IELTS Speaking Part 2 sample: Describe a difficult challenge you met

"Describe a difficult challenge you met" is an IELTS Speaking Part 2 topic that falls under the "Describe a situation" category. This is a relatively challenging topic, requiring candidates to have real-life experiences to complete the task successfully. In addition, you can refer to the Speaking Part 2 sample on "Describe a Difficult Challenge You Met" below to practice effectively and feel confident going into the actual Speaking test!

I. Cue card: Describe a difficult challenge you met

Describe a difficult challenge you met. You should say:

• What was the challenge?

• When and where did you complete/ meet it?

• Why was it difficult?

And explain how you felt about it?

II. IELTS Speaking Part 2 question and answer: Describe a difficult challenge you met

Below is the IELTS Speaking Part 2 answer on the topic "Describe a difficult challenge you met", compiled by the teachers at PREP. Refer to it right away to practice effectively at home and conquer a high Speaking band score!

People say challenges always come unexpected, but that doesn't work for me cause' I always love to challenge myself. My last semester at the university was so boring, and every student gotta stay at home distance learning since the whole country was locked down during the COVID-19 quarantine. So, I decided to spice things up a little bit by joining an extracurricular activity.

The program I registered for was a simulation of a WTO negotiation round on regional and sustainable development, with the participation of 10 countries. I got into the team of Wheredonistan - a really weird name for a country, and we had five days to do all the research and necessary paperwork and another five days to negotiate, with a different round held each day. The preparation was mentally draining since five days was not enough.

We had to walk through and get a grasp of all 10 countries' commitments, as well as building policies that really reflect the reality. We even pulled an all-nighter on the last day to rehearse and get fully ready. Fortunately, the negotiation went pretty well. We successfully stated our conditions and came to consensus in many agreements with other countries.

Five days sticking in the shoe of a virtual negotiator has given me many lessons. It has offered me the chance to discuss with the real WTO negotiators and gain a deeper insight into the complex relation of trade liberalization and sustainable growth. Yet, the most important lesson I learned is how to compromise. Different countries have very different approaches, so it is important to draw a line between our needs and others' needs and aim for the highest agreements possible that facilitate equal development.

III. Vocabulary Used in the IELTS Speaking Task 2 samples

Vocabulary is a critical component in the IELTS Speaking Part 2 task, which requires candidates to discuss a topic in depth for 2 minutes. Having a strong command of sophisticated, topic-relevant vocabulary can significantly boost your Lexical Resource band score, which accounts for 25% of your overall Speaking assessment. Using precise, nuanced language demonstrates your English proficiency and ability to articulate your ideas clearly and coherently.

Mastering topic-specific vocabulary is particularly important, as it allows you to describe concepts, explain processes, and discuss complex issues in detail. Drawing from a rich lexical repertoire enables you to express yourself with clarity and fluency, avoiding repetition and using a variety of words to convey your message effectively. Additionally, using advanced vocabulary can impress the examiner and show your capacity for academic-level discourse. Ultimately, investing time in expanding your vocabulary range is a crucial strategy for achieving a high band score in the IELTS Speaking module.

Refer to some of the high-scoring vocabulary used in the IELTS Part 2 Speaking examples. Memorize these words so that you can easily apply them to the Speaking sample essay when practicing for the actual test! 

• Spice things up (phrase): to make something more exciting and less boring

• Simulation (n): an imitation of a real-life situation or process

• Paperwork (n): administrative work, collecting documents

• Mentally draining (adj): exhausting mentally or intellectually

• Grasp (n): a full understanding

• Pulled an all-nighter (phrase): stayed up all night

• Consensus (n): a general agreement

• Complex relation (n): a complicated relationship

• Compromise (v): to settle a dispute by mutual concession

III. Conclusion

This is the complete Speaking Part 2 sample essay on the topic "Describe a Difficult Challenge You Met", compiled by the teachers at PREP. Join the teachers at PREP in their comprehensive IELTS preparation course covering all 4 skills right away!