Feeling confident is a significant part of the IELTS Speaking test and being able to describe a moment of confidence can leave a lasting impression on the examiner. In this guide, we will explore how to effectively answer the IELTS Speaking Part 2 task “Describe a time when you felt very confident” and provide detailed examples to help boost your score.
Introduction
Understanding the IELTS Speaking Test
The IELTS Speaking test assesses a candidate’s proficiency in spoken English. It includes three parts: Introduction and Interview (Part 1), Long Turn (Part 2), and Two-way Discussion (Part 3). Examiners look for fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation.
Questions relating to personal experiences, such as describing a time when you felt very confident, are common and give you the chance to showcase your descriptive skills, vocabulary, and ability to articulate emotions.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Common Questions in Part 1
- What do you do?
- Do you like your job/subject?
- How do you usually spend your weekends?
- Can you tell me about a time when you felt very confident?
Sample Answer for a Part 1 Question
Question: Can you tell me about a time when you felt very confident?
Suggested Answer:
“Sure! One notable moment of confidence that comes to mind was when I successfully delivered a presentation at a national conference. I had spent weeks preparing and practicing my speech. On the day of the presentation, everything went smoothly, and the audience was very receptive. Their positive feedback and applause at the end made me feel incredibly confident in my abilities.”
Analysis: This answer is concise yet detailed, mentions the preparation involved, and emphasizes the outcome that led to increased confidence.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card Example
Describe a time when you felt very confident.
You should say:
- When it was
- What the situation was
- How you prepared for it
- And explain why you felt so confident
Sample Answer for Cue Card
“One significant moment when I felt very confident was during my final year at university. I was tasked with presenting my thesis to a panel of professors. This was particularly daunting as the thesis was a culmination of years of study and research.
To prepare, I dedicated countless hours to perfecting my understanding of the topic and rehearsing my presentation multiple times. I also sought feedback from my peers and mentors to refine my approach.
On the day of the presentation, I was initially nervous but as I began speaking, I felt a sense of calm and assurance. The professors responded positively to my arguments and praised my depth of knowledge. This validation from such esteemed academics left me feeling exceptionally confident in my abilities. It was a watershed moment that cemented my belief in my skills and potential.”
Delivering a Presentation
Analysis: The answer follows the cue card structure, detailing the preparation, actual event, and the resulting confidence. The use of dedicated countless hours, refining my approach, and validation from esteemed academics adds depth and demonstrates a high level of language proficiency.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Follow-up Questions and Answers
Examiner: Why do you think some people are more confident than others?
Suggested Answer:
“Confidence often stems from experience and preparation. Those who have ample experience in a particular field tend to develop a stronger sense of self-assurance. Additionally, thorough preparation can mitigate fears and uncertainties, contributing to higher confidence levels. Personality traits also play a role, where some individuals might naturally be more inclined to confidence due to their upbringing or innate temperament.”
Examiner: How can parents and teachers help children to become more confident?
Suggested Answer:
“Parents and teachers can foster confidence in children by providing them with supportive environments where they can express themselves freely. Encouraging risk-taking and praising effort rather than just success can also build resilience and self-assurance. Moreover, teaching children to set realistic goals and providing constructive feedback helps them understand their strengths and areas for improvement, further bolstering their confidence.”
Analysis: These answers showcase the ability to explain and analyze concepts related to confidence. Phrases like ample experience, mitigate fears, supportive environments, and constructive feedback highlight the use of advanced vocabulary and complex sentence structures.
Important Vocabulary and Phrases
| Word/Phrase | Type | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Culmination | Noun | /ˌkʌlmɪˈneɪʃən/ | The highest or climactic point of something, especially as attained after a long time. |
| Receptive | Adjective | /rɪˈsɛptɪv/ | Willing to consider or accept new suggestions and ideas. |
| Assurance | Noun | /əˈʃʊərəns/ | Confidence in one’s own abilities or character. |
| Resilience | Noun | /rɪˈzɪliəns/ | The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness. |
| Constructive feedback | Phrase | /kənˈstrʌktɪv ˈfiːdbæk/ | Positive suggestions for improvement. |
Examples in Context
- Culmination: “The presentation was the culmination of my hard work and research.”
- Receptive: “The audience was highly receptive to my ideas.”
- Assurance: “Her words gave me the assurance I needed to continue confidently.”
- Resilience: “Building resilience helps one to stay confident even in challenging situations.”
- Constructive feedback: “Constructive feedback from my mentor enabled me to refine my presentation.”
Examiner’s Tips for High Scores
- Practice Fluency and Coherence: Practice speaking without long pauses and ensure your ideas flow logically.
- Expand your Vocabulary: Use a wide range of vocabulary and avoid repetition.
- Enhance Pronunciation: Work on stressing the right syllables and sounding natural.
- Structure your Answers: Follow a clear structure, especially in Part 2, to cover all points in the cue card.
- Stay Calm and Composed: Confidence itself can be an indicator of language proficiency.
By incorporating these tips and thoroughly practicing your responses, you can improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking test and achieve a higher band score.