The ability to articulate resilience and determination is a valuable asset in the IELTS Speaking test, especially when discussing challenges, goals, or life lessons. Phrases like “No Matter How Tough, Keep Going” exemplify this spirit and can significantly enrich your responses, showcasing a wider range of vocabulary and grammatical structures. This article delves into the effective use of such expressions to help you achieve a higher band score.

Let’s consider these examples of how you could incorporate “no matter how tough, keep going” and similar phrases into different sections of the IELTS Speaking test:

• Part 1: If asked about a time you overcame a difficulty, you could say, “Learning English was initially quite challenging, but I told myself, ‘No matter how hard it gets, I won’t give up,’ and that determination really pushed me forward.“
• Part 2: Describing a person you admire, you might say, “My grandfather always taught me the importance of perseverance. He’d say, ‘Life throws curveballs, but you’ve got to dust yourself off and keep going,’ and his resilience continues to inspire me.“
• Part 3: Discussing the importance of education, you could argue, “Even when faced with financial constraints or a lack of resources, it’s crucial to remember that education is the key. As Nelson Mandela said, ‘It always seems impossible until it’s done.’ That spirit of ‘no matter what’ is vital for societal progress.“

As you can see, these phrases seamlessly integrate into various topics and allow you to express perseverance and determination effectively.

Understanding the Essence of “No Matter How Tough, Keep Going”

Phrases like “no matter how tough, keep going” are essentially conveying the idea of unwavering commitment despite obstacles. They highlight a refusal to be deterred by difficulties. In the context of the IELTS Speaking test, utilizing such phrases demonstrates your ability to:

• Express complex ideas: Conveying resilience requires a nuanced understanding of determination and the ability to articulate it effectively.
• Utilize a range of grammatical structures: Phrases like these often involve subordinate clauses and conjunctions, showcasing your grammatical range.
• Enhance your lexical resource: Using synonyms like “persevere,” “tenacious,” or “unyielding” instead of repeating “keep going” demonstrates a broader vocabulary.

Mastering the Grammar: Conjunctions and Subordinate Clauses

The beauty of “no matter how tough, keep going” lies in its grammatical structure. It combines a subordinate clause (“no matter how tough”) with a main clause (“keep going”) using the conjunction “no matter how.” This structure effectively emphasizes the contrast between the challenge and the unwavering determination.

Here’s a breakdown:

• Subordinate clause: “No matter how tough” – This clause sets the scene, acknowledging the difficulty.
• Conjunction: “No matter how” – This links the two clauses, highlighting that the main clause applies regardless of the difficulty presented in the subordinate clause.
• Main clause: “Keep going” – This conveys the unwavering action or mindset.

Variations and Alternatives

The beauty of this structure is its versatility. You can adapt it to fit various contexts:

• No matter how hard it gets, never give up.
• No matter the obstacles, I remained focused on my goal.
• Regardless of the challenges, she persevered with unwavering determination.

<Never Give Up>

Applying the Structure in IELTS Speaking

Let’s see how you can effectively incorporate these structures into different parts of the IELTS Speaking test:

Part 1: Personal Experiences and Opinions

When asked about challenges you’ve overcome, use this structure to highlight your perseverance:

• Examiner: “What’s one thing you’re proud of achieving?”
• You: “Well, learning to drive was a real challenge for me. I had a few setbacks, but no matter how frustrated I felt, I kept practicing, and eventually, I passed my test.“

Part 2: Describing People or Events

When narrating stories or describing influential figures, showcase their resilience:

• Describe a time you witnessed someone’s determination.
• You: “I remember watching my best friend train for a marathon. It was grueling, but no matter how exhausted she was, she never skipped a training session. Her dedication was truly inspiring.“

Part 3: Expressing Opinions and Analyzing Issues

When discussing broader societal topics, utilize these phrases to emphasize the importance of resilience:

• Examiner: “How important is it for young people to learn about setbacks?”
• You: “I think it’s crucial. No matter how sheltered we are, life will inevitably throw us curveballs. Learning to navigate these challenges, to dust ourselves off and keep going, is essential for personal growth and success.“

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

While this grammatical structure is relatively simple, here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Incorrect conjunction use: Using “no matter” without “how” or using an inappropriate conjunction altogether.
  • Incorrect: No matter the weather is, I go for a run.
  • Correct: No matter what the weather is like, I go for a run.
• Run-on sentences: Ensure you’re using commas correctly to separate the subordinate clause from the main clause.
  • Incorrect: No matter how tired I am I always finish my work.
  • Correct: No matter how tired I am, I always finish my work.

Conclusion

Mastering the use of phrases like “no matter how tough, keep going” can significantly enhance your IELTS Speaking performance. By understanding the grammatical structure, exploring synonyms and variations, and practicing their application in various contexts, you can effectively demonstrate your language proficiency and express complex ideas with confidence. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep practicing, and no matter how challenging the IELTS Speaking test may seem, you’ve got this!