In the IELTS Speaking test, examiners assess your ability to communicate effectively in English. They look at fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical accuracy, and pronunciation. “Describe A Situation When You Felt Under Pressure” is a common topic that tests these abilities thoroughly as it requires you to narrate a personal experience while demonstrating control over language.
Questions like this allow examiners to evaluate how well you can describe events, emotions, and actions, as well as how effectively you can use past tenses and descriptive language. This topic is also beneficial because it’s relatable, making it easier for candidates to draw from personal experiences.
In this guide, we will explore potential questions from all three parts of the Speaking test, provide detailed sample answers, and offer valuable tips to help you excel.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, you’ll answer short questions about familiar topics such as your home, family, work, studies, and interests. Here are some example questions and a sample answer.
Example Question
Examiner: Can you tell me about a time you felt stressed at work or school?
Sample Answer
Candidate: Well, there was a time during my final exams at university when I felt incredibly stressed. I had three major exams scheduled within the same week, and the subjects were quite challenging. The pressure to perform well and secure good grades was overwhelming. To cope, I created a strict study timetable, prioritizing topics that I found most difficult. Despite feeling the pressure, I managed to stay focused and ultimately did well in my exams.
Key Phrases to Highlight:
- Final exams
- Incredibly stressed
- Major exams scheduled
- Overwhelming pressure
- Study timetable
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a situation when you felt under pressure. You should say:
- When it was
- Where you were
- Why you were under pressure
- And explain how you handled the situation
Sample Answer
Candidate: One memorable instance when I felt under immense pressure was during a job interview last year. It was for a position at a prestigious company that I had been dreaming of working for. The interview was held in their head office downtown, and I vividly remember feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety.
**The pressure mainly stemmed from my desire to make a positive impression and secure the job. I had spent weeks preparing, practicing common interview questions, and researching the company thoroughly. Despite all this preparation, the moment I stepped into the interview room, I could feel the weight of the situation.
job-interview-pressure|job interview pressure|A person sitting in a chair in an office, sweating and anxious while a group of interviewers look at them
**To handle the pressure, I focused on maintaining calm and collected. I reminded myself to breathe deeply and take my time answering questions thoughtfully. By concentrating on showcasing my strengths and experiences confidently, I managed to navigate through the interview successfully. In the end, all the hard work paid off as I was offered the job.
Key Phrases to Highlight:
- Immense pressure
- Prestigious company
- Excitement and anxiety
- Desire to make a positive impression
- Weight of the situation
- Maintaining calm
- Breathe deeply
- Showcasing my strengths
- Offered the job
Follow-up Questions
Examiner: What strategies do you use to manage pressure in your daily life?
Candidate: To tackle daily pressures, I practice time management and mindfulness. I prioritize tasks to handle the most critical ones first and take short breaks to clear my mind. Regular exercise and a balanced diet also help me stay composed and focused.
Key Phrases to Highlight:
- Time management
- Mindfulness
- Prioritize tasks
- Regular exercise
- Balanced diet
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Example Discussion
Examiner: Do you think people today experience more pressure than in the past? Why or why not?
Candidate: Yes, I believe people today experience more pressure than in the past due to the relentless pace of modern life. Technological advancements mean we are constantly connected and expected to be available round the clock. The competitive job market and societal pressures to achieve higher standards also contribute to increased stress levels.
Key Phrases to Highlight:
- Relentless pace of modern life
- Technological advancements
- Constantly connected
- Competitive job market
- Societal pressures
Examiner: How can employers help reduce pressure on their employees?
Candidate: Employers can implement several strategies to alleviate pressure on their employees. Providing flexible working hours and the option to work remotely can help maintain a work-life balance. Additionally, offering wellness programs, promoting a supportive work environment, and recognizing employee achievements can significantly reduce stress.
Key Phrases to Highlight:
- Flexible working hours
- Work-life balance
- Wellness programs
- Supportive work environment
- Recognizing employee achievements
Vocabulary and Phrases to Score Higher
Key Vocabulary
- Immense (ɪˈmɛns) – Extremely large or great, especially in scale or degree.
- The pressure was immense during the final exams.
- Alleviate (əˈliː.vi.eɪt) – Make (suffering, deficiency, or a problem) less severe.
- Employers can implement strategies to alleviate work pressure.
- Mindfulness (ˈmaɪnd.fəl.nəs) – The quality or state of being conscious or aware of something.
- Practicing mindfulness helps in managing daily stress levels.
Sample Sentences
- Despite feeling immense pressure, I managed to complete the project on time.
- She practiced mindfulness and meditation to alleviate her anxiety.
Tips for Practice
- Practice speaking about various topics regularly to enhance fluency.
- Use cue cards to structure your answers effectively.
- Focus on using a rich vocabulary and complex sentences appropriately.
- Record your practice sessions, listen to them, and note areas for improvement.
- Engage in two-way discussions with peers or tutors to simulate real test conditions.
For more guidance on related topics, explore Describe a situation when you felt very relieved and Describe a time when you had to work on a tight schedule.
By following these tips and practicing diligently, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the speaking section of the IELTS with confidence and poise.
