IELTS VocabMaster

Describe a person you know who did something difficult and was successful.

Describe a person you know who did something difficult and was successful. You should say: - who this person is - what difficult thing this person did - how this person did it - and explain how you feel about this person

Part 2 model answer

The person I'd like to talk about is my childhood friend, Arif. We grew up on the same street and went to the same school, so I've known him for most of my life.

The difficult thing he did was pass the BCS exam, which is the Bangladesh Civil Service examination. For anyone who doesn't know, it's one of the most competitive exams in the country. Every year, hundreds of thousands of candidates apply, but only a tiny percentage actually get selected. What made it even harder for Arif was his family situation. His father passed away when he was in college, so he had to give private tuition to support his mother and younger sister while preparing at the same time.

His journey wasn't smooth at all. He failed in his first attempt, and honestly, he was quite heartbroken. Many people around him told him to give up and just look for a regular job. But he didn't. He made a strict routine, studying early in the morning and late at night around his tuition schedule. He borrowed books from seniors, joined online study groups, and practised mock tests almost every week. Finally, on his second attempt, he got selected for the admin cadre.

I feel incredibly proud of him and really inspired by his determination. Whenever I feel like giving up on something, I think about how hard he worked under such difficult circumstances. He's also stayed very humble even after his success, and he still helps younger students in our area with their preparation. To me, he's living proof that hard work and persistence really do pay off.

Part 3 discussion

What qualities do successful people usually have?

Most successful people are hardworking, disciplined, and determined. They usually have clear goals and don't give up easily after failure. Good communication skills and the ability to learn from mistakes are also really important. And many of them are willing to take calculated risks.

Is failure necessary for success?

In many cases, yes. Failure teaches valuable lessons that success alone can't. It shows people their weaknesses and makes them stronger and more experienced. Many famous people failed several times before achieving success, so I think failure is often a stepping stone.

How do people define success differently?

For some people, success means earning a lot of money or having a high position. For others, it's about having a happy family, good health, or helping society. Young people often link success with career, while older people tend to value peace of mind and relationships more.

Does family background affect a person's chances of success?

Yes, to a large extent. People from wealthy families have better access to education, resources, and networks, which gives them an advantage. However, many people from poor backgrounds also succeed through sheer determination. So background matters, but it doesn't completely decide someone's future.

Why do people like hearing success stories?

Success stories give people hope and motivation, especially when they're going through tough times. They show that difficulties can be overcome. People also relate more to stories of ordinary people who succeeded against the odds, because it makes them believe they can do it too.