How to Answer “Describe a Time When You Had to Solve a Problem Under Pressure” in IELTS Speaking Test

IELTS Mentor

3 months ago

The Speaking part of the IELTS exam can be daunting, especially when faced with complex questions that require a thoughtful response. One such question is “Describe a time when you had to solve a problem under pressure.” As an IELTS Speaking Examiner, I have observed that candidates who can effectively articulate their experiences and emotions often score higher. In this guide, we’ll delve into how to approach this question, analyze potential pitfalls, and explore how to craft comprehensive answers that will impress examiners.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking test, examiners typically ask introductory questions to gauge your speaking ability and ease you into the more demanding parts of the test. Below are some example questions and a suggested answer for one.

Common Questions

Can you tell me about your hometown?
What do you do for leisure?
Do you prefer spending time indoors or outdoors?

Part 2: Long Turn

Cue Card

You will be given a topic and have one minute to prepare before speaking for up to two minutes.

Describe a time when you had to solve a problem under pressure.

What was the problem?
Why was it important to solve it quickly?
How did you solve the problem?
How did you feel after solving it?

Answer

A time I had to solve a problem under pressure was during my final year at university. I was working on a group project that was crucial for our final grade, and we had a very tight deadline. Unfortunately, just two days before the submission, we discovered a significant error in our calculations, which affected the entire project.

It was vital to solve this problem quickly because failing to submit on time could have resulted in a lower grade for everyone in the group. To tackle the issue, I divided the tasks among my team members based on their strengths. I took on the responsibility of redoing the calculations while others worked on editing and ensuring that the rest of the project was accurate. We spent more than 10 hours straight working on it, but we managed to fix the error and submit our project on time.

After solving the problem, I felt an immense sense of relief and accomplishment. The experience taught me the importance of teamwork, time management, and staying calm under pressure.

Follow-up Questions

How did your team members react to the crisis?

Answer: My team members were initially stressed, but once we started delegating tasks and focusing on solutions, everyone became more cooperative and determined to rectify the issue.
What did you learn from this experience?

Answer: I learned that clear communication and a well-coordinated team effort are crucial in overcoming challenges, especially under tight deadlines.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In Part 3, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic discussed in Part 2.

Example Questions and Answers

Question: Why do you think people sometimes fail to solve problems under pressure?

Answer: People often fail to solve problems under pressure due to anxiety and lack of preparation. When stressed, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and lose focus, making it harder to think clearly and come up with effective solutions.

Question: Do you believe that problem-solving skills can be taught or are they innate?

Answer: I believe problem-solving skills can definitely be taught. While some people may have a natural ability to stay calm under pressure, techniques like time management, effective communication, and strategic thinking can be learned and practiced to improve one’s ability to solve problems.

Question: How important are problem-solving skills in workplace environments?

Answer: Problem-solving skills are essential in the workplace as they enable employees to handle unexpected issues efficiently and maintain productivity. Employers highly value these skills because they contribute to the overall success and stability of the organization.

Vocabulary and Structures to Achieve High Scores

Key Vocabulary:

Crucial: Extremely important or necessary.
- e.g., “Completing this project is crucial for our final grade.”
Delegate: To assign responsibility to others.
- e.g., “I decided to delegate tasks according to everyone’s strengths.”
Rectify: To correct or fix a problem.
- e.g., “We managed to rectify the error in our calculations.”
Accomplishment: A feeling of pride upon completing something successfully.
- e.g., “I felt a great sense of accomplishment after solving the problem.”

Important Phrases:

“It was vital to solve this problem quickly because…”
“I took on the responsibility of…”
“I felt an immense sense of relief and accomplishment when…”
“This experience taught me the importance of…”

Tips for Practicing for High Scores

Practice Speaking Regularly: The more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll become. Try to speak in English daily, discussing various topics.
Stay Calm: Techniques such as deep breathing can help manage anxiety and keep you focused.
Use a Variety of Vocabulary: Show your range by using synonyms and complex vocabulary appropriately.
Time Management: Ensure that you can complete your answers within the allotted time without rushing or trailing off.

Team working together under pressure

By preparing thoroughly and understanding how to approach each section, you’ll increase your chances of scoring high in the IELTS Speaking test. Remember, practice and self-confidence are key to success. Good luck!