Describe a difficult thing you did and succeeded in: IELTS Speaking Cue Card
You should say
- What the difficult thing was
- When you did it / where
- How you did it / steps you took
- And explain how you felt after succeeding
46 unique answers with expert feedback
Band 7
00:00
/
00:00
Follow up questions
Follow up questions
How did you feel before and after the competition?
What skills did you develop from this experience?
Would you participate in another debate competition?
Band 7
00:00
/
00:00
Follow up questions
Follow up questions
What specific strategies helped you improve your reading habit?
How did reading change your perspective on learning?
What types of books do you enjoy reading now?
Band 7
00:00
/
00:00
Follow up questions
Follow up questions
How did you manage your time while dealing with your backlogs?
What role did your parents play in your journey?
What strategies did you use to prepare for your job interviews?
Practice other cue cards
Band 7
00:00
/
00:00
Follow up questions
Follow up questions
What motivated you to pursue a bachelor's in architecture?
How did you manage your time while preparing for the exam?
What advice would you give to someone preparing for a similar exam?
Band 7
00:00
/
00:00
Follow up questions
Follow up questions
What skills did you develop from attending the conference?
How did you prepare for your speech at the conference?
What advice would you give to someone facing a similar challenge?
Cue 1:What the difficult thing was
- Clearly state the challenging task you undertook, making it relatable and specific.
- Explain why this task was difficult for you personally.
Example
The difficult thing I did was preparing for the IIT JEE entrance exam. It was a significant challenge because it required extensive knowledge of physics, chemistry, and mathematics, and I had to compete with thousands of other students.
Cue 2:When you did it / where
- Mention the time frame when you undertook this challenge, such as during your final year of school.
- Describe the environment, like your study space or school, to give context.
Example
I started preparing for the exam in my final year of school, around January 2022. I spent most of my time studying in my room, which I had turned into a mini classroom, filled with books and notes.
Cue 3:How you did it / steps you took
- Outline the specific steps you took to overcome this challenge, such as creating a study schedule.
- Include any resources or support systems you utilized, like coaching classes or study groups.
Example
To tackle this challenge, I created a strict study schedule that included daily study hours, practice tests, and regular revisions. I also joined a coaching class where I could get guidance from experienced teachers and interact with fellow students.
Cue 4:And explain how you felt after succeeding
- Describe your emotions upon achieving your goal, emphasizing the sense of accomplishment.
- Reflect on how this success impacted your future aspirations or self-confidence.
Example
After successfully clearing the IIT JEE and securing a seat in my desired engineering college, I felt an overwhelming sense of relief and pride. It boosted my confidence and motivated me to pursue my dreams in engineering with even more determination.
Conclusion
Example
In conclusion, overcoming the challenge of preparing for the IIT JEE was a transformative experience for me. It taught me the value of hard work and perseverance, and I believe it has set a strong foundation for my future endeavors.
Following this structure will ensure you cover all the essential points while providing a clear and engaging response to the cue card topic.
Tips to answer this Cue Card
1: Vague Descriptions
Avoid being too general when describing the difficult task. Vague answers can leave the examiner confused and uninterested in your story.
Tip
Provide specific details about the task, including what made it difficult and the context in which you faced it.
2: Skipping Steps
Do not skip important steps in your explanation. Omitting details can make your answer seem incomplete and less engaging.
Tip
Outline the steps you took clearly, ensuring you explain how each step contributed to your success.
Neglecting Emotions
Failing to express your feelings after succeeding can make your answer less impactful. Emotions help connect with the examiner.
Tip
Share your feelings in detail, explaining how you felt during and after the experience to create a more compelling narrative.
IELTS Cue Cards asked last week
Reported by Leap students who gave IELTS
All Answers
Here are all the answers by real-users practicing speaking for IELTS Cue Cards on our IELTS Prep App.
Band 7
Band 7
Band 7
Band 7
Band 7
Band 6-7
Band 6-7
Band 6-7
Band 6-7
Band 6-7
Explore
473 Cue Cards
Personal Experience
121 Cue Cards
Describing People
66 Cue Cards
Travel
47 Cue Cards
Personal Development
45 Cue Cards
Hobbies/Interests
44 Cue Cards
Environment/Culture
39 Cue Cards
Tech/Media
27 Cue Cards
Education/Work
19 Cue Cards
Social Issues
19 Cue Cards
Describe An Object
16 Cue Cards
Business/Shopping
16 Cue Cards
Food/Cooking
8 Cue Cards
Fashion
6 Cue Cards
Get the IELTS Prep App
4.2
1M+ Installs
Get the IELTS Prep App
4.2
1M+ Installs
Get the app link on your phone
Or download app from