IELTS Speaking Task: Cue Card Question With Sample Answer on Challenges

Question

Describe a challenging thing you have done. You should say:

• When you did it
• Why you did it
• How you handled this challenge
• and explain why you thought it was challenging.

 Answer

I have always struggled with change and have a pretty small comfort zone. Over the past few years, I have grown a lot as a person. I have challenged myself to try new experiences and meet new people, putting myself in situations that previously, I probably would have surely avoided.

Recently, I realised that we are so reliant on technology these days that it's almost a little scary. Multiple times, I found myself opening my phone, just out of habit, only to forget why I picked it up in the first place. Not only was it a waste of time, but I found myself shutting myself off from my social life and connections with people.

So I challenged myself to turn off my smartphone and close down the computer and TV for the entire day. It was difficult in ways I couldn't imagine. We are so accustomed to a level of constant communication that it can be hard to function in some circumstances without it. No emails, no phone games, just a whole lot of quiet. But after I pushed past the discomfort, I was loving it. Fortunately, I was able to resist my phone. I just focused on interacting with people and enjoying activities I don't normally make time for. Like reading a book, having a deep conversation or spending time in nature. Tuning out of everything else allowed me to check in with myself and take care of things I had been neglecting. I was so happy to restore that balance.

I knew how difficult it could be to kick a bad habit. It was one of the most challenging things I've ever done, but also one of the most rewarding. It gave my brain and physical body a huge reset. Although I still love all the incredible things my phone can do for me, I can say that it has been an amazing experience.

Part 3 Questions

What challenges do young people face today?

I think that every generation has its own struggles. There is always a unique set of challenges and issues that every age group has to deal with.

A major challenge for the current generation is the lack of employment opportunities, which leads to financial instabilities. Also, many teens lack essential interpersonal communication skills because of the overuse of technology and social media.

Apart from that,  more young people are experiencing mental health difficulties, which can affect all areas of their life like home, school, friendships and relationships.

What kinds of jobs require people to be confident? 

I believe that There are numerous occupations that require people to have confidence, it is more important for customer service jobs. 

For instance, a salesperson who lacks confidence will be unable to persuade customers to buy the goods they are attempting to offer.

Occupations which involve Public speaking also require a lot of confidence as it requires a person to face a critical audience and give a lecture.

On what occasions should children be encouraged? How? 

I strongly believe that when kids are afraid to do something that is good for them, they should be encouraged to do it. However, the encouragement should only be given up to a point; they shouldn't feel as though it's being forced upon them. 

For instance, if kids show an interest in painting, we might push them to learn how to do it. Parents might also motivate their kids to participate in different activities and other extracurriculars to expand their interest in order to inspire them.

How do you help children stay focused?

Kids are naturally energetic and exuberant. Giving them time to vent out their energy once their time limit for a task is up may actually help them focus better. There are numerous other ways to assist children as well. 

One can provide a distraction-free environment for kids to learn in, such as forbidding cellphone use while they are studying. Teaching them about meditation, in which they must concentrate on their breath or a single sound, would be another technique to assist them in being more focused.

Which do you think is better, to face these difficulties and challenges alone or to seek the help of others?

Most people seek advice from others in difficult circumstances. It might be their family or friends, but it's usually someone with a distinctive perspective. 

Two heads are better than one in this situation because you can seek advice on what to do when presented with difficult choices without having to go through them alone. It's not always attractive to fail at something. However, there is nothing wrong with attempting, even if your initial effort is unsuccessful. It makes more sense to get ready yourself than to wait until it is too late.We may not always enjoy involving other people too much, yet there are occasions when it might be beneficial. It depends on the kind of issue or challenging circumstance you are dealing with.

Do you think being challenged is good for a person?

Personally, I think it's good. It's how we develop as people and discover our own potential. If everything we did was simple, we wouldn't ever learn new things or develop ourselves mentally and emotionally .

In many instances, overcoming obstacles and dealing with challenging circumstances may be quite satisfying as well as it might help you develop your character and independence. Not every challenge or difficult thing is beneficial for you, but without difficulties we simply remain the same, and that's kind of boring, isn't it?