Describing a time when you felt anxious is a common topic in IELTS Speaking exams. This theme allows examiners to assess your ability to express emotions, recount personal experiences, and use appropriate vocabulary. Let’s explore how to excel in this topic across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about anxiety or nervous situations. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

1. Do you often feel anxious?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“I sometimes feel anxious, especially before important events like exams or job interviews. It’s not a constant feeling, but it does happen from time to time.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“While I wouldn’t say I’m prone to anxiety, I do experience it occasionally, particularly when faced with high-stakes situations. For instance, I felt a surge of nervousness before my university entrance exam, but I’ve learned to manage these feelings effectively over time.”

2. What situations make you feel nervous?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Public speaking often makes me nervous. I get worried about forgetting what to say or making mistakes in front of others.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“I tend to feel a bit on edge in situations where I’m put on the spot, such as impromptu presentations or when meeting new people in professional settings. The pressure to make a good first impression can be quite daunting, but I’ve found that preparation and positive self-talk help immensely.”

Anxious student preparing for IELTS exam

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:

Describe A Time When You Felt Anxious About Something
You should say:

• What the situation was
• Why you felt anxious
• How you dealt with the anxiety
• And explain whether the outcome was as bad as you expected

Band 6-7 Sample Answer:

“I’d like to talk about a time when I felt really anxious. It was when I had to give a presentation in front of my entire class at university. This was a big deal because it was worth a large part of our final grade.

I felt anxious because I’m not very comfortable with public speaking. I was worried that I might forget what to say or that my classmates would judge me if I made mistakes. The thought of standing up there in front of everyone made my heart race.

To deal with the anxiety, I practiced my presentation many times at home. I also tried some deep breathing exercises on the day of the presentation to calm my nerves. I remember taking deep breaths right before it was my turn to speak.

In the end, the outcome wasn’t as bad as I expected. I managed to get through the presentation without any major problems. My classmates were supportive, and my professor gave me good feedback. It taught me that sometimes our anxieties can make things seem worse than they really are.”

Band 8-9 Sample Answer:

“I’d like to recount an instance when I experienced significant anxiety. The situation revolved around my first job interview after graduating from university. It was for a position I was particularly passionate about at a prestigious company in my field.

The source of my anxiety was multifaceted. Primarily, I felt the weight of my future career riding on this single interaction. Additionally, I was acutely aware of the competitive nature of the job market, which amplified my concerns about making a stellar first impression. The prospect of facing a panel of seasoned professionals and potentially faltering under their scrutiny was particularly daunting.

To mitigate my anxiety, I employed a multi-pronged approach. Firstly, I conducted extensive research on the company and prepared answers to potential questions, which helped boost my confidence. I also practiced mindfulness meditation in the days leading up to the interview, which proved invaluable in managing my stress levels. On the day of the interview, I arrived early and used positive visualization techniques, imagining a successful outcome.

Remarkably, the outcome was far more positive than I had anticipated. The interviewers were welcoming and engaging, which helped put me at ease. My thorough preparation allowed me to articulate my thoughts clearly and demonstrate my enthusiasm for the role. To my delight, I was offered the position a week later.

This experience was a powerful reminder that anxiety often stems from our imagination magnifying potential negative outcomes. It taught me the importance of preparation and self-care in managing anxiety, skills that have proven invaluable in my professional life.”

Confident candidate during job interview

Follow-up questions:

1. How do you think anxiety affects people’s daily lives?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Anxiety can make people feel stressed and worried all the time. It might stop them from doing things they want to do or enjoying their lives fully. Some people might avoid social situations or have trouble sleeping because of anxiety.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“Anxiety can have a profound impact on people’s daily lives, affecting various aspects of their personal and professional spheres. It can impair decision-making abilities, lead to avoidance behaviors, and significantly reduce overall quality of life. Chronic anxiety may result in physical symptoms such as insomnia, digestive issues, or even cardiovascular problems. Moreover, it can strain relationships and hinder career progression by limiting one’s willingness to take on new challenges or engage in social interactions.”

2. Do you think modern life is making people more anxious? Why or why not?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I think modern life is making people more anxious. There’s a lot of pressure to be successful and always be connected through social media. Also, the fast pace of life and constant changes can be stressful for many people.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“I believe modern life has indeed contributed to increased anxiety levels for many individuals. The ubiquity of technology and social media has created a culture of constant comparison and FOMO (fear of missing out), which can erode self-esteem and create unrealistic expectations. Additionally, the rapid pace of change in today’s world, particularly in terms of job security and technological advancements, can leave people feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about their future. The 24/7 news cycle also exposes us to a constant stream of global crises, which can heighten our sense of vulnerability and anxiety about the world around us.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this part, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to anxiety and stress management. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

1. What do you think are the main causes of anxiety in society today?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“I think the main causes of anxiety in society today are things like job insecurity, financial problems, and social media pressure. People worry a lot about their future and comparing themselves to others online can make them feel stressed.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“The roots of anxiety in contemporary society are multifaceted and interconnected. Economic uncertainty, including job insecurity and financial instability, plays a significant role, particularly in the wake of global events like the recent pandemic. The digital revolution, while beneficial in many ways, has also introduced new stressors such as information overload, cyberbullying, and the pressure to maintain a curated online persona. Additionally, climate change and geopolitical tensions contribute to a sense of global instability that can exacerbate individual anxiety. The erosion of traditional support systems and increased social isolation in many urban settings also factor into this complex issue.”

2. How can schools and workplaces better support people dealing with anxiety?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Schools and workplaces can support people with anxiety by providing counseling services and creating a more understanding environment. They could also offer workshops on stress management and encourage open discussions about mental health.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“Schools and workplaces can implement a multi-pronged approach to support individuals dealing with anxiety. Firstly, they should foster a culture of openness and destigmatization around mental health issues. This could involve regular workshops, seminars, and awareness campaigns. Secondly, providing access to professional mental health services, such as on-site counselors or partnerships with mental health organizations, is crucial. Additionally, implementing flexible working arrangements and promoting a healthy work-life balance can significantly reduce stress levels. Schools and workplaces should also train managers and teachers in recognizing signs of anxiety and providing appropriate support. Finally, incorporating mindfulness and stress-reduction techniques into daily routines, such as meditation spaces or yoga classes, can be beneficial.”

Workplace mental health support session

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Anxiety-inducing /æŋˈzaɪəti ɪnˈdjuːsɪŋ/ (adjective): Causing feelings of worry or nervousness.
   Example: “Public speaking can be an anxiety-inducing experience for many people.”

2. To feel on edge (idiom): To feel nervous or worried.
   Example: “I always feel on edge before important meetings.”

3. To mitigate /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ (verb): To make less severe or serious.
   Example: “I tried to mitigate my anxiety by practicing deep breathing exercises.”

4. Overwhelming /ˌəʊvəˈwelmɪŋ/ (adjective): Very strong or hard to deal with.
   Example: “The pressure to perform well in exams can be overwhelming for students.”

5. Coping mechanism /ˈkəʊpɪŋ ˈmekənɪzəm/ (noun): A strategy used to manage difficult situations.
   Example: “Exercise is one of my main coping mechanisms for stress and anxiety.”

6. To exacerbate /ɪɡˈzæsəbeɪt/ (verb): To make a problem or situation worse.
   Example: “Constant exposure to negative news can exacerbate feelings of anxiety.”

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing anxiety or other emotional topics:

1. Use a range of vocabulary to describe emotions and experiences accurately.
2. Provide specific examples to illustrate your points, making your answers more engaging and authentic.
3. Demonstrate your ability to discuss the topic from different perspectives, showing depth of thought.
4. Use appropriate idiomatic expressions and collocations naturally in your responses.
5. Practice speaking about personal experiences and emotions to improve fluency and confidence.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Aim for clear pronunciation, natural intonation, and a steady pace to showcase your English language skills effectively.

Link: describe a time when you tried something new and unexpected

By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you can improve your ability to discuss anxiety and other emotional topics in the IELTS Speaking test, helping you achieve the band score you desire.