Step 1: Identify the Part 2 question requirements
The question asks you to describe a person you know who did something difficult and was successful. You should mention:
- Who this person is
- What difficult thing this person did
- Why this person was successful
- How you feel about this person
Step 2: Strategies for a better answer
- Expand your answer with more details or extra stories: Give background about the person and the challenge.
- Coherence is important: Make sure each part connects logically.
- Paraphrasing: Use different ways to express “did something difficult” and “was successful.”
- Referring: Refer back to previous points for clarity.
- Signposting: Use linking words to guide the listener.
- Vocabulary needs to be appropriate as well as varied: Use words like “overcome,” “achievement,” “determination,” etc.
- Using synonyms or substitution: For example, use “accomplished” instead of “successful.”
- Demonstrating a range of grammar is key factor: Use complex sentences, conditionals, and different tenses.
- Whole Model Answer MUST be more than 300 words.
Topic:Overcoming Academic Challenges
Who this person is
I’d like to talk about my cousin, Lily, who is a few years older than me. She’s always been someone I look up to, not just because she’s family, but because of her determination and resilience. Lily and I grew up in the same neighborhood, so I’ve known her my whole life. She’s always been a hardworking person, but a few years ago, she faced a particularly tough challenge that really tested her limits.
What difficult thing this person did
The difficult thing Lily accomplished was passing the national medical entrance exam in our country, which is known to be extremely competitive and stressful. To give you an idea, only about 5% of applicants are accepted each year. Lily had always dreamed of becoming a doctor, but during her final year of high school, she suffered a serious illness that forced her to miss several months of classes. When she returned, she was far behind her classmates and had to catch up on a huge amount of material in a very short time. Despite these setbacks, she didn’t give up. She studied day and night, often sacrificing sleep and social activities to focus on her goal.
Why this person was successful
I believe Lily was successful for several reasons. First of all, she was incredibly disciplined and organized. She made a strict study schedule and stuck to it, even when she felt exhausted or discouraged. Secondly, she wasn’t afraid to ask for help. She reached out to her teachers and friends whenever she didn’t understand something, and she joined a study group to stay motivated. Most importantly, she never lost sight of her dream. Even when things seemed impossible, she kept reminding herself why she wanted to become a doctor in the first place. In the end, all her hard work paid off—she not only passed the exam but scored in the top 2% of all candidates.
And explain how you feel about this person
Thinking about Lily’s achievement fills me with admiration and pride. I feel inspired by her story because it shows that with enough determination and effort, it’s possible to overcome even the most difficult obstacles. Whenever I face challenges in my own life, I remember what Lily went through and it motivates me to keep going. I also feel grateful to have someone like her in my family, as she sets a great example for me and others. In summary, Lily’s success is not just a personal victory for her, but also a source of inspiration for everyone who knows her.