Fear can be a significant obstacle when it comes to performing well in the IELTS Speaking test. However, with the right approach and preparation, you can overcome your anxieties and showcase your English language skills effectively. This article will provide you with valuable insights and practical tips to help you excel in describing a time when you overcame a fear during your IELTS Speaking exam.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask you questions related to fears and overcoming challenges. Here are some common questions you might encounter:

1. Do you consider yourself a brave person?
2. What are some common fears people have?
3. How do you usually deal with stressful situations?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the third question:

Examiner: How do you usually deal with stressful situations?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Well, when I find myself in stressful situations, I typically try to take a step back and assess the problem objectively. I find that deep breathing exercises can be incredibly helpful in calming my nerves and allowing me to think more clearly. Additionally, I often break down the issue into smaller, manageable tasks, which makes it feel less overwhelming. If possible, I also like to reach out to friends or family for support and advice, as sometimes an outside perspective can be invaluable in finding solutions.”

Overcoming stress in IELTS Speaking test

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Here’s a sample cue card related to overcoming fear:

Describe a time when you overcame a fear

You should say:

• What the fear was
• When and where it happened
• How you overcame it
• And explain how you felt after overcoming this fear

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):

“I’d like to talk about a time when I overcame my fear of public speaking. This happened about two years ago when I had to give a presentation at my university.

The fear of public speaking had always been a major obstacle for me. Whenever I had to speak in front of a group, my heart would race, my palms would get sweaty, and I’d often stumble over my words.

To overcome this fear, I decided to take a proactive approach. I joined a public speaking club at my university and practiced regularly. I also researched techniques for managing anxiety, such as deep breathing exercises and positive visualization.

When the day of the presentation arrived, I was still nervous, but I felt more prepared. I focused on my breathing before starting and reminded myself that I had practiced extensively. To my surprise, the presentation went smoothly, and I even enjoyed the experience.

After overcoming this fear, I felt incredibly proud and relieved. It was a significant achievement for me, and it boosted my confidence in other areas of my life as well. Now, I feel much more comfortable speaking in public, and I’ve even volunteered to give presentations in other classes.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to recount an experience where I confronted and conquered my fear of heights, which occurred during a trip to New Zealand about 18 months ago.

My acrophobia had always been a significant hindrance, preventing me from fully enjoying many experiences. The mere thought of being at a great height would trigger an overwhelming sense of panic, causing physical symptoms like dizziness and nausea.

Determined to tackle this phobia head-on, I decided to challenge myself by signing up for a bungee jumping experience at the Nevis Highwire Platform in Queenstown. To prepare, I employed a multi-faceted approach. I consulted a cognitive-behavioral therapist who helped me develop coping strategies. Additionally, I practiced mindfulness and meditation to manage my anxiety and cultivated a more positive mindset.

On the day of the jump, I was understandably apprehensive. However, I drew upon the techniques I had learned, focusing on my breathing and reframing my negative thoughts. As I stood on the platform, I consciously shifted my perspective, viewing the experience as an exciting opportunity rather than a threat.

The moment I took the leap was utterly transformative. The initial fear gave way to an exhilarating rush of adrenaline and a profound sense of accomplishment. Landing safely, I was overwhelmed with a mix of relief and elation.

Overcoming this fear was a watershed moment in my personal growth. It instilled in me a newfound confidence and resilience that has permeated other aspects of my life. This experience taught me the invaluable lesson that our limitations are often self-imposed, and with the right mindset and preparation, we can push beyond our perceived boundaries.”

Bungee jumping to overcome fear of heights

Examiner’s follow-up questions:

1. How common do you think fear of heights is?
2. What are some other ways people can overcome their fears?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):

1. “I believe fear of heights is quite prevalent in society. From my understanding, it’s one of the most common phobias, affecting a significant portion of the population. This fear can range from mild discomfort to severe anxiety, and it’s not uncommon to hear people express nervousness about activities involving heights, such as flying or visiting tall buildings.”

2. “There are several effective strategies people can employ to overcome their fears. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a popular and scientifically-backed method that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns. Exposure therapy, where people gradually face their fears in a controlled environment, can be very effective. Additionally, mindfulness and relaxation techniques can help manage anxiety associated with fears. Some people find support groups beneficial, as sharing experiences with others facing similar challenges can be empowering. Lastly, educating oneself about the specific fear and understanding its root causes can also be a powerful tool in overcoming it.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: Do you think modern society puts too much pressure on people to overcome their fears?

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I think there’s definitely some pressure in our society to face our fears. We often see messages in the media and on social platforms encouraging people to step out of their comfort zones and conquer their fears. While this can be motivating for some, it might be overwhelming for others.

I believe it’s important to find a balance. Overcoming fears can lead to personal growth and new opportunities, but it’s also okay to have fears and to work on them at your own pace. Not everyone is ready to face their fears immediately, and that’s perfectly fine.

In my opinion, society should focus more on providing support and resources for those who want to overcome their fears, rather than pressuring everyone to do so. This could include things like mental health services, support groups, and educational programs about managing anxiety and fear.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“That’s an intriguing question that touches on the complex interplay between societal expectations and individual well-being. In my view, modern society does indeed exert a considerable amount of pressure on individuals to overcome their fears, often framed within the context of personal growth and success.

This pressure manifests in various ways, from the pervasive ‘hustle culture’ that glorifies constant self-improvement, to the plethora of self-help literature and motivational content flooding our digital spaces. While the intention behind this messaging is often positive, aiming to empower individuals, it can inadvertently create unrealistic expectations and stigmatize those who struggle with their fears.

However, it’s crucial to recognize that fear serves an evolutionary purpose and that not all fears need to be ‘overcome’ in the traditional sense. Some fears are protective, and others may be deeply rooted in past experiences or even genetics. The societal narrative often oversimplifies the complex nature of fear and the varied ways individuals may choose to address it.

A more nuanced approach would be to foster a society that promotes understanding and acceptance of diverse experiences with fear. Instead of pressuring individuals to conquer their fears, we should focus on creating supportive environments that allow people to explore their fears safely and develop personalized strategies for managing them.

Moreover, we should celebrate different forms of courage, recognizing that facing one’s fears can take many forms, from dramatic acts of bravery to small, everyday victories. By broadening our definition of what it means to ‘overcome’ fear, we can create a more inclusive and compassionate society that supports individuals in their personal journeys without imposing undue pressure.”

Societal pressure to overcome fears

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Confront (verb) /kənˈfrʌnt/ – to face or deal with a difficult situation or person
   Example: “I decided to confront my fear of public speaking by joining a debate club.”

2. Overcome (verb) /ˌəʊvəˈkʌm/ – to succeed in dealing with or controlling a problem
   Example: “It took time and effort, but I finally overcame my fear of flying.”

3. Phobia (noun) /ˈfəʊbiə/ – an extreme or irrational fear of something
   Example: “His claustrophobia made it difficult for him to use elevators.”

4. Resilience (noun) /rɪˈzɪliəns/ – the ability to recover quickly from difficulties
   Example: “Developing resilience is key to overcoming fears and challenges.”

5. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (noun phrase) /ˈkɒɡnɪtɪv bɪˈheɪviərəl ˈθerəpi/ – a type of psychotherapy that helps people identify and change negative thought patterns
   Example: “Many people find cognitive-behavioral therapy effective in managing anxiety and phobias.”

6. Exposure therapy (noun phrase) /ɪkˈspəʊʒə ˈθerəpi/ – a technique in behavior therapy to treat anxiety disorders by exposing the patient to the anxiety source
   Example: “Gradual exposure therapy helped me overcome my fear of dogs.”

7. Push beyond one’s boundaries (idiom) – to exceed one’s perceived limits or comfort zone
   Example: “Overcoming my fear of heights taught me how to push beyond my boundaries in other areas of life.”

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing overcoming fears:

1. Use a variety of vocabulary and complex sentence structures to demonstrate your language proficiency.
2. Provide specific examples and personal experiences to support your points.
3. Organize your thoughts logically and coherently, especially in Part 2.
4. Show your ability to discuss abstract concepts and provide in-depth analysis in Part 3.
5. Practice speaking on various topics related to fears and challenges to improve your fluency and confidence.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about overcoming your fear of the test itself, but also about describing a time when you felt very nervous or describing a time when you felt anxious before a big event. By preparing thoroughly and practicing regularly, you can describe an experience where you helped someone solve a problem or even describe a time when you completed a difficult task at work or school, all while demonstrating your English language skills effectively.