Describing a situation where you felt very emotional is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This theme allows examiners to assess your ability to articulate complex feelings and experiences in English. Let’s explore how to tackle this topic effectively and boost your IELTS Speaking score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about emotions. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:
Q: Do you think it’s important to express your emotions?
A: Absolutely. I believe expressing emotions is crucial for maintaining mental health and building strong relationships. By sharing our feelings, we can foster better understanding with others and prevent misunderstandings. However, it’s equally important to express emotions in an appropriate and constructive manner.
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a situation where you felt very emotional
You should say:
- What the situation was
- When and where it happened
- Who was involved
- How you felt and why you felt that way
And explain how you dealt with the emotion.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about a situation that stirred up intense emotions in me. It was the day I received my university acceptance letter, which happened about three years ago at my family home.
The situation revolved around opening an email from my dream university. I had been anxiously waiting for this response for weeks, constantly checking my inbox. When the notification finally appeared, I felt my heart racing with anticipation.
The key people involved were myself and my parents, who were eagerly waiting downstairs. As I clicked to open the email, I felt a whirlwind of emotions – excitement, fear, and hope all mingled together. When I saw the word ‘Congratulations,’ I was overwhelmed with joy and relief. It felt like all my hard work had finally paid off, and a wave of pride washed over me.
To deal with this surge of emotion, I first took a few deep breaths to compose myself. Then, I rushed downstairs to share the news with my parents. We celebrated together, and I allowed myself to fully embrace the happiness of the moment. Later, I called my closest friends to share the excitement.
This experience taught me the importance of perseverance and believing in oneself. It also showed me how powerful positive emotions can be in motivating and uplifting us. Since then, I’ve tried to channel that same enthusiasm into other aspects of my life, using it as a driving force for future achievements.”
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I want to talk about a time when I felt very emotional. It was when I got accepted to university. This happened about three years ago at my house.
I was checking my email and saw a message from the university I wanted to go to. I had been waiting for this email for a long time.
The people involved were me and my parents. They were waiting to hear the news too.
When I opened the email and saw that I was accepted, I felt very happy and excited. I was so happy because I had worked hard to get into this university.
To deal with my feelings, I took some deep breaths. Then I went to tell my parents the good news. We were all very happy and celebrated together. I also called my friends to tell them.
This experience showed me that hard work pays off. It made me feel good about myself and motivated me to do well in the future.”
Follow-up Questions:
- How do you usually handle strong emotions?
- Do you think it’s important to control our emotions in public?
- Are there any cultural differences in how people express emotions?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9) for Question 1:
“When it comes to handling strong emotions, I believe in a balanced approach. Firstly, I try to acknowledge and identify the emotion I’m experiencing. Then, I often use mindfulness techniques like deep breathing or meditation to center myself. If the emotion is particularly intense, I find it helpful to engage in physical activity, such as going for a run or practicing yoga, which helps to release pent-up energy and clear my mind.
I also believe in the power of expressing emotions in a healthy way. This might involve talking to a trusted friend or family member, or journaling my thoughts and feelings. These methods allow me to process my emotions without suppressing them, which I find crucial for maintaining emotional well-being.
Additionally, I’ve found that reframing the situation can be incredibly effective. By looking at the bigger picture or trying to find a positive aspect in a challenging situation, I can often shift my emotional state to a more balanced one. This doesn’t mean ignoring negative emotions, but rather approaching them with a growth mindset.”
Sample Answer (Band 6-7) for Question 1:
“I usually try to stay calm when I have strong emotions. First, I try to understand what I’m feeling. Then, I often take deep breaths to help me relax. If I’m feeling very emotional, I might go for a walk or do some exercise to feel better.
I think it’s good to talk about my feelings too. I sometimes talk to my friends or family about how I feel. This helps me to understand my emotions better.
I also try to think about the situation in a different way. I try to find something good, even in bad situations. This helps me to feel more positive.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Q: Do you think modern society puts too much emphasis on emotional expression?
A (Band 8-9): “This is a nuanced issue that requires careful consideration. On one hand, the increased focus on emotional expression in modern society has brought about many positive changes. It has fostered greater awareness of mental health issues and encouraged people to seek help when needed. This openness has also led to more empathetic and supportive work environments and personal relationships.
However, there’s an argument to be made that in some contexts, we may have swung too far in the other direction. There’s a fine line between healthy emotional expression and what some might call ’emotional indulgence’. In professional settings, for instance, there’s still a need for a certain level of emotional regulation.
Moreover, the prevalence of social media has created a culture where people often feel pressured to publicly share their emotions, which can sometimes lead to performative behavior rather than genuine expression. This constant sharing can also lead to emotional fatigue for both the sharer and their audience.
Ultimately, I believe the key lies in striking a balance. We should continue to promote emotional intelligence and healthy expression, while also teaching the importance of context-appropriate behavior and the value of private reflection. It’s about cultivating emotional awareness without letting emotions dictate every aspect of our lives.”
A (Band 6-7): “I think this is a difficult question to answer. In some ways, it’s good that modern society talks more about emotions. It helps people understand mental health better and get help if they need it. It also makes workplaces and relationships more understanding.
But sometimes it might go too far. In some jobs, we still need to control our emotions. Also, with social media, people sometimes share too much about their feelings. This can be tiring for everyone.
I think we need to find a balance. It’s good to talk about feelings, but we also need to know when and where it’s appropriate. We should learn how to understand our emotions without letting them control everything we do.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
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Stir up (phrasal verb) – /stɜːr ʌp/ – to cause someone to feel a strong emotion
Example: The news stirred up feelings of nostalgia. -
Whirlwind (noun) – /ˈwɜːlwɪnd/ – a rush of activity or emotions
Example: The day was a whirlwind of excitement and nervousness. -
Surge (noun) – /sɜːdʒ/ – a sudden, strong increase in an emotion or feeling
Example: I felt a surge of confidence after receiving positive feedback. -
Channel (verb) – /ˈtʃænl/ – to direct emotions or energy into a particular activity
Example: He channeled his frustration into creating a beautiful piece of art. -
Nuanced (adjective) – /ˈnjuːɑːnst/ – characterized by subtle shades of meaning
Example: The topic requires a nuanced approach to fully understand its complexity. -
Foster (verb) – /ˈfɒstə(r)/ – to encourage the development of something
Example: The company aims to foster a culture of open communication.
Tips from an IELTS Speaking Examiner
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Practice emotional vocabulary: Expand your repertoire of words and phrases to describe feelings accurately.
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Use personal anecdotes: Incorporate relevant personal experiences to make your answers more engaging and authentic.
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Demonstrate critical thinking: In Part 3, show your ability to analyze complex issues from multiple perspectives.
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Maintain fluency: Even if you’re unsure about a topic, keep speaking. Use fillers naturally to avoid long pauses.
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Showcase advanced language: Incorporate idiomatic expressions and complex sentence structures where appropriate.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Confidence, fluency, and the ability to express complex ideas clearly are crucial. By practicing regularly and expanding your vocabulary, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any topic, including those related to emotions and personal experiences.
Describing situations where you showed empathy or kindness can also be relevant when discussing emotional experiences. Similarly, talking about resolving conflicts often involves managing emotions effectively. Lastly, consider how friends who give good advice might help in emotional situations, as this can provide another perspective on handling emotions.