The IELTS Speaking test aims to evaluate your speaking skills through a structured interview. It’s crucial for test takers to demonstrate fluency, coherence, grammatical range, and lexical resource. One common topic that frequently appears is “Describe a situation when you had to stay calm in a stressful situation.” This is a prime opportunity to showcase your ability to narrate experiences, use relevant vocabulary, and exhibit emotional resilience. In this article, we will provide an insightful guide to tackle this question effectively, enriched with examples, analysis, and practical tips.
II. Main Content
1. Part 1: Introduction and Interview
The examiner may ask you general questions relating to your background, interests, and daily activities to warm up the conversation.
Example Question:
Q: Do you often find yourself in stressful situations?
Suggested Answer:
“Yes, as a university student, I often find myself juggling multiple assignments and deadlines. These situations can be quite stressful, but I have developed some effective coping strategies. For example, I try to break tasks into smaller, manageable pieces and prioritize them based on their urgency.”
2. Part 2: Long Turn
In this part, you will receive a cue card with a topic and some bullet points to cover within 1-2 minutes of speaking.
Cue Card:
Describe a situation when you had to stay calm in a stressful situation.
You should say:
- what the situation was
- why it was stressful
- how you stayed calm
- and explain what the outcome was
Suggested Answer:
“One of the most stressful situations I have ever faced was during my final year of university when I had to present my thesis in front of a panel of professors.
Firstly, the situation was extremely stressful because my thesis was the culmination of years of hard work and research. I felt a lot of pressure to make a good impression and secure a high grade. Moreover, public speaking has always been a challenge for me, adding to my anxiety.
To stay calm, I employed several strategies. I practiced my presentation multiple times in front of friends and family members to build my confidence. I also used deep breathing exercises to calm my nerves right before the presentation. Additionally, I reminded myself that I was well-prepared and knowledgeable about my topic, which reassured me.
In the end, my efforts paid off. The presentation went smoothly, and I received positive feedback from the panel. This experience taught me the importance of preparation and mental resilience in overcoming stressful situations.”
Follow-up Questions:
Q1: How do you usually handle stressful situations?
Suggested Answer:
“I generally try to stay organized and prioritize my tasks. I also find that taking short breaks to relax and clear my mind helps me stay calm and focused.”
Q2: Do you think staying calm is a natural ability or a skill that can be developed?
Suggested Answer:
“I believe that staying calm is a skill that can be developed over time with practice and experience. Techniques such as mindfulness, deep breathing, and proper planning can significantly improve one’s ability to remain composed under pressure.”
3. Part 3: Two-Way Discussion
In this part, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic in Part 2.
Example Conversation:
Q: Do you think it’s important to stay calm in stressful situations? Why or why not?
Suggested Answer:
“Absolutely. Staying calm in stressful situations is crucial not only for effective problem-solving but also for maintaining mental and physical health. When we remain composed, we can think more clearly and make better decisions. Additionally, stress can have harmful effects on our health, so managing it effectively is essential.”
Q: How can companies support their employees to manage stress?
Suggested Answer:
“Companies can implement various measures to help their employees manage stress. For instance, they can offer flexible working hours, provide access to mental health resources, and create a supportive work environment. Encouraging team-building activities and promoting a healthy work-life balance are also effective strategies.”
III. Vocabulary and Structures for High Scores
Stress (n): /stres/ – mental or emotional strain.
Example: “The stress of final exams was overwhelming.”Culmination (n): /ˌkʌl.mɪˈneɪ.ʃən/ – the highest or climactic point of something.
Example: “Her selection as CEO was the culmination of years of hard work.”To overcome (v): /ˌoʊ.vɚˈkʌm/ – to successfully deal with or gain control of something.
Example: “She managed to overcome her fears and deliver a great presentation.”To reassure (v): /ˌriː.əˈʃʊr/ – to comfort someone and stop them from worrying.
Example: “The teacher reassured the students that the test would be fair.”Mindfulness (n): /ˈmaɪnd.fəl.nəs/ – the practice of being aware of your body, mind, and feelings in the present moment.
Example: “Mindfulness exercises have been proven to reduce anxiety.”
Calm in Stressful Situation
IV. Examiner’s Tips for High Scores
- Practice Regularly: Consistent practice helps improve fluency and coherence.
- Use a Range of Vocabulary: Demonstrate your lexical resource with varied and advanced vocabulary.
- Maintain Calmness: Show your ability to stay composed, which reflects well on your mental resilience.
- Structured Responses: Ensure your answers are well-organized and cover all aspects of the question.
- Engage Naturally: Treat the test as a conversation and engage naturally with the examiner.
By following these guidelines, you can perform confidently and impressively in the IELTS Speaking test.