How to Describe a Time When You Were Very Determined in IELTS Speaking

The IELTS Speaking test is an important part of the IELTS exam that evaluates a candidate’s ability to converse fluently and effectively in English. Candidates are assessed on fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. One common question theme in the Exam is “Describe a time when you were very determined.” This prompt has been a popular topic in recent IELTS exams, reflecting the importance of personal experiences and emotional narratives.

This article will break down how to handle this prompt across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test, providing sample answers and detailed analysis to help students achieve high scores.

II. Main Content

Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions

In Part 1, the examiner typically asks questions to introduce the candidate and understand their background.

Common questions might include:

1. “What do you do in your free time?”
2. “What is your favorite hobby?”
3. “Do you enjoy your work or studies?”

Sample question and answer:
Q: “Do you enjoy your work or studies?”
A: “Absolutely, I find my work incredibly rewarding. I work as a software developer, and I love problem-solving and the satisfaction that comes from creating functional programs. It requires a lot of determination to stay current with the latest technologies and trends, but I enjoy the challenge it brings.”

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Cue Card Prompt:

Describe a time when you were very determined. You should say:

• When it was
• What you wanted to achieve
• What you did to achieve it
• How you felt about it

Sample Answer:

“I recall a time about three years ago when I was very determined to pass the IELTS exam with a high score. I needed to score at least a band 7 to qualify for a scholarship to study abroad.

To achieve this, I created a strict study schedule that I followed meticulously. Every day, I spent several hours practicing past papers, watching English movies, reading books, and speaking with my friends in English. Additionally, I enrolled in an IELTS preparation course to get professional guidance.

This determination was not without effort; there were times when I felt exhausted and overwhelmed, but I reminded myself of my goal. The moment I saw my results, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride and accomplishment. This experience taught me the value of perseverance and hard work.”

<determined student studying>

Possible Follow-up Questions:

1. “What motivated you to achieve your goal?”
2. “What was the biggest challenge you faced?”
3. “How did you stay motivated during tough times?”

Sample Answers:

1. “What motivated you to achieve your goal?”
A: “The primary motivator was the scholarship opportunity, which was a once-in-a-lifetime chance to study at a prestigious university. This goal kept me focused and driven.”

2. “What was the biggest challenge you faced?”
A: “The most challenging part was managing my time effectively, especially balancing my job and preparation for the exam. However, I managed to create a balanced schedule that allowed time for both.”

3. “How did you stay motivated during tough times?”
A: “I stayed motivated by constantly visualizing my end goal. I also took short breaks to recharge and maintained a positive mindset by celebrating small achievements along the way.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In Part 3, the examiner may ask more abstract and analytical questions related to determination and perseverance.

Sample Questions and Suggested Answers:

1. “Do you think determination is something that can be taught or is it an inherent trait?”
A: “I believe determination is a combination of both inherent traits and learned behavior. While some people naturally have a strong will and focus, others can develop these qualities through experiences, education, and encouragement.”

2. “How important is determination in achieving success in life?”
A: “Determination is crucial for success as it drives individuals to persist despite obstacles. It fosters resilience and helps individuals remain focused on their goals. Without determination, it’s easy to succumb to challenges and give up.”

3. “Can you think of any famous person who showed great determination?”
A: “One example is Thomas Edison, who is often quoted as saying that he did not fail but found 10,000 ways that didn’t work. His relentless determination and perseverance led to the invention of the electric light bulb, which transformed the world.”

III. Key Vocabulary and Structures for High Scores

To achieve a high score, using a variety of sophisticated vocabulary and complex grammatical structures is essential. Here are some key terms and phrases:

Vocabulary:

1. Tenacious (adjective) /təˈneɪʃəs/: very determined and not willing to stop when trying to achieve something.
   • “She was tenacious in pursuing her goals.”
2. Resilient (adjective) /rɪˈzɪliənt/: able to recover quickly from difficult conditions.
   • “Children are often remarkably resilient.”
3. Perseverance (noun) /ˌpɜːrsəˈvɪrəns/: persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.
   • “Her perseverance paid off when she got the scholarship.”

Complex structures:

1. Conditionals: “If I had not been determined, I wouldn’t have achieved my goal.”
2. Relative Clauses: “The book, which I read last month, was incredibly inspiring in terms of understanding determination.”
3. Passive Voice: “The scholarship was awarded to me because of my unwavering determination.”

Example sentence:

• “Achieving a high score on the IELTS exam was no easy feat; if I had lacked perseverance and a tenacious spirit, I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish it.”

IV. Examiner’s Advice on Practice

1. Practice regularly: Consistency is key in improving your speaking abilities.
2. Record and review: Listen to your recordings to identify areas for improvement in fluency, pronunciation, and coherence.
3. Use real-life contexts: Engage in regular English conversations with friends or language partners.
4. Seek feedback: Get constructive feedback from IELTS instructors or fluent English speakers.
5. Stay positive: Maintain a positive attitude and visualize your success.

By following these strategies and utilizing the sample answers and vocabulary provided, you can enhance your speaking skills and boost your confidence to perform well in the IELTS Speaking test.