The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about personal experiences, such as describing a challenging task you’ve undertaken. This topic is frequently featured in Part 2 and Part 3 of the speaking exam, making it essential for test-takers to be well-prepared. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions related to this theme and maximize your score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about challenges or difficult tasks. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:
Q: Do you enjoy challenging yourself?
A: Absolutely! I find great satisfaction in pushing my limits. For instance, last year I set myself the challenge of learning a new language, which was quite demanding but incredibly rewarding. It’s through these challenges that I feel I grow the most, both personally and professionally.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card:
Describe a time when you took on a challenging task.
You should say:
- What the task was
- Why it was challenging
- How you approached it
- And explain the outcome of the task
Here are sample answers for different band scores:
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I’d like to talk about a challenging task I took on last year. It was organizing a charity event for my local community. This was particularly challenging because I had never coordinated such a large-scale event before, and there were many aspects to consider.
The main challenge was managing a team of volunteers and ensuring everyone knew their responsibilities. Additionally, we had to secure sponsorships and promote the event effectively.
To approach this task, I broke it down into smaller, manageable steps. I delegated tasks to team members based on their strengths and created a detailed timeline. We held regular meetings to track our progress and address any issues that arose.
In the end, the event was a great success. We raised a significant amount for our chosen charity and received positive feedback from attendees. This experience taught me a lot about leadership and project management, skills that have been valuable in my professional life since then.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I’d be delighted to share an experience about a particularly challenging task I undertook recently. The task in question was spearheading a cross-functional team to implement a new customer relationship management system across our entire organization.
This endeavor was exceptionally challenging due to its multifaceted nature. Firstly, it required seamless integration of various departments, each with its unique processes and data structures. Secondly, we faced significant resistance to change from long-standing employees accustomed to the old system. Lastly, we were operating under a tight deadline imposed by upper management.
To tackle this Herculean task, I adopted a strategic approach. Initially, I conducted a comprehensive needs analysis, engaging stakeholders from all levels of the organization. This allowed us to tailor the system to our specific requirements. I then formulated a detailed implementation plan, breaking the project into manageable phases.
A crucial aspect of our strategy was fostering buy-in from employees. We organized workshops and one-on-one sessions to address concerns and demonstrate the benefits of the new system. Additionally, I assembled a diverse team of IT experts and departmental representatives to ensure all perspectives were considered.
The outcome was remarkably positive. We not only met our deadline but also exceeded expectations in terms of system functionality. The new CRM led to a significant increase in efficiency and customer satisfaction. Perhaps most gratifyingly, we saw a gradual shift in employee attitudes, with many becoming enthusiastic advocates for the new system.
This experience was immensely rewarding, both professionally and personally. It honed my project management skills, enhanced my ability to navigate complex organizational dynamics, and reinforced my belief in the power of effective communication and teamwork.”
Follow-up Questions:
Q: How do you generally approach challenging tasks in your life?
Band 6-7 Answer: “When I face challenging tasks, I usually try to break them down into smaller, more manageable parts. This helps me feel less overwhelmed. I also try to seek advice from people who have experience in similar situations.”
Band 8-9 Answer: “My approach to challenging tasks is methodical and adaptable. I begin by thoroughly analyzing the task at hand, identifying potential obstacles, and formulating a comprehensive strategy. I’m a firm believer in the power of preparation and planning, but I also remain flexible enough to adjust my approach as new information or challenges arise. Additionally, I find it invaluable to leverage the expertise of others and collaborate when possible, as diverse perspectives often lead to more innovative solutions.”
Q: Do you think people learn more from easy tasks or challenging ones?
Band 6-7 Answer: “In my opinion, people generally learn more from challenging tasks. These tasks push us out of our comfort zone and force us to develop new skills. However, I think easy tasks can also be important for building confidence and reinforcing existing knowledge.”
Band 8-9 Answer: “While both types of tasks have their merits in the learning process, I firmly believe that challenging tasks offer significantly greater opportunities for growth and development. Challenging tasks necessitate creative problem-solving, push the boundaries of our capabilities, and often lead to paradigm shifts in our understanding. They foster resilience and adaptability, crucial skills in our rapidly evolving world. That being said, easier tasks shouldn’t be discounted entirely. They play a vital role in consolidating knowledge, building confidence, and providing necessary respite between more demanding endeavors. The key, I believe, lies in striking a balance between the two, creating a learning environment that is both stimulating and sustainable.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Q: In your opinion, why do some people avoid challenging tasks?
Band 6-7 Answer: “I think some people avoid challenging tasks because they’re afraid of failure. It’s natural to feel uncomfortable when faced with something difficult. Also, challenging tasks often require more time and effort, which some people might not be willing to invest.”
Band 8-9 Answer: “The aversion to challenging tasks is a complex psychological phenomenon with multiple contributing factors. Primarily, I believe it stems from a fear of failure and the associated negative emotions. Many individuals have an innate tendency to gravitate towards their comfort zones, where they feel secure and competent. Challenging tasks, by their very nature, push people beyond these boundaries, which can be psychologically daunting.
Moreover, there’s often a misconception about the nature of ability and intelligence. Those with a fixed mindset, as opposed to a growth mindset, may view challenging tasks as threats to their self-image rather than opportunities for growth. This perspective can lead to self-limiting behaviors and avoidance of potentially enriching experiences.
Additionally, in our fast-paced society, there’s often a premium placed on immediate results. Challenging tasks typically require sustained effort and delayed gratification, which may not align with the instant gratification culture prevalent today. This misalignment can discourage individuals from engaging in long-term, challenging endeavors.
Lastly, past negative experiences with difficult tasks can create a learned helplessness, where individuals believe they lack the capacity to overcome challenges, leading to a cycle of avoidance and missed opportunities for personal and professional growth.”
Q: How can companies encourage their employees to take on more challenging tasks?
Band 6-7 Answer: “Companies can encourage employees by offering incentives for taking on difficult projects. They could also provide training and support to help employees feel more confident. Creating a positive work environment where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities could also help.”
Band 8-9 Answer: “Encouraging employees to embrace challenging tasks requires a multifaceted approach that addresses both individual motivations and organizational culture. Firstly, companies should foster a growth mindset culture, where challenges are viewed as opportunities for development rather than potential failures. This can be achieved through regular training sessions, workshops, and by celebrating efforts as much as outcomes.
Implementing a robust mentoring program can provide employees with guidance and support, making challenging tasks seem more approachable. Pairing less experienced staff with seasoned professionals can facilitate knowledge transfer and boost confidence.
Companies should also consider revamping their reward structures to recognize and incentivize risk-taking and innovation. This could involve performance metrics that value learning and growth, not just immediate results. Public recognition of employees who take on and succeed in challenging tasks can also serve as powerful motivation.
Creating cross-functional project teams can expose employees to diverse challenges and perspectives, broadening their skill sets and comfort zones. This approach also promotes collaborative problem-solving and can lead to more innovative solutions.
Importantly, organizations need to cultivate a psychologically safe environment where employees feel comfortable taking risks without fear of negative consequences. This involves leaders modeling vulnerability, encouraging open communication, and treating setbacks as learning experiences.
Lastly, companies should tailor challenges to individual employee’s strengths and career aspirations. By aligning challenging tasks with personal growth goals, employees are more likely to feel invested in the process and outcome. This personalized approach, combined with clear communication about how these challenges contribute to both personal and organizational success, can significantly boost employee engagement with challenging tasks.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Spearhead /ˈspɪəhed/ (verb): To lead an attack or an important activity
Example: “I was chosen to spearhead the new marketing campaign.” -
Multifaceted /ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd/ (adjective): Having many different aspects or features
Example: “The project was multifaceted, requiring expertise from various departments.” -
Herculean /ˌhɜːkjʊˈliːən/ (adjective): Requiring great strength or effort
Example: “Implementing the new system was a Herculean task.” -
Foster /ˈfɒstə(r)/ (verb): To encourage the development of something
Example: “Our goal was to foster a culture of innovation within the company.” -
Paradigm shift /ˈpærədaɪm ʃɪft/ (noun): A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions
Example: “The new technology caused a paradigm shift in how we approach customer service.” -
Leverage /ˈliːvərɪdʒ/ (verb): To use something to maximum advantage
Example: “We leveraged our team’s diverse skills to overcome the challenge.” -
Resilience /rɪˈzɪliəns/ (noun): The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties
Example: “The project tested our resilience, but we persevered.” -
Innovative /ˈɪnəveɪtɪv/ (adjective): Featuring new methods; advanced and original
Example: “We needed an innovative approach to solve this complex problem.”
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing challenging tasks:
- Practice articulating your experiences clearly and coherently.
- Develop a rich vocabulary related to challenges, problem-solving, and personal growth.
- Use a variety of grammatical structures to demonstrate your language proficiency.
- Prepare examples from different areas of life (work, study, personal) to showcase versatility.
- Focus on expressing your thoughts and feelings about the experience, not just describing events.
- Practice time management to ensure you can fully develop your ideas within the given time.
Remember, the key to a high score is not just in what you say, but how you say it. Confidence, fluency, and the ability to express complex ideas clearly are all crucial factors in impressing the examiner.
Describe a place in nature where you enjoy going alone can also be a challenging task to describe eloquently in the IELTS Speaking test. Practice incorporating some of these strategies when preparing for such topics as well.