Discussing personal experiences with failure is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows examiners to assess candidates’ ability to reflect on past events and express themselves fluently in English. This topic has appeared frequently in recent years and is likely to remain relevant in future exams.
Describe a person who inspires you to be positive can be a related topic that helps candidates prepare for discussing personal growth and learning experiences.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask questions related to failure and learning experiences. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:
Examiner: Do you think failure is important for learning?
Candidate (Band 8-9 response): Absolutely. I believe failure plays a crucial role in the learning process. It provides invaluable lessons that success often doesn’t teach us. When we fail, we’re forced to analyze our mistakes, identify areas for improvement, and develop resilience. This process of reflection and adaptation is essential for personal growth and ultimately leads to greater success in the long run.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a time when you learned something from failure
You should say:
- What the failure was
- When it happened
- How you felt about it
- What you learned from it
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
I’d like to share an experience from my university days when I learned a valuable lesson from failure. It was during my second year when I took on the responsibility of organizing a major charity event for our student union.
The event was scheduled for the end of the spring semester, and I had about three months to plan everything. Initially, I was brimming with confidence, believing that my enthusiasm alone would be enough to make the event a success. However, as the weeks went by, I started to realize the enormity of the task at hand.
My lack of experience in event management became evident as I struggled to coordinate various aspects of the event. I failed to delegate tasks effectively, trying to handle everything myself. As a result, important deadlines were missed, and crucial details were overlooked. The final blow came when I realized I had significantly underestimated the budget required for the event.
On the day of the event, attendance was much lower than expected, and we barely managed to break even financially. I felt utterly devastated and embarrassed. It was a humbling experience that shattered my overconfidence and made me question my abilities.
However, this failure taught me invaluable lessons. I learned the importance of meticulous planning, the necessity of teamwork, and the value of seeking advice from those with more experience. It also highlighted the significance of financial planning in project management.
Most importantly, this experience instilled in me a sense of humility and the understanding that success requires more than just enthusiasm – it demands careful preparation, collaboration, and a willingness to learn from others. This failure, although painful at the time, has significantly contributed to my personal and professional growth, making me a more effective leader and project manager in subsequent endeavors.
Student reflecting on failure during IELTS Speaking test
Follow-up Questions
Examiner: How did this experience change your approach to future projects?
Candidate (Band 8-9 response): This experience fundamentally transformed my approach to project management. Firstly, I now prioritize thorough planning and always create detailed timelines and contingency plans. Secondly, I’ve learned to leverage the strengths of team members by delegating tasks effectively and fostering a collaborative environment. Additionally, I now regularly seek mentorship and advice from more experienced individuals in relevant fields. Lastly, I’ve become much more meticulous about budgeting and financial forecasting, always ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the financial implications of any project I undertake.
Examiner: Do you think society puts too much pressure on people to succeed?
Candidate (Band 8-9 response): That’s an intriguing question. I believe there’s a delicate balance to consider. On one hand, societal pressure for success can be a powerful motivator, driving individuals to strive for excellence and push their boundaries. However, when this pressure becomes excessive, it can lead to unhealthy stress levels, anxiety, and a fear of failure that paradoxically hinders success. I think it’s crucial for society to promote a more balanced view of success, one that values personal growth, resilience, and learning from failures as much as it does achievements. This approach would foster a healthier, more innovative society where individuals feel empowered to take risks and learn from their mistakes.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: How do you think schools can better prepare students for failure in real life?
Candidate (Band 8-9 response): I believe schools can play a pivotal role in preparing students for real-life failures. Firstly, they should integrate failure as a natural part of the learning process, rather than something to be avoided at all costs. This could involve designing projects or assignments where students are encouraged to take risks and learn from mistakes.
Secondly, schools could implement reflection exercises after tests or projects, where students analyze their errors and develop strategies for improvement. This would help foster a growth mindset and resilience in students.
Additionally, bringing in guest speakers who have experienced and overcome significant failures could provide students with real-world perspectives on the importance of perseverance and learning from setbacks.
Lastly, schools should focus on developing emotional intelligence and coping mechanisms to help students handle disappointment and stress effectively. By equipping students with these skills, schools can better prepare them for the inevitable challenges and failures they’ll face in their personal and professional lives.
Describe a person who is very curious can be a related topic that helps candidates prepare for discussing personal traits and learning experiences.
Examiner: Do you think failure is perceived differently in different cultures?
Candidate (Band 8-9 response): Absolutely. The perception of failure can vary significantly across cultures, and this difference can have a profound impact on how individuals approach challenges and setbacks.
In some cultures, particularly in many Western societies, failure is increasingly being viewed as a stepping stone to success. There’s a growing emphasis on entrepreneurship and innovation, where failure is often seen as a valuable learning experience. This perspective encourages risk-taking and resilience.
On the other hand, in many Asian cultures, there’s traditionally been a greater emphasis on success and perfection. Failure in these contexts can be seen as bringing shame not just to the individual but to their family as well. This can lead to a more risk-averse mindset and higher stress levels associated with the fear of failure.
However, it’s important to note that these are generalizations, and perceptions are evolving in many cultures. There’s a growing global recognition of the importance of embracing failure as part of the learning process.
I believe that a balanced approach is ideal – one that acknowledges the pain of failure but also recognizes its potential for growth and learning. This perspective can foster innovation and personal development while maintaining a healthy drive for success.
Different cultural perspectives on failure
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Invaluable lessons /ɪnˈvæljuəbl ˈlesənz/ (adjective + noun): Extremely useful or important experiences.
Example: “The project’s failure taught me invaluable lessons about teamwork and planning.”To take on responsibility /teɪk ɒn rɪˌspɒnsəˈbɪləti/ (phrasal verb): To accept or assume a duty or obligation.
Example: “When I took on the responsibility of organizing the event, I underestimated the challenges involved.”Brimming with confidence /ˈbrɪmɪŋ wɪð ˈkɒnfɪdəns/ (idiom): Full of self-assurance or certainty.
Example: “Initially, I was brimming with confidence about my ability to manage the project.”To delegate tasks /ˈdelɪɡeɪt tɑːsks/ (verb phrase): To assign responsibilities or duties to others.
Example: “I failed to delegate tasks effectively, which led to poor time management.”Meticulous planning /məˈtɪkjələs ˈplænɪŋ/ (adjective + noun): Very careful and precise preparation.
Example: “The experience taught me the importance of meticulous planning in project management.”
Describe a person who has helped you through a difficult time can provide insights into discussing personal challenges and growth experiences.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing failure and learning experiences:
- Use a range of advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions related to failure, learning, and personal growth.
- Provide specific examples and personal anecdotes to illustrate your points.
- Demonstrate your ability to reflect on experiences by discussing not just what happened, but how you felt and what you learned.
- Show your capacity for abstract thinking by discussing broader implications of failure in society or different cultures.
- Maintain fluency by practicing your responses to common questions about failure and learning.
- Use a variety of grammatical structures, including complex sentences, to express your ideas clearly and coherently.
- Be prepared to discuss both personal experiences and general views on the topic of failure and learning.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about avoiding mistakes, but about demonstrating your ability to communicate effectively and thoughtfully in English.
Describe a person who is very good at making decisions can be a useful topic to explore when discussing learning from failures and developing decision-making skills.