Describing a person who is always calm under pressure is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This theme often appears in Part 2 and can lead to follow-up questions in Part 3. Being able to articulate this concept effectively can significantly boost your speaking score. Let’s explore how to tackle this topic across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, you may encounter questions related to stress management or personality traits. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:
Examiner: Do you consider yourself a calm person?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I’d say I’m generally calm, but it depends on the situation. In everyday life, I try to stay relaxed, but when faced with deadlines or exams, I can get a bit anxious. I’m working on improving my stress management skills.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I’d characterize myself as relatively composed in most situations. While I do experience stress like anyone else, I’ve developed effective coping mechanisms over the years. For instance, I practice deep breathing exercises and mindfulness, which help me maintain my equilibrium even in challenging circumstances. However, I acknowledge that there’s always room for improvement in managing one’s emotional responses.”
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a person who is always calm under pressure
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What kind of situations this person faces
- And explain why you think this person stays calm under pressure
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I’d like to talk about my friend Sarah, who I’ve known since university. She’s a nurse in the emergency department of a busy hospital. I’ve always been impressed by her ability to stay calm in stressful situations.
Sarah deals with life-and-death scenarios daily. She has to make quick decisions and handle traumatic injuries while keeping patients and their families calm. Despite the high-pressure environment, she never loses her cool.
I think Sarah stays calm because of her extensive training and experience. She’s also naturally level-headed and has a positive outlook on life. Sarah once told me that she focuses on what she can control and doesn’t waste energy worrying about things beyond her influence. This mindset helps her stay composed even in the most challenging circumstances.
Her calmness is truly admirable, and I often try to learn from her approach when I face my own stressful situations.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I’d like to discuss my former manager, David, whom I had the privilege of working with for three years at a multinational tech company. David’s ability to maintain composure under pressure was nothing short of remarkable and left a lasting impression on me.
As a senior executive, David routinely faced high-stakes situations that would unnerve most people. He navigated complex negotiations with multi-million dollar clients, handled critical product launches with tight deadlines, and managed large teams across different time zones. Despite the immense pressure, David consistently exuded an aura of tranquility that was both inspiring and reassuring to his team.
I believe David’s exceptional calmness stems from a combination of factors. Firstly, his vast experience in the industry has equipped him with the confidence to handle diverse challenges. Secondly, David has cultivated a stoic philosophy, focusing on what he can influence and accepting what he cannot change. This mindset allows him to approach problems with a clear, rational perspective, unencumbered by emotional turbulence.
Moreover, David is an avid practitioner of mindfulness meditation, which he credits for his ability to maintain emotional equilibrium. He once shared with me that regular meditation has enhanced his self-awareness and emotional regulation, enabling him to respond to stressful situations rather than react impulsively.
David’s calm demeanor had a profound impact on team dynamics. His composure was contagious, often diffusing tension in high-pressure meetings and fostering a more productive work environment. Observing David’s approach has significantly influenced my own stress management techniques, inspiring me to cultivate greater resilience in the face of adversity.”
Person maintaining calm demeanor during IELTS speaking interview
Follow-up questions:
- How does this person’s calmness affect others around them?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Sarah’s calmness has a positive effect on others. Her patients feel more at ease, and her colleagues work better in stressful situations. It creates a more relaxed atmosphere in the hospital.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“David’s composure has a profound ripple effect on his team and the entire organization. His calmness instills confidence in colleagues and stakeholders alike, fostering a culture of level-headedness even in high-pressure situations. This emotional contagion leads to more rational decision-making, improved problem-solving, and a generally more positive work environment. Moreover, his demeanor serves as a role model for emerging leaders within the company, encouraging the development of emotional intelligence across the organization.”
- Do you think being calm under pressure is a natural trait or can it be learned?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I think it’s a bit of both. Some people are naturally calmer, but I believe anyone can learn to be more composed. It takes practice and the right techniques, like deep breathing or positive thinking.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“While some individuals may have a natural predisposition towards calmness, I firmly believe that maintaining composure under pressure is largely a learned skill. Neuroscience research suggests that our brains are remarkably plastic, capable of forming new neural pathways throughout our lives. This neuroplasticity implies that with consistent practice and the right techniques, such as mindfulness meditation, cognitive reframing, and stress inoculation training, anyone can significantly enhance their ability to remain calm under duress. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that this process requires dedication, self-reflection, and often professional guidance to effectively rewire our stress responses.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some examples with suggested answers:
Examiner: Why do you think some people are better at handling pressure than others?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I think it’s a combination of personality and experience. Some people are naturally more relaxed, while others learn to handle stress through practice. Also, having faced tough situations before can make someone better prepared for future challenges.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“The ability to handle pressure effectively is a complex interplay of various factors. Innate personality traits, such as high emotional stability and low neuroticism, can predispose individuals to better stress management. However, life experiences and learned coping mechanisms play a crucial role. Those who have been exposed to challenging situations and have successfully navigated them often develop a psychological resilience that serves them well in future high-pressure scenarios.
Moreover, cognitive factors such as one’s mindset and belief systems significantly influence stress responses. Individuals who view pressure as a challenge rather than a threat tend to perform better. This growth mindset, as coined by psychologist Carol Dweck, can be cultivated over time.
Additionally, physiological factors like cortisol regulation and the efficiency of one’s autonomic nervous system in returning to baseline after stress can vary among individuals. These biological differences can be influenced by genetics but can also be modulated through practices like regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress-reduction techniques like meditation.”
Examiner: In what ways can staying calm under pressure be beneficial in the workplace?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Staying calm at work is really important. It helps people make better decisions and avoid mistakes. Calm workers also create a nicer work environment and can handle customer complaints better. It’s good for teamwork too, because calm people can help others relax.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Maintaining composure under pressure in the workplace offers a multitude of benefits that can significantly enhance both individual and organizational performance. Firstly, it facilitates clearer thinking and more rational decision-making. When we’re calm, our prefrontal cortex – the brain’s center for executive functions – operates more efficiently, allowing for better problem-solving and strategic planning.
Secondly, calmness is contagious in a work environment. A leader or colleague who remains composed during stressful situations can have a stabilizing effect on the entire team, reducing overall anxiety levels and promoting a more positive and productive atmosphere.
Moreover, individuals who stay calm under pressure tend to communicate more effectively. They’re better able to articulate their thoughts clearly and listen actively to others, which is crucial for conflict resolution and negotiation in high-stakes situations.
From a physiological perspective, maintaining calmness helps prevent the negative health impacts of chronic stress, such as burnout and cardiovascular issues. This can lead to reduced absenteeism and increased long-term productivity.
Lastly, the ability to stay calm under pressure is increasingly valued as a leadership quality. It inspires confidence in team members and stakeholders, enhancing one’s professional reputation and potentially opening up opportunities for career advancement.”
Calm leader effectively guiding a team meeting
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To enhance your IELTS Speaking performance when discussing this topic, consider using these advanced vocabulary items and phrases:
Equanimity /ˌekwəˈnɪməti/ (noun): Mental calmness and composure, especially in difficult situations.
Example: “Her equanimity in the face of criticism was admirable.”Unflappable /ʌnˈflæpəbl/ (adjective): Remaining calm and composed under stress.
Example: “The CEO’s unflappable demeanor during the crisis inspired confidence in the team.”To keep a level head (idiom): To remain calm and sensible in a difficult situation.
Example: “It’s crucial to keep a level head when dealing with emergency situations.”Sangfroid /ˌsæŋˈfrwɑː/ (noun): Composure or coolness shown in dangerous or difficult circumstances.
Example: “The pilot’s sangfroid during the engine failure saved many lives.”To rise above (phrasal verb): To not allow yourself to be upset or annoyed by something.
Example: “She always manages to rise above petty office politics and focus on the task at hand.”Resilience /rɪˈzɪliəns/ (noun): The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties.
Example: “His resilience in the face of repeated setbacks was truly inspiring.”Unperturbable /ˌʌnpərˈtɜːrbəbl/ (adjective): Incapable of being upset or agitated; not easily disturbed.
Example: “Her unperturbable nature made her an excellent crisis manager.”To keep one’s cool (idiom): To remain calm and controlled in a difficult situation.
Example: “Despite the heated argument, the mediator kept his cool throughout the negotiation.”
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a person who remains calm under pressure, consider the following tips:
Use a variety of descriptive language: Incorporate advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions to showcase your language proficiency.
Provide specific examples: When describing the person’s calm behavior, offer concrete situations that illustrate their composure.
Discuss cause and effect: Explain not only how the person remains calm but also the impact of their calmness on others and the environment.
Show reflection: Demonstrate critical thinking by analyzing why the person can stay calm and what you’ve learned from their example.
Practice coherent storytelling: Organize your thoughts logically, using appropriate linking words to connect ideas smoothly.
Develop your ideas: Don’t just state facts; elaborate on your points to demonstrate depth of thought and language ability.
Work on pronunciation and fluency: Regular practice will help you speak more confidently and naturally, especially with challenging vocabulary.
Stay on topic: While it’s good to expand on ideas, ensure that your responses remain relevant to the question asked.
By incorporating these elements into your responses, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle this topic and similar ones in your IELTS Speaking test, potentially boosting your score significantly.
For more IELTS Speaking practice, you might find it helpful to describe a person who is very resourceful in emergencies or describe a family member who inspires you. These topics can help you develop a broader range of descriptive language and personal anecdotes.
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about knowing the right words, but also about using them effectively and naturally in conversation. Regular practice with a variety of topics will help you build the confidence and fluency needed to excel in your test.