Describing a time when you felt very nervous is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This theme allows examiners to assess candidates’ ability to express emotions, narrate past events, and use a range of vocabulary related to feelings and experiences. Let’s explore how to approach this topic effectively and maximize your score.

Describe a time when you felt very nervous about something is a topic that frequently appears in IELTS Speaking Part 2. It’s crucial to be prepared for this theme as it can help you demonstrate your language skills and personal experiences.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about nervousness or related topics. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

1. Do you often feel nervous?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I wouldn’t say I’m prone to nervousness, but there are certainly situations that can make me feel on edge. Public speaking or important exams, for instance, tend to trigger some anxiety. However, I’ve learned to manage these feelings through preparation and relaxation techniques.”

2. What makes you feel nervous?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Various circumstances can induce nervousness for me. High-stakes situations, such as job interviews or crucial presentations, often set my nerves on edge. Additionally, unfamiliar social settings or meeting new people can sometimes make me feel apprehensive. I find that the anticipation of unknown outcomes is usually the root cause of my nervousness.”

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:

Describe A Time When You Felt Very Nervous about something
You should say:

• What the situation was
• Why you felt nervous
• What happened in the end
• And explain how you felt after the situation

Nervous student preparing for exam

Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“I remember feeling incredibly nervous before my first driving test. I had been practicing for months, but the thought of being evaluated by a strict examiner made me anxious. On the day of the test, my palms were sweaty, and my heart was racing. I was worried about making silly mistakes or forgetting important rules. During the test, I tried to stay focused, but I could feel my hands shaking on the steering wheel. In the end, I passed the test, much to my relief. Afterward, I felt a huge sense of accomplishment and realized that my nervousness had actually helped me stay alert during the test.”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to recount an experience that left me feeling incredibly apprehensive – my first public speaking engagement at a professional conference. As an introvert by nature, the prospect of addressing a large audience was utterly daunting. The weeks leading up to the event were fraught with anxiety as I meticulously prepared my presentation.

On the day of the conference, I was a bundle of nerves. My heart was pounding so hard I could hear it, and my hands were trembling as I arranged my notes. The moment I stepped onto the stage, I felt a surge of adrenaline coursing through my body. However, as I began speaking, I found myself gradually settling into a rhythm. My extensive preparation started to pay off, and I managed to articulate my points clearly despite my initial nervousness.

To my surprise, the audience was deeply engaged, asking thoughtful questions and offering insightful comments. This positive interaction bolstered my confidence as the presentation progressed. By the end, I felt a profound sense of accomplishment and relief.

In retrospect, this experience was transformative. The initial nervousness gave way to a feeling of empowerment. It taught me that stepping out of my comfort zone, while initially nerve-wracking, can lead to significant personal growth. This event marked a turning point in my professional life, instilling in me a newfound confidence in my abilities and a readiness to take on new challenges.”

Describe a time when you felt anxious before a big event is another way this topic might be presented. The approach would be similar, focusing on the build-up to the event and how you managed your anxiety.

Follow-up questions:

1. How do you usually deal with nervousness?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’ve developed several strategies to cope with nervousness. Firstly, I practice deep breathing exercises to calm my nerves and center myself. Additionally, I find that thorough preparation helps alleviate anxiety by boosting my confidence. I also try to reframe my perspective, viewing nervousness as a form of excitement rather than fear. Sometimes, I use visualization techniques, imagining a successful outcome to help reduce my apprehension.”

2. Do you think some people are more prone to nervousness than others?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely, I believe that susceptibility to nervousness varies greatly among individuals. Some people seem to have a natural resilience to stress, while others are more easily rattled. Factors like personality traits, past experiences, and even genetics can influence how prone someone is to feeling nervous. However, I think it’s important to note that even naturally anxious people can learn to manage their nerves effectively with practice and the right techniques.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: Let’s talk about nervousness in different contexts. How do you think nervousness affects people in their professional lives?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Nervousness can have a significant impact on people’s professional lives, both positively and negatively. On one hand, a certain level of nervousness can be beneficial, as it keeps individuals alert and focused, potentially enhancing their performance in high-pressure situations like important presentations or job interviews. This ‘positive stress’ can drive people to prepare more thoroughly and give their best effort.

However, excessive nervousness can be detrimental to professional success. It may lead to underperformance, as individuals might struggle with decision-making or clear communication when overwhelmed by anxiety. In extreme cases, it could even result in avoiding career advancement opportunities out of fear.

Moreover, chronic work-related nervousness can contribute to burnout and negatively impact overall job satisfaction and productivity. It’s crucial for professionals to find effective ways to manage their nervousness, whether through mindfulness techniques, professional coaching, or seeking support from colleagues and superiors.

Interestingly, different professions may attract individuals with varying propensities for nervousness. High-stakes careers like emergency medicine or air traffic control might select for those who can remain calm under pressure, while creative fields might be more accommodating of those who channel their nervous energy into their work.”

Describe a time when you felt nervous about something but overcame your fear is a related topic that focuses on the process of overcoming nervousness, which could be discussed in this part of the test.

Examiner: Do you think modern society contributes to increased nervousness among people?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I believe modern society does play a role in heightening nervousness among individuals. The fast-paced nature of our current world, with its constant connectivity and information overload, can create a sense of perpetual urgency that fuels anxiety. Social media, while beneficial in many ways, can also contribute to feelings of inadequacy and fear of missing out, leading to increased nervousness.

Moreover, the competitive job market and economic uncertainties can be significant sources of stress for many people. The pressure to constantly upskill and adapt to rapid technological changes can be overwhelming.

However, it’s worth noting that modern society has also brought about more awareness and resources for managing nervousness. There’s greater acceptance and discussion of mental health issues, and access to various coping strategies and professional help has improved. So while modern life may contribute to nervousness, it also provides tools to address it.”

Describe a situation where you had to take responsibility for something could be another related topic, as taking on new responsibilities often involves dealing with nervousness.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Apprehensive (adj.) /ˌæp.rɪˈhen.sɪv/ – anxious or fearful that something bad or unpleasant will happen
   Example: “I was apprehensive about giving the presentation to such a large audience.”

2. To be a bundle of nerves (idiom) – to be extremely nervous
   Example: “Before the job interview, I was a complete bundle of nerves.”

3. To have butterflies in one’s stomach (idiom) – to feel very nervous, usually before an important event
   Example: “I always get butterflies in my stomach before a big exam.”

4. To keep one’s cool (phrasal verb) – to remain calm in a difficult situation
   Example: “Despite the pressure, she managed to keep her cool throughout the negotiation.”

5. Overwhelming (adj.) /ˌəʊ.vəˈwel.mɪŋ/ – very great in amount, effect, or intensity
   Example: “The overwhelming support from my colleagues helped me overcome my nervousness.”

Confident speaker addressing audience

Tips from an IELTS Speaking Examiner

1. Practice regularly: Engage in mock interviews and record yourself to identify areas for improvement.

2. Expand your vocabulary: Learn and use a variety of words and phrases to express nervousness and related emotions.

3. Develop your ideas: Don’t just list events; explain your feelings and reactions in detail.

4. Use a range of tenses: Incorporate past, present, and future tenses appropriately when describing your experiences.

5. Stay relevant: Always address the question directly and stay on topic.

6. Be authentic: Share genuine experiences; authenticity often leads to more natural and fluent responses.

Remember, describe a time when you experienced something new and exciting could be a positive counterpoint to discussing nervousness, allowing you to showcase a range of emotions and experiences.

By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle questions about nervousness and other emotions in your IELTS Speaking test. Good luck!