Mastering IELTS Speaking: Describe a Time When You Had to Be Very Brave

IELTS Mentor

3 months ago

In the IELTS Speaking test, candidates are assessed on a range of factors, including fluency, coherence, vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. One of the common topics that come up in the IELTS Speaking Part 2 is describing a time when you had to be very brave. This topic is a great way to showcase your storytelling abilities and use of descriptive language. In this guide, we’ll break down how to approach this topic and provide sample answers and tips to help you score those higher band levels.

Common Questions in IELTS Speaking Part 1

In Part 1 of the Speaking test, examiners often ask general questions to make you feel more comfortable. Here are some sample questions and a suggested answer:

Sample Questions

What do you do for a living?
Do you enjoy your work/study? Why or why not?
How do you usually spend your weekends?

Part 2: Long Turn

In Part 2, you’ll be given a cue card with a specific topic. You’ll have one minute to prepare and then need to speak for 1-2 minutes. Let’s focus on the topic, “Describe a time when you had to be very brave.”

Cue Card

Describe a time when you had to be very brave.
You should say:

When it happened
Where it happened
What you did
And explain why you had to be very brave

Sample Answer

One of the times I had to exhibit great bravery was when I was in college, about two years ago. It was during a national debate competition held in a different city, far away from my hometown.

I had always been quite anxious about public speaking, and the thought of standing in front of a large audience terrified me. However, my debate team needed one more member to qualify, and I was the only one available. I knew this was a pivotal moment, and I couldn’t let down my team, so I mustered all my courage and agreed to participate.

debate competition

The competition took place in a large auditorium filled with over 300 students and judges. As I walked up to the stage, my hands were shaking and my heart was pounding. I started my speech, focusing on making my arguments clear and articulate. Surprisingly, as I continued, I noticed that the audience was engaged and nodding along. This gave me a boost of confidence, and I finished my speech with a powerful conclusion.

The experience was extremely challenging but also immensely rewarding. It taught me the importance of facing my fears head-on. In the end, our team won second place, and I felt a sense of accomplishment that I’ve never experienced before. This incident significantly boosted my self-esteem and transformed my outlook on public speaking.

Follow-Up Questions

After your response, an examiner may ask follow-up questions to delve deeper into the topic.

Question: Why do you think bravery is important in our lives?
Answer: Bravery is crucial because it allows us to overcome obstacles and challenges that would otherwise hold us back. It pushes us to step out of our comfort zones, take risks, and achieve things we thought were impossible.

Question: Can you think of other scenarios where someone might need to be brave?
Answer: Absolutely. Instances such as changing careers, standing up against injustice, or even personal situations like dealing with an illness require substantial bravery. Each scenario involves confronting fears and uncertainties to achieve a beneficial outcome.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this part, examiners explore the topic further, discussing more abstract or conceptual ideas.

Discussion Questions and Answers

Question: Is it easier to be brave in certain situations than others? Why?
Answer: Yes, it is. I believe situational context plays a significant role. For instance, one might find it easier to be brave in professional settings where they can prepare and control some aspects, compared to unpredictable personal life crises. The support from those around us and our past experiences also significantly influence our ability to act courageously.

Question: Do you think children need to be taught how to be brave? How can it be done?
Answer: Definitely. Teaching children bravery equips them with the resilience to face life’s adversities. This can be done through positive reinforcement, encouraging them to take on challenges, and teaching them problem-solving skills. Storytelling and role-modeling bravery in everyday situations can also be very effective.

Essential Vocabulary and Phrases

Vocabulary

Bravery (noun): The quality of being brave; courage.
Example: Showing bravery in difficult times can inspire others.
Articulate (verb): Express (an idea or feeling) fluently and coherently.
Example: She was able to articulate her thoughts clearly during the debate.
Muster (verb): Assemble or bring together.
Example: He mustered all his courage to speak up.
Self-esteem (noun): Confidence in one’s own worth or abilities; self-respect.
Example: The experience dramatically boosted her self-esteem.
Obstacle (noun): A thing that blocks one’s way or prevents progress.
Example: Fear of failure is a common obstacle to success.

Phrases

Facing one’s fears: Confronting one’s fears directly.
Out of my comfort zone: Doing something that one is not comfortable with.
Muster all my courage: Gather all my strength or courage to do something challenging.
Head-on: Directly; without hesitation.

Tips for Preparing for the Speaking Exam

Practice Regularly: The key to doing well is frequent practice. Use sample questions and record your responses to review later.
Use a Variety of Vocabulary: Don’t repeat the same words. Instead, use synonyms and more complex sentences.
Stay Calm: Nervousness is natural, but try to stay calm. Pausing to think is better than rushing through your answer.
Be Fluent and Coherent: Structure your answers logically. Aim for clarity and coherence, even if it’s a simple question.
Receive Feedback: Participate in speaking clubs or get feedback from teachers to identify areas for improvement.