As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I’ve encountered countless students grappling with the anxieties of the IELTS Speaking test. One particularly common question I receive is how to tackle questions about fatigue or tiredness. While it might seem trivial, discussing what makes you tired can actually offer valuable insights into your vocabulary, fluency, and ability to elaborate on personal experiences. This article delves into the nuances of discussing fatigue in the IELTS Speaking test, equipping you with the tools and techniques to confidently articulate your thoughts and achieve your desired band score.

Understanding the Question: Why “What Makes You Tired?”

You might be wondering why this topic even surfaces in the IELTS Speaking test. It’s important to remember that the examiners aren’t necessarily interested in the specifics of your sleep schedule or caffeine intake. Instead, they are evaluating:

• Vocabulary Range: Can you go beyond basic words like “tired” and use more sophisticated vocabulary like “exhausted,” “drained,” “fatigued,” or “worn out?”
• Fluency and Coherence: Can you speak smoothly and connect your ideas logically when discussing this topic?
• Grammar Accuracy: Can you use a variety of grammatical structures correctly?
• Pronunciation and Intonation: Can you be understood clearly and use appropriate intonation?

Therefore, viewing “What makes you tired?” as an opportunity to showcase your language proficiency is crucial for success.

Mastering the Art of Discussing Fatigue

Now, let’s explore how to effectively address this topic:

1. Expand Your Vocabulary

Move beyond simple terms like “tired.” Consider these alternatives:

• Physical Exhaustion: “After a long day of hiking, I’m absolutely spent.”
• Mental Fatigue: “Studying for hours on end really wears me down mentally.”
• Emotional Drain: “Dealing with constant stress can be incredibly draining.”

Additionally, familiarize yourself with idioms related to tiredness, such as “burned out,” “running on fumes,” or “dead tired.”

2. Elaborate and Provide Examples

Instead of just listing what makes you tired, provide context and specific examples. For instance:

• Instead of: “Working on my computer makes me tired.”
• Say: “Spending prolonged hours staring at a computer screen, especially when working on complex tasks, tends to strain my eyes and give me headaches, which ultimately makes me feel quite fatigued.”

3. Structure Your Response Cohesively

Use discourse markers to organize your thoughts and guide the listener:

• To list reasons: Firstly, secondly, finally, last but not least.
• To contrast: On the one hand… on the other hand…; While…; Although…
• To give examples: For instance, such as, for example.

4. Don’t Be Afraid to Be Personal (But Stay Relevant)

Sharing relatable experiences can make your response more engaging. However, ensure your anecdotes connect back to the question and demonstrate your language skills.

Exhausted Man Sleeping at Laptop

Example IELTS Speaking Question & Answer

Let’s put these strategies into practice.

Examiner: What kinds of things make you feel tired?

Candidate: Well, I’d say a major culprit for me is definitely intense physical activity. You see, I’m quite an avid hiker, and while I relish the challenge and the breathtaking scenery, those long treks up steep inclines can leave me absolutely knackered. On the other hand, prolonged periods of inactivity, like sitting at my desk job for hours on end, can also sap my energy and leave me feeling rather sluggish. It’s all about striking a balance, I suppose.

Analysis: This response effectively employs varied vocabulary, provides a personal example, and uses discourse markers to ensure a smooth flow.

Tips for Success

• Practice Regularly: Engage in mock speaking tests with a tutor or language partner.
• Record Yourself: This allows you to identify areas for improvement in your fluency and pronunciation.
• Don’t Memorize Answers: Focus on developing strategies to answer a variety of questions.

By understanding the nuances of discussing seemingly simple topics like fatigue, you can showcase your English proficiency and approach the IELTS Speaking test with confidence. Remember, preparation is key!