Describe a Difficult Thing You Did and Succeeded In | IELTS Speaking 2025 | 8+ Band Sample Answer
- What it was
- How you overcame the difficulties
- Whether you got help
- And explain how you felt after you succeeded
Vocab/Idioms
- Braced myself for the challenge – Mentally prepared
- Give it my all – Full effort
- Keep my chin up – Stay positive
- Get the hang of – Learn skill
- On the right track – Progressing well
- Keep my cool – Stay calm
- Over the moon – Extremely happy
- Mark the milestone – Celebrate achievement
- Rise to the occasion – Perform well
In our lives, we often come across difficult situations, knowingly or unknowingly. Some of these efforts are appreciated, while others go unnoticed. One such challenge that I took on and successfully completed was passing my driving test last year.
To begin with, I was the last among my group of friends to attempt the test. Most of them found it quite challenging and even failed on their first try. So, naturally, I braced myself for the challenge. However, I was determined to give it my all and keep my chin up.
To get started, I asked my elder sister to help me by regularly asking questions about the rules of the road, safety measures, and how to handle different situations while driving. This really helped me get the hang of the theoretical side of things.
Moreover, I booked a few practical lessons with a professional driving instructor. Fortunately, I found the practical part much easier than I had initially expected. I suppose this was because I had always been interested in driving and often learned by watching my father behind the wheel. In fact, after just three lessons, the instructor told me I was on the right track.
After completing a few more lessons, I felt confident enough to apply for the test. On the day of the exam, I was a bit nervous, but I managed to keep my cool and stay focused. The test went smoothly, and at the end, the examiner informed me that I had passed on the first attempt — which was a big deal since many of my friends had to take the test multiple times.
Needless to say, I felt over the moon. My friends were surprised and impressed, and my family was thrilled. They even organized a small celebration to mark the milestone. It was a moment of great pride and satisfaction, and it showed me that with the right preparation and mindset, we can rise to the occasion and overcome even the toughest challenges.
Follow-ups
- Should people set goals for themselves?
Absolutely, setting goals is important because it gives direction and motivation. For example, students who set study goals tend to perform better in exams. Without clear goals, it’s easy to lose focus and feel lost. - How would you define success?
Success can be defined as achieving one’s personal goals and feeling satisfied. For instance, some people see success as getting a good job, while others value happiness and strong relationships more. - How can we judge whether young people are successful nowadays?
Success in young people can be judged by their achievements in education, career progress, and personal growth. For example, a young person who graduates with good grades and secures a job may be considered successful. - Are successful people often lonely?
Sometimes, successful people may feel lonely because their busy schedules leave little time for social life. However, this is not always the case; many successful individuals maintain close relationships with family and friends. - What kinds of success can students achieve at school?
Students can achieve academic success, such as high grades, as well as success in extracurricular activities like sports or arts. For example, winning a school competition or leading a club can be important achievements. - Should students be proud of their success?
Yes, students should be proud because recognition boosts confidence and motivates further effort. For example, celebrating small victories like passing a difficult exam encourages a positive attitude toward learning.