IELTS Speaking

70. Describe a challenging thing you have done.

You should say:

When you did it?

Why you did it?

And explain why you thought it was challenging?

Sample Answer 1

One of the most challenging things I have done was completing a 10-kilometer run. I did it last year in the fall, as a personal goal to challenge myself to get fit.

Before starting the training, I had not run more than a few miles, and 10 kilometers seemed like a long distance for me. But, I was determined to complete the run and set a goal for myself to finish it within 60 minutes.

To prepare myself for the run, I trained for about six weeks. During the training, I faced many challenges such as muscle cramps, fatigue, and a lack of motivation. However, I kept pushing myself and followed a strict exercise and diet plan.

The day of the run was a bit overwhelming for me. There were so many people, and the energy around the event was electrifying. As the run began, I had to pace myself and ensure I did not start too quickly. The first few kilometers were relatively easy, but as I reached the halfway point, my legs were starting to feel sore.

I kept reminding myself of my goal and pushed through the pain. Finally, after 58 minutes and 20 seconds, I crossed the finish line, and I was thrilled. I felt a sense of accomplishment and pride for achieving my goal.

I thought the run was challenging because it required a lot of physical and mental strength. It was not easy to train regularly and stick to a strict diet plan. Moreover, running the 10 kilometers required a lot of perseverance and determination to complete the distance. But I am glad I did it, and it taught me a lot about setting goals and pushing myself beyond my limits.

70. Describe a challenging thing you have done.

You should say:

When you did it?

Why you did it?

And explain why you thought it was challenging?

Sample Answer 2

One of the most challenging things I have done was completing my first ever marathon race. It was back in 2019, in the month of October. I had always been a fitness enthusiast, but I had never tried running more than a few kilometers before that.

The reason I decided to run a marathon was that I wanted to challenge myself and push my limits. I had heard from my friends and family that it was a huge accomplishment to finish a marathon race. I also wanted to set a goal for myself and work towards it with dedication and perseverance.

The training period for the marathon was grueling, and it demanded a lot of discipline and determination. I had to wake up early every morning and go for a run, even when I didn't feel like it. I also had to follow a strict diet and ensure that I was getting enough rest and hydration.

The race day itself was one of the most challenging days of my life. I had to run for over four hours straight, and my body was pushed to its limits. There were times when I wanted to give up, but I reminded myself of all the hard work I had put in during the training period.

I think the reason why this was such a challenging thing for me was because it required me to step out of my comfort zone and push myself to new limits. It was mentally and physically demanding, and I had to put in a lot of hard work and dedication to complete the race. However, at the same time, it was also one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and I felt a great sense of accomplishment when I crossed the finish line.