IELTS Speaking Practice

IELTS Speaking Practice | Part 2 | Describe a difficult task you did at work

How would you answer this IELTS speaking practice question from Part 2 of the IELTS Speaking Test?

Describe a difficult task that you completed at work

You should say:

What it was
Why it was difficult
How you tackled it

And explain how you felt after completing it.

"A difficult task at work" means a tough job, duty, or challenge at work that needs a lot of effort, skill, or problem-solving to do.

Here are three examples from various jobs:

Engineering: Creating a complicated system design that performs well, sticks to the budget, and meets deadlines.
Healthcare: Doing a risky operation on a patient who already has health issues, needing careful teamwork and fast decisions when under pressure.
Finance: Looking closely at detailed financial data to find any mistakes or possible fraud in a big investment portfolio. This requires careful research, paying attention to small details, and working with legal experts.

IELTS Speaking Practice: Example Response

I had a really tough challenge at work recently. We were trying to create a new biodegradable material to replace those single-use plastics in the lab. What made it so tricky was making sure this material was eco-friendly but still tough enough to handle all the chemicals and temperatures we throw at it in Biotech research.

Finding the right mix of materials was a bit like a balancing act – too much of one thing and it wouldn't break down properly, too little of another and it wouldn't last. Then, finding sustainable materials that didn't harm the planet added another layer of complexity.

I worked on this project with my team, going through a bunch of testing and retesting, and even getting advice from sustainability experts. It meant picking up new chemical analysis skills and constantly tweaking our approach based on what worked and what didn't. After months of grinding through trials, we finally nailed it and came up with a material that checked all the boxes.

Finishing this project felt amazing. It wasn't just a win for my career, but also felt like I was doing my bit for a greener future in Biotech. This experience has really amped up my passion for sustainable research and has me dreaming about studying more in Canada, where I can hopefully become even more involved in environmental preservation.

Follow-up question: Do people often feel proud of themselves when they complete a difficult task?

Yes, finishing a tough task really gives you a deep sense of pride. It's not just about ticking something off your list, but also about realizing how much you've grown and toughened up along the way. It's like giving yourself a pat on the back, saying, "I did that!" It gives you more confidence and makes you feel like you can take on even bigger challenges next time.