Describe an occasion when you had to do something difficult. What it was Why it was difficult How you handled the situation And explain what you learned from it
Well, as I mentioned before, I work as an electrician. One particularly difficult experience I had was when I had to rewire an entire house by myself due to an unexpected staffing issue. Initially, I was supposed to work with a team, but at the last minute my colleagues were urgently reassigned to another job. That left me responsible for completing the work on my own.
The task was challenging because the house was quite old. This meant the existing wiring was outdated and not up to modern safety standards. I had to carefully remove the old wiring and then ensure that the new system I was installing met all safety regulations. Because I was working alone, I also had to manage every aspect of the job—planning the layout, installing the cables, and dealing with any unexpected issues that arose.
To handle the situation, I broke the project down into smaller tasks and set clear goals for each day to ensure steady progress. I also double-checked every connection and used my experience to anticipate potential problems. In moments of doubt, I called a senior electrician for quick advice, which gave me reassurance and kept me on track.
In the end, I successfully completed the job on time with everything up to standard. This experience taught me a lot about problem-solving and time management. I also learned that in high-pressure situations, staying calm and methodical is the key to overcoming challenges.
Why is it important to challenge yourself? Challenging oneself is crucial for personal development. It pushes people out of their comfort zone and allows them to discover their true potential. Without challenges, people tend to remain stagnant, missing out on opportunities for growth.
In what ways can personal challenges contribute to self-growth? Personal challenges contribute to self-growth in multiple ways. For one, they encourage adaptability. When people face obstacles, they learn to adjust their strategies and develop creative solutions. Challenges also build mental toughness, which helps individuals cope with stress and uncertainty.
Do you think people should deliberately put themselves in difficult situations to improve? Yes. This fosters personal growth. For instance, stepping into leadership roles, learning a difficult language or travelling alone can be intimidating but ultimately rewarding experiences. A person can’t really grow unless they step outside their everyday routine.
Are some challenges unnecessary or harmful? Absolutely. For example, working excessively long hours just to prove one’s dedication can lead to burnout and health problems. Similarly, taking unnecessary risks, such as engaging in dangerous extreme sports without proper training, can have severe consequences. I would say these sorts of challenges are unnecessary or harmful.
Are personal challenges helpful to society as a whole? Yes, personal challenges can have a positive ripple effect on society. For example, entrepreneurs who take on the risk of starting a business can create jobs and drive economic growth. Likewise, people who work hard to develop skills in medicine, education or technology make invaluable contributions to society.
Do you work or study? I work full-time as an electrician. My job involves installing and repairing electrical systems in residential and commercial buildings.
What is a typical day like for you? My day usually starts early. I head to a job site or a client’s house, depending on the project for the day. Some tasks involve wiring new buildings, while others require troubleshooting faulty systems. There’s always something new to learn, which keeps the job interesting. After work, I usually unwind by spending time with my family.
How do you usually start your day? I like to begin my day with a solid routine. I wake up around 6 AM, have a quick breakfast, and check my schedule for the day. Once I arrive at the worksite, I go over the plans with my team and make sure we have all the tools and materials we need.
Do you prefer mornings or evenings? I prefer mornings because I feel the most productive then. I like getting an early start on the job, especially when working outdoors before the heat of the day sets in.
Has your daily routine changed recently? Yes, it has. A few months ago, I started taking on more complex projects, which means my days have become longer and sometimes unpredictable. I’ve also been doing more night shifts for emergency electrical repairs, which has slightly changed my sleeping pattern.
Is there any part of your daily routine that you would like to change? If I could, I’d like to have a bit more free time in the evenings.
Why? Sometimes, after long shifts, I don’t have much energy left to do other things I enjoy, like meeting friends or working on personal projects.
Do you think it’s important to have a fixed daily routine? Yes, I think having a structured routine is essential, especially in a job like mine where safety and efficiency are key. A routine helps me stay organised and ensures that I don’t overlook important details. That said, flexibility is also important because unexpected situations, like urgent repairs, can disrupt a fixed schedule.
Describe a pet that you or someone you know has. You should say:
-what type of pet it is -what it looks like -how you or the owner take care of it and explain why you or the owner like this pet.
I’d like to talk about a dog that my cousin owns. His name is Max, and he’s a Golden Retriever. Golden Retrievers are known for being friendly, and Max is no exception.
Max is medium-sized, with a thick, shiny coat of golden fur that looks almost like silk under the sunlight. He has big brown eyes that make him look very lovable, and he always seems to have a smile on his face.
Taking care of Max involves quite a bit of responsibility. My cousin makes sure to feed him high-quality dog food twice a day and provides fresh water at all times. She also takes him for a walk every morning and evening, as Golden Retrievers are very active and need regular exercise. Max is also groomed weekly to keep his fur in good condition.
What I love most about Max is his cheerful and gentle nature. He has a unique ability to make everyone around him feel at ease. For instance, whenever someone in the family is feeling down, Max instinctively senses it and sits close to them. He is also very playful and loves playing fetch or just being involved in whatever our family is doing.
Overall, Max is a cherished member of the family. It’s easy to see why my cousin, and everyone else in the family, adores him.
Do you study or work? Currently, I am a student. I am studying agricultural sciences at a local university.
What do you like about your university? One of the things I appreciate most about my university is its emphasis on practical learning. For example, in addition to science-heavy courses, we also do horticultural work outdoors. The campus also has a large greenhouse that allows us to continue this hands-on training right through the dead of winter.
Is there anything you dislike about your university? I suppose I feel that some administrative processes could be streamlined. For instance, registering for courses or accessing certain student services can sometimes be unnecessarily time-consuming.
Let’s talk about reading. How often do you read books or other materials? I try to read every day, whether it’s an academic article, a novel, or just news updates online. I see reading as an essential way to stay informed and expand my knowledge.
Do you find it easier to read on a computer or a physical book? I find reading on a computer or tablet more convenient because it allows me to access a wide range of resources quickly. However, when it comes to enjoying a novel or something purely for leisure, I still prefer physical books. There’s something comforting about the feel of a book in your hands.
Do you prefer reading for pleasure or for educational purposes? I enjoy both, but my preference depends on my mood. Reading for educational purposes is often rewarding because it helps me gain skills related to my studies. That said, reading for pleasure allows me to unwind and immerse myself in different worlds.
Do you think reading will be important for your future career? Absolutely. Staying updated on the latest agricultural research is crucial for my industry. Reading will play a significant role in helping me refine my skills, understand emerging technologies and remain competitive in the field. Being well-read also enhances critical thinking and communication skills, which are invaluable in any profession.
Describe the best outfit you have ever worn. You should say – what it looked like – when you wore it – how you felt wearing it and explain why you consider it the best outfit you have ever worn.
One of the best outfits I have ever worn featured a classic denim jacket. It was a blue jacket with a slightly faded look and minimal detailing, which gave it a smart-looking appeal. I paired it with a simple white T-shirt, black slim-fit jeans and white sneakers. The overall look was casual yet stylish, perfect for a relaxed outing.
I wore this outfit on a weekend trip with friends last spring. We stayed with one friend who lived on a ranch. The people working on the ranch wear denim because of its durability, so this outfit helped me feel like I fit in. It was also warm, which helped because the mornings on the ranch could sometimes be chilly.
I consider this the best outfit I’ve ever worn because of how useful and…I guess ‘timeless’ the denim jacket is. I say this because denim jackets have been popular ever decade over the last fifty years or so. Wearing this jacket also reminds me of that great weekend away with my friends, which is a nice memory.
This week we’re looking at Part 1 questions on the topic of ‘exercise’.
Step 1: Tune in to this week’s lesson. (Audio and video version below.)
This week’s Part 1 questions:
Where do you live? Can you describe your hometown? What is your favourite place to visit in your hometown? How easy is it to walk around your hometown? Let’s talk about exercise. Do you like to exercise? What kind of exercise do you most regularly do? Is this kind of exercise popular in your country?
Step 2: Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.
Step 4: Below is Monday’s speech exercise. Post yourself saying this excerpt to your Whatsapp group. Exercises for Tuesday to Friday will be posted in the group by your instructor. (If you have not yet been added to a group, click here to sign up – select ‘Join a Whatsapp group’.)
Post yourself saying this into your Whatsapp group!🗣️📲
Muscat is a city that blends traditional and modern elements. For example, you’ll find ancient forts like Al Mirani, which dates back centuries, standing alongside contemporary landmarks such as the Royal Opera House. The people are very internationally minded. It’s a great place to live.
Step 5: It’s very important that you note any new language items or pronunciation points from this week’s lesson in your journal to help you chronicle your improvement.📝
Transcript
Where do you live? I live in Muscat. It is the capital city of Oman.
Can you describe your hometown? Muscat is a city that blends traditional and modern elements. For example, you’ll find ancient forts like Al Mirani, which dates back centuries, standing alongside contemporary landmarks such as the Royal Opera House. The people are very internationally minded. It’s a great place to live.
What is your favourite place to visit in your hometown? My favourite spot is Mutrah Souq, an enchanting traditional market near the coast. There you can find stalls selling everything from spices and textiles to jewellery and antiques.
How easy is it to walk around your hometown? Walking around Muscat can be enjoyable in specific areas, such as the walkway along the coast or within parks like Qurum Natural Park. However, the city is spread out, and the weather can be quite hot, especially in the summer, so walking isn’t always practical.
Let’s talk about exercise. Do you like to exercise? Yes, I enjoy exercising, as it helps me stay fit and reduces stress.
What kind of exercise do you most regularly do? I regularly go for evening walks. There is a beautiful walkway along the coast in my city. The sea breeze and the stunning views of the harbour make it a refreshing and enjoyable activity.
Is this kind of exercise popular in your country? Yes, walking is quite popular in Oman, especially during the cooler months. The country’s diverse landscapes, from mountains to beaches, provide plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Many people see these as great ways to enjoy Oman’s natural beauty while staying active.
This week we look at questions from Part 1 of a new exam. The topic is ‘breakfast’.
Step 1: Tune in to this week’s lesson. (Audio and video version below.)
This week’s Part 1 questions:
Do you work or study? What do you like about your job? Would you like to change your job in the future? Let’s talk about breakfast. Do you think breakfast is important? What do people typically eat for breakfast in your country? Do you ever skip eating breakfast? When do you usually eat breakfast?
Step 2: Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.
Step 4: Below is Monday’s speech exercise. Post yourself saying this excerpt to your Whatsapp group. Exercises for Tuesday to Friday will be posted in the group by your instructor. (If you have not yet been added to a group, click here to sign up – select ‘Join a Whatsapp group’.)
Post yourself saying this into your Whatsapp group!🗣️📲 I do both, actually. I currently work as a cashier in a fast food restaurant, and I’m also studying business management.
Step 5: It’s very important that you note any new language items or pronunciation points from this week’s lesson in your journal to help you chronicle your improvement.📝
Transcript
Do you work or study?
I do both, actually. I currently work as a cashier in a fast food restaurant, and I’m also studying business management.
What do you like about your job?
What I enjoy most about my job is learning about the business’s processes and how these processes can be improved. It’s interesting to see what’s required to keep our operations running smoothly while ensuring customers leave happy.
Would you like to change your job in the future?
Yes, definitely. I’m studying business management with the goal of transitioning into a more senior role where I can apply those skills. I have enjoyed working as a cashier, but it is not what I want to do long term.
Let’s talk about breakfast. Do you think breakfast is important?
Absolutely, I believe breakfast is essential. It’s the first meal of the day and really helps kick-start the body and mind. Personally, I notice a big difference in my energy and focus when I’ve had a nutritious breakfast compared to days when I skip it.
What do people typically eat for breakfast in your country?
In Portugal, traditional breakfasts can be quite hearty. A Portuguese breakfast might include eggs, cold cut meats or bacon, toast and possibly grilled tomatoes or baked beans. Of course, for a lighter option, many people enjoy porridge or just toast and coffee or tea, especially on weekdays when mornings are busier.
Do you ever skip eating breakfast?
Occasionally, yes, especially if I’m in a rush. However, I do try to avoid skipping it as I’ve noticed it affects my concentration and energy levels throughout the day. On busier mornings, I might grab something like a banana or yogurt just to keep myself fueled.
When do you usually eat breakfast?
I usually have breakfast around 7:30 in the morning, just before starting my workday or study session. It gives me a good foundation to stay focused and productive. On weekends, I might have it a bit later, but it’s still something I try to make time for every day.
Step 1: Tune in to this week’s podcast episode (audio and video version below).
Describe a time when you worked with others. You should say: -what you were doing -when this occurred -who you were working with and explain how you felt about working with these people
🧑🎓Target language:
particularly(adv.) -at a higher degree than is normal
“One member was particularly skilled in data analysis, another in graphic design, while the others focused on traditional marketing methods.”
Step 2: Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.
Step 4: Below is Monday’s speech exercise. Post yourself saying this excerpt to your Whatsapp group. Exercises for Tuesday to Friday will be posted in the group by your instructor. (If you have not yet been added to a group, click here to sign up – select ‘Join a Whatsapp group’.)
Post yourself saying this into your Whatsapp group!🗣️📲
“One memorable time when I worked with others was during a group project at university. We were tasked with developing a marketing strategy for a local startup as part of our final-year business course.”
Step 5: It’s very important that you note any new language items or pronunciation points from this week’s lesson in your journal to help you chronicle your improvement.📝
Transcript
Describe a time when you worked with others. You should say: -what you were doing -when this occurred -who you were working with and explain how you felt about working with these people
One memorable time when I worked with others was during a group project at university. We were tasked with developing a marketing strategy for a local startup as part of our final-year business course.
The project took place during my final semester, about a year ago. It involved conducting market research, analysing competitors and ultimately proposing a comprehensive marketing plan. My role within the group was to focus on the digital marketing aspects, including social media strategies and online advertising campaigns.
I worked closely with four other classmates, each of whom had a different area of expertise. One member was particularly skilled in data analysis, another in graphic design, while the others focused on traditional marketing methods. We all brought our unique strengths to the table, which made the collaboration very dynamic.
I felt very positive about working with this group of people. We had a great balance of skills and personalities, which allowed us to tackle the project from multiple angles. In the end, our hard work paid off, as we received top marks for our project. This experience not only strengthened my teamwork skills but also gave me confidence in my ability to work in groups.
This week, you will train to speak about a party you attended. This is a band 9 response scripted in response to a real IELTS Speaking Part 2 cue card.
Step 1: Tune in to this week’s podcast episode (audio version below).
Talk about a party you attended at some point in the past. You should say: -what the party was for -why you attended this party -what happened at the party and explain how you felt about the party
🧑🎓Target language:
profoundly(adv.) -in a significant or important way
“He was a mentor and a guide who profoundly influenced my academic and personal growth.”
Step 2: Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.
Step 4: Below is Monday’s speech exercise. Post yourself saying this excerpt to your Whatsapp group. Exercises for Tuesday to Friday will be posted in the group by your instructor. (If you have not yet been added to a group, click here to sign up – select ‘Join a Whatsapp group’.)
Post yourself saying this into your Whatsapp group!🗣️📲
“An important party I attended in the past was a surprise retirement celebration for my favourite university professor, Dr Ken Williams. The party honoured Dr Williams’ remarkable career and contributions to the field of literature over the past 40 years.”
Step 5: It’s very important that you note any new language items or pronunciation points from this week’s lesson in your journal to help you chronicle your improvement.📝
Transcript
Talk about a party you attended at some point in the past. You should say: -what the party was for -why you attended this party -what happened at the party and explain how you felt about the party
An important party I attended in the past was a surprise retirement celebration for my favourite university professor, Dr Ken Williams. The party honoured Dr Williams’ remarkable career and contributions to the field of literature over the past 40 years. This event took place about a year ago in the lobby of my professor’s university department and was organised by his colleagues and former students.
I attended this party because Dr Williams was more than just a professor to me. He was a mentor and a guide who profoundly influenced my academic and personal growth. Being part of this celebration was my way of showing appreciation for everything he had done for us.
The party itself was an unforgettable experience. The evening began with a heartfelt speech by the dean, followed by a series of tributes from former students and colleagues. There was a slideshow highlighting his career achievements and memorable moments from his teaching years.
Reflecting on this experience, I feel incredibly honoured and grateful to have been a part of such a special occasion. The party was a beautiful tribute to a remarkable individual who had made a lasting impact on so many lives. It was not only a great celebration but also a reminder of the importance of appreciating those who inspire us.
