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:
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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.”
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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.
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!