The IELTS Speaking test consists of three parts: Part 1 (Introduction and Interview), Part 2 (Long Turn), and Part 3 (Two-way Discussion). Examiners look for fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. One common prompt is “Describe a time when you had to stay calm.” This question is designed to gauge your ability to narrate a personal experience effectively.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to answer this question in a way that will help you score high, incorporating examples, detailed suggestions, and SEO-optimized keywords.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Common Questions and Suggested Answers
Examiners often start with simple questions to make you comfortable:
What do you do to stay calm during stressful situations?
- “I usually take deep breaths and try to focus on the positives. For example, when I’m stressed about exams, I remind myself of the effort I’ve put into studying.”
Can you describe a recent situation where you felt stressed?
- “Recently, I had a looming project deadline at work. Despite feeling overwhelmed, I stayed calm by breaking the task into smaller steps and tackling them one by one.”
These questions help build a foundation before moving to the more demanding tasks in Part 2 and Part 3.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a time when you had to stay calm
You should say:
- Where you were
- What the situation was
- Why you needed to stay calm
- How you felt about it
Sample Answer
“I remember a time when I needed to stay calm during a challenging situation at work. I was in the office, and we had an unexpected client meeting. The situation was stressful because we were unprepared for the meeting, and it involved discussing some critical issues about a project.
I needed to stay calm because my manager was relying on me to present our ideas confidently. Also, losing my composure could have given a negative impression to the client. I took a few deep breaths, maintained eye contact, and spoke slowly and clearly to articulate our points effectively.
In the end, the meeting went smoothly, and the client appreciated our efforts. Although I felt nervous initially, staying calm helped me handle the situation better and build my confidence for future challenges.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Example Discussion
Examiner: “Why is it important to stay calm in challenging situations?”
- Candidate: “Staying calm allows a person to think clearly and make rational decisions. When people panic, they are more likely to make mistakes or overlook important details. In high-pressure situations such as emergencies or negotiations, a calm demeanor can also reassure others and help manage the situation better.”
Examiner: “Can you give an example of a profession where staying calm is crucial?”
- Candidate: “Certainly, in the field of medicine, doctors and nurses must stay calm, especially in emergency situations. Their ability to remain composed can be the difference between life and death. For example, during a surgery, a surgeon must stay calm to make precise incisions and respond to unexpected complications professionally.”
Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
- Maintain one’s composure: “In stressful situations, it’s crucial to maintain one’s composure to think clearly.”
- Stay poised: “She stayed poised during the presentation and answered all questions confidently.”
- Level-headed: “Being level-headed is essential when making important decisions.”
- Clarity of mind: “Clarity of mind allowed her to solve the problem efficiently.”
- Keep calm and carry on: “In emergencies, it’s essential to keep calm and carry on with your tasks.”
Examiner’s Advice for High Scores
- Practice Fluency: Practice speaking English as much as possible to improve fluency. Use various resources like speaking clubs, language apps, or finding a speaking partner.
- Use Advanced Vocabulary: Incorporate advanced vocabulary naturally into your responses. Make sure you understand the meaning and correct usage of each word.
- Stay Relevant: Always answer the question asked. Don’t stray off-topic.
- Avoid Fillers: Reduce using fillers like “um,” “uh,” and “you know” as they can affect your fluency score.
Staying Calm During Stressful Situations
By employing these strategies, you can effectively answer challenging IELTS Speaking questions like “Describe a time when you had to stay calm” and showcase your language proficiency. Practice regularly, stay confident, and you’ll be well on your way to achieving a high band score.
For further reading and practice, check out these related articles:
- Describe a time when you had to stay calm in a difficult situation
- Describe a time when you had to stay calm under pressure
- More IELTS Speaking questions
Good luck with your preparation!