The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about challenging work situations, and “describe a time when you worked under pressure” is a common topic. This article will provide you with strategies and sample answers to help you excel in this task, whether you’re aiming for a Band 6-7 or 8-9 score.
IELTS Speaking Test
Understanding the Task
When asked to describe a time you worked under pressure, the examiner is looking for:
- Your ability to narrate a specific experience
- How you handled the pressure and stress
- The outcome of the situation
- Your reflection on the experience
Let’s break down how to approach this task in each part of the IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, you may encounter general questions about work and pressure. Here are some possible questions:
- Do you often work under pressure?
- How do you usually handle stressful situations at work?
- Do you think pressure at work is always negative?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“Yes, I often work under pressure in my job. As a project manager, I frequently have to meet tight deadlines and handle multiple tasks simultaneously. It can be challenging, but I try to stay organized and prioritize my work to manage the pressure.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Indeed, working under pressure is a regular occurrence in my field. As a project manager in a fast-paced tech company, I frequently encounter situations where I need to juggle multiple responsibilities while adhering to stringent deadlines. While it can be demanding, I’ve found that pressure often brings out my best performance. I’ve developed effective strategies to manage stress, such as breaking large tasks into smaller, manageable chunks and practicing mindfulness techniques.”
Part 2: Long Turn
In this section, you’ll be given a cue card related to the topic. Here’s a possible cue card:
Describe a time when you worked under a lot of pressure
You should say:
- What the situation was
- Why there was pressure
- How you handled it
- And explain how you felt about it
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I’d like to talk about a time when I worked under a lot of pressure during my final year at university. We had a group project that was worth 40% of our grade, and we had only two weeks to complete it due to some unexpected delays.
The pressure was intense because we had to research, write, and prepare a presentation in such a short time. Plus, we all had other exams to study for. We were worried about getting a good grade and how it would affect our overall results.
To handle it, we divided the work among team members based on our strengths. We set daily goals and had regular check-ins to ensure everyone was on track. I took charge of coordinating the team and compiling the final report.
It was a stressful experience, but also rewarding. We managed to submit a good project and even got praised for our teamwork. I felt proud of how we handled the pressure and learned a lot about time management and collaboration.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to recount a particularly high-pressure situation I encountered during my tenure as a marketing manager at a tech startup. We were on the brink of launching a revolutionary product, and just 48 hours before the scheduled release, we discovered a major flaw in our marketing strategy that could potentially jeopardize the entire campaign.
The pressure was immense due to several factors. Firstly, we had already invested a substantial amount of our limited budget into this campaign. Secondly, our investors were eagerly awaiting the results, and our company’s future funding largely depended on the success of this launch. Lastly, as the team leader, I felt personally responsible for the oversight and the need to rectify it swiftly.
To handle this crisis, I immediately convened an emergency meeting with my team. We brainstormed intensively, exploring every possible solution. I delegated tasks based on each team member’s strengths and established a rigorous timeline for completion. We worked around the clock, leveraging our network of industry contacts for quick turnarounds on new marketing materials.
The experience was undoubtedly grueling, but also incredibly enlightening. Despite the intense pressure, I felt a surge of adrenaline and a deep sense of camaraderie with my team. We managed to overhaul our entire strategy and materials in record time, actually improving upon our original concept.
In retrospect, this experience was a defining moment in my career. It honed my crisis management skills and reinforced the importance of adaptability in the fast-paced world of tech marketing. Most importantly, it demonstrated that pressure, while challenging, can be a catalyst for innovation and excellence when approached with the right mindset and teamwork.”
Follow-up Questions
The examiner might ask additional questions such as:
- How did this experience change your approach to work?
- Do you think you work better under pressure?
Sample Answer for Question 1 (Band 8-9):
“This experience was truly transformative in shaping my approach to work. It underscored the importance of proactive planning and having contingency measures in place. I’ve since implemented a more robust system of checks and balances in our project management process to mitigate the risk of last-minute crises. Moreover, it reinforced the value of fostering a resilient and adaptable team culture. I now prioritize regular skill-enhancement workshops and cross-training sessions to ensure our team is well-equipped to handle unexpected challenges. This experience has essentially recalibrated my leadership style to be more anticipatory and resilient in the face of high-pressure situations.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this part, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
Examiner: Do you think people perform better under pressure?
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I think it depends on the person and the situation. Some people work well under pressure because it motivates them to focus and be more efficient. However, too much pressure can be harmful and lead to mistakes or burnout. It’s important to find a balance and learn how to manage pressure effectively.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“The relationship between pressure and performance is indeed complex and multifaceted. While some individuals seem to thrive under pressure, experiencing a surge in creativity and productivity, others may find their performance deteriorates significantly.
From a psychological perspective, moderate levels of pressure can induce what’s known as ‘eustress’ or positive stress, which can enhance focus, motivation, and cognitive function. This aligns with the Yerkes-Dodson law, which posits an inverted U-shaped relationship between arousal and performance.
However, it’s crucial to note that the optimal level of pressure varies greatly among individuals and is influenced by factors such as personality type, experience, and the nature of the task at hand. Excessive pressure can lead to anxiety, impaired decision-making, and ultimately, reduced performance.
In a professional context, the key lies in creating an environment that provides sufficient challenge to stimulate peak performance, without crossing the threshold into detrimental stress. This requires a delicate balance and often involves tailored approaches to suit different team members’ working styles and stress tolerance levels.
Ultimately, while pressure can be a powerful catalyst for excellence, it’s essential to couple it with proper support systems, stress management techniques, and a culture that values both high performance and employee well-being.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
To achieve a high band score, incorporate advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions. Here are some examples:
Under the gun (idiom) – Under pressure to do something
Pronunciation: /ˈʌndə ðə ɡʌn/
Example: “We were really under the gun to finish the project before the deadline.”To rise to the occasion (phrase) – To succeed in dealing with a difficult situation
Pronunciation: /tə raɪz tə ði əˈkeɪʒən/
Example: “Despite the enormous pressure, our team rose to the occasion and delivered excellent results.”To keep a cool head (idiom) – To stay calm in a difficult situation
Pronunciation: /tə kiːp ə kuːl hed/
Example: “The ability to keep a cool head under pressure is crucial in emergency situations.”To buckle under pressure (phrase) – To fail to handle a difficult situation
Pronunciation: /tə ˈbʌkəl ˈʌndə ˈpreʃə/
Example: “It’s important not to buckle under pressure during important negotiations.”To thrive (verb) – To flourish or grow vigorously
Pronunciation: /tə θraɪv/
Example: “Some professionals seem to thrive in high-pressure environments.”
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing work under pressure:
- Use specific examples from your personal experience.
- Demonstrate a range of vocabulary related to work and stress management.
- Show your ability to reflect on experiences and learn from them.
- Practice speaking about various work situations to improve fluency.
- Focus on clear pronunciation and natural intonation.
Remember, the key to a high score is not just what you say, but how you say it. Confidence, fluency, and the ability to express complex ideas clearly are all crucial factors.
For more tips on handling challenging topics in the IELTS Speaking test, check out our guides on describing a time when you faced a challenge at work and describing a time when you had to overcome a major challenge.
By following these strategies and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any question about working under pressure in your IELTS Speaking test.