The IELTS Speaking test is integral for those aiming to study, work, or live in English-speaking countries. This test assesses your pronunciation, fluency, and coherence, grammatical range and accuracy, as well as lexical resource. One question type that frequently appears is “Describe a time when you were very determined to succeed.” This query engages your ability to narrate a personal experience, demonstrate vocabulary related to perseverance and success, and showcase your ability to structure a coherent and compelling narrative.
II. Main Content
1. Part 1: Introduction and Interview
IELTS examiners use Part 1 to ease candidates into the test by asking questions about themselves, their home, work, studies, interests, etc. Here are some common questions:
- What do you do?
- Can you tell me about your hometown?
- Do you enjoy your work/studies? Why or why not?
Suggested Question and Answer:
Question: Do you enjoy your work/studies? Why or why not?
Answer:
“Yes, I thoroughly enjoy my studies because I find the subjects interesting and engaging. Additionally, I have a keen interest in deepening my knowledge and skills, which fuels my dedication and enthusiasm. For example, in my recent project on renewable energy, I was determined to get all the details right, which ultimately helped me earn top marks.”
2. Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Cue Card Example:
Describe a time when you were very determined to succeed. You should say:
- What the situation was
- Why you wanted to succeed in it
- What you did to achieve success
- How you felt after you succeeded
Suggested Answer:
“There was a significant moment in my academic life when I was particularly determined to succeed. The situation involved preparing for my final year thesis presentation during my undergraduate studies. I wanted to succeed because it accounted for a substantial portion of my final grade and would impact my graduation honors.
To achieve success, I devoted countless hours to research and meticulously designed my presentation. I sought feedback from my professors and peers, which helped me refine my work. I practiced tirelessly, ensuring my delivery was fluent and confident.
After I succeeded, I felt an immense sense of accomplishment. My determination had paid off, not just in terms of grades but in personal growth and confidence. This experience taught me the value of perseverance and diligence.”
3. Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiners might ask more abstract questions related to the initial topic in Part 2. Here are some questions and sample answers:
Question: Why do you think perseverance is important in achieving success?
Answer:
“Perseverance is crucial because achieving significant goals often takes time and involves overcoming various challenges. For instance, successful entrepreneurs frequently cite persistence as a key factor in their journeys. It’s that unwavering commitment to push through setbacks and failures that often leads to eventual success. Without perseverance, it’s easy to become discouraged and give up when faced with difficulties.”
Question: How do schools and parents encourage children to be determined?
Answer:
“Schools and parents play vital roles in fostering determination in children. Firstly, schools can set realistic yet challenging goals and provide the necessary support and incentives to achieve them. Additionally, parents can instill a growth mindset by praising effort rather than outcomes and encouraging their children to persist despite setbacks. For example, celebrating small successes and milestones on the path to a larger goal can be very motivating for children.”
4. Essential Vocabulary and Structures
To excel in the IELTS Speaking task, integrating advanced vocabulary and varied sentence structures is vital. Here are some words and phrases that can boost your score:
-
Determined /dɪˈtɜː.mɪnd/ (adjective): having a strong desire to achieve something.
- Example: “She was determined to finish her degree despite all the challenges.”
-
Perseverance /ˌpɜː.sɪˈvɪə.rəns/ (noun): continued effort to achieve something despite difficulties.
- Example: “His perseverance in mastering English paid off when he aced the IELTS exam.”
-
Diligence /ˈdɪl.ɪ.dʒəns/ (noun): careful and persistent work or effort.
- Example: “Her diligence in studying led to an impressive performance in the exams.”
-
To pay off (phrasal verb): to yield good results.
- Example: “His investment of time and effort finally paid off when he got promoted.”
III. Examiner’s Advice
Practice Tips:
- Narrative Skills: Practice narrating personal experiences, focusing on clarity, coherence, and relevance to the prompt.
- Vocabulary Building: Integrate thematic vocabulary in your daily practice to become comfortable using them naturally.
- Fluency and Pronunciation: Record yourself speaking and critique your fluency and pronunciation. Practice speaking aloud to enhance your flow of speech.
- Seek Feedback: Regularly participate in mock tests and seek feedback from instructors or peers to identify areas of improvement.
By concentrating on these areas and integrating advanced vocabulary and varied grammatical structures, you’ll significantly improve your chances of achieving a high band score in the IELTS Speaking test.