part 2 of the IELTS Speaking test, but related questions may also come up in Parts 1 and 3.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, you might encounter questions that indirectly relate to problem-solving. Here are some examples:

1. Do you enjoy solving puzzles or brain teasers?
2. How do you usually deal with challenges in your daily life?
3. Are you good at finding solutions to problems?

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

Examiner: Do you enjoy solving puzzles or brain teasers?

Candidate: Absolutely, I’m quite fond of puzzles and brain teasers. They provide a great mental workout and I find them incredibly stimulating. Sudoku puzzles, in particular, are my go-to when I want to challenge myself. I appreciate how they require logical thinking and help sharpen my problem-solving skills. Plus, there’s a real sense of accomplishment when you finally crack a difficult puzzle.

IELTS candidate solving puzzle

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Now, let’s move on to the main task. Here’s a sample cue card you might encounter:

Describe A Time When You Had To Work Through A Difficult Problem

You should say:

• What the problem was
• When and where it happened
• How you solved it
• And explain how you felt about the experience

Here’s a sample answer that would likely score in the Band 7-8 range:

I’d like to talk about a challenging situation I faced during my final year at university. The problem arose when I was working on my thesis project, which involved developing a mobile app for local small businesses.

About halfway through the semester, I encountered a major setback. The database I had been using to store user information suddenly crashed, and I lost a significant amount of data. This happened in the university computer lab, just two weeks before the project deadline.

To tackle this issue, I first took a step back and assessed the situation calmly. I realized that panicking wouldn’t help, so I decided to approach the problem methodically. First, I consulted with my project supervisor, who suggested some potential recovery methods. Then, I reached out to a friend who was studying computer science and had experience with database management.

Together, we devised a plan to recover as much data as possible using specialized software. We worked tirelessly for several days, often staying in the lab until late at night. While we couldn’t recover everything, we managed to salvage about 80% of the lost data.

For the remaining data, I had to think creatively. I decided to reach out to the small business owners who had participated in my initial research and asked if they would be willing to provide their information again. Fortunately, most of them were very understanding and agreed to help.

Looking back on this experience, I feel a mixture of emotions. Initially, I was frustrated and stressed, but as I worked through the problem, I felt a growing sense of determination. Successfully overcoming this challenge gave me a tremendous sense of accomplishment. It taught me valuable lessons about the importance of backing up data, thinking creatively under pressure, and the power of collaboration in solving complex problems.

This experience not only saved my project but also boosted my confidence in my problem-solving abilities. It’s a situation I often reflect on when facing new challenges, reminding me that with perseverance and the right approach, most problems can be overcome.

Follow-up Questions

After your long turn, the examiner might ask you some follow-up questions. Here are a few examples with sample answers:

1. How did this experience change your approach to problem-solving?

This experience was truly transformative for my problem-solving approach. It taught me the value of staying calm under pressure and taking a systematic approach to challenges. Now, whenever I face a difficult situation, I make a conscious effort to break the problem down into manageable parts and tackle them one by one. I’ve also become more proactive about anticipating potential issues and putting preventive measures in place.

2. Do you think teamwork is always beneficial in solving problems?

While teamwork can be incredibly valuable in many problem-solving scenarios, I don’t believe it’s always the best approach. In my experience, the effectiveness of teamwork depends on the nature of the problem and the skills of the individuals involved. For complex issues that require diverse expertise, teamwork is often crucial for finding comprehensive solutions. However, for more straightforward problems or those requiring deep, focused thought, individual work might be more efficient. The key is to assess each situation and determine the most appropriate approach.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In Part 3, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some examples:

Examiner: How do you think technology has changed the way we solve problems?

Candidate: Technology has revolutionized problem-solving in numerous ways. Firstly, it has given us access to an unprecedented amount of information at our fingertips, allowing us to quickly research and learn about various issues. This wealth of knowledge can often lead to more informed and effective solutions.

Secondly, technology has enabled us to collaborate more easily with people around the world. This global connectivity means we can tap into a diverse range of perspectives and expertise, potentially leading to more innovative solutions.

However, it’s worth noting that technology isn’t always beneficial. The ease of finding information online can sometimes lead to over-reliance on quick fixes rather than developing deep problem-solving skills. Additionally, the constant connectivity can sometimes be a distraction, making it harder to focus on complex problems that require sustained attention.

On balance, though, I believe technology has greatly enhanced our problem-solving capabilities. The key is to use it judiciously, combining technological tools with critical thinking and creativity to address challenges effectively.

Examiner: Do you think schools should put more emphasis on teaching problem-solving skills?

Candidate: Absolutely, I believe schools should place a much greater emphasis on teaching problem-solving skills. In today’s rapidly changing world, the ability to tackle complex, unfamiliar challenges is becoming increasingly valuable.

Traditional education often focuses on memorization and standardized testing, which, while important, don’t necessarily prepare students for real-world problem-solving. By incorporating more problem-solving exercises into the curriculum, schools can help students develop critical thinking skills, creativity, and resilience – all crucial attributes in both personal and professional life.

Moreover, problem-solving skills are highly transferable. Whether a student pursues a career in science, business, or the arts, the ability to approach challenges systematically and think outside the box will be invaluable.

That said, it’s important to strike a balance. Problem-solving skills should complement, not replace, the acquisition of fundamental knowledge. The ideal approach would be to integrate problem-solving into various subjects, allowing students to apply their knowledge in practical, challenging scenarios.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To achieve a high band score, it’s crucial to use a range of sophisticated vocabulary and complex sentence structures. Here are some key terms and phrases that can elevate your responses:

1. Encounter a setback /ɪnˈkaʊntər ə ˈsetbæk/ (phrase): To experience a problem or difficulty that delays or prevents progress.
   Example: “During the project, we encountered several setbacks that threatened our deadline.”

2. Devise a plan /dɪˈvaɪz ə plæn/ (phrase): To create or invent a way of doing something.
   Example: “After analyzing the situation, we devised a plan to address the issue systematically.”

3. Think creatively /θɪŋk kriˈeɪtɪvli/ (phrase): To use imagination or original ideas to create something or solve a problem.
   Example: “When traditional methods failed, we had to think creatively to find a solution.”

4. Boost confidence /buːst ˈkɒnfɪdəns/ (phrase): To increase one’s self-assurance or belief in one’s abilities.
   Example: “Successfully resolving the issue really boosted my confidence in my problem-solving skills.”

5. Methodical approach /məˈθɒdɪkəl əˈprəʊtʃ/ (noun phrase): A systematic and orderly way of doing something.
   Example: “I find that taking a methodical approach to problem-solving often leads to better outcomes.”

6. Perseverance /ˌpɜːsɪˈvɪərəns/ (noun): Continued effort and determination, despite difficulties or delays in achieving success.
   Example: “It was our perseverance that ultimately led to a breakthrough in solving the problem.”

7. Mitigate risks /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt rɪsks/ (phrase): To make a situation or its consequences less severe or serious.
   Example: “We implemented several strategies to mitigate the risks associated with the project.”

8. Adaptive strategy /əˈdæptɪv ˈstrætədʒi/ (noun phrase): A flexible approach that can be modified in response to changing circumstances.
   Example: “In such a dynamic environment, we needed to develop an adaptive strategy to address emerging challenges.”

Tips from an IELTS Speaking Examiner

As an experienced IELTS Speaking examiner, here are my top tips for excelling in this task:

1. Practice storytelling: Develop the ability to recount experiences in a clear, engaging manner.

2. Use a variety of tenses: Demonstrate your grammar skills by accurately using past, present, and future tenses as appropriate.

3. Incorporate idioms and phrasal verbs: This shows a high level of English proficiency. For example, “We were up against the wall” or “The solution came out of the blue.”

4. Show reflection: Don’t just describe what happened; explain how you felt and what you learned from the experience.

5. Be specific: Use concrete details to make your story more vivid and believable.

6. Practice with a timer: Ensure you can comfortably speak for 2 minutes without running out of things to say or exceeding the time limit.

7. Record yourself: This allows you to identify areas for improvement in your fluency, pronunciation, and content.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is practice. The more you prepare and rehearse, the more confident and articulate you’ll be on test day. Good luck!

For more tips on acing the IELTS Speaking test, check out our articles on describing a time when you had to manage a difficult conversation and working on a project with a tight deadline.