Similar to describe a time when you felt nervous before doing something new, discussing fears and how to overcome them is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This theme allows candidates to demonstrate their ability to express emotions and narrate personal experiences.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
Common questions examiners ask about fears:
- Do you have any fears or phobias?
- What makes you feel scared?
- How do you usually deal with fear?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Well, like many people, I have a mild fear of heights. When I’m in elevated places, I tend to feel quite anxious and uneasy. However, I’ve learned to cope with this fear through gradual exposure and positive self-talk.”
Part 2: Cue Card
Describe a time when you faced a fear. You should say:
- What the fear was
- When this happened
- How you dealt with it
- And explain how you felt afterward
Just as describe a time when you felt a sense of accomplishment, overcoming fears can be a significant achievement. Here’s a sample response:
Band 6-7 Response:
“I want to talk about when I had to give a presentation at university. I was scared of public speaking and felt very nervous. I practiced a lot at home and tried to be prepared. After finishing the presentation, I felt happy and more confident.”
Band 8-9 Response:
“I’d like to share an experience where I confronted my deep-rooted fear of public speaking. During my final year at university, I was tasked with delivering a 20-minute presentation to an audience of 200 people. To overcome this challenge, I implemented several strategies: first, I thoroughly researched my topic to boost my confidence; second, I practiced extensively in front of mirrors and recorded myself; and finally, I attended a public speaking workshop to learn proper techniques. The presentation went remarkably well, and I felt an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. This experience taught me that fears can be conquered through systematic preparation and perseverance.”
Confident speaker delivering presentation to large audience
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Similar to describe a recent challenge you overcame, these questions explore deeper aspects of dealing with fears:
Q: Why do you think some people have more fears than others?
Band 6-7 Response:
“I think it depends on their experiences and personality. Some people might have had bad experiences when they were young. Also, some people are naturally more worried about things.”
Band 8-9 Response:
“I believe this variation in fear levels can be attributed to multiple factors. Firstly, there’s the genetic predisposition that makes some individuals more susceptible to anxiety. Secondly, early life experiences and environmental factors play a crucial role in shaping our fears. Additionally, our social conditioning and cultural background can significantly influence how we perceive and respond to potentially threatening situations.”
Expert explaining psychological factors of fear
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
- Confront/face/tackle (v): to deal with a difficult situation
- Deep-rooted fear (adj + n): a fear that has existed for a long time
- Systematic approach (adj + n): organized method
- Gradual exposure (adj + n): slowly getting used to something
- Overwhelming sense of (adj + n): very strong feeling
- Implement strategies (v + n): put plans into action
- Persevere through (v): continue despite difficulties
Examiner’s Tips
- Maintain good eye contact while speaking
- Use a variety of vocabulary and grammatical structures
- Support your answers with relevant examples
- Show emotional range when describing experiences
- Demonstrate critical thinking in Part 3
describe a person who you trust deeply can help you understand how to express personal experiences effectively in your speaking test.
