How to Ace the IELTS Speaking Test: Mastering “Describe a time when you tried a new activity that challenged you”

The IELTS Speaking test is a crucial component of the overall IELTS exam, and one topic that frequently appears is “Describe A Time When You Tried A New Activity That Challenged You.” This article will provide you with expert guidance on how to approach this topic effectively and score high marks in your IELTS Speaking test.

Understanding the Topic

Before we dive into the specifics of answering this question, it’s important to understand what the examiner is looking for. When asked to describe a time when you tried a new activity that challenged you, the examiner wants to assess:

1. Your ability to narrate a personal experience
2. Your vocabulary related to challenges and new experiences
3. Your use of appropriate tenses (past tense for the experience, present tense for reflections)
4. Your ability to express emotions and reactions

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1 of the Speaking test, you may be asked some general questions related to new activities and challenges. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:

Question: Do you like trying new activities?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I enjoy trying new activities. It’s always exciting to learn something different and challenge myself.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“Absolutely! I’m quite adventurous when it comes to trying new activities. I find it exhilarating to step out of my comfort zone and broaden my horizons through novel experiences.”

Question: What kind of new activities have you tried recently?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Recently, I tried rock climbing for the first time. It was quite challenging but also very fun.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“In the past few months, I’ve dabbled in a variety of new activities. The most noteworthy one was probably venturing into the world of rock climbing. It was not only physically demanding but also mentally stimulating, as it required strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.”

Part 2: Long Turn

In Part 2, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic to speak about for 1-2 minutes. Here’s a sample cue card related to our main topic:

Describe a time when you tried a new activity that challenged you

You should say:

• What the activity was
• When and where you tried it
• Why you decided to try it
• How you felt about the experience

Trying New Activity Challenge

Band 6-7 Sample Answer:

“I’d like to talk about the time I tried surfing for the first time. It was during my summer vacation last year when I visited a coastal town in California. I decided to try surfing because I’ve always been fascinated by the sport and thought it would be a fun way to challenge myself physically.

On the first day of my lesson, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. The instructor taught me the basics on the beach before we went into the water. Balancing on the board was much harder than I expected, and I fell off many times. Despite the difficulties, I found the experience thrilling. The feeling of catching my first wave, even though I only stood up for a few seconds, was incredibly rewarding.

Overall, I felt proud of myself for trying something new and pushing through the challenges. It made me realize that I’m capable of more than I sometimes think, and it gave me a sense of accomplishment. Since then, I’ve become more open to trying new activities, even if they seem difficult at first.”

Band 8-9 Sample Answer:

“I’d like to recount an experience that truly pushed me out of my comfort zone – the time I embarked on learning aerial yoga. This unconventional form of yoga, which involves performing postures while suspended in a silk hammock, piqued my interest about six months ago when a new studio opened in my neighborhood.

The decision to try aerial yoga stemmed from my desire to challenge myself both physically and mentally. I’ve always been drawn to activities that offer a unique perspective, and the idea of defying gravity while practicing yoga seemed like an intriguing proposition.

My inaugural class was nothing short of exhilarating, albeit somewhat daunting. As I took my first tentative steps into the silk hammock, I felt a potent mix of anticipation and trepidation. The instructor’s reassuring guidance helped me navigate through the initial awkwardness, and soon I found myself suspended midair, attempting various poses.

The experience was simultaneously humbling and empowering. There were moments of sheer frustration when I struggled to execute certain moves, but these were counterbalanced by instances of triumph when I managed to hold a pose or flow through a sequence. The most gratifying aspect was the sense of weightlessness and freedom I felt while suspended, which was unlike anything I had experienced before.

This foray into aerial yoga left an indelible impression on me. It reinforced the importance of embracing new challenges and reminded me of the joy of being a beginner again. The experience instilled in me a renewed sense of curiosity and openness towards unfamiliar activities, and I’ve since become a regular practitioner, continually amazed by the progress I’ve made and the positive impact it has had on my overall well-being.”

Follow-up Questions

1. Did you continue with this activity after trying it?
2. How has this experience changed you?

Band 6-7 Sample Answers:

1. “Yes, I did continue with surfing. I took a few more lessons during my vacation and have since gone surfing a couple of times when I’ve had the chance.”

2. “This experience has made me more confident in trying new things. I realized that it’s okay to not be perfect at something right away, and that the process of learning can be enjoyable.”

Band 8-9 Sample Answers:

1. “Absolutely, I’ve wholeheartedly embraced aerial yoga and have made it a regular part of my fitness routine. The initial experience ignited a passion that has only grown stronger with time. I’ve been diligently attending classes twice a week and have even invested in some equipment to practice at home.”

2. “This experience has been transformative on multiple levels. It has significantly boosted my self-confidence and resilience in the face of challenges. Moreover, it has instilled in me a newfound appreciation for the learning process itself. I’ve become more patient with myself when acquiring new skills and more open to stepping outside my comfort zone in various aspects of life. This mindset shift has permeated into my professional life as well, making me more willing to take on unfamiliar projects and tackle complex problems.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In Part 3, the examiner will ask you more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:

Question: Why do you think some people avoid trying new activities?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“I think some people avoid trying new activities because they’re afraid of failure or embarrassment. They might also be comfortable with their current routines and don’t see the need to change.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“There are multiple factors that might deter individuals from venturing into new activities. Primarily, the fear of failure or the apprehension of appearing incompetent can be significant psychological barriers. Additionally, some people may have become entrenched in their comfort zones, finding solace in familiarity and routine. There’s also the aspect of time and resource constraints – new activities often require investments in terms of time, money, or energy, which some might find daunting or impractical. Lastly, a lack of self-efficacy or confidence in one’s ability to adapt and learn can also play a crucial role in this reluctance.”

Question: How can society encourage people to be more open to new experiences?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Society can encourage people to try new things by promoting the benefits of diverse experiences. Schools and workplaces could offer opportunities to try new activities. Media could also showcase inspiring stories of people who have benefited from stepping out of their comfort zones.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“Encouraging societal openness to new experiences requires a multi-faceted approach. At the grassroots level, educational institutions could integrate experiential learning and diverse skill-building into their curricula, fostering a mindset of curiosity and adaptability from a young age. In the professional sphere, companies could incentivize employees to pursue novel skills or hobbies, perhaps through subsidized classes or flexible work arrangements.

Media and popular culture have a significant role to play in shaping perceptions. By highlighting stories of personal growth and success achieved through embracing new challenges, they can inspire and motivate individuals. Social media platforms could algorithmically promote diverse content, exposing users to a wider range of activities and perspectives.

Government initiatives could also be instrumental, perhaps by subsidizing community programs that introduce people to new skills or cultural experiences. Public spaces could be designed to be more conducive to spontaneous interactions and tryouts of different activities.

Ultimately, cultivating a societal ethos that values lifelong learning, adaptability, and personal growth would be key in encouraging people to be more receptive to novel experiences.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Venture into /ˈventʃər ˈɪntuː/ (phrasal verb) – to start to do something new or different, especially something difficult or risky
   Example: “I decided to venture into the world of entrepreneurship.”

2. Exhilarating /ɪɡˈzɪləreɪtɪŋ/ (adjective) – making you feel very excited and happy
   Example: “The experience of skydiving was absolutely exhilarating.”

3. Push out of one’s comfort zone (idiom) – to do something that is outside of what you usually do or are comfortable with
   Example: “Learning a new language really pushed me out of my comfort zone.”

4. Dabble in /ˈdæbəl ɪn/ (phrasal verb) – to take part in an activity in a casual or superficial way
   Example: “I’ve dabbled in various forms of art, but painting is my true passion.”

5. Indelible impression /ɪnˈdelɪbəl ɪmˈpreʃən/ (phrase) – a lasting effect or influence
   Example: “The trip to Japan left an indelible impression on my cultural perspective.”

6. Resilience /rɪˈzɪliəns/ (noun) – the ability to recover quickly from difficulties
   Example: “Developing resilience is crucial for facing life’s challenges.”

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing challenging new activities:

1. Prepare diverse examples: Have a range of experiences ready to discuss, from physical activities to intellectual challenges.

2. Use precise vocabulary: Incorporate advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions naturally in your responses.

3. Demonstrate reflection: Show that you can analyze your experiences and their impact on you.

4. Practice fluency: Work on speaking smoothly without long pauses or hesitations.

5. Engage with the questions: Listen carefully to the examiner’s questions and provide relevant, detailed responses.

6. Show personality: Don’t be afraid to express your emotions and opinions about your experiences.

By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you can improve your IELTS speaking skills and confidently tackle topics like describing challenging new activities in your IELTS Speaking test.