Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe a Time When You Went Beyond Your Comfort Zone

Going beyond one’s comfort zone is a common theme in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Part 2 and Part 3. This topic allows examiners to assess candidates’ ability to describe personal experiences, express emotions, and discuss abstract concepts related to personal growth and challenges. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions on this topic and maximize your score.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, you may encounter questions related to comfort zones and challenging yourself. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:

Examiner: Do you enjoy trying new things?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely! I’m quite adventurous by nature and I relish the opportunity to broaden my horizons. Whether it’s sampling exotic cuisines or learning a new skill, I find that stepping out of my comfort zone often leads to personal growth and exciting experiences. For instance, last year I took up rock climbing, which was initially quite daunting, but it’s now become one of my favorite hobbies.”

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:

Describe A Time When You Went Beyond Your Comfort Zone

You should say:
- What the situation was
- When and where it happened
- Why you decided to do it
- How you felt about the experience

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to share an experience where I truly pushed myself beyond my limits. A few years ago, I decided to embark on a solo backpacking trip across Southeast Asia, which was completely out of my comfort zone as I had always been quite dependent on others and had never traveled alone before.

This adventure took place during my gap year between university and starting my career, lasting for three months as I traversed through Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. I made the decision to undertake this journey because I felt I needed to challenge myself and gain some independence before entering the professional world.

Initially, the prospect of traveling alone in unfamiliar countries was incredibly daunting. I remember feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension as I boarded the plane. However, as the trip progressed, I found myself becoming more confident and self-reliant. I had to navigate foreign cities, communicate with people despite language barriers, and solve problems on my own.

Looking back, this experience was transformative. It pushed me to develop crucial life skills such as adaptability, resourcefulness, and cultural sensitivity. There were moments of discomfort, like when I got lost in the bustling streets of Hanoi or had to negotiate with tuk-tuk drivers in Bangkok, but these challenges ultimately led to personal growth.

The most rewarding aspect of this experience was the sense of accomplishment I felt upon completing the trip. It boosted my self-confidence tremendously and gave me a new perspective on my capabilities. This journey taught me the value of stepping out of one’s comfort zone and embracing new experiences, a lesson that has continued to shape my approach to life’s challenges ever since.”

Solo backpacking trip across Southeast Asia

Examiner’s follow-up questions:

1. How did this experience change you as a person?
2. Would you recommend others to push themselves out of their comfort zones? Why or why not?

Sample answers (Band 8-9):

1. “This experience profoundly impacted my personal development. It significantly enhanced my problem-solving skills and adaptability, as I constantly faced new challenges in unfamiliar environments. Moreover, it broadened my cultural understanding and made me more open-minded. I became more confident in my ability to handle unexpected situations and developed a greater appreciation for different ways of life. This journey also ignited a passion for continuous learning and self-improvement, encouraging me to seek out new challenges in various aspects of my life.”

2. “I would wholeheartedly recommend that others push themselves out of their comfort zones. While it can be intimidating, the personal growth and self-discovery that result from such experiences are invaluable. Stepping out of one’s comfort zone fosters resilience, enhances creativity, and often leads to unexpected opportunities. It helps individuals discover their true potential and overcome limiting beliefs. However, I would advise people to start with smaller challenges and gradually work their way up to bigger ones, ensuring they have adequate support and preparation. The key is to find a balance between pushing oneself and maintaining personal well-being.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In Part 3, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to the topic of going beyond one’s comfort zone. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

Examiner: Why do you think some people are reluctant to step out of their comfort zones?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“There are several reasons why individuals might be hesitant to venture beyond their comfort zones. Firstly, the fear of the unknown often plays a significant role. People tend to gravitate towards familiar situations where they feel safe and in control. The prospect of facing unfamiliar challenges can be daunting and may trigger anxiety.

Secondly, the fear of failure is a powerful deterrent. Many individuals worry that if they try something new and don’t succeed, it will negatively impact their self-esteem or how others perceive them. This fear can be particularly strong in cultures that place a high value on success and achievement.

Another factor is the comfort of routine. Humans are creatures of habit, and breaking established patterns requires effort and energy. Some people may find it easier to stick to what they know rather than expend the mental and emotional resources needed to adapt to new situations.

Lastly, past negative experiences can make people reluctant to step out of their comfort zones. If someone has had a bad experience when trying something new in the past, they may be more inclined to avoid similar situations in the future.

However, it’s important to note that while these reasons are understandable, overcoming such reluctance can lead to personal growth, new opportunities, and a more fulfilling life. Recognizing these barriers is the first step in addressing them and gradually expanding one’s comfort zone.”

Overcoming the fear of the unknown

Examiner: How can society encourage people to take more risks and challenge themselves?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Society can play a crucial role in fostering a culture that encourages risk-taking and personal challenges. There are several approaches that could be effective in this regard.

Firstly, education systems could be restructured to place greater emphasis on experiential learning and problem-solving skills rather than rote memorization. By incorporating activities that push students out of their comfort zones, such as public speaking or collaborative projects with unfamiliar peers, schools can help young people develop resilience and adaptability from an early age.

Media and popular culture also have a significant influence. By highlighting stories of individuals who have succeeded after taking risks or overcoming challenges, society can provide positive role models and inspire others to push their boundaries. This could be done through documentaries, news features, or even reality TV shows that focus on personal growth and transformation.

Workplaces can contribute by creating environments that reward innovation and calculated risk-taking. Companies could implement policies that allow employees to spend a portion of their time on experimental projects or provide opportunities for job rotations to encourage skill diversification.

Government policies could also play a part by offering incentives for entrepreneurship or supporting programs that encourage citizens to engage in volunteer work or cultural exchanges. These initiatives can provide structured opportunities for people to step out of their comfort zones in ways that benefit both the individual and society.

Additionally, mental health support and resources should be readily available to help individuals overcome fears and anxieties associated with taking risks. This could include access to counseling services or workshops on building confidence and resilience.

Ultimately, fostering a societal mindset that views challenges as opportunities for growth rather than threats is key. By cultivating this perspective across various sectors of society, we can create an environment where stepping out of one’s comfort zone is seen as a valuable and rewarding experience.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To achieve a high score in IELTS Speaking when discussing this topic, consider using the following vocabulary and phrases:

1. Embark on /ɪmˈbɑːrk ɒn/ (phrasal verb) – to start a new project or enterprise
   Example: “I decided to embark on a challenging career change.”

2. Daunting /ˈdɔːntɪŋ/ (adjective) – seeming difficult to deal with in prospect; intimidating
   Example: “The prospect of speaking in front of a large audience was daunting at first.”

3. Broaden one’s horizons (idiom) – to expand one’s range of interests, experiences, and knowledge
   Example: “Traveling abroad is an excellent way to broaden one’s horizons.”

4. Push oneself (phrasal verb) – to make yourself do something difficult or challenging
   Example: “I always try to push myself to learn new skills in my job.”

5. Step out of one’s comfort zone (idiom) – to do something that you are not comfortable doing
   Example: “Taking an improv class really forced me to step out of my comfort zone.”

6. Overcome /ˌəʊvəˈkʌm/ (verb) – to succeed in dealing with or gaining control of a problem or difficulty
   Example: “She managed to overcome her fear of public speaking through practice and determination.”

7. Resilience /rɪˈzɪliəns/ (noun) – the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness
   Example: “Facing challenges head-on helps build resilience.”

8. Transformative /trænsˈfɔːmətɪv/ (adjective) – causing a marked change in someone or something
   Example: “The experience was truly transformative, changing my perspective on life.”

Building resilience through facing challenges

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing topics related to going beyond your comfort zone:

1. Prepare personal anecdotes: Have a few genuine stories ready about times you challenged yourself. This will help you provide authentic and detailed responses.

2. Practice expressing emotions: Work on describing how you felt before, during, and after the experience. This adds depth to your answers and demonstrates good vocabulary usage.

3. Use a variety of tenses: When recounting your experience, switch between past, present, and future tenses appropriately to show your language versatility.

4. Incorporate idiomatic expressions: Use relevant idioms and phrasal verbs naturally in your responses to elevate your language score.

5. Develop your ideas: Don’t just state facts; explain your thoughts and opinions, and provide reasons for your actions and feelings.

6. Listen carefully to the questions: Ensure your answers are relevant and directly address what the examiner is asking.

7. Speak clearly and confidently: Even if you’re discussing uncomfortable experiences, maintain good pronunciation and fluency.

8. Reflect on the broader implications: In Part 3, be prepared to discuss the topic more abstractly, considering societal implications and different perspectives.

By following these tips and incorporating advanced vocabulary, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss going beyond your comfort zone in your IELTS Speaking test, potentially describing something exciting that you did or even describing an exciting adventure you had. Remember, the key is to practice regularly and stay confident during the exam.