The IELTS Speaking test can be challenging due to its spontaneous and unscripted format. It’s essential to think quickly and articulate your thoughts clearly. One type of question that often appears is to “Describe a time when you had to think on your feet.” As an experienced IELTS Speaking Examiner, this guide will help you prepare effectively by providing sample questions, detailed answers, and valuable tips.
I. Introduction
The IELTS Speaking test comprises three parts:
- Part 1: Introduction and Interview
- Part 2: Long Turn
- Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiners look for fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range, accuracy, and pronunciation. Questions about thinking on your feet are common and assess your ability to communicate effectively under pressure. Let’s explore how to tackle these questions and achieve a high score.
II. Main Content
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner will ask you general questions about yourself. Here are some common questions and a sample answer:
Question: Have you ever had to make a quick decision at work or school?
Sample Answer: Yes, I have. Last semester at university, during a group presentation, our main speaker fell ill. I had to take over her part without prior preparation. I quickly went through her notes and improvised the presentation as best as I could. Fortunately, our professor appreciated our effort, and we received positive feedback.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a time when you had to think on your feet. You should say:
- When it happened
- Where you were
- What you did
- And explain how you felt about it
Sample Answer
One instance when I had to think on my feet was during a high school debate competition. It happened when I was in twelfth grade, about four years ago. We were at a regional debate tournament, competing against other schools. Suddenly, in the middle of my team’s argument, one of the judges asked an unexpected, complex question that neither I nor my teammates had anticipated.
In that moment, I knew I couldn’t look unprepared. I quickly composed myself, thought about the core of our argument, and formulated a coherent response within seconds. My answer wasn’t perfect, but it was logical enough to continue our debate without significant issue. The judge seemed satisfied, and we proceeded with our presentation.
debate-competition|High school debate competition|A photograph of a high school debate competition with students actively participating in a formal setting.
I felt extremely nervous yet exhilarated. The pressure pushed me to my limits, but it also made me realize the importance of staying calm under pressure and trusting my instincts. Ultimately, our team won the debate, and the experience significantly boosted my confidence.
Follow-up Questions and Suggested Answers
How often do you find yourself needing to think on your feet?
Answer: Quite frequently, surprisingly. In my current job, situations often arise without warning, requiring quick thinking and on-the-spot decision-making. It’s become somewhat of a routine for me to adapt rapidly and efficiently.
Do you think quick thinking is a valuable skill? Why or why not?
Answer: Absolutely, quick thinking is an invaluable skill, especially in today’s fast-paced world. It allows individuals to handle unexpected challenges effectively, make informed decisions quickly, and maintain composure under pressure. This skill is particularly beneficial in careers requiring immediate problem-solving and fast decision-making.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Part 3 involves a more abstract discussion related to the topic in Part 2. Here, the examiner will ask broader questions to gauge your analytical skills and ability to discuss complex ideas.
Examiner Question: Why do you think some people are better at thinking on their feet than others?
Sample Answer: Some people are naturally more adept at thinking on their feet due to their experiences and inherent traits. For example, individuals who regularly engage in activities requiring instant decision-making, such as sports or public speaking, tend to become more skilled at it over time. Moreover, personality traits like calmness, confidence, and adaptability can significantly influence one’s ability to think quickly. Training and practice also play vital roles; individuals who continually expose themselves to challenging situations will develop their quick thinking abilities.
Examiner Question: How can schools and workplaces encourage the development of quick-thinking skills?
Sample Answer: Schools and workplaces can foster quick-thinking skills by creating environments that value innovation and responsive thinking. Incorporating activities such as debate clubs, role-playing scenarios, and problem-solving workshops can be very effective. Encouraging an atmosphere where employees or students can voice their opinions and think independently without fear of failure also promotes quick thinking. For example, regular brainstorming sessions and team challenges can simulate real-life situations, honing these essential skills.
III. Key Vocabulary and Structures
Vocabulary
- Improvise /ˈɪmprəvaɪz/ – to create and perform spontaneously or without preparation.
- Formulate /ˈfɔːrmjʊˌleɪt/ – to create or devise methodically.
- Composure /kəmˈpoʊʒər/ – the state of being calm and in control of oneself.
- Insightful /ˈɪnˌsaɪtfəl/ – having or showing an accurate and deep understanding.
Sample Phrases
- “In that moment, I knew…”
- “Quickly composed myself…”
- “It made me realize…”
- “Trusting my instincts…”
IV. Advice for Preparing
- Practice Spontaneity: Engage in activities that require quick thinking, such as timed debates, impromptu speeches, or even quick Q&A games.
- Simulate Exam Conditions: Practice speaking tasks under timed conditions to get comfortable with the pressure.
- Reflect on Experiences: Think about times in your life when you had to think quickly. Write these experiences down and practice discussing them in English.
- Get Feedback: Record your practice sessions and seek feedback to improve.
By mastering the ability to think on your feet and using this structured approach, you can enhance your performance in the IELTS Speaking test.