The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about personal experiences, including challenging or frightening situations. One common topic is describing a time when you felt scared but managed to stay composed. This question allows examiners to assess your ability to narrate events, express emotions, and demonstrate vocabulary related to fear and self-control. Let’s explore how to effectively answer this question and maximize your speaking score.
Describe a time when you successfully managed a crisis can be a similar topic that may come up in your IELTS Speaking test. Being prepared for such questions will help you perform better overall.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask some general questions about fear and composure. Here are some examples:
- Do you consider yourself a brave person?
- What kinds of situations make you feel scared?
- How do you usually react when you’re frightened?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:
Examiner: Do you consider yourself a brave person?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Well, I’d say I’m reasonably brave in most situations. I tend to keep a level head when faced with challenges, but I’m not immune to fear. I think bravery isn’t about never feeling scared, but rather about facing your fears and pushing through despite them. For instance, I’m not particularly fond of public speaking, but I’ve learned to overcome my anxiety and deliver presentations effectively.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:
Describe a time when you felt scared but managed to stay composed.
You should say:
- What the situation was
- When and where it happened
- Why you felt scared
- How you managed to stay composed
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to share an experience from a few years ago when I encountered a rather hair-raising situation during a solo hiking trip in the mountains. It was a crisp autumn morning, and I had set out early to conquer a challenging trail known for its steep ascents and breathtaking views.
About three hours into my hike, I reached a particularly treacherous section of the path. The trail had narrowed significantly, with a sheer drop on one side and a rocky wall on the other. As I carefully navigated this precarious stretch, I suddenly heard a low growl coming from the bushes ahead. My heart nearly stopped as I realized it could be a bear.
The fear was palpable, and my instincts screamed at me to turn and run. However, I knew that fleeing could potentially trigger the animal’s predatory instincts. Instead, I forced myself to remain calm and assess the situation rationally. I slowly reached for my backpack, where I kept a can of bear spray, all the while maintaining a watchful eye on the source of the sound.
To keep my composure, I focused on my breathing, taking slow, deep breaths to steady my nerves. I also began to softly talk in a calm, reassuring voice – both to potentially deter the animal and to calm myself. Gradually, I started to back away, making sure to avoid any sudden movements.
After what felt like an eternity but was probably only a few minutes, I had managed to put some distance between myself and the potential threat. The growling had stopped, and I couldn’t see any sign of the animal. I continued my descent at a steady pace, remaining vigilant but feeling a sense of pride in how I had handled the situation.
This experience taught me the importance of staying level-headed in frightening situations. By resisting the urge to panic and instead relying on my knowledge and training, I was able to navigate a potentially dangerous encounter safely. It’s a moment that I often reflect on when facing other challenges in life, reminding myself that composure and clear thinking are powerful tools in overcoming fear.”
Hiker facing a bear in the mountains
Follow-up questions:
- How did this experience change your approach to hiking?
- What advice would you give to others who might encounter wildlife while hiking?
Sample answer for question 1 (Band 7-8):
“This experience had a profound impact on my approach to hiking. Firstly, it reinforced the importance of thorough preparation. I now always research the area I’m planning to hike, including potential wildlife encounters and appropriate safety measures. I’ve also invested in more comprehensive safety gear, including a better-quality bear spray and a personal locator beacon.
Moreover, I’ve become much more attuned to my surroundings when hiking. I pay closer attention to animal signs and am more cautious in areas with limited visibility. This incident also prompted me to take a wilderness first aid course, which has further boosted my confidence in handling unexpected situations on the trail.
Interestingly, while the experience was frightening, it hasn’t deterred me from solo hiking. Instead, it’s made me a more responsible and self-reliant hiker. I now have a deeper appreciation for nature and the importance of coexisting respectfully with wildlife in their habitat.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to fear, composure, and challenging situations. Here are some possible questions:
- Why do you think some people are better at staying calm in frightening situations than others?
- How can society better prepare people to handle unexpected crises?
- Do you think modern life has made people more or less capable of dealing with fear?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:
Examiner: Why do you think some people are better at staying calm in frightening situations than others?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I believe there are several factors that contribute to an individual’s ability to maintain composure in frightening situations. Firstly, past experiences play a crucial role. People who have faced and overcome challenging situations before are often better equipped to handle new threats calmly. They’ve developed a sort of mental resilience that allows them to approach fear with a more level head.
Secondly, training and preparation can make a significant difference. Individuals who have received specific training for emergency situations, such as first responders or military personnel, are often able to fall back on their protocols and training when faced with fear-inducing scenarios. This structured approach can help override the initial panic response.
Another important factor is personality traits. Some people naturally have a more even-tempered disposition or higher levels of emotional intelligence, which can help them regulate their emotions more effectively in stressful situations. Additionally, those with a growth mindset who view challenges as opportunities for learning rather than threats may be better at managing their fear responses.
Lastly, I think physiological factors can play a role. Some individuals may have a naturally lower stress response due to differences in brain chemistry or hormonal balance. This could result in a higher threshold for stress and a greater ability to remain calm under pressure.
It’s worth noting that the ability to stay calm in frightening situations is not a fixed trait. With conscious effort and practice, most people can improve their capacity to handle fear and stress more effectively. Techniques such as mindfulness meditation, cognitive behavioral therapy, and exposure therapy have been shown to be effective in helping people develop greater emotional regulation and resilience in the face of fear.”
Person meditating in a calm environment
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To enhance your speaking performance, incorporate these advanced vocabulary items and phrases:
Hair-raising /ˈheər ˌreɪzɪŋ/ (adjective): extremely frightening or exciting
Example: “The hair-raising experience of encountering a bear left a lasting impression on me.”Palpable /ˈpælpəbl/ (adjective): so intense as to seem almost tangible
Example: “The fear in the air was palpable as we heard the emergency sirens.”To keep one’s composure (phrase): to remain calm and in control of one’s emotions
Example: “Despite the challenging situation, she managed to keep her composure throughout the interview.”To steady one’s nerves (phrase): to become calmer and more controlled
Example: “Taking a few deep breaths helped me steady my nerves before the presentation.”Level-headed /ˌlevəl ˈhedɪd/ (adjective): calm and sensible, especially in difficult situations
Example: “His level-headed approach to problem-solving makes him an excellent team leader.”To be attuned to (phrasal verb): to be aware of or sensitive to
Example: “Experienced hikers are often more attuned to changes in weather conditions.”To have a profound impact (phrase): to have a very significant or deep effect on someone or something
Example: “The near-miss accident had a profound impact on how I approach driving safety.”
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing challenging topics like fear and composure:
- Use a variety of vocabulary and complex sentence structures to demonstrate your language proficiency.
- Provide specific examples and personal anecdotes to support your points and make your answers more engaging.
- Practice speaking about various emotions and experiences to build your confidence and fluency.
- Focus on maintaining a natural rhythm and intonation, even when discussing difficult subjects.
- Be prepared to discuss abstract concepts related to the topic, as these often come up in Part 3 of the test.
- Remember to listen carefully to the questions and address all parts in your response.
- Don’t be afraid to take a moment to gather your thoughts before answering, especially for more complex questions.
By following these tips and incorporating advanced vocabulary and structures, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle this topic and similar ones in your IELTS Speaking test.