The IELTS Speaking test is designed to assess your ability to communicate effectively in English. One common question type you might encounter is “Describe a problem you have faced and how you solved it.” This question aims to evaluate your narrative skills, vocabulary range related to problem-solving, and ability to structure a coherent and engaging response.
Understanding the Task
This question falls under Part 2 of the IELTS Speaking test, where you’ll be given a cue card with specific points to cover. Understanding the task’s requirements is crucial for a successful response.
Here’s a breakdown:
- Describe a problem: This is the core of your response. Clearly explain the situation, providing context and details.
- You have faced: The problem should be something you’ve personally experienced. This adds authenticity to your narrative.
- How you solved it: Focus on the steps you took to address the problem. Highlight your thought process and actions.
Structuring Your Response
A structured response ensures clarity and helps the examiner follow your narrative. Here’s a suggested structure:
- Introduction: Briefly introduce the problem you’re going to discuss.
- Body Paragraph 1: Describe the problem in detail, explaining the context, people involved, and its impact.
- Body Paragraph 2: Outline the steps you took to solve the problem. Highlight any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
- Conclusion: Briefly summarize the outcome and what you learned from the experience.
Sample Response with Analysis
Let’s look at a sample response to illustrate these points:
Describe a time you faced a problem using a computer.
You should say:
- What the problem was
- How you solved it
- How you felt about it
- And explain if you asked for help from anyone.
Response:
“I remember once I was working on a crucial presentation for my university course. The deadline was fast approaching, and as I was putting the finishing touches on the slides, my laptop suddenly froze. I tried everything I could think of—restarting the computer, checking the connections—but nothing worked. Panic started to set in as I realised I might lose all my work.
laptop-frozen-blue-screen|Laptop Frozen Blue Screen|A laptop showing the blue screen of death error message.
Desperate, I decided to call my tech-savvy friend, Mark. He talked me through a few troubleshooting steps over the phone. We tried accessing safe mode and running a system scan, but the problem persisted. Finally, he suggested a system restore to a point before the issue started. I was hesitant at first, as it meant potentially losing some recent files, but I felt I had no other choice.
Thankfully, the system restore worked! My computer was back to normal, and while I did lose a bit of work, it wasn’t irretrievable. I was incredibly relieved and grateful to Mark for his help. This experience taught me the importance of backing up my work regularly, a lesson I haven’t forgotten since!”
Analysis:
- Introduction: The speaker sets the scene by mentioning a crucial presentation and a computer problem.
- Body Paragraph 1: The problem is described in detail—the laptop freezing, attempts to fix it, and the speaker’s growing panic.
- Body Paragraph 2: The solution is outlined—calling a friend, troubleshooting steps, and finally, the system restore.
- Conclusion: The speaker summarizes the positive outcome, expresses relief, and highlights the lesson learned.
Tips for Success
- Choose a relatable problem: Select a problem that isn’t overly complex or technical.
- Focus on the solution: While describing the problem is essential, prioritize explaining your problem-solving process.
- Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate vocabulary related to problem-solving, such as “analyze,” “troubleshoot,” “overcome,” “solution,” etc.
- Practice narrating: Practice speaking about your chosen problem and solution beforehand to improve fluency and coherence.
Remember, the “Describe a problem you have faced and how you solved it” question assesses your storytelling and problem-solving skills. By structuring your response effectively, using descriptive language, and drawing from personal experience, you can demonstrate your English language proficiency and achieve a high score in your IELTS Speaking test.