How to Effectively Discuss a Nervous Experience in IELTS Speaking

IELTS Mentor

3 months ago

Talking about a time when you felt very nervous is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This subject allows examiners to assess your ability to express emotions, describe personal experiences, and use appropriate vocabulary. Let’s explore how to effectively tackle this topic and maximize your score.

IELTS Speaking Candidate Feeling Nervous

Understanding the Topic

Nervousness is a universal emotion that everyone experiences at some point. In the context of IELTS Speaking, you might be asked about this feeling in various ways. It’s crucial to be prepared to discuss a specific instance when you felt nervous, the reasons behind your nervousness, and how you dealt with it.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about nervousness. Here are some possible questions and how to approach them:

Sample Question 1: Do you often feel nervous?

Sample Answer: “Well, I wouldn’t say I feel nervous very often, but there are certainly situations that can trigger anxiety for me. For instance, public speaking or important exams can make me feel a bit on edge. However, I’ve learned some coping mechanisms over the years that help me manage these feelings more effectively.”

Sample Question 2: What kind of situations make you nervous?

Sample Answer: “There are a few scenarios that tend to make me apprehensive. Job interviews are definitely at the top of the list – the pressure to make a good impression can be quite overwhelming. Also, performing in front of large crowds, whether it’s giving a presentation or playing music, can really get my heart racing. I think it’s the combination of being in the spotlight and the fear of making mistakes that contributes to my nervousness in these situations.”

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic to speak about for 1-2 minutes. Here’s a sample cue card related to feeling nervous:

Cue Card

Describe a time when you felt very nervous.

You should say:

When and where it happened
Why you felt nervous
What you did to overcome your nervousness
And explain how you felt afterwards

Sample Answer

“I’d like to talk about a time when I felt incredibly nervous, which was during my first job interview after graduating from university. It happened about two years ago at a prestigious marketing firm in the city center.

The reason I felt so anxious was primarily because it was my first real opportunity to step into the professional world. I knew the competition was fierce, and I desperately wanted to make a positive impression. The thought of facing challenging questions and the possibility of blanking out during the interview sent shivers down my spine.

To overcome my nervousness, I took several steps. Firstly, I spent days preparing, researching the company thoroughly, and practicing common interview questions with friends. On the day of the interview, I arrived early and took a few moments to practice deep breathing exercises in my car. I also gave myself a little pep talk, reminding myself of my qualifications and strengths.

During the interview, I focused on maintaining eye contact and speaking slowly to control my nerves. Whenever I felt a wave of anxiety, I would take a deep breath before answering.

Afterwards, I felt an immense sense of relief and pride. Although I was still a bit shaky, I was pleased with how I had handled the pressure. The experience taught me a lot about managing stress in high-stakes situations, and it actually boosted my confidence for future interviews. Looking back, I realize that feeling nervous was natural, but it was my ability to channel that nervous energy productively that made the difference.”

Follow-up Questions

Do you think nervousness can sometimes be beneficial?

Sample Answer: “Absolutely. While excessive nervousness can be debilitating, a moderate level of nervousness can actually be advantageous. It often indicates that you care about the outcome and can heighten your focus and alertness. For instance, feeling slightly nervous before a presentation might motivate you to prepare more thoroughly and perform at your peak. The key is learning to harness that nervous energy and use it as a driving force rather than letting it overwhelm you.”
How do you think people can best manage their nervousness in important situations?

Sample Answer: “Managing nervousness effectively requires a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, thorough preparation is crucial – the more prepared you are, the more confident you’ll feel. Secondly, practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation can help calm your nerves. It’s also beneficial to reframe your thinking – instead of viewing nervousness as a weakness, see it as a sign that you’re stepping out of your comfort zone and growing. Additionally, visualizing success and using positive self-talk can boost your confidence. Lastly, gaining experience in nerve-wracking situations over time naturally helps reduce anxiety levels.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some possible questions and answers:

Question 1: Do you think people nowadays are more prone to feeling nervous compared to previous generations?

Sample Answer: “That’s an intriguing question. I believe there are compelling arguments on both sides. On one hand, our modern society offers many conveniences and comforts that might reduce certain types of stress. However, we also face unique pressures that previous generations didn’t encounter.

The rapid pace of technological change, for instance, can be a source of anxiety for many people who feel they need to constantly adapt. Social media, while connecting us, also creates new pressures related to self-image and social comparison. The job market has become increasingly competitive, which can lead to heightened stress about career prospects.

Moreover, there’s now greater awareness and openness about mental health issues, including anxiety. This might make it seem like nervousness is more prevalent, when in reality, we’re just more attuned to recognizing and discussing it.

Ultimately, while the specific triggers may have changed, I don’t think we can definitively say people are more prone to nervousness now. It’s more likely that the nature and sources of our anxiety have evolved along with our society.”

Question 2: How might excessive nervousness impact society as a whole?

Sample Answer: “Excessive nervousness, when widespread, could have far-reaching implications for society. At an individual level, chronic anxiety can lead to various mental and physical health issues, potentially increasing the burden on healthcare systems.

In the workplace, high levels of nervousness might result in decreased productivity and innovation. Employees who are constantly anxious may be less likely to take risks or propose new ideas, which could stifle creativity and progress.

Socially, a nervous society might become more insular and less cohesive. People might be less inclined to engage in community activities or form new relationships, leading to increased isolation.

On a broader scale, if nervousness becomes pervasive, it could affect political and economic stability. Anxious voters might be more susceptible to fear-based rhetoric, potentially influencing electoral outcomes. In the economic sphere, nervous investors and consumers might be more likely to hoard resources rather than spend or invest, potentially slowing economic growth.

However, it’s important to note that some level of societal nervousness can also drive positive change. It can motivate us to address pressing issues like climate change or social inequality. The key lies in channeling this nervous energy constructively rather than letting it paralyze us as a society.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

To score high in your IELTS Speaking test when discussing nervousness, use these sophisticated words and phrases:

Apprehensive (adjective) /ˌæp.rɪˈhen.sɪv/ – anxious or fearful that something bad or unpleasant will happen
Example: “I felt apprehensive about giving my speech in front of so many people.”
Butterflies in one’s stomach (idiom) – a nervous feeling in one’s stomach
Example: “I had butterflies in my stomach before the job interview.”
To be on edge (phrase) – to be nervous or worried
Example: “The upcoming exam has got me on edge.”
Jitters (noun) /ˈdʒɪt.ərz/ – feelings of extreme nervousness
Example: “I always get the jitters before a big presentation.”
To psyche oneself up (phrasal verb) – to prepare oneself mentally for something difficult
Example: “I spent an hour psyching myself up before the competition.”
To keep one’s cool (phrase) – to remain calm in a stressful situation
Example: “Despite the pressure, she managed to keep her cool during the interview.”
To have cold feet (idiom) – to be too frightened to do something you had planned to do
Example: “He got cold feet just before proposing to his girlfriend.”
To bite the bullet (idiom) – to force yourself to do something unpleasant or difficult
Example: “I was nervous, but I decided to bite the bullet and apply for the job anyway.”

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in discussing nervousness in your IELTS Speaking test:

Be specific: Provide detailed examples of situations where you felt nervous.
Use varied vocabulary: Incorporate a range of words and phrases to describe feelings of nervousness.
Show reflection: Discuss how you dealt with nervousness and what you learned from the experience.
Stay relevant: Ensure your answers directly address the questions asked.
Practice: Regularly rehearse speaking about various emotional experiences to improve fluency and confidence.

Remember, the key to a high score is not just in what you say, but how you say it. Aim for fluency, coherence, and a natural conversational style while incorporating sophisticated vocabulary and complex sentence structures.

For more tips on mastering other aspects of the IELTS Speaking test, you might find these articles helpful:

By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-equipped to discuss nervousness and other emotions effectively in your IELTS Speaking test.