In the IELTS Speaking test, your ability to communicate fluently, coherently, and with a good range of vocabulary and grammar will be thoroughly assessed. The examiner will evaluate your performance based on four key criteria: Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Pronunciation. Questions focusing on self-reflection and personal anecdotes, such as “Describe a time when you were very calm,” are common and help assess your ability to narrate experiences.
Appearing frequently, questions about describing emotions or specific moments allow the examiner to gauge your descriptive skills and ability to express emotions and thoughts clearly. Now, let’s delve into how you can masterfully answer such questions.
II. Main Content
1. Part 1: Introduction and Interview
The examiner will start with general questions about familiar topics such as your home, studies, work, interests, etc. Here’s a sample question and suggested answer:
Question: What do you do to relax?
Suggested Answer:
“To relax, I usually read books or listen to music. I find that immersing myself in a good book helps me escape from reality and reduces my stress levels. Likewise, music has a soothing effect on my mind, especially classical music.”
2. Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a time when you were very calm.
You should say:
- When it was
- What the situation was
- How you managed to stay calm
- And explain why you felt so calm
Suggested Answer
When it was:
One of the times when I was very calm was about a year ago during my final university exams.
What the situation was:
I was facing a particularly challenging Exam in Advanced Calculus, a subject that many students, including myself, found incredibly difficult. The pressure was immense, and it was vital for me to remain composed.
calm student during exam
How you managed to stay calm:
To stay calm, I employed several techniques. First and foremost, I used deep-breathing exercises that I had learned in a meditation class. These exercises helped slow my heartbeat and reduced my anxiety levels significantly. Additionally, I broke down the exam questions into smaller, manageable parts, which made the whole exam seem less daunting.
And explain why you felt so calm:
I believe my calm demeanor was largely due to my thorough preparation and the mental resilience I had built over the years. By consistently practicing calming techniques and approaching my studies methodically, I was able to maintain a sense of control over the situation.
3. Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Sample Questions and Answers
Examiner: What are some situations that typically cause people to feel stressed, and why?
Suggested Answer:
“People often feel stressed in situations where there is a high level of uncertainty or a lack of control, such as during significant life changes like moving to a new city, starting a new job, or public speaking. These situations can trigger anxiety because the outcomes are unpredictable, and individuals may fear failure or rejection.”
Examiner: How do people generally try to stay calm in stressful situations?
Suggested Answer:
“Individuals use a variety of strategies to stay calm. For some, physical exercise like jogging or yoga can be very effective because it releases endorphins, which improve mood. Others might practice mindfulness or meditation to center themselves and reduce stress. Additionally, talking to friends or family members can provide emotional support and help to rationalize and alleviate fears.”
Examiner: Do you think it’s easier for some people to remain calm under pressure than others? Why or why not?
Suggested Answer:
“Yes, I believe some people are naturally more predisposed to remaining calm under pressure. This could be due to their upbringing, personality traits, or previous experiences that have endowed them with better coping mechanisms. However, it’s also something that can be developed over time through practice and conscious effort, such as learning stress management techniques and building resilience.”
4. Essential Vocabulary and Structures for High Scores
Vocabulary
- Composed /kəmˈpoʊzd/ (adjective): having one’s feelings and expression under control; calm.
- Resilience /rɪˈzɪliəns/ (noun): the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.
- Daunting /ˈdɔːntɪŋ/ (adjective): seeming difficult to deal with in anticipation; intimidating.
- Anxiety /æŋˈzaɪəti/ (noun): a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome.
Example Sentences
- I remained composed despite the stressful situation because I had practiced mindfulness.
- Her resilience was evident as she calmly addressed each challenge.
- The daunting exam did not shake my calmness, thanks to my thorough preparation.
- To counter my anxiety, I practiced deep-breathing exercises.
III. Advice for Practice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, it’s crucial to engage in regular practice, actively expanding your vocabulary, and consistently working on your pronunciation and fluency. Recording yourself while answering practice questions can help identify areas that need improvement. Remember, the key to demonstrating confidence and articulacy lies in thoughtful preparation and consistent rehearsal.
By following these guidelines and incorporating the proposed strategies, you will be well on your way to achieving a high score in the IELTS Speaking test.