Hello everyone, and welcome back to IELTS TIME, your trusted podcast for IELTS Speaking practice! I’m your host, Archer, and today we’re focusing on a Part 2 cue card:
Describe a difficult thing you did and succeeded in. You should say:what it was, how you completed it, why it was difficult, and explain how you felt about doing it.
To help you prepare, we’re going to kick things off with two great model answers from our regular contributors, Joseph and Blondie.
After that, we’ll spend the main part of the episode brainstorming different ideas for this cue card—not so you memorize them all, but so you can find one that feels familiar or meaningful to you, and be better prepared if this topic comes up in your test.
Let’s jump in!
First, let’s hear Joseph’s response about completing his undergraduate thesis—a challenge many students can relate to.
One difficult thing I did and succeeded in was completing my undergraduate thesis during my final year at university. It was a challenging experience because it required a lot of independent research, critical thinking, and writing skills, all of which were new to me at the time. On top of that, I had to balance this demanding project alongside my regular classes and part-time job.
To complete the thesis, I started by choosing a topic I was genuinely interested in, which helped keep me motivated throughout the process. I then created a detailed plan that broke down the work into manageable steps, like gathering sources, conducting experiments, and writing different sections. I also met regularly with my supervisor for feedback, which was invaluable for keeping me on track and improving the quality of my work.
The difficulty mainly came from the sheer amount of time and effort it took, as well as the pressure to produce something original and well-argued. At times, I felt overwhelmed by writer’s block and the fear that my research wasn’t good enough. However, by staying disciplined and seeking help when I needed it, I managed to push through.
When I finally submitted my thesis and received positive feedback, I felt an enormous sense of accomplishment and relief. It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my academic life, and it boosted my confidence in my ability to tackle complex tasks independently.
That was an excellent response from Joseph. He clearly described a major academic project, explaining how he managed the process by creating a detailed plan and regularly consulting his supervisor. He shared why the task was difficult, highlighting time pressure, the need for original work, and balancing responsibilities. Importantly, he expressed his feelings honestly, admitting to feeling overwhelmed but ultimately proud and accomplished. His answer is a great example of how to fully address all parts of the cue card with both detail and emotion.
Now, let’s listen to Blondie’s response, which tackles a very different but equally relatable challenge: learning to drive.
One difficult thing I did and eventually succeeded in was learning to drive. When I first started, I found it really challenging because driving requires coordination, focus, and confidence—all things I lacked at the beginning. Plus, I was quite nervous about making mistakes on the road and causing accidents.
To complete this, I took driving lessons from a professional instructor, who was very patient and helpful. I practiced regularly, both in controlled environments and on busy streets, gradually building my skills. It took several months of consistent effort, but eventually, I passed the driving test.
What made it difficult was not only the technical skills involved but also overcoming my fear and anxiety. I had to stay calm and focused, which was mentally exhausting at times. However, with practice and encouragement, I improved steadily.
When I finally succeeded, I felt an immense sense of achievement and relief. It boosted my confidence and gave me a new level of independence. Looking back, it was definitely worth the hard work, and I’m proud of myself for sticking with it.
Blondie’s answer is straightforward and easy to relate to. She described the process of learning to drive, including taking lessons and practicing regularly until she gained confidence. She made it clear why the experience was difficult—dealing with nerves, fear of making mistakes, and coordinating new skills all at once. Blondie also shared how she felt after succeeding, expressing relief and a strong sense of achievement. This response is a great example of how to keep your answer natural while covering all the necessary details and emotions the cue card asks for.
Alright, let’s get into the main focus of today’s episode—brainstorming different ideas you could use to answer this cue card.
The goal here is not to memorize, but to find a personal connection. So, let’s go through seven possible ideas, and I’ll explain how you could approach each one using the cue card prompts.
Let’s start with learning a new language, maybe English, or another foreign language. The difficulty here is usually struggling with grammar rules, building vocabulary, or speaking fluently without freezing up. To complete it, you could talk about using apps, watching videos, or taking classes. And when you finally succeed—passing a test, having a real conversation—that feeling is one of being proud, motivated, and even surprised by your own progress.
Another common idea is giving a public presentation. A lot of people find public speaking terrifying. So you could talk about the difficulty of overcoming that fear, struggling to stay calm, or organizing your ideas clearly. The process involved rehearsing in front of friends, perhaps joining a public speaking club, or memorizing your key points. In the end, you walked away feeling relieved and more confident in yourself.
Next up, let’s use learning a tough skill, like swimming, coding, or even advanced cooking. For swimming, the difficulty might be a fear of water or physical awkwardness. You complete it by taking professional lessons and pushing through that fear. When you succeed, it feels like more than just a skill; it feels like conquering something big and personal.
Here’s a more personal one: recovering from an injury or illness. The difficulty is often both physical—not being able to move—and mental—dealing with frustration and slow recovery. You explain the process: consistent physiotherapy, building strength slowly, and staying patient. Once recovered, you feel grateful, stronger, and highly aware of your own resilience.
Another solid option is organizing a major event, like a wedding or a big school fundraiser. This is difficult because you have to manage so many things: scheduling, money, coordinating people, and solving last-minute problems. You complete it by creating a master checklist and delegating tasks. When it’s over, even if you’re exhausted, you feel profoundly accomplished and proud that the event went smoothly.
We can also talk about solving a major problem at work or school. Let’s say you were leading a group project and things started falling apart. The stress, the tight deadline, and the conflict make it difficult. You explain how you took leadership, reorganized tasks, or came up with an innovative solution. And when it works out, you feel proud of your leadership and problem-solving skills.
Finally, consider moving to a new country. This is very difficult due to culture shock, language barriers, finding a new job, and leaving your support network behind. You complete it through immersion, intense language study, and being adaptable. The success feeling here is a huge sense of independence, self-reliance, and pride in your courage to build a completely new life.
So there you have it—seven different directions you could take this cue card. You don’t need to overthink it. Just pick something real, something personal, and walk the examiner through the challenge, the process, and the result. Be honest about how it felt—the struggle and the success—because that emotional connection is what makes your answer authentic.
If you found this episode useful, please subscribe and leave a review. Keep practicing, stay confident, and remember: every challenge you overcome is a story worth sharing.
Thanks for listening, and I’ll catch you in the next episode. Happy speaking!
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