Describing a stressful situation and how you remained calm is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This theme allows examiners to assess your ability to narrate personal experiences, use appropriate vocabulary, and demonstrate your composure under pressure. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions related to this topic and maximize your score.
Describe a situation where you learned to be patient is another related topic that may come up in your IELTS Speaking test. Being able to discuss both calmness and patience will broaden your range of responses.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about stress and calmness. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Question: Do you consider yourself a calm person?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I’d say I’m generally calm, especially in professional settings. However, like anyone, I can feel stressed in certain situations. I’ve learned various coping mechanisms over the years to maintain my composure, such as deep breathing and mindfulness techniques.”
Question: What situations make you feel stressed?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“There are a few scenarios that tend to elevate my stress levels. Tight deadlines at work can be particularly challenging, especially when managing multiple projects simultaneously. Additionally, public speaking used to be a significant source of stress for me, although I’ve worked hard to overcome this through practice and preparation. Lastly, unexpected changes to important plans can sometimes throw me off balance, but I’ve learned to adapt and stay flexible in such situations.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a time when you had to remain calm under stress
You should say:
- What the situation was
- Why it was stressful
- How you remained calm
- And explain the outcome of the situation
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I’d like to share an experience from my final year of university when I had to remain composed during a particularly stressful situation. It was the day of my thesis presentation, a crucial moment that would significantly impact my overall grade.
The situation became stressful when, just 30 minutes before my scheduled presentation, I realized that my carefully prepared slides weren’t loading on the auditorium’s computer. This technical glitch was extremely anxiety-inducing as I had spent weeks perfecting those slides.
To remain calm, I first took a few deep breaths to center myself. Then, I prioritized my options quickly. I decided to use my own laptop for the presentation, which meant I needed to quickly ensure it was compatible with the projector. I also mentally reviewed the key points of my presentation, reminding myself that I knew the material well, even without the visual aids.
I communicated clearly with the panel about the technical issue and my solution. They appreciated my proactive approach and allowed me a few extra minutes to set up. During the presentation, I focused on delivering my content confidently, using the occasional technical hiccup as an opportunity to demonstrate my thorough knowledge of the subject.
The outcome was surprisingly positive. Not only did I manage to deliver a comprehensive presentation, but the panel also commended my ability to handle unexpected challenges with grace. This experience taught me the importance of staying flexible and maintaining composure under pressure, skills that have proven invaluable in my professional life since then.”
Follow-up questions:
- How do you think people can learn to stay calm in stressful situations?
- Do you think some jobs are more stressful than others? Why?
Sample answer for question 1 (Band 8-9):
“I believe that learning to stay calm in stressful situations is a skill that can be developed through various methods. Firstly, practicing mindfulness and meditation can help individuals become more aware of their thoughts and emotions, allowing them to respond to stress more objectively. Additionally, exposure therapy, where people gradually face their stressors in controlled environments, can build resilience over time.
Another effective approach is cognitive restructuring, which involves challenging and reframing negative thought patterns that often exacerbate stress. Developing good time management skills and maintaining a healthy work-life balance can also significantly reduce overall stress levels.
Lastly, I think it’s crucial to cultivate a support network of friends, family, or professionals who can offer guidance and perspective during challenging times. Regular exercise and maintaining a balanced diet also play vital roles in managing stress hormones and promoting overall well-being.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to stress and calmness. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Question: Do you think modern society is becoming more or less stressful? Why?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“In my opinion, modern society is becoming increasingly stressful for several reasons. Firstly, the rapid pace of technological advancement means we’re constantly adapting to new tools and ways of working, which can be overwhelming. Additionally, social media and constant connectivity have created a culture of comparison and FOMO (fear of missing out), leading to increased anxiety and stress.
Moreover, the global economic uncertainties and competitive job markets put immense pressure on individuals to continuously upskill and outperform their peers. Climate change and other global issues also contribute to a general sense of unease about the future.
However, it’s worth noting that modern society has also developed more resources and awareness about mental health and stress management. We now have better access to therapy, stress-reduction techniques, and work-life balance initiatives. So while the stressors may have increased, our ability to cope with them has also improved.”
Question: How can employers help reduce stress in the workplace?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Employers can play a crucial role in mitigating workplace stress through various strategies. Firstly, they can foster a positive work culture that prioritizes employee well-being. This might involve implementing flexible working hours or remote work options, which can help employees better manage their work-life balance.
Another effective approach is to provide comprehensive wellness programs. These could include access to mental health resources, fitness facilities, or stress management workshops. Employers can also ensure that workloads are distributed equitably and that employees have clear job descriptions and realistic expectations.
Open communication channels between management and staff are vital. Regular check-ins and feedback sessions can help identify and address stressors before they become overwhelming. Additionally, offering professional development opportunities can boost employee confidence and job satisfaction, indirectly reducing stress.
Lastly, creating a supportive team environment through team-building activities and collaborative projects can foster a sense of belonging and mutual support, which can be invaluable in managing workplace stress.”
Describe a creative activity you enjoy can be an excellent way to discuss stress-relief techniques, as many creative pursuits can help manage stress and promote calmness.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To achieve a high score in your IELTS Speaking test when discussing calmness under stress, consider using these advanced vocabulary items and phrases:
-
To keep a level head – /kiːp ə ˈlevl hed/ – To remain calm and sensible in a difficult situation
Example: “Despite the chaos, the team leader kept a level head and guided us to safety.” -
To maintain composure – /meɪnˈteɪn kəmˈpəʊʒə/ – To stay calm and in control of one’s emotions
Example: “The politician maintained her composure throughout the heated debate.” -
To rise to the occasion – /raɪz tə ði əˈkeɪʒn/ – To show that you can deal with a difficult situation successfully
Example: “When faced with the unexpected challenge, she really rose to the occasion.” -
To keep one’s cool – /kiːp wʌnz kuːl/ – To remain calm and controlled in a stressful situation
Example: “The firefighter kept his cool while rescuing the trapped residents.” -
To weather the storm – /ˈweðə ðə stɔːm/ – To deal with a difficult situation without being harmed or damaged too much
Example: “The company weathered the economic storm and emerged stronger than ever.”
Describe a time when you took charge of a situation is another topic where you can demonstrate your ability to handle stress and remain calm while leading others.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing calmness under stress:
- Practice narrating personal experiences related to stressful situations and how you managed them.
- Use a variety of stress-related vocabulary and idiomatic expressions to showcase your language proficiency.
- Structure your responses clearly, using connectives to link your ideas logically.
- Demonstrate your ability to discuss the topic from different perspectives, especially in Part 3.
- Use specific examples to illustrate your points and make your responses more engaging and authentic.
Remember, the key to a high score is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Aim for fluency, coherence, and a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures. Good luck with your IELTS Speaking test!