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Challenges and Problem Solving
Lesson
30
Level 4
IELTS Speaking Test Preperation
Lesson Target
In this lesson, you'll talk about personal challenges, how you solve problems, and what you learn from difficult situations. You'll practice using past experiences and giving advice.
Warm-Up
Discuss the warm-up words with your tutor.
challenge
solve
overcome
Vocabulary
Practice saying these words with your tutor. If you don’t know one, ask your tutor to explain it.
Word
Definition
Definition
situation
noun
advice
noun
overcome
verb
clear my mind
phrasal verb
fail
verb, noun
decision
noun
pass
verb, noun
confident
adjective
Use these words in sentences with your tutor to check that you fully understand their meaning and how to use them correctly.
Useful Phrases
I faced a challenge when...
I solved the problem by...
It was hard because...
I felt...
But I learned that...
Response Structure
Begin with a clear answer or opinion. Then support it with details or examples using who, what, when, where, why, or how.
1
Give your main idea directly and briefly.
One challenge I faced was...
2
Add details or examples to explain your main idea.
For example, I had to...
3
If you have a second idea, repeat steps 1 and 2.
What helped me was...
Practice 1
Read the dialogue with your tutor. Then, work together to analyze the student's responses. Try to understand the speaker’s purpose and find useful words or phrases you can use in your own answers. Finally, practice responding to the same questions with your tutor.
Examiner
Can you describe a difficult situation you overcame?
Tommy
Yes, I once failed an important test and felt very discouraged. I talked to my teacher, made a new study plan, and tried again. The next time, I passed with a good grade. That experience taught me to keep going even when things are hard.
Examine the Response
-
Why is this a good response?
-
What's the main idea?
-
Key details: Find the who, what, where, when, why, or how in the response.
-
Which words or phrases can you use from these responses?
Examiner
How do you usually solve problems?
Tommy
Usually, I search online first to see if I can find a solution. If I still don’t know what to do, I ask my family or friends for advice. Sometimes, I just take a short break to clear my mind before making a decision. This helps me stay calm and choose the best option.
Examiner
Why is it important to face challenges?
Tommy
Challenges help us grow stronger and become more confident. Even when we fail, we learn something useful. They prepare us for future situations.
Practice 2
Read the dialogue with your tutor. Each sentence is missing either the main idea or a key detail. Use the dialogue to fill in the missing parts and complete the sentences.
Examiner
What is a challenge that taught you something important?
Tommy
In the past, I had to give a speech in front of many people.
________________________________________. (fill in the supporting details)
Examiner
How do you feel when you solve a difficult problem?
Tommy
I feel proud, relieved, and more ready for the next challenge.
________________________________________. (fill in the supporting details)
Examiner
What advice would you give someone facing a tough time?
Tommy
________________________________________. (fill in the main idea)
I think those three things can help people a lot when they face challenges.
Practice 3
Answer each question clearly and completely. Start with the main idea, then support it with key details or examples.
Examiner
Do challenges make people stronger?
Is it okay to fail sometimes?
What qualities help people solve problems better?
Presented by
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