In the IELTS Speaking Test, candidates are assessed based on four criteria: Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Pronunciation. The cue card question “Describe a time when you took on a challenge” is a common topic that tests not only your ability to tell a story but also your competence in using complex sentences and a wide range of vocabulary.
This guide will provide you with a comprehensive approach to answering this question, including sample answers, key phrases, and tips on how to structure your response to score highly in the IELTS Speaking Test.
II. Main Content
1. Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner asks you general questions about yourself and a range of familiar topics.
Example Question:
- What do you do to relax after a challenging day?
Suggested Answer:
“After a challenging day, I usually prefer to unwind by engaging in some light exercise, like jogging in the park, or by reading a good book. These activities help me to clear my mind and alleviate stress.”
2. Part 2: Long Turn
In Part 2, the examiner will give you a cue card with a topic and some bullet points to cover. You will have one minute to prepare and then speak for up to two minutes.
Cue Card:
Describe a time when you took on a challenge
You should say:
- What the challenge was
- Why you took on this challenge
- What the result was
- How you felt about it
Model Answer:
*”One significant challenge I took on was completing a marathon. It was always a dream of mine to run a marathon, but I knew it would require a lot of dedication and perseverance. The opportunity presented itself when my city announced an annual marathon event. I decided to take on this challenge to prove to myself that I could push my limits and achieve something worthwhile.
Training for the marathon was arduous and demanding. I started by running shorter distances and gradually increased my mileage. There were days when I felt exhausted and disheartened, but I remained steadfast in my goal.
When the marathon day finally arrived, I was both excited and nervous. I completed the race in just under five hours, which was an immense accomplishment for me. Crossing the finish line filled me with a sense of euphoria and pride, knowing that my hard work had paid off.
This experience taught me the value of resilience and determination, and it gave me the confidence to take on more challenges in both my personal and professional life.”*
3. Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner will ask more detailed questions related to the topic of Part 2, requiring you to discuss, analyze, and give opinions.
Example Questions:
- Do you think taking on challenges is important for personal growth?
Suggested Answer:
“Absolutely, I believe that taking on challenges is crucial for personal development. Challenges push us out of our comfort zones and force us to develop new skills and problem-solving abilities. They also help us understand our strengths and weaknesses, which is invaluable for self-improvement.”
- Can you give an example of a challenge that might prevent people from achieving their goals?
Suggested Answer:
“One significant challenge could be the fear of failure. Many people are afraid to take risks because they worry about the consequences of not succeeding. This fear can be paralyzing and prevent them from even attempting to achieve their goals. Overcoming this fear is essential for personal and professional growth.”
4. Key Vocabulary and Phrases
Important Vocabulary:
- Perseverance /ˌpɜːrsəˈvɪərəns/: continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties.
- Resilience /rɪˈzɪl.i.əns/: the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties.
- Euphoria /juːˈfɔːr.i.ə/: a feeling of great happiness or well-being.
- Arduous /ˈɑːrdʒuəs/: involving or requiring strenuous effort; difficult and tiring.
- Steadfast /ˈstɛdfæst/: resolutely or dutifully firm and unwavering.
Example Sentences:
- “Training for the marathon was arduous and demanded a lot of perseverance.”
- “Crossing the finish line filled me with euphoria.”
- “The experience required a lot of resilience to overcome the many obstacles along the way.”
III. Advice from an Examiner
To excel in the IELTS Speaking Test, practice is key. Here are some tips:
- Practice Regularly: Record yourself answering different cue card questions and analyze your performance.
- Expand Your Vocabulary: Learn new words and phrases regularly and practice using them in sentences.
- Fluency and Coherence: Focus on speaking smoothly without too many pauses. Use linking words to connect your ideas logically.
- Seek Feedback: Practice with a teacher or a friend who can provide constructive feedback on your speaking skills.
By incorporating these strategies into your preparation, you can increase your chances of achieving a high band score in the IELTS Speaking Test.