The IELTS Speaking test assesses a candidate’s ability to communicate effectively in English. As an IELTS Speaking Examiner, I look for fluency & coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range & accuracy, and pronunciation. One common topic that arises in the Speaking test is describing situations, such as “Describe a situation when you were very tired”. This topic is frequent because it allows examiners to evaluate a variety of language skills, from narrative ability to vocabulary usage in discussing personal experiences.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner will ask basic questions to make the candidate comfortable.
Example Questions and Suggested Answer
Question: “Do you often feel tired?”
Suggested Answer: “Yes, I often feel tired, especially after a long day of studying or working. It’s quite challenging to balance everything, but I try to manage by getting enough sleep and taking short breaks during the day.”
This response shows natural spoken English, simple yet effective vocabulary, and displays an understanding of daily routines.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card and Suggested Answer
Cue Card:
Describe a situation when you were very tired. You should say:
- When it was
- Why you were tired
- What you did to overcome your tiredness
- And explain how you felt about the situation.
Suggested Answer:
“One particularly memorable time when I was very tired was during my final year at university. It was around exam season, and I had countless assignments to complete and presentations to prepare for. To make matters worse, I was also working part-time to support myself financially. This overwhelming workload left me feeling exhausted both mentally and physically.
To cope with this tiredness, I adopted a few strategies. Firstly, I tried to prioritize my tasks and focus on the most pressing ones. Secondly, I made sure to take short breaks to avoid burnout. Sometimes, a brief walk or a quick nap proved incredibly rejuvenating. Despite my efforts, the exhaustion was still palpable, but I managed to push through.
Looking back, this period was definitely taxing, but it also taught me valuable lessons about time management and self-care. The sense of accomplishment upon finishing my exams and projects was truly rewarding, and it made all the hard work worth it.”
Follow-up Questions
Do you think it’s important to manage your workload effectively? Why?
Suggested Answer: “Absolutely, managing your workload effectively is crucial because it helps in reducing stress and preventing burnout. By organizing tasks and setting priorities, one can ensure that work is done efficiently and there’s enough time for rest and relaxation.”What are some other common reasons people might feel very tired?
Suggested Answer: “People might feel very tired due to various reasons including lack of sleep, poor diet, continuous stress, and overexertion both physically and mentally. Additionally, medical conditions like anemia or chronic fatigue syndrome can also be contributing factors.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Example Discussion and Suggested Answers
Examiner: “How do you think modern work culture contributes to people feeling tired?”
Suggested Answer: “Modern work culture often emphasizes productivity and long working hours, which can lead to significant stress and fatigue. The pressure to meet deadlines and the constant connectivity via emails and messages means people can never truly switch off from work, leading to increased tiredness.”
Examiner: “In your opinion, what can employers do to help their employees avoid feeling excessively tired?”
Suggested Answer: “Employers can take several measures such as encouraging regular breaks, promoting a healthy work-life balance, and offering facilities for exercise and relaxation. Moreover, flexible working hours and remote work options can help employees manage their time better and reduce stress levels.”
Describing a Situation When You Were Very Tired
Important Vocabulary and Structures
Here are some key vocabulary words and structures that can help you achieve a higher band score:
- Exhausted (adj.): /ɪɡˈzɔː.stɪd/ – extremely tired.
- Example: “I felt completely exhausted after working for fourteen hours straight.”
- Burnout (noun): /ˈbɜː.naʊt/ – physical or mental collapse caused by overwork or stress.
- Example: “Many people suffer from burnout due to excessive work stress.”
- Rejuvenating (adj.): /rɪˈdʒuː.vən.eɪ.tɪŋ/ – making someone feel fresh or full of energy.
- Example: “A good night’s sleep can be extremely rejuvenating.”
- Palpable (adj.): /ˈpæl.pə.bəl/ – so intense as to be almost touched or felt.
- Example: “The tension in the room was palpable.”
Examiner’s Tips and Practice Advice
- Practice Regularly: Make sure to practice speaking English regularly. Engage in conversations, participate in discussions, and practice with cue cards.
- Expand Your Vocabulary: Regularly learn new words and phrases, and try to incorporate them into your speech naturally.
- Record Yourself: Record your practice sessions and critically evaluate your performance. Focus on areas where you can improve, such as pronunciation or fluency.
- Stay Calm and Confident: During the test, stay calm and confident. Take deep breaths if you feel nervous, and remember that it’s okay to take a moment to think before you respond.
By following these tips and practicing diligently, you can improve your IELTS speaking skills and aim for a higher band score. Good luck!