A DIFFICULT CHALLENGE YOU OVERCAME

IELTS Speaking Part 2 – Instructions

• You will have 1 minute to think and make notes on the topic.

• The examiner will give you paper and a pencil for note-making.

• Then, you must speak continuously for 1–2 minutes on the topic.

• Usually, this is around 10–12 sentences spoken naturally..

Band 7 Answer

One difficult challenge I overcame was learning to speak English fluently. I faced this challenge during my first year at university, when most of my courses were taught in English.

At first, I struggled to understand lectures and communicate with classmates. To overcome this, I started practicing every day by watching English movies, reading books, and speaking with friends. I also joined an English conversation club to improve my skills.

After several months of hard work, I became much more confident in speaking and understanding English. Overcoming this challenge made me feel proud and motivated, and it opened up more opportunities for my studies and future career.

Band 8 Answer

A significant challenge I faced and overcame was adapting to living in a foreign country for the first time. This happened when I moved abroad for my master’s degree two years ago.

The biggest difficulties were dealing with cultural differences, language barriers, and homesickness. Initially, I found it hard to adjust to the new environment and felt isolated.

To tackle these issues, I made an effort to connect with local people and other international students by joining clubs and participating in social events. I also took intensive language courses and pushed myself to step out of my comfort zone.

Gradually, I adapted and started to feel at home. Overcoming this challenge gave me a great sense of achievement and boosted my confidence in facing new situations. It also helped me grow personally and professionally.