Describe a Time When you Tried to do Something But it Was not Very Successful - IELTS Cue Card

Describe a Time When you Tried to do Something But it Was not Very Successful - Sample Answer 1

In life, we tend to do lots of things and undertake endeavours that we might either succeed or fail at. So was the case with me when I tried to get my hands on baking a cake. Actually, it was in the summer of 2019 when I thought of baking a cake for the birthday of one of my friends. Since the theme of the chosen gifts was to make something at home, I thought of trying something which I was utterly naive at. It was then that the thought of baking a cake sprang up.

So, after ensuring all the preparatory stuff and the raw materials one needed to bake a cake was available, I decided to proceed with baking the cake. However, little did I know that this cake would turn out to be a disaster. Unfortunately, I put the cake on the microwave stand and that too, without even knowing the mode that one should set while preparing a cake. As a result, I chose the wrong mode and a wrong mould that was not compatible with the wrong mode I selected. Then, after expectantly waiting for the delicious cake fresh out of the oven that I was so sure would be delectable and irresistible, a burnt mould came out with melted havoc.

I felt miserable and utterly vexed at my own stupidity and kept cursing myself with the choicest of swear words. However, I took a lesson from that incident that we should be sure before trying anything new and that vigilance is of utmost importance.

Describe a Time When you Tried to do Something But it Was not Very Successful - Sample Answer 2

I’d like to talk about a time when I tried to learn swimming, but it didn’t turn out very successfully. This happened about two years ago when I joined a local swimming club because I wanted to improve my fitness and overcome my fear of water.

At the beginning, I was very enthusiastic and attended classes regularly. However, I struggled to coordinate my breathing with my movements, which made swimming extremely difficult for me. Despite the instructor’s guidance, I couldn’t gain confidence in deep water and often panicked during practice sessions. Eventually, due to my busy schedule and slow progress, I stopped attending the classes.

I felt quite disappointed and frustrated at first because I had invested both time and money into it. However, looking back, I realize that failure is part of learning. Although I didn’t succeed, the experience taught me patience and helped me understand my limitations. I still plan to try again in the future, but with better preparation and confidence.

Describe a Time When you Tried to do Something But it Was not Very Successful - Sample Answer 3

One experience that comes to mind is when I attempted to start an online small business selling handmade accessories. I was inspired by social media trends and believed it would be easy to manage alongside my studies.

Unfortunately, the plan was not very successful. I failed mainly because I underestimated the effort required for marketing and customer engagement. I had little knowledge of digital advertising and pricing strategies, which resulted in very few sales. Additionally, balancing academic responsibilities made it difficult to dedicate enough time to the business.

Initially, I felt embarrassed and discouraged because I had high expectations. However, over time, I began to see it as a valuable learning experience. It helped me understand the importance of research, planning, and consistency. Even though it didn’t work out, the failure motivated me to improve my skills before attempting something similar again.

Describe a Time When you Tried to do Something But it Was not Very Successful - Vocabulary

Here are some IELTS Speaking vocabulary words used in the sample answers for the topic: Describe a Time When you Tried to do Something But it Was not Very Successful - IELTS Cue Card. 

• Naive

Meaning: new/novice
Eg.: I was very naive to this field of study.

• Ensure

Meaning: To make sure
Eg.: My mother ensured the packing was done properly.

• Compatible

Meaning: comfortable with someone or something.

Eg.: We are not compatible with Renz anymore.

• Delectable

Meaning: tasty
Eg.: My sister made a delectable curry yesterday.

• Irresistible

Meaning: something one can’t fight
Eg.: It had an irresistible aroma and so, we ate that dish.

Part 3 Questions

• Is it important to have goals in life in order to feel happy?

Well, according to me, goals are important to feel contented and happy in life and one must always have some ambitions and goals in life with a zeal to accomplish them.

• Do you think people will be happy if they don’t have goals to achieve?

I think life would be very prosaic and banal in case one doesn’t have goals in life and that would be very monotonous.

• In general, how do people judge or assess the success of others?

There are various parameters to one’s judgement of others’ success. For example, some might judge one on the basis of one’s income, while some might form happiness as the basis of one’s success factor.

• Do you think that mistakes can help people achieve the greatest success?

Yes, I believe if you learn from a mistake, then it was the best lesson you learnt in your life and that’s how one achieves success in life by consistently trying to grow.

• What skills are important for business success?

Possession of business acumen and a clear insight into factors affecting business are among the most important skills for a business person. Also, one must learn from the mistakes one makes as well as of others.

Vocabulary

• Contented

Meaning: satisfied
Eg.: My teacher is never contented with the result.

• Accomplish

Meaning: complete
Eg.: I accomplished my dream of travelling to the Bahamas.

• Prosaic

Meaning: Uninteresting
Eg.: I can’t do this anymore as it is a prosaic activity.

• Monotonous

Meaning: boring
Eg.: His life was monotonous, according to me.

• Consistently

Meaning: to do something constantly
Eg.: We should consistently prepare for our exams.