Learning to effectively describe personal experiences with fear is crucial for IELTS success. This topic frequently appears in Speaking Part 2 and allows candidates to demonstrate their storytelling abilities while showcasing advanced vocabulary and grammar structures.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
Common questions examiners may ask about fear and challenges:
- Are you generally a fearful person?
- What makes you feel scared?
- How do you usually deal with fear?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I wouldn’t say I’m particularly fearful, but like most people, I do have certain anxieties. I tend to be quite analytical when facing fears, trying to break them down into manageable parts rather than letting them overwhelm me.”
IELTS candidate discussing fears with examiner
Part 2: Cue Card
Your task is to describe a time when you overcame your fear of something. You should say:
- What the fear was
- When you first experienced it
- How you overcame it
- And explain how you feel about it now
Similar to describe a time when you faced a fear, here’s a sample response:
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about how I conquered my fear of public speaking, which used to be my greatest phobia. This fear first manifested during my university years when I had to give presentations in front of large audiences.
My heart would race uncontrollably, and my voice would tremble every time I stood before a crowd. However, I made a conscious decision to tackle this fear head-on by joining a local Toastmasters club, where I could practice speaking in a supportive environment.
The turning point came when I volunteered to be the main speaker at a college event. Through systematic preparation and countless practice sessions, I managed to deliver a compelling presentation about environmental conservation.
Now, I actually relish the opportunity to speak in public. It’s remarkable how something that once paralyzed me with fear has become a source of confidence and enjoyment.”
Student confidently presenting to audience
Follow-up Questions:
Similar to describe a difficult task you completed, the examiner might ask:
Q: What strategies helped you most in overcoming your fear?
A: “The most effective approach was breaking down the challenge into smaller, manageable steps and consistently exposing myself to speaking situations of increasing difficulty.”
Part 3: Discussion
Q: Why do some people seem to be more fearful than others?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I believe it’s a combination of factors, including genetic predisposition and early life experiences. Some individuals might have been exposed to traumatic events that shaped their response to fear, while others may have inherited certain personality traits that make them more susceptible to anxiety. Additionally, cultural and social influences can play a significant role in how people perceive and handle their fears.”
Just as describe a time when you faced a challenge and succeeded, discussing fear requires proper vocabulary and structure.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
- Conquer/overcome (v.) – to defeat or successfully deal with something
- Manifest (v.) – to show something clearly, especially a feeling, attitude, or quality
- Systematic (adj.) – done according to a fixed plan or system
- Relish (v.) – to enjoy something very much
- Paralyzed with fear (idiom) – unable to move or act due to extreme fear
Examiner’s Tips
- Use personal examples to make your answers more authentic
- Demonstrate range of vocabulary by using synonyms
- Include specific details and emotions to enhance your description
- Maintain good fluency while emphasizing key points
- Structure your response logically with clear progression
Remember that sharing personal experiences about overcoming fears, like describe an important lesson you learned from your family, requires both emotional depth and linguistic accuracy to achieve a high band score.
