Describe a difficult task you had to do | IELTS Speaking Part 2

Describe a difficult task you had to do

You should say:
  • what the task was
  • when and where you had to do it
  • why it was difficult
and explain how you felt after doing it.

Sample Response

Let me tell you about a difficult task I had to do last year - I had the tricky job of pulling off a surprise retirement party for my mentor, who's been a huge inspiration in my early career. This wasn't just any party; it was a big thank you for all the years she dedicated and the many lives she's touched.

Planning it was intense! I had to work with her family and our colleagues to keep her schedule open without her getting suspicious - and find a place that meant something special.

The hard part? Keeping it a surprise. My mentor's super observant and has this sharp intuition, so we had to be sneaky, sending encrypted emails and having secret meetings after work hours to plan everything without her finding out.

I won't lie, it was a lot of pressure to make sure everything was perfect for someone who really deserved it. But seeing her face, full of surprise and gratitude, walking into that room filled with people she's impacted, was absolutely worth it.

It was such a beautiful reminder of how powerful and joyful it is to show our gratitude and give back to someone who's given so much. That moment, filled with warmth and happiness, just showed me once again how amazing human connections are and how much of a difference one person can make in so many lives.


Descriptive Vocabulary from the Sample Response

Intense

  • Definition: of extreme force, degree, or strength.
  • How and when to use it: Use "intense" to describe situations, feelings, or activities that are very strong and demand a lot of attention or energy.
  • Example sentence: The training for the marathon was intense, requiring hours of dedication every day.

Observant

  • Definition: good at noticing things around them.
  • How and when to use it: Use "observant" to describe someone who pays a lot of attention to detail and is quick to notice things.
  • Example sentence: Jane is so observant; she notices the slight change in Mike's mood immediately.

Intuition

  • Definition: the ability to understand something instinctively, without the need for conscious reasoning.
  • How and when to use it: Use "intuition" to describe a gut feeling or an instinctive knowing without logical evidence.
  • Example sentence: His intuition told him not to trust the seemingly friendly stranger.

Sneaky

  • Definition: marked by quiet and caution and secrecy; taking pains to avoid being observed.
  • How and when to use it: Use "sneaky" to describe actions or behaviors that are secretive, often to deceive.
  • Example sentence: They made a sneaky plan to surprise their friend with a birthday party.

Gratitude

  • Definition: the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.
  • How and when to use it: Use "gratitude" in situations where you want to express thankfulness and appreciation towards someone else's actions or presence in your life.
  • Example sentence: She felt immense gratitude towards her mentor for all the guidance and support provided over the years.

Impact

  • Definition: to have a strong effect on someone or something.
  • How and when to use it: Use "impact" when describing the influence or effect that a person, action, or event has on someone or something.
  • Example sentence: The teacher's encouragement had a significant impact on his confidence in writing.

Joyful

  • Definition: feeling, expressing, or causing great pleasure and happiness.
  • How and when to use it: Use "joyful" to describe situations, occasions, or emotions filled with happiness and delight.
  • Example sentence: The room was filled with joyful laughter during the family gathering.

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