The topic “describe a time when you took on a new challenge” is a common theme in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows examiners to assess candidates’ ability to narrate personal experiences, express emotions, and reflect on personal growth. This topic has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests due to its versatility and relatability.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask general questions related to challenges and new experiences. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:

Examiner: Do you enjoy trying new things?

Candidate (Band 8-9 response): Absolutely, I’m quite adventurous when it comes to new experiences. I believe that stepping out of one’s comfort zone is essential for personal growth. Whether it’s sampling exotic cuisines or attempting a challenging sport, I find that embracing novelty keeps life exciting and helps me develop new perspectives.

Part 2: Long Turn

Cue Card

Describe a time when you took on a new challenge. You should say:

• What the challenge was
• When and where it happened
• Why you decided to take on this challenge
• And explain how you felt about the experience

IELTS Speaking Cue Card: Describing a New Challenge

Sample Answer (Band 8-9)

I’d like to talk about a time when I took on the challenge of learning a new language, specifically Mandarin Chinese. This endeavor began about two years ago when I decided to expand my linguistic horizons.

The challenge originated from my growing interest in Chinese culture and the realization that Mandarin is becoming increasingly important in the global business landscape. I made the decision to embark on this journey after attending a cultural festival in my city, where I was fascinated by the calligraphy and traditional performances.

Initially, the prospect of learning such a complex language was quite daunting. The tonal system and character-based writing were completely foreign to me. However, I approached the challenge with determination and set myself clear goals. I enrolled in an intensive language course at a local institute and committed to practicing for at least an hour every day.

As I progressed through the learning process, I experienced a mix of emotions. There were moments of frustration when I struggled with pronunciation or couldn’t remember characters, but these were outweighed by the sense of achievement I felt when I successfully communicated with native speakers or deciphered a complex text.

Looking back, I feel immensely proud of taking on this challenge. It has not only broadened my linguistic abilities but also opened up new cultural perspectives. The experience has taught me the value of perseverance and the rewards of stepping out of one’s comfort zone. It’s been a truly enriching journey that has boosted my confidence and ignited a passion for continuous learning.

Follow-up Questions

Examiner: How do you think taking on new challenges can benefit a person?

Candidate (Band 8-9 response): Taking on new challenges can be immensely beneficial for personal growth and development. Firstly, it pushes individuals out of their comfort zones, which is essential for expanding one’s capabilities and discovering hidden talents. Secondly, facing challenges builds resilience and problem-solving skills, as people learn to overcome obstacles and adapt to unfamiliar situations. Moreover, successfully conquering challenges boosts self-confidence and provides a sense of accomplishment, which can motivate individuals to set and pursue more ambitious goals in various aspects of their lives.

Examiner: Do you think it’s important for people to challenge themselves regularly?

Candidate (Band 8-9 response): Absolutely, I believe it’s crucial for people to challenge themselves on a regular basis. Continuous self-challenge acts as a catalyst for personal and professional growth. It prevents stagnation and keeps the mind active and engaged. Regular challenges also help individuals stay adaptable in our rapidly changing world. However, it’s important to strike a balance and not overwhelm oneself with too many challenges simultaneously. The key is to set realistic yet stretching goals that push boundaries without causing excessive stress or burnout.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: How do you think society benefits when individuals take on new challenges?

Candidate (Band 8-9 response): Society reaps numerous benefits when individuals embrace new challenges. Firstly, it fosters innovation and progress. When people step out of their comfort zones and tackle unfamiliar tasks, they often come up with creative solutions that can drive advancements in various fields. Secondly, it promotes a culture of continuous learning and adaptability, which is crucial in our rapidly evolving world. This collective willingness to grow makes the society more resilient and better equipped to face global challenges. Moreover, when individuals overcome personal obstacles, it often inspires others to do the same, creating a ripple effect of positive change throughout the community.

Examiner: Do you think schools should encourage students to take on more challenges?

Candidate (Band 8-9 response): Absolutely, I believe schools play a pivotal role in nurturing a challenge-seeking mindset among students. By incorporating challenging tasks and projects into the curriculum, schools can help students develop critical thinking skills, boost their confidence, and prepare them for real-world complexities. However, it’s crucial to strike a balance. Challenges should be tailored to students’ abilities and gradually increased in difficulty to avoid overwhelming them. Schools should also teach strategies for tackling challenges, such as problem-solving techniques and stress management. This approach would equip students with valuable life skills and foster a growth mindset that will serve them well beyond their academic years.

Students Engaging in Challenging Tasks in a Classroom

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. To embark on (phrasal verb) /ɪmˈbɑːrk ɒn/ – to start or begin a new project or experience
   Example: She embarked on a new career in technology after years in finance.

2. To step out of one’s comfort zone (idiom) – to do something that you are not comfortable with in order to grow or improve
   Example: Learning to public speak was stepping out of my comfort zone, but it was worth it.

3. Daunting (adjective) /ˈdɔːntɪŋ/ – seeming difficult to deal with in prospect; intimidating
   Example: The task of learning a new language can be daunting at first.

4. To persevere (verb) /ˌpɜːsɪˈvɪə(r)/ – to continue trying to do something despite difficulties
   Example: Despite numerous setbacks, she persevered and eventually succeeded.

5. Resilience (noun) /rɪˈzɪliəns/ – the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness
   Example: Building resilience is crucial for overcoming life’s challenges.

6. To broaden horizons (phrase) – to expand or widen one’s range of experiences, interests, or knowledge
   Example: Traveling abroad can really broaden your horizons and change your perspective.

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a time you took on a new challenge:

1. Prepare diverse examples: Have several examples ready of different challenges you’ve faced, ensuring you can speak confidently about various experiences.

2. Use sophisticated vocabulary: Incorporate advanced words and phrases naturally into your responses. Practice using them in context to ensure fluency.

3. Provide detailed responses: Elaborate on your answers, giving specific details about the challenge, your actions, and the outcomes.

4. Show reflection: Demonstrate your ability to analyze experiences by discussing what you learned and how it affected you.

5. Practice coherence: Ensure your ideas flow logically from one to another. Use linking words and phrases to connect your thoughts smoothly.

6. Maintain fluency: Speak at a natural pace without long pauses. If you need time to think, use filler phrases like “Well, let me think about that for a moment.”

7. Express emotions: Describe how you felt during different stages of the challenge to add depth to your narrative.

8. Be authentic: While it’s good to prepare, make sure your responses sound natural and genuine, not memorized.

By focusing on these aspects, you can significantly improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing challenging experiences.

IELTS Speaking Test Preparation

Describe a time when you tried a new sport can be another excellent way to showcase your ability to take on challenges and describe new experiences. Similarly, describing a time when you changed your opinion about something demonstrates your capacity for growth and adaptability, which are key aspects of facing new challenges.

Remember, the key to excelling in the IELTS Speaking test is to practice regularly, expand your vocabulary, and develop the confidence to express your thoughts clearly and coherently. By following these guidelines and incorporating sophisticated language into your responses, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any challenge the IELTS Speaking test may present.