The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about challenging experiences, such as overcoming nervousness. This topic is particularly common and likely to appear in future exams, as it allows examiners to assess candidates’ ability to describe personal experiences and emotions.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask questions related to nervousness and overcoming fears. Here are some potential questions:
- Do you often feel nervous?
- What situations make you feel nervous?
- How do you usually deal with nervousness?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the third question:
Examiner: How do you usually deal with nervousness?
Candidate (Band 7-8 response): Well, I’ve found that deep breathing exercises are quite effective for me. When I feel nervous, I try to take a few slow, deliberate breaths to calm myself down. Additionally, I often visualize positive outcomes or remind myself of past successes. These techniques help me regain my composure and face the situation with more confidence.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a time when you felt nervous about something but overcame your fear.
You should say:
- What the situation was
- Why you felt nervous
- How you overcame your fear
- And explain how you felt afterwards
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
I’d like to talk about a time when I felt extremely nervous but managed to overcome my fear. It was during my first job interview after graduating from university.
The situation was quite intimidating because it was for a position at a prestigious company in my field. I felt nervous primarily because I lacked experience and was worried about making a poor impression. The thought of facing tough questions from the interviewers made my palms sweat and my heart race.
To overcome my fear, I spent a lot of time preparing. I researched the company thoroughly and practiced answering common interview questions with a friend. On the day of the interview, I arrived early to calm my nerves and did some deep breathing exercises in my car.
During the interview, I focused on maintaining eye contact and speaking clearly, despite my nervousness. I reminded myself that I had prepared well and deserved to be there. As the interview progressed, I found myself becoming more confident and even enjoying the conversation.
Afterwards, I felt a great sense of relief and accomplishment. Even though I wasn’t sure if I’d get the job, I was proud of myself for facing my fears and performing well under pressure. This experience taught me that preparation and positive self-talk can help overcome nervousness in challenging situations.
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
I’d like to recount an experience where I grappled with significant nervousness but ultimately triumphed over my fear. The situation in question was my inaugural public speaking engagement at a local TEDx event, where I was slated to deliver a presentation on environmental conservation to an audience of over 500 people.
The prospect of addressing such a large crowd was incredibly daunting, and I found myself overwhelmed with anxiety. My apprehension stemmed from a combination of factors: the fear of blanking out on stage, concerns about the audience’s reception of my ideas, and the pressure to live up to the high standards associated with TED talks. As the event drew nearer, I experienced physical manifestations of stress, including insomnia and a loss of appetite.
To surmount these challenges, I embarked on a comprehensive preparation strategy. Firstly, I immersed myself in extensive research to ensure I had a rock-solid grasp of my subject matter. I then crafted my speech meticulously, focusing on creating a compelling narrative arc with impactful anecdotes and thought-provoking statistics. To bolster my confidence, I rehearsed relentlessly, practicing in front of mirrors, friends, and even recording myself to analyze and improve my delivery.
Moreover, I employed various psychological techniques to manage my anxiety. This included visualization exercises, where I imagined myself delivering the talk successfully, and positive affirmations to reinforce my self-belief. On the day of the event, I arrived early to familiarize myself with the venue and performed some calming breathing exercises backstage.
As I stepped onto the stage, I channeled my nervous energy into enthusiasm for my topic. By focusing on my passion for environmental conservation and my desire to inspire change, I found myself becoming more animated and engaging. The audience’s positive reactions further boosted my confidence, creating a positive feedback loop that carried me through the presentation.
In the aftermath of the talk, I experienced an exhilarating sense of accomplishment. The adrenaline rush of successfully facing my fear was coupled with a profound sense of personal growth. This experience served as a watershed moment in my personal development, demonstrating that with proper preparation and a positive mindset, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome. It has since bolstered my self-assurance in various aspects of my life, reinforcing the notion that growth often lies just beyond our comfort zone.
Follow-up questions:
- How did this experience change your approach to challenging situations?
- What advice would you give to someone facing a similar fear?
Sample answer (Band 7-8) for question 1:
This experience significantly altered my perspective on challenging situations. It taught me the importance of thorough preparation and positive self-talk. Now, when faced with daunting tasks, I break them down into manageable steps and focus on building my confidence through practice and research. I’ve also learned to view nervousness as a natural response that can be channeled into positive energy, rather than something to be feared.
Sample answer (Band 8-9) for question 2:
If I were to offer advice to someone grappling with a similar fear, I would emphasize the importance of comprehensive preparation coupled with mindset management. Firstly, I’d recommend thoroughly researching and understanding the subject matter to build a strong foundation of knowledge. This intellectual preparedness can significantly boost confidence.
Secondly, I’d suggest extensive practice, including simulating the challenging situation as closely as possible. This could involve rehearsing in front of friends or recording oneself to identify areas for improvement. The goal is to make the actual event feel more familiar and less daunting.
Additionally, I’d advocate for the use of psychological techniques such as visualization and positive affirmations. Visualizing success can help reprogram the mind to expect positive outcomes, while affirmations can reinforce self-belief and combat negative self-talk.
Lastly, I’d remind them to focus on their passion for the subject or task at hand. By channeling nervous energy into enthusiasm, one can transform anxiety into a powerful tool for engagement and impact. Remember, nervousness often stems from caring deeply about the outcome, which can be a significant strength when harnessed correctly.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: Do you think people nowadays face more pressure and anxiety than in the past?
Candidate (Band 6-7 response): Yes, I believe people today do face more pressure and anxiety than in the past. The main reasons for this are the fast-paced lifestyle we lead and the constant connectivity through technology. People are expected to be available 24/7, which can lead to work-related stress. Additionally, social media creates pressure to present a perfect life, which can cause anxiety. However, I think we’re also more aware of mental health issues now, which is a positive change.
Candidate (Band 8-9 response): I’m inclined to believe that contemporary society does indeed grapple with heightened levels of pressure and anxiety compared to previous generations, although the nature of these stressors has evolved. The ubiquity of technology and social media has created a culture of constant comparison and an insatiable need for validation, which can be profoundly anxiety-inducing. Moreover, the rapid pace of technological advancement and economic uncertainty have fostered a pervasive sense of job insecurity and the pressure to continually upskill.
However, it’s crucial to note that this perception may be partially influenced by our increased awareness and openness about mental health issues. In the past, such concerns were often stigmatized or simply not recognized, leading to potential underreporting. Today’s greater acknowledgment of anxiety and stress as legitimate health concerns has paradoxically made them seem more prevalent.
Furthermore, while we face new challenges, we’ve also made significant strides in understanding and addressing mental health. The proliferation of support systems, therapeutic approaches, and stress-management techniques provides contemporary individuals with more tools to cope with anxiety than ever before. Therefore, while the pressures may have increased in some respects, our capacity to manage them has also grown considerably.
Examiner: How can schools help students manage stress and anxiety?
Candidate (Band 7-8 response): Schools can play a crucial role in helping students manage stress and anxiety. Firstly, they can integrate stress management techniques into the curriculum, teaching students about mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, and time management skills. Additionally, schools should consider reducing homework loads and focusing on quality over quantity to allow students more free time for relaxation and extracurricular activities.
Another important aspect is creating a supportive environment where students feel comfortable discussing their mental health concerns. This could involve training teachers to recognize signs of stress and anxiety in students and providing access to counseling services. Schools could also organize workshops and seminars on mental health topics to raise awareness and reduce stigma.
Lastly, promoting a balanced lifestyle by encouraging physical activity, healthy eating habits, and adequate sleep can significantly contribute to students’ overall well-being and stress management.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Grapple with /ˈɡræp.əl wɪð/ (phrasal verb): to struggle with or work hard to deal with a difficult problem or situation.
Example: “I had to grapple with my fear of public speaking before giving the presentation.” -
Watershed moment /ˈwɔː.tə.ʃed ˌməʊ.mənt/ (noun phrase): a critical turning point that marks an important change.
Example: “Overcoming my nervousness during the TEDx talk was a watershed moment in my personal development.” -
Surmount /səˈmaʊnt/ (verb): to overcome a difficulty or problem.
Example: “With proper preparation, I was able to surmount my anxiety about the job interview.” -
Bolster /ˈbəʊl.stər/ (verb): to support or strengthen; to make something stronger or more effective.
Example: “The positive feedback from the audience bolstered my confidence during the presentation.” -
Channeling nervous energy (phrase): redirecting feelings of nervousness into a more positive or productive outlet.
Example: “By channeling my nervous energy into enthusiasm for my topic, I delivered a more engaging speech.”
Examiner’s Advice for High Scores in IELTS Speaking
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Practice regularly: Engage in daily speaking exercises, focusing on a variety of topics to improve fluency and vocabulary range.
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Record yourself: This helps identify areas for improvement in pronunciation, intonation, and coherence.
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Expand your vocabulary: Learn and use idiomatic expressions and advanced vocabulary relevant to common IELTS topics.
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Develop your ideas: Practice extending your answers with examples, explanations, and personal experiences.
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Work on pronunciation: Focus on stress, intonation, and individual sound production to enhance clarity.
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Stay informed: Keep up with current affairs to discuss a wide range of topics confidently.
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Manage time effectively: Practice speaking for the required durations in each part of the test.
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Be authentic: While it’s important to use advanced language, ensure your responses sound natural and reflect your true opinions.
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Listen carefully: Pay close attention to the examiner’s questions to provide relevant and focused answers.
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Stay calm: Remember that nervousness is normal. Use relaxation techniques and view the test as a conversation rather than an examination.
By implementing these strategies and continuously working on your language skills, you can significantly improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking test and overcome any nervousness you may feel.