Describing a time when you felt nervous is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This theme allows examiners to assess your ability to express emotions, recount personal experiences, and use appropriate vocabulary. Let’s explore how to tackle this topic effectively and aim for a high band score.

Describe a time when you had to stay focused under pressure is another related topic that often appears in IELTS Speaking tests. Both topics require candidates to discuss challenging situations and their emotional responses.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask questions related to nervousness or anxiety. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:

Q: Do you often feel nervous?

A: (Band 7-8) To be honest, I wouldn’t say I get nervous very often. However, like most people, I do experience nervousness in certain high-pressure situations, such as job interviews or public speaking engagements. I’ve found that deep breathing exercises and thorough preparation usually help me manage my anxiety quite effectively.

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card related to the 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 about the experience

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):

I’d like to talk about a time when I felt extremely nervous. It was during my final year at university when I had to give a presentation on my thesis project in front of a panel of professors and my classmates.

I felt nervous because this presentation was a significant part of my final grade, and I knew that the professors would ask challenging questions. Additionally, public speaking has always made me a bit anxious, so the combination of these factors really heightened my nervousness.

To prepare, I practiced my presentation multiple times and tried to anticipate potential questions. On the day of the presentation, I remember my hands shaking as I set up my laptop. However, once I started speaking, I found that I was able to focus on the content rather than my nerves.

In the end, the presentation went quite well. I managed to answer most of the questions confidently, and I received positive feedback from the panel. This experience taught me that preparation is key to managing nervousness, and that it’s possible to perform well even when feeling anxious.

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

I’d like to recount an experience that left me utterly nerve-wracked. It was during my final year of university when I was tasked with delivering a comprehensive presentation on my thesis project to a distinguished panel of professors and my peers.

The gravity of the situation was not lost on me, as this presentation constituted a substantial portion of my final grade. Moreover, I was acutely aware that the professors would pose intricate and thought-provoking questions, which added another layer of pressure. Public speaking has always been a source of trepidation for me, so the confluence of these factors exacerbated my anxiety to unprecedented levels.

In preparation, I meticulously rehearsed my presentation and endeavored to anticipate a wide range of potential questions. On the day of reckoning, I vividly recall my hands trembling uncontrollably as I set up my equipment. However, much to my surprise, once I launched into my discourse, I found myself becoming immersed in the subject matter, which helped alleviate my nervousness.

To my immense relief, the presentation unfolded seamlessly. I managed to field the majority of questions with poise and clarity, and the panel’s feedback was overwhelmingly positive. This experience served as a powerful testament to the importance of thorough preparation in mitigating anxiety. Furthermore, it instilled in me the realization that one can perform admirably even in the face of intense nervousness.

Follow-up Questions:

1. How do you usually deal with nervousness?
2. Do you think it’s normal to feel nervous sometimes?
3. In what situations do people commonly feel nervous?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

1. When it comes to managing nervousness, I’ve developed a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, I prioritize thorough preparation, which significantly bolsters my confidence. Additionally, I practice mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing exercises and progressive muscle relaxation. These methods help center my thoughts and alleviate physical symptoms of anxiety. I also find it beneficial to reframe my perspective, viewing nervousness as a natural response that can actually enhance performance when channeled correctly.

2. Absolutely. I believe feeling nervous is not only normal but often advantageous. It’s a primal response that has evolved to heighten our senses and improve focus in challenging situations. The key is to harness this energy constructively rather than letting it become debilitating. Recognizing nervousness as a common human experience can also help foster empathy and create connections with others who may be feeling similarly.

3. People commonly experience nervousness in a myriad of situations. Public speaking is a classic example, as is performing in front of an audience, whether in music, theater, or sports. Job interviews and first dates are other scenarios that frequently induce anxiety. Additionally, high-stakes exams, medical procedures, and important decision-making moments can all trigger nervous feelings. It’s interesting to note that while these situations vary widely, the underlying theme is often a fear of judgment or a desire to perform well in important circumstances.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Q: Do you think people nowadays are more prone to feeling nervous compared to previous generations?

A: (Band 7-8) That’s an interesting question. I believe that people today might indeed be more susceptible to nervousness compared to previous generations, and there are several factors that could contribute to this.

Firstly, we live in an era of information overload. With constant access to news and social media, we’re bombarded with information about global issues, which can heighten anxiety levels. Additionally, there’s often intense pressure to succeed in various aspects of life, from education to career, which can lead to increased stress and nervousness.

Moreover, the fast-paced nature of modern life means we’re often juggling multiple responsibilities, leaving little time for relaxation and stress management. This constant state of busyness can make us more prone to feeling overwhelmed and anxious.

However, it’s also worth noting that awareness of mental health issues has increased significantly in recent years. This could mean that people are simply more open about discussing their feelings of nervousness, rather than actually experiencing it more frequently.

In conclusion, while I believe modern life does present unique challenges that can contribute to increased nervousness, it’s a complex issue with multiple factors at play.

A: (Band 8-9) That’s a thought-provoking question that requires careful consideration. While it’s challenging to make definitive comparisons across generations, I believe there are compelling arguments to suggest that people today may indeed be more susceptible to experiencing nervousness.

One key factor is the unprecedented pace of technological and societal change we’re witnessing. This rapid evolution can create a sense of instability and uncertainty about the future, potentially exacerbating feelings of anxiety. Furthermore, the advent of social media has introduced new pressures, such as the need to curate a perfect online image and the tendency to compare oneself constantly to others, which can be significant sources of stress and nervousness.

Additionally, the globalized nature of our world means that we’re now acutely aware of global issues and crises in real-time, which can contribute to a pervasive sense of unease. The competitive job market and increasing economic uncertainties also play a role in heightening stress levels, particularly among younger generations.

However, it’s crucial to approach this question with nuance. While these modern stressors exist, we also have greater awareness and resources for mental health than ever before. People today may be more willing to acknowledge and discuss their feelings of nervousness, which could create the impression of increased prevalence.

Moreover, each generation faces its own unique challenges. Previous generations dealt with different, but equally significant, sources of stress and anxiety, such as world wars or economic depressions.

In conclusion, while contemporary life does present distinct challenges that can foster nervousness, it’s essential to recognize the complexity of this issue and avoid oversimplification when comparing generational experiences.

Describe a time when you faced a challenge and succeeded is another topic that allows candidates to discuss overcoming difficulties, which often involves managing nervousness.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

Here are some useful words and phrases to help you describe feelings of nervousness:

1. Anxious (adjective) – /ˈæŋkʃəs/ – Worried or nervous, especially about something that is going to happen
   Example: “I felt anxious before my job interview.”

2. Jittery (adjective) – /ˈdʒɪtəri/ – Nervous or unable to relax
   Example: “The strong coffee made me feel jittery all morning.”

3. Apprehensive (adjective) – /ˌæprɪˈhensɪv/ – Worried or frightened about something that you are going to do or that is going to happen
   Example: “She was apprehensive about moving to a new city.”

4. 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 presentation.”

5. On edge (phrase) – Nervously anticipating what might happen
   Example: “The constant noise from the construction site has put everyone on edge.”

6. To psych oneself up (phrasal verb) – /saɪk/ – To prepare mentally for something difficult or stressful
   Example: “He spent an hour psyching himself up before asking his boss for a raise.”

Nervous person showing physical symptoms of anxiety

Examiner’s Advice

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

1. Use a wide range of vocabulary related to emotions and experiences. Don’t just repeat “nervous” – use synonyms and idiomatic expressions.

2. Provide detailed examples from your personal experiences. This demonstrates your ability to construct a coherent narrative in English.

3. Vary your sentence structures. Use a mix of simple and complex sentences to showcase your grammatical range.

4. Practice speaking about your emotions in English regularly. This will help you become more comfortable expressing yourself fluently.

5. Listen carefully to the examiner’s questions and make sure your answers are relevant and on-topic.

6. Use natural connectors and discourse markers to link your ideas smoothly.

7. Work on your pronunciation and intonation to ensure your speech is clear and engaging.

Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about avoiding mistakes, but about demonstrating your ability to communicate effectively in English. Describe an occasion when you had to wake up early is another topic that might involve discussing feelings of nervousness or anxiety, especially if it was for an important event.

By following these tips and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss nervousness and other emotional topics in your IELTS Speaking test.