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.

Popular posts from this blog

Which facilities are most important to people living in cities?

Discussion Topics | Facilities in Cities Which facilities are most important to people living in cities? Typically people look for things like public transport, healthcare, educational facilities and recreational spaces. Public transport is a critical concern for city dwellers - from buses and subways to bike paths, it's important to have efficient transportation options. Healthcare should also be easily accessible in cities, as it can be difficult to access treatments outside of urban areas. Educational facilities are extremely important for cities too; good schools are essential for providing children with quality education. Recreational spaces are also vital components of any city, such as parks and leisure centers where people can relax or participate in activities. All these facilities can help provide an enjoyable living experience within cities. IELTS Reading PDF: Authentic Test + Answers What steps can be taken to make cities more attractive to resi
Read more

Why have cities increased in size in recent years? | 3 Reasons

IELTS Speaking Part 3 | Discussion Topics | Cities Why have cities increased in size in recent years? Cities are becoming increasingly populated due to a variety of factors. Globalization has led to an influx of people from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds in cities across the world. Globalization is causing a surge in diversity and population growth. Additionally, technological advancements have made it easier for people to access resources, entertainment, job opportunities, and more in urban areas. Other drivers include increasing affordability of housing options in some cities as well as environmental concerns that make living closer to city centers more desirable. All these factors have resulted in the rapid growth of cities in recent years. What are the challenges created by ever-growing cities? As cities continue to grow, they are facing a variety of challenges. For example, an increased population brings an increased demand for resources such as
Read more

Describe Your Favorite Advertisement - Why Do You Like It?

Speaking Test | Part 2 | IELTS Cue Card Here are some top tips for answering this speaking topic question, describe your favorite advertisement (or favourite advertisement) . First, take a few seconds to think about the advertisement and what you like about it. Then, make some brief notes about what you want to say. Next, give a brief overview of the advertisement, including what it is for and how it is presented. Finally, focus on one or two key aspects that you like, and explain why you find them effective. By following these tips, you will be able to give a confident and detailed answer that will impress the examiner. Describe Your Favorite Advertisement What was it was advertising? Where did you see it? What was in it? And explain why you thought it was interesting? Sample Answer | My Favorite Advertisement My favorite advertisement was the Microsoft advertisements for women inventors, well it wasn’t actually advertising women inve
Read more

Why is architecture such a popular university subject?

Discussion Topics Topic | Architecture Why is architecture such a popular university subject? Architecture is a popular university subject because it provides students with the opportunity to explore their creative side and gain an understanding of how buildings and other structures are designed. By learning about different styles and techniques, students gain valuable skills that can be applied in many areas. Additionally, architecture can open up career possibilities in urban planning, engineering, construction management, interior design, and more. In what ways has the design of homes changed in recent years? In recent years, homes have become more energy-efficient and sustainable. With advances in technology, homes are now equipped with systems that reduce energy usage and conserve resources. Additionally, architects have been integrating green features like rooftop gardens and solar panels into their designs to make them more environmentally friendly. Ins
Read more

What did you study in history lessons when you were at school?

What did you study in history lessons when you were at school? I don't really remember much from my history lessons at school, but I do remember learning about ancient civilizations like Greece and Rome. We also learned about important historical figures such as Julius Caesar and Alexander the Great. I'm sure there was more to it than that, but those are the history lessons that stand out in my mind. Did you enjoy studying history at school? [Why/Why not?] I actually really enjoyed studying history at school. I found it fascinating to learn about different cultures and how they interacted with each other. It was also interesting to see how various historical events have shaped the world today. I would definitely recommend studying history to anyone who is interested in learning more about the world around them. How often do you watch TV programs about history now? I have to admit, I don't really watch TV programs about history all that often anymore. I&#
Read more