Describe a Time When You Had to Be Brave: IELTS Speaking Guide

The IELTS Speaking test is designed to assess your spoken English skills through a face-to-face interview with an examiner. This test lasts around 11-14 minutes and is divided into three parts: Introduction and Interview (Part 1), Long Turn (Part 2), and Two-way Discussion (Part 3). Your ability to articulate thoughts clearly, use a range of vocabulary, and demonstrate fluency and coherence will be evaluated.

One prevalent topic for the IELTS Speaking test is describing a time when you had to be brave. This topic requires you to illustrate an experience where you displayed courage, giving you the perfect opportunity to demonstrate narrative skills and emotional depth in your response. Let’s explore how to master this topic with structured responses and relevant vocabulary to aim for a high band score.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner might start with general questions to get to know you better. These questions are typically about your personal background, interests, or daily activities. Here are some common questions an examiner might ask:

• Can you tell me about your hometown?
• What do you do for a living? Do you enjoy it?
• When was the last time you took a risk?

Suggested Answer for “When was the last time you took a risk?”:

“The last time I took a significant risk was when I decided to leave my steady job and start my own business. It was a daunting decision because it involved stepping out of my comfort zone and venturing into the unknown. However, I was passionate about my business idea and believed in its potential. Though the initial phase was challenging, the experience taught me invaluable lessons and boosted my confidence tremendously.”

Part 2: Long Turn

In Part 2, you will be given a cue card with a topic and some bullet points to guide your talk. You will have 1 minute to prepare and then speak for 1-2 minutes.

Cue Card

Describe A Time When You Had To Be Brave

You should say:

• When it happened
• Why you had to be brave
• How you felt about it

And explain what you learned from the experience.

Sample Answer

“One of the bravest moments in my life occurred around two years ago. At that time, my country was severely affected by a natural disaster—a massive typhoon that caused widespread devastation. I volunteered as a rescuer to help evacuate people from flooded areas, an experience that required immense courage because of the dangerous conditions.

On the first day, we encountered numerous challenges, including strong currents and hazardous debris. Despite feeling frightened, I knew that my actions could save lives. During a particularly harrowing incident, we had to rescue a family trapped in a submerged house. The water level was rising rapidly, and we had a very narrow window for the rescue operation.

Participating in this mission was emotionally and physically taxing, but it was incredibly rewarding. I felt a profound sense of accomplishment and solidarity with my community members. This experience taught me the importance of resilience and altruism, and it significantly boosted my confidence in facing future adversities.”

Rescuing a family from a flood

Follow-up Questions and Suggested Answers

1. Why do you think some people are brave in difficult situations?

   “I believe that some people are brave in difficult situations because they possess a strong sense of duty and empathy. They realize that their actions can significantly impact others, which gives them the strength to face their fears. Additionally, past experiences and individual resilience play crucial roles in shaping courageous behavior.”

2. How can parents instill bravery in their children?

   “Parents can instill bravery in their children by encouraging them to face challenges head-on, providing emotional support, and leading by example. When children see their parents confront difficult situations with courage, they are more likely to develop similar traits. Fostering a positive environment where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities also helps children build confidence.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In Part 3, the examiner will ask more abstract and complex questions related to the topic from Part 2, encouraging a deeper discussion.

Sample Questions and Answers

1. What is the importance of bravery in modern society?

   “Bravery plays a crucial role in modern society as it drives individuals to stand up for what is right, challenge injustices, and make significant breakthroughs in various fields. Acts of bravery can inspire others and create a more resilient, progressive community. For instance, whistleblowers exposing corruption demonstrate immense courage, leading to greater transparency and integrity in organizations.”

2. Can extreme bravery sometimes be harmful? Give reasons for your answer.

   “Extreme bravery can sometimes be counterproductive, especially if it borders on recklessness. Engaging in dangerous activities without proper consideration of risks can lead to unnecessary harm or even fatal consequences. Therefore, it is essential to balance bravery with careful judgment and risk assessment. For example, while it’s commendable to help others during an emergency, it’s equally important to ensure one’s own safety to avoid becoming another victim.”

Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To achieve a high band score, incorporating advanced vocabulary and phrases is essential. Here are some useful terms related to bravery:

• Courageous (/ˊkʌrɪdʒəs/): Willing to face and deal with danger or fear.
  • Example: “The courageous firefighters entered the burning building to save lives.”
• Resilience (/rɪˊzɪliəns/): The ability to recover quickly from difficulties.
  • Example: “Her resilience was evident as she bounced back from the adversities.”
• Intrepid (/ɪnˋtrɛpɪd/): Fearless; adventurous.
  • Example: “The intrepid explorer ventured into uncharted territories.”
• Altruism (/ˊæltruˌɪzəm/): Selfless concern for the well-being of others.
  • Example: “His altruism was demonstrated by his generous donations to charity.”

Tips for Practicing to Achieve High Scores

1. Practice regularly: Frequent practice helps improve fluency and confidence. Use a variety of topics to broaden your range.
2. Record and review: Record your speaking practice to identify areas for improvement.
3. Expand your vocabulary: Learn new words and practice using them in sentences.
4. Engage in discussions: Participate in English-speaking group discussions to enhance your ability to articulate thoughts clearly.
5. Seek feedback: Get feedback from teachers or peers to refine your speaking skills further.

By following these tips and practicing regularly, you can enhance your speaking abilities and aim for a high band score in your IELTS Speaking test.

For further practice on related topics, you might find these resources helpful: Describe a time when you had to communicate in a foreign language, Take the bull by the horns, and Bite off more than you can chew.

Remember, the key to mastering the IELTS Speaking test is consistent practice and a strategic approach to each question. Good luck!