“No matter how long it takes, I will achieve my goals!” This phrase conveys a powerful message of unwavering commitment. In the IELTS Speaking exam, expressing determination and perseverance can positively impact your score, especially in Part 2 where you discuss personal experiences and aspirations. This article guides you on how to use “no matter how long it takes” and similar expressions effectively and grammatically accurately.

Let’s look at a few examples of how this phrase can be used in different parts of the IELTS Speaking exam:

Part 1:

• Examiner: What are your hobbies?
  Candidate: I love playing the piano. No matter how busy I am, I always try to practice for at least an hour a day.
• Examiner: Do you plan to learn any new languages in the future?
  Candidate: Yes, I’d love to learn Spanish. No matter how difficult it might seem, I’m determined to become fluent.

Part 2:

• Describe a time you achieved a long-term goal.
  “…It wasn’t easy, and there were times I wanted to give up. But no matter how long it took, I was determined to finish the project. In the end, the feeling of accomplishment made it all worthwhile.”

Part 3:

• Examiner: Do you think it’s important for people to have goals?
  Candidate: Absolutely. Goals give us direction and motivation. No matter how small or insignificant a goal may seem, the process of working towards it builds character and resilience.

Understanding “No Matter How Long It Takes”

This phrase is a dependent clause that functions as a concession. It emphasizes your unwavering commitment to an action or belief despite potential obstacles or the time required. It adds weight and emotional impact to your statement.

Structure and Grammar

The phrase follows a specific grammatical structure:

“No matter how” + adjective/adverb + subject + verb

Examples:

• No matter how long it takes
• No matter how difficult the challenge
• No matter how much effort it requires

This structure allows you to express determination in various situations by changing the adjective/adverb.

Achieving Goals With Challenges and Obstacles

Using “No Matter How Long It Takes” in IELTS Speaking

Expressing Determination:

• “No matter how long it takes, I will learn to play the guitar proficiently.” This conveys a strong desire and commitment to achieving fluency, showing dedication despite potential challenges.
• “I’m determined to complete this marathon, no matter how much time I need to train.” This emphasizes unwavering commitment to the goal, even if it demands significant time and effort.

Highlighting Perseverance:

• “I eventually mastered the skill, no matter how many times I failed.” This showcases perseverance and emphasizes that setbacks didn’t deter you from achieving your goal.
• “No matter how busy my schedule gets, I always make time for my loved ones.” This indicates a prioritization of relationships despite a potentially hectic lifestyle.

Conveying Importance:

• “No matter how small the act of kindness, it can have a ripple effect.” This stresses the significance of even seemingly insignificant gestures.

Achieving a Higher Band Score

To elevate your IELTS Speaking performance, consider these tips:

• Variety and Sophistication: Instead of repeating “no matter how long it takes,” utilize synonyms like “regardless of the time commitment,” “however long the journey,” or “irrespective of the duration.”
• Provide Context: Connect your determination to personal experiences, aspirations, or beliefs. For instance, when discussing a hobby, you could say, “Photography is my passion, and no matter how much time I need to invest, I want to improve my skills and capture breathtaking images.”
• Natural and Fluent Delivery: Practice using these phrases naturally in your everyday English conversations.

Common Errors and How to Avoid Them

• Incorrect Word Order: Ensure the structure “no matter how + adjective/adverb + subject + verb” is maintained.
• Lack of Subject-Verb Agreement: Pay attention to subject-verb agreement, especially when using complex sentences. For instance, “No matter how many obstacles there are, I am determined to succeed.”
• Overuse: While powerful, avoid excessive use of this phrase as it may sound repetitive.

Conclusion

Mastering the use of “no matter how long it takes” and similar expressions can significantly enhance your IELTS Speaking performance. By understanding its structure, using it appropriately, and incorporating synonyms, you can express determination, perseverance, and the importance of your goals effectively. Remember to practice regularly and speak with confidence!