Last Updated on August 1, 2025
“Describe a difficult thing you did and succeeded” is a common prompt in the IELTS Speaking test. This guide provides sample answers, key vocabulary, common follow-up questions for Part 3, and an explanation of what this topic assesses. This cue card helps test your ability to describe a vivid challenge, use narrative language, and explain how perseverance led to success.
Learn how to answer “Describe a difficult thing you did and succeeded” with IELTS sample answers, Band 9 vocabulary, tips, follow-up questions & structure.
Cue Card Topic Breakdown
You will have:
- 1 minute to prepare
- 1–2 minutes to speak
Describe a difficult thing you did and succeeded
You should say:
- What it was
- When you did it
- How difficult it was
- And why you think you succeeded
Why This Cue Card Matters
This cue card helps examiners assess your ability to:
- Tell personal stories with fluency and coherence.
- Use descriptive language to recount a challenging experience.
- Express your reactions and feelings to overcoming obstacles.
- Organize your thoughts into a clear narrative.
Sample Answer 1: Learning to Code at an Older Age
What it was?
I am thinking of a difficult thing I did, which was to learn computer programming, specifically Python, when I was already in my late twenties. It was a completely new field for me, very unlike my academic background.
When you did it?
I began this journey about three years ago. I was feeling a bit stagnant in my career and saw the growing demand for tech skills, so I decided to take the plunge into coding.
How difficult it was?
It was incredibly difficult. The initial learning curve was very steep. Concepts like algorithms, data structures, and object-oriented programming seemed like a foreign language. I spent countless hours watching tutorials, reading documentation, and trying to debug my code, often feeling very frustrated and inadequate. There were many times I wanted to give up because the problems felt insurmountable and my progress seemed very slow. My brain simply did not grasp the logic quickly.
And why you think you succeeded?
I believe I succeeded due to a combination of sheer perseverance and a structured approach. I set small, achievable goals each week. I also found online communities where I could ask questions and get help. Most importantly, I developed a strong sense of discipline; even when I felt like quitting, I committed to spending at least an hour every day practicing. That consistent effort, despite the difficulty, slowly built my understanding and skills, leading to my current job as a junior developer.
Sample Answer 2: Organizing a Large Charity Event
What it was?
This was a really challenging thing I did: organizing a large-scale charity concert to raise funds for local orphanages. It involved managing many people and various logistics.
When you did it?
I undertook this project last year, as part of a community initiative with some friends from my university. It was a six-month planning process, very intense.
How difficult it was?
It was immensely difficult. We had to secure a venue, which was a huge task, and then convince musicians to perform for free. Getting sponsorships from local businesses was another major hurdle, requiring endless phone calls and meetings, and many rejections. Coordinating volunteers, managing ticketing, and promoting the event while balancing my studies was overwhelming. There were moments of high stress and disagreement within the team, and sometimes it felt like everything would fall apart. The responsibilities were very large.
And why you think you succeeded?
I think we succeeded because of strong teamwork and unwavering dedication. We divided responsibilities effectively, trusted each other, and held regular meetings to address problems promptly. Even when things went wrong, we kept a positive attitude and learned from our mistakes. My personal commitment to the cause, seeing the potential impact on the children, also fueled me to push through every obstacle. We just did not give up.
Sample Answer 3: Passing a Very Tough Entrance Exam
What it was?
I will speak about the difficult thing I did, which was preparing for and passing a highly competitive national-level entrance examination for postgraduate studies. The syllabus was vast, and the competition was fierce.
When you did it?
I dedicated an entire year to this preparation immediately after completing my undergraduate degree, about two years ago. It was a period of intense focus and sacrifice.
How difficult it was?
It was exceptionally difficult. The sheer volume of material to cover felt impossible, and I had to learn many new complex subjects. I studied for 10-12 hours every day, often feeling isolated and exhausted. There was constant pressure, not just from the exam itself, but also from family expectations and the fear of failure. Many times I doubted my ability to succeed, and maintaining motivation was a daily struggle. The mock test results were often discouraging.
What about why you think you succeeded?
I think I succeeded mainly due to relentless discipline and a systematic study plan. I broke down the syllabus into manageable chunks, revised regularly, and practiced countless past papers. I also identified my weak areas and focused extra attention on them. Additionally, I maintained a positive mindset, visualizing success, and avoided distractions. This consistent, focused effort, day in and day out, eventually paid off on the exam day. My will to pass was very strong.
Sample Answer 4: Adapting to a New Culture and Language Abroad
What it was?
The difficult thing I did and succeeded was adapting to living and studying in a completely new country with a different culture and language. This was a significant personal challenge.
When you did it?
I moved abroad for my master’s degree three years ago, and the process of settling in and truly adapting took about a year of continuous effort.
How difficult it was?
It was very difficult at first. I struggled with the language barrier in daily conversations and academic settings. Everything from ordering food to understanding lectures felt like a monumental task. The cultural differences also caused confusion and occasional loneliness.
I missed my family and familiar routines greatly. There were times I felt completely overwhelmed and isolated, questioning my decision to move so far away. The climate also took some getting used to.
And why you think you succeeded?
I believe I succeeded because of my open-mindedness and persistent effort to integrate. I forced myself to speak the local language every day, even when I made mistakes. I actively sought out local friends, joined university clubs, and participated in cultural events to understand their way of life.
I was also patient with myself, recognizing that adaptation is a gradual process. My determination to make the most of the opportunity, despite the initial discomfort, helped me eventually feel at home and thrive in the new environment. I just really wanted to make it work.
Follow-Up Questions (IELTS Part 3)
Is it good to try new and difficult things?
Absolutely, it is very good. Trying new and difficult things helps us grow as individuals, pushes our boundaries, and allows us to discover hidden strengths. It builds resilience, teaches problem-solving, and often leads to new opportunities we might not have found otherwise.
What kinds of challenges do people face in daily life?
People face many kinds of challenges in daily life. Common ones include managing time effectively, balancing work and personal life, dealing with financial pressures, navigating relationship issues, and maintaining physical and mental health. Adapting to change, like new technology or job roles, is also a frequent challenge.
Do you think children should be encouraged to do difficult things?
Yes, I strongly believe children should be encouraged to do difficult things, within reason, of course. It teaches them valuable life lessons like perseverance, problem-solving, and the satisfaction of achievement. It builds confidence and resilience, preparing them for bigger challenges later in life, rather than just always doing easy things.
What qualities are needed to overcome difficulties?
To overcome difficulties, several qualities are needed. Perseverance, which is the ability to keep going despite setbacks, is crucial. Resilience, or bouncing back from failure, is also key. A positive mindset, adaptability, and strong problem-solving skills are very important. Sometimes, courage and patience are also very much needed to get through hard times.
Vocabulary to Use for This Cue Card
| Word/Phrase | Meaning | Example Sentence |
| Steep learning curve | A situation in which a lot has to be learned in a short period | The initial coding course had a very steep learning curve. |
| Insurmountable | Too great to be overcome | At times, the problems felt insurmountable, but I kept going. |
| Sheer perseverance | Persistent determination | Her sheer perseverance helped her overcome all obstacles. |
| Unwavering dedication | Firm and resolute commitment | The team’s unwavering dedication led to the event’s success. |
| Relentless discipline | Continuous and strict adherence to rules or practice | His relentless discipline was key to passing the tough exam. |
| Highly competitive | Involving intense rivalry | It was a highly competitive entrance examination. |
| Monumental task | A very large or important task | Learning a new language from scratch felt like a monumental task. |
| Overwhelmed | Buried or drowned under a huge mass | I felt completely overwhelmed by the amount of work. |
| Resilience | The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties | Building resilience is essential for overcoming life’s challenges. |
| Thrive | Prosper; flourish | Despite initial difficulties, I was able to thrive in the new environment. |
Final thoughts
This IELTS cue card is an excellent chance to show your skill in using descriptive language and creating a narrative using your voice. Do not forget to give a clear impression to the examiner by telling the nature of the difficulty, your struggles, and what contributed to your success. You will be scoring well with a well-described answer!
IELTS Cue Card Topics:
- Describe a Historical Building You Have Been To
- Describe a Book That You Read Many Times
- Describe an Item of Clothing Someone Gave You
- Describe an Invention That Is Useful In Daily Life
- Describe a Place Where There Was a Lot of Noise
FAQs
What kind of difficult thing can I talk about?
You can talk about any personal, academic, professional, or physical challenge you faced and successfully overcame. It could be learning a new skill, completing a tough project, adapting to a new environment, or overcoming a personal fear.
Should I only mention the positive aspects of overcoming the difficulty?
Not necessarily. It is good to describe the struggle and frustration you felt, as this makes your story more relatable and highlights the extent of the difficulty before your success. Describe your genuine feelings, whatever they were.
How can I make my description of the difficulty more impactful?
Use specific adjectives (e.g., “daunting,” “overwhelming,” “insurmountable”), describe your emotional state during the challenge, and explain the specific obstacles you faced. Show, don’t just tell, the difficulty.
Do I need to mention exact dates or times?
No, approximate times (“a few years ago,” “last year,” “during my studies”) are perfectly fine. The focus is on the experience itself and your journey to success.
Is it okay if my success was a small one, not a huge achievement?
Yes, it’s absolutely fine. The examiner is assessing your ability to describe the experience and your feelings, not the scale of the achievement. A “small” success that was personally very difficult for you is a great topic.
As a dynamic social media content strategist and storyteller, Bhaskarjyoti blends creativity with data-driven precision to turn aspirations into action. With a keen understanding of what today’s students seek, he has redefined how study-abroad dreams are communicated, combining global trends with grounded Indian values. He also works across student guides, scholarship explainers, university deep-dives, and thought pieces, making study-abroad content both insightful and accessible. Always curious, always evolving – he believes that great content is not just about reach, but about impact. And that the right story, told the right way, can change a life.
