Discussing a time when you felt nervous before doing something new is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This theme allows examiners to assess your ability to express emotions, narrate personal experiences, and use a range of vocabulary related to feelings and new situations. Let’s explore how to tackle this topic effectively across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about nervousness and new experiences. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Q: Do you often feel nervous before trying new things?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I sometimes feel nervous before trying new things. It’s natural to feel a bit anxious when facing unfamiliar situations. For example, I felt quite nervous before my first job interview last year.
Band 8-9 Answer:
While I wouldn’t say I often feel nervous, I do experience a degree of apprehension when embarking on new ventures. This nervousness, however, is usually coupled with excitement. For instance, when I recently started learning to play the guitar, I felt a mix of nervous energy and enthusiasm, which I believe is quite common when stepping out of one’s comfort zone.
Q: How do you usually deal with nervousness?
Band 6-7 Answer:
When I feel nervous, I try to take deep breaths and think positive thoughts. Sometimes, I talk to my friends or family for support. These methods usually help me calm down.
Band 8-9 Answer:
To manage nervousness, I employ a combination of techniques. Primarily, I practice mindfulness and deep breathing exercises, which help center my thoughts and regulate my physiological responses. Additionally, I find that thoroughly preparing for the task at hand significantly reduces my anxiety. If time permits, I also engage in light physical exercise, as it helps release endorphins and alleviate stress.
Person taking deep breaths to calm nervousness
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a time when you felt nervous before doing something new.
You should say:
- What the new thing was
- When and where it happened
- Why you felt nervous
- How you felt afterwards
Band 6-7 Answer:
I’d like to talk about the time I felt nervous before giving my first public speech. It happened last year at my university’s annual student conference. I was chosen to present my research project to a large audience of students and professors.
I felt nervous because I had never spoken in front of so many people before. I was worried about forgetting my points or stumbling over my words. The night before the presentation, I couldn’t sleep well because of my anxiety.
On the day of the event, my hands were shaking as I walked up to the podium. However, as I started speaking, I began to feel more confident. I focused on my content and tried to engage with the audience.
After the presentation, I felt a huge sense of relief and accomplishment. Many people came up to me to ask questions and compliment my work. This experience taught me that I could overcome my fear of public speaking with proper preparation and practice.
Band 8-9 Answer:
I’d like to recount an experience that left me feeling particularly apprehensive: my first solo skydiving jump. This exhilarating yet nerve-wracking event took place last summer at a renowned skydiving center just outside my city.
The source of my nervousness was multifaceted. Primarily, the sheer notion of willingly jumping from an aircraft at 14,000 feet was daunting. Additionally, despite undergoing rigorous training, the responsibility of deploying my own parachute and navigating my descent weighed heavily on my mind. The potential risks involved, although minimized by safety measures, were impossible to ignore entirely.
As I stood at the open door of the aircraft, the rush of wind and the vast expanse below intensified my anxiety. My heart was pounding, and I felt a surge of adrenaline course through my body. However, I reminded myself of my thorough preparation and the expertise of my instructors.
The moment I leapt from the plane was transformative. The initial terror quickly gave way to an indescribable sense of freedom and exhilaration. As I successfully deployed my parachute and guided myself to the landing zone, I felt an overwhelming sense of achievement and euphoria.
In retrospect, this experience was a profound lesson in confronting fears and pushing personal boundaries. It reinforced my belief in the power of preparation and the importance of trusting one’s abilities. The nervousness I felt beforehand was ultimately overshadowed by the immense satisfaction and boost in self-confidence that followed.
Person skydiving for the first time
Follow-up questions:
- How did you prepare for this new experience?
- Do you think being nervous before new experiences is always a bad thing?
Band 6-7 Answer for Question 1:
To prepare for my first skydiving experience, I took a training course that taught me the basics of skydiving safety and techniques. I also watched videos of successful jumps and practiced the body positions on the ground. This preparation helped me feel more confident.
Band 8-9 Answer for Question 1:
My preparation for the skydiving experience was comprehensive and multifaceted. I enrolled in an intensive ground training program that covered everything from equipment familiarization to emergency procedures. This included hours of classroom instruction, simulations in a wind tunnel to practice body positioning, and multiple tandem jumps with an instructor. Additionally, I engaged in physical conditioning to improve my core strength and flexibility, which are crucial for maintaining stability during freefall. To address the psychological aspect, I practiced visualization techniques and mindfulness meditation to manage anxiety and maintain focus under pressure.
Band 6-7 Answer for Question 2:
I don’t think being nervous is always bad. Sometimes it can make you more alert and focused. For example, feeling a bit nervous before an exam might help you concentrate better. However, too much nervousness can be a problem if it stops you from doing things.
Band 8-9 Answer for Question 2:
I believe that a certain degree of nervousness before new experiences can actually be beneficial. This physiological response, often termed as “eustress” or positive stress, can enhance alertness, focus, and overall performance. It’s a natural evolutionary mechanism that prepares us for challenges. However, the key lies in managing this nervousness effectively. When channeled properly, it can sharpen our senses and motivate us to prepare more thoroughly. Conversely, excessive nervousness can be debilitating, leading to avoidance behaviors or underperformance. The goal should be to find a balance where the nervous energy propels us forward rather than holding us back.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to nervousness and new experiences. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Q: Why do you think some people are more prone to nervousness than others?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I think some people are more nervous because of their personality or past experiences. If someone has had bad experiences before, they might be more likely to feel nervous in similar situations in the future. Also, some people are naturally more worried about things than others.
Band 8-9 Answer:
The propensity for nervousness varies among individuals due to a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and experiential factors. Neurobiologically, some people may have a more sensitive amygdala, the brain’s fear center, leading to heightened anxiety responses. Additionally, upbringing and past experiences play crucial roles. Those who have faced traumatic events or grown up in environments that emphasize caution may be more prone to nervousness. Furthermore, societal and cultural influences can shape one’s tendency towards anxiety. In some cultures, cautiousness is highly valued, potentially fostering a more nervous disposition. It’s also worth noting that in certain professions or lifestyles, a degree of nervousness can be adaptive, leading to increased vigilance and better performance in high-stakes situations.
Q: How can society help people overcome their fear of trying new things?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I think society can help by providing more support and encouragement. Schools and workplaces could offer programs that teach people how to deal with new situations. Media could also show more positive stories about people who have successfully tried new things, which might inspire others.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Society can play a pivotal role in fostering an environment that encourages and supports individuals in embracing new experiences. This can be achieved through multiple avenues. Firstly, educational institutions could integrate experiential learning and risk-taking into their curricula, teaching students the value of stepping out of their comfort zones in a controlled, supportive environment. Secondly, workplaces could implement mentorship programs and create a culture that rewards innovation and calculated risk-taking, rather than penalizing failure.
Moreover, public awareness campaigns could be launched to destigmatize failure and reframe it as a crucial part of personal growth and learning. Media outlets could contribute by featuring diverse stories of individuals overcoming fears and achieving success through new endeavors, thereby providing relatable role models.
Additionally, community organizations could organize events and workshops focused on trying new activities, providing a supportive group setting for individuals to expand their horizons. Mental health resources should also be made more accessible, offering professional support for those struggling with severe anxiety related to new experiences.
Lastly, policymakers could incentivize programs that promote lifelong learning and skill diversification, encouraging adults to continually engage with new experiences throughout their lives. By implementing these multifaceted approaches, society can create a more supportive ecosystem for individuals to overcome their apprehensions and embrace the unknown.
Diverse group of people trying a new activity together
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To enhance your IELTS Speaking performance when discussing nervousness and new experiences, consider using these advanced vocabulary items and phrases:
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Apprehension (noun) – /ˌæprɪˈhenʃən/ – anxiety or fear that something bad or unpleasant will happen
Example: “I felt a sense of apprehension as I approached the stage.” -
To step out of one’s comfort zone (phrase) – to do something that you are not comfortable doing
Example: “Trying new cuisines forces me to step out of my comfort zone.” -
Exhilarating (adjective) – /ɪɡˈzɪləreɪtɪŋ/ – making one feel very happy, animated, or elated
Example: “Despite my initial nervousness, the experience was utterly exhilarating.” -
To push one’s boundaries (phrase) – to extend the limits of what one can do or experience
Example: “I believe in constantly pushing my boundaries to grow as a person.” -
Trepidation (noun) – /ˌtrepɪˈdeɪʃən/ – a feeling of fear or anxiety about something that may happen
Example: “I approached the interview with some trepidation, unsure of what to expect.” -
To rise to the challenge (phrase) – to show that you can do something well when you are tested
Example: “Despite my nervousness, I was determined to rise to the challenge.” -
Daunting (adjective) – /ˈdɔːntɪŋ/ – seeming difficult to deal with in prospect; intimidating
Example: “The prospect of speaking in front of a large audience was daunting at first.” -
To overcome one’s fears (phrase) – to succeed in dealing with or controlling one’s fears
Example: “With practice and determination, I was able to overcome my fears of public speaking.”
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing topics like nervousness and new experiences, consider the following advice:
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Vocabulary Range: Incorporate a mix of common and advanced vocabulary related to emotions and experiences. Use idiomatic expressions naturally to demonstrate language fluency.
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Coherence and Cohesion: Structure your responses logically, using appropriate linking words to connect ideas smoothly. This is especially important in Part 2, where you need to speak at length.
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Pronunciation and Fluency: Practice speaking clearly and at a natural pace. Pay attention to word stress and intonation, particularly with more advanced vocabulary.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Use a variety of sentence structures, including complex sentences. Be mindful of verb tenses when narrating past experiences or discussing hypothetical situations.
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Elaboration and Examples: Provide detailed responses with relevant examples from your personal experiences. This demonstrates your ability to communicate ideas effectively.
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Engage with the Topic: Show genuine interest in the discussion. In Part 3, try to analyze the questions from different perspectives to showcase critical thinking skills.
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Body Language: Maintain eye contact and use appropriate gestures to appear confident and engaged, even if you feel nervous.
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Practice Regularly: Familiarize yourself with a wide range of topics and practice expressing your thoughts on them. This will help you feel more comfortable during the actual test.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about using advanced language, but about communicating your ideas clearly, confidently, and effectively.
describe an activity you did that was challenging can be another interesting topic to explore if you’re looking to further improve your speaking skills. It shares similarities with discussing nervousness before new experiences, as both involve overcoming challenges and personal growth.
