The IELTS Speaking test is a critical component of the IELTS exam and evaluates your ability to communicate effectively in English. The test is divided into three parts: Part 1 (Introduction and Interview), Part 2 (Long Turn), and Part 3 (Two-way Discussion). IELTS examiners assess your speaking abilities based on four criteria: Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Pronunciation. Understanding how to structure your responses and include relevant vocabulary can significantly increase your chances of scoring higher.
One of the common topics you might encounter is “Describe a situation when you felt very relieved.” This topic not only assesses your storytelling ability but also your expression of emotions and reflections. Below, we delve into how to approach this topic, providing example responses and critical vocabulary to help you excel.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Common Questions and Suggested Responses
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What do you do to relax when feeling stressed?
- Suggested Response: When I’m feeling stressed, I usually go for a walk in the park. It helps me clear my mind and relax. Sometimes, I also listen to calming music or practice mindfulness meditation.
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Do you think it’s important to relax?
- Suggested Response: Absolutely, I think relaxation is crucial for mental and physical health. It helps prevent burnout and allows you to recharge and maintain a positive outlook on life.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card Topic
Describe a situation when you felt very relieved. You should say:
- What the situation was
- What you did
- Why you felt relieved
- And explain how you felt after that
Example Response
I would like to describe a situation when I felt incredibly relieved. This incident happened last year during my final exams at university. I had been working tirelessly for weeks, preparing for my most challenging subject, Advanced Mathematics.
On the day of the exam, I was extremely nervous and felt the pressure mounting. As I walked into the exam hall, my hands were trembling. However, once the exam started, I realized that the questions were exactly what I had prepared for. I completed the exam with confidence and just on time.
When I handed in my paper and walked out of the hall, a wave of relief washed over me. I felt the tension escape my body, and I could finally breathe easily. It was like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders. That day, I realized the importance of thorough preparation and staying calm under pressure.
After that, I treated myself to a nice meal and a relaxing evening at home. The feeling of relief stayed with me for a long time, and it motivated me to always prepare well for my challenges in life.
Follow-up Questions
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How do students usually feel before an exam?
- Suggested Response: Students often feel a mix of anxiety and anticipation before an exam. It’s natural to worry about performance and outcomes, especially if the stakes are high.
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How do people usually celebrate when they feel relieved?
- Suggested Response: People have different ways of celebrating relief. Some might go out with friends, others might relax at home or indulge in a favorite activity. The common thread is doing something that brings joy and relaxation.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner Questions and Suggested Responses
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Why do you think people feel relieved after completing a challenging task?
- Suggested Response: Completing a challenging task often involves significant mental and physical effort. When the task is done, there is a sense of achievement and the removal of stress and pressure, which generates a feeling of relief.
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Can feeling relieved impact one’s future performance? How?
- Suggested Response: Yes, feeling relieved can positively impact future performance. It can boost self-confidence and reduce anxiety, making individuals more resilient and better prepared for future challenges.
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In what other situations do people commonly feel relieved?
- Suggested Response: People commonly feel relieved in various situations, such as after receiving good news about health, resolving a conflict, or completing any stressful or time-consuming task.
Key Vocabulary and Structures for High Scores
Important Vocabulary:
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Relieved (/rɪˈliːvd/): Feeling happy because something unpleasant has stopped or has not happened; showing this.
- Example: She was immensely relieved when she heard the test results were negative.
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Nervous (/ˈnɜː.vəs/): Anxious or worried.
- Example: I was very nervous before the interview.
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Pressure (/ˈpreʃ.ər/): The feeling of stress because of worrying that your performance will not be good enough.
- Example: The pressure to perform well can be overwhelming for many students.
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Tension (/ˈten.ʃən/): A feeling of nervousness before an important or difficult event.
- Example: There was a lot of tension before the results were announced.
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Thorough (/ˈθʌr.oʊ/): Detailed and careful.
- Example: Her thorough preparation paid off when she excelled in the exam.
Useful Phrases and Idioms:
- A huge weight lifted off my shoulders: To feel relieved after a burden or stress is removed.
- A wave of relief: To feel sudden and strong relief.
- Stay calm under pressure: To maintain composure in stressful situations.
- Treated myself to: To indulge in something as a reward.
Examiner’s Tips for Practicing Speaking
- Practice Regularly: Set aside time daily to practice speaking on different topics. Record yourself to evaluate your performance.
- Use a Variety of Vocabulary: Incorporate higher-level vocabulary to demonstrate your lexical resource.
- Stay Coherent: Ensure your answers are logical and well-structured, making it easy for the examiner to follow.
- Mind Your Pronunciation: Practice clear and accurate pronunciation to enhance your communication.
- Seek Feedback: Have a teacher or study partner give you constructive feedback on your speaking.
By carefully preparing for the types of questions you might encounter and practicing effectively, you can improve your speaking skills and perform confidently during your IELTS Speaking test. Keep practicing, stay calm under pressure, and use the feedback you receive to continuously improve. Good luck!