The IELTS Speaking test is designed to assess your fluency, coherence, pronunciation, lexical resource, and grammatical range and accuracy. The test is divided into three parts: Part 1 (Introduction and Interview), Part 2 (Long Turn), and Part 3 (Two-way Discussion). As an IELTS Speaking Examiner, I have observed that questions related to describing stressful situations are quite common.
In this article, you will learn how to formulate responses to the question “Describe a time when you had to deal with stress” in a way that showcases your English proficiency and increases your chances of attaining a high band score.
Part 1: Common Examiner Questions and Suggested Answers
In the first part, the examiner asks general questions to introduce yourself and talk about familiar topics. Here are some examples and a suggested answer:
Sample Question:
What do you do to relax?
Suggested Answer:
To relax, I usually engage in activities that take my mind off work. For instance, I enjoy reading mystery novels because they captivate my attention. Additionally, I practice yoga twice a week, which significantly helps in relieving stress and improving my mental well-being.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card and Suggested Answer)
Cue Card:
Describe a time when you had to deal with stress. You should say:
- What the situation was
- What caused this stressful situation
- How you handled it
- And explain how you felt after dealing with it
Suggested Answer:
There was a particularly stressful period in my life when I had to prepare for my university final exams while simultaneously working on a part-time job. The pressure of balancing both responsibilities was immense.
The primary cause of this stress was the overwhelming workload I had to manage. I had numerous assignments and projects due, and my job’s demands were equally taxing, requiring me to work late hours.
To handle this, I created a detailed schedule to allocate specific times for studying and working. I also practiced mindfulness techniques and made sure to take short breaks during study sessions to maintain my concentration and avoid burnout.
After successfully managing both my academic and job commitments, I felt a huge sense of relief and accomplishment. It taught me the value of time management and helped me become more resilient in dealing with stressful situations.
Person Journalizing
Follow-up Questions:
How effective do you think stress management techniques are in real-life scenarios?
Stress management techniques such as mindfulness and prioritization are highly effective in real-life scenarios. They not only help in reducing immediate anxiety but also build long-term resilience.
Can you give an example of a different situation where these techniques might be useful?
Certainly, stress management techniques can also be applied in the workplace. For example, during peak project deadlines, breaking down tasks and meditating can greatly reduce work-related stress.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner asks more abstract and complicated questions related to the Part 2 topic.
Examiner’s Questions:
Why do you think people today experience more stress compared to the past?
In modern society, the pace of life is much faster, and there are numerous pressure points, from professional demands to social expectations. Additionally, the advent of technology means people are constantly connected, leaving little time for rest and recovery.
Suggested Answer:
People today experience more stress primarily due to the faster pace of life and the constant bombardment of information through technology. Moreover, the increasing demands of professional life and the complexity of modern social dynamics contribute significantly to higher stress levels.
How can employers help their employees manage stress?
Employers can play a crucial role in stress management by implementing flexible working hours, offering professional development workshops, and providing access to counseling services. Encouraging a healthy work-life balance is also essential.
Suggested Answer:
Employers can help manage employee stress by offering flexible work arrangements, access to mental health resources, and opportunities for professional growth. Additionally, creating a supportive work environment where employees feel valued and understood can significantly mitigate stress.
Vocabulary and Structures for High Scores
Important Vocabulary:
- Mindfulness /ˈmaɪnd.fəl.nəs/: (n) The quality or state of being conscious or aware of something.
- Example: Practicing mindfulness daily can help reduce stress levels.
- Resilience /rɪˈzɪl.iəns/: (n) The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties.
- Example: Her resilience helped her to overcome the tough times.
- Burnout /ˈbɜːn.aʊt/: (n) Physical or mental collapse caused by overwork or stress.
- Example: Consistently working late resulted in severe burnout for many employees.
Useful Phrases:
- To allocate specific times: To assign particular periods for different activities.
- Overwhelming workload: An excessive amount of work to be handled.
- Practice mindfulness techniques: Engage in activities that promote awareness and relaxation.
Examiner’s Advice
Tips for Practicing Responses:
- Practice regularly: Consistent practice builds confidence and fluency.
- Record yourself: Listening to your own responses helps identify areas for improvement.
- Seek feedback: Get input from teachers or peers to refine your speaking skills.
Achieving High Scores:
- Be coherent: Ensure your answers have a logical flow.
- Expand your vocabulary: Use a range of vocabulary and expressions.
- Stay calm: Maintain composure to think clearly and articulate your thoughts effectively.
For more practice, consider exploring resources where similar questions are discussed, such as dealing with a difficult situation at work or school and managing your time effectively. These topics complement the theme of stress management and offer additional context for your preparation.
By following these guidelines and practicing consistently, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the “Describe a time when you had to deal with stress” question effectively and achieve a high score in your IELTS Speaking exam.