Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe a Time When You Felt Anxious Before a Big Event

Anxiety before important events is a common experience that many IELTS candidates can relate to. This topic frequently appears in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Part 2 and Part 3. Being able to articulate your feelings and experiences related to anxiety can help you showcase your English language skills effectively.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about anxiety and nervousness. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:

Examiner: Do you often feel nervous before important events?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, I do tend to feel quite nervous before significant events. It’s a natural reaction for me, especially when I’m facing something that could have a major impact on my life or career. For instance, I always get butterflies in my stomach before job interviews or important presentations. However, I’ve learned to channel this nervousness into positive energy, which often helps me perform better.”

Describe a time when you felt anxious but managed to stay calm

Part 2: Long Turn

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

Describe a time when you felt anxious before a big event

You should say:
- What the event was
- Why you felt anxious
- How you dealt with the anxiety
- And explain the outcome of the event

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):

“I’d like to talk about a time when I felt incredibly anxious before my final university presentation. This presentation was crucial as it accounted for a significant portion of my grade and would determine whether I graduated with honors.

I felt anxious primarily because there was so much at stake. I knew that my future job prospects could be affected by my performance. Additionally, I was going to present in front of a panel of professors, which added to my nervousness.

To deal with my anxiety, I prepared extensively. I practiced my presentation multiple times in front of my friends and family. I also tried some relaxation techniques like deep breathing and visualization to calm my nerves.

In the end, the presentation went better than I expected. I managed to answer all the questions confidently, and the professors seemed impressed. I received positive feedback and a high grade, which helped me achieve my goal of graduating with honors.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to recount an experience that left me feeling incredibly apprehensive – my TEDx talk. This wasn’t just any ordinary presentation; it was an opportunity to share my research on sustainable urban development with a global audience.

The anxiety stemmed from multiple factors. Firstly, the magnitude of the platform was overwhelming. TEDx talks are renowned for featuring groundbreaking ideas, and I felt the weight of that expectation. Secondly, I was acutely aware that my presentation would be recorded and potentially viewed by millions online, which added an extra layer of pressure. Lastly, I was stepping out of my comfort zone, transitioning from academic presentations to a more engaging, storytelling format.

To mitigate my anxiety, I employed a multifaceted approach. I immersed myself in rigorous preparation, not just rehearsing my speech, but also studying the techniques of successful TED speakers. I enlisted the help of a public speaking coach to refine my delivery and body language. Additionally, I practiced mindfulness meditation daily, which helped me maintain focus and composure.

The outcome was remarkably positive. As I stepped onto the stage, I felt a surge of adrenaline that I channeled into enthusiasm rather than nervousness. My presentation was well-received, with the audience engaging actively during the Q&A session. The talk has since garnered over a million views online, opening up numerous opportunities for collaboration in my field. This experience taught me the value of embracing challenges and the power of thorough preparation in overcoming anxiety.”

Describe a challenge you faced and how you overcame it

Follow-up Questions:

1. How did you feel immediately after the event?
2. Would you handle your anxiety differently if you had to do it again?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

1. “Immediately after the event, I experienced a profound sense of relief and exhilaration. The adrenaline was still coursing through my veins, but it was now mixed with a feeling of accomplishment. I felt immensely proud of myself for not only facing my fears but also for delivering a presentation that resonated with the audience. There was also a moment of reflection, where I appreciated how the anxiety had actually sharpened my focus and contributed to my performance.”

2. “If I were to face a similar situation again, I would approach my anxiety with even more mindfulness and acceptance. While my preparation techniques were effective, I now understand that some level of anxiety is natural and can even be beneficial. I would focus more on embracing these feelings as a sign of how much I care about the event, rather than trying to eliminate them completely. Additionally, I would incorporate more physical exercise into my preparation routine, as I’ve since learned about its powerful anxiety-reducing effects.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: Do you think people nowadays are more anxious than in the past? Why or why not?

Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“I believe people today are more anxious than in the past. This is mainly due to the fast-paced lifestyle we lead and the constant pressure to succeed. Social media also plays a role, as people often compare their lives to others, which can cause stress and anxiety. Additionally, the current global situations like pandemics and economic uncertainties contribute to increased anxiety levels.”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’m inclined to believe that anxiety levels in contemporary society have indeed escalated compared to previous generations, although it’s a complex issue with multiple facets to consider.

On one hand, we’re living in an era of unprecedented connectivity and information overload, which can be overwhelming. The constant barrage of news, often negative, coupled with the pressure of curating a perfect life on social media, can undoubtedly contribute to heightened anxiety. Moreover, the rapid pace of technological advancement means that people often feel they’re struggling to keep up, leading to what some psychologists term ‘techno-stress’.

However, it’s also worth noting that our awareness and recognition of anxiety as a mental health issue have significantly improved. What might have been dismissed in the past is now acknowledged and discussed openly. This increased awareness could potentially skew our perception, making it seem like anxiety is more prevalent when in reality, we’re just better at identifying and addressing it.

Furthermore, while modern life presents its unique stressors, we shouldn’t overlook the anxieties that past generations faced, such as world wars, economic depressions, or lack of medical advancements. Each era brings its own set of challenges.

In conclusion, while I believe anxiety is more pronounced in today’s society, it’s crucial to approach this topic with nuance, recognizing both the new pressures we face and the improved support systems and awareness we’ve developed to combat them.”

Describe a time when you felt anxious about something

Examiner: What are some effective ways to manage anxiety before important events?

Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“There are several ways to manage anxiety before important events. First, preparation is key. When you’re well-prepared, you feel more confident. Also, practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation can help calm your nerves. It’s also helpful to maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet. Lastly, talking to friends or family about your feelings can provide emotional support and reduce anxiety.”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Managing anxiety before significant events requires a multifaceted approach that addresses both the mind and body.

Firstly, thorough preparation is paramount. This involves not just mastering the content or skills required for the event, but also mental rehearsal and visualization techniques. By repeatedly envisioning a successful outcome, we can train our minds to remain calm and focused under pressure.

Secondly, implementing stress-reduction practices in the lead-up to the event can be highly effective. This could include mindfulness meditation, which has been scientifically proven to lower cortisol levels, or progressive muscle relaxation to alleviate physical tension. Additionally, engaging in regular physical exercise can significantly reduce anxiety by releasing endorphins and improving overall well-being.

Another crucial aspect is maintaining perspective. It’s beneficial to reframe our perception of the event, viewing it as an opportunity for growth rather than a threat. This cognitive restructuring can help transform anxiety into excitement, a technique psychologists call ‘anxiety reappraisal’.

Furthermore, seeking social support can be invaluable. Discussing our concerns with trusted individuals not only provides emotional comfort but can also offer fresh perspectives and coping strategies.

Lastly, it’s important to prioritize self-care in the days leading up to the event. This includes ensuring adequate sleep, maintaining a balanced diet, and avoiding anxiety-inducing substances like caffeine or alcohol.

By employing a combination of these strategies, tailored to individual needs and preferences, one can effectively manage pre-event anxiety and optimize performance.”

Describe a moment when you felt very anxious

Effective anxiety management techniques

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Apprehensive (adjective) /ˌæp.rɪˈhen.sɪv/ – anxious or fearful that something bad or unpleasant will happen
   Example: “I was apprehensive about giving the presentation in front of so many people.”

2. To mitigate (verb) /ˈmɪt.ɪ.ɡeɪt/ – to make something less harmful, unpleasant, or bad
   Example: “I tried various relaxation techniques to mitigate my anxiety before the interview.”

3. Overwhelmed (adjective) /ˌəʊ.vəˈwelmd/ – feeling completely overcome or overpowered by thoughts or feelings
   Example: “The magnitude of the event left me feeling overwhelmed with nervousness.”

4. To channel (verb) /ˈtʃæn.əl/ – to direct towards a particular end or object
   Example: “I learned to channel my nervous energy into positive enthusiasm for my performance.”

5. Rigorous (adjective) /ˈrɪɡ.ər.əs/ – extremely thorough and careful
   Example: “I engaged in rigorous preparation to ensure I was ready for any question the panel might ask.”

Describe a time when you managed to stay calm in a crisis

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing anxiety before big events:

1. Use a wide range of vocabulary related to emotions and stress management. Don’t just rely on words like “nervous” or “worried”.

2. Provide specific examples from your personal experience. This demonstrates your ability to use English in context.

3. Elaborate on your answers, especially in Part 3. Show that you can discuss abstract ideas related to anxiety and stress in society.

4. Use a variety of grammatical structures, including complex sentences and conditional forms when discussing hypothetical situations.

5. Practice speaking about your experiences with anxiety fluently. Work on reducing hesitations and fillers.

6. Show awareness of idiomatic expressions related to anxiety, such as “butterflies in my stomach” or “to be on edge”.

7. In Part 2, ensure you address all points on the cue card and speak for the full 2 minutes.

8. Maintain good pronunciation and intonation throughout your responses, as this contributes to your overall score.

Remember, the key to success is not just knowing what to say, but how to say it effectively and naturally in English.