IELTS Speaking Part 2 & 3 Topic: Describe a situation that made you a little angry.

Even though I am an extremely even-tempered and laid-back kind of person, there have always been situations when things get ugly or some terribly disturbing incidents happens that I can’t keep hold of myself, one of which was the time a friend of mine lost a crystal bracelet I treasured.

It wouldn’t have made me angry if it had been her first time or that crystal bracelet was any bracelet. In fact, that was her millions time and that bracelet was a gift on my 20^th birthday from my Grannie, which I have rarely worn myself but kept in a jewelry box to save for special occasions. She was my flat mate in college but we weren’t that close. We sometimes hung out on weekends after exam weeks with some other friends but we didn’t exactly sign in any sisterhood club. Hence, it annoyed me a bit every time she borrowed my stuff without my acknowledgement. It was when she took the said crystal bracelet that I couldn’t take it anymore. My Grannie had handpicked that bracelet for me in celebration of me turning 20, a true turning point to any girl and it was a special one. The amber shade of the bracelet embodied the glory and brightness as well as affection and warmth, which was what Grannie believed would fit me well. As my friend explained later, she had a special event to attend and wanted to wear something special. I was clueless until she returned home looking so contrite, telling me she had accidentally lost it somewhere when partying. Unfortunately, that was a very bad timing since I was already on edge that day. Therefore, we throw a fit at each other and went for silent treatment for days. Eventually, we had a straightforward conversation and worked things out and fortunately, our friendship was still intact. That taught me a lesson that next time when I have issue with anyone or anything, rather than bottle it up and let it wear me out, I’ll talk about it to anyone related for effective solutions.

Even-tempered (adj) not often angry or upset

Laid-back (adj) calm and relaxed

Keep hold of (phrase) take control of

Acknowledgement (noun) a statement of thanks for something that someone has done

Turning point (phrase) a time when an important change takes place in a situation, especially one that makes it better

Affection (noun) a feeling of liking and caring about someone or something

Contrite (adj) very sorry or ashamed because you have done something bad

Timing (noun) the skill or luck that is involved in doing something at the most suitable moment

On edge (phrase) upset

Throw a fit (expression) to get very angry and shout

Work out (phrasal verb) solve a problem

Intact (adj) not harmed, damaged, or lacking any parts as a result of something that has happened

Bottle up (phrasal verb) to hold one’s feelings within; to keep from saying something that one feels strongly about

1. How do you control your anger?

Frankly speaking, I am a mellow and laid-back kind of person so hardly do I get angry with anyone. Yet, everything has its limits. I know myself well enough to recognize some signs and energy I release when I want to communicate a message that the situation starts to irritate me. And every time I take in my own signal, I tell myself to take a breath and remain silent for a while rather than reciprocate immediately since I am fully aware that letting my outburst lead the way can only bring undesired consequences.

Mellow (adj) relaxed and satisfied

For a while (idiom) for a short time

Reciprocate (verb) to do the same thing for someone that they have done for you

2. Why do some people get angry easily?

I can’t tell for sure but each has their own explanation. Some people can just easily get offended by others’ insults or not very subtle implication and don’t mind their image being stained by acting out what they truly feel, one of which is anger. Many appear to overreact or simply anger is their second nature, therefore, they make their points by intense expression.

Act out (phrasal verb) to express your thoughts or feelings through your words or behavior

Stain (verb) if something stains someone’s reputation, character etc, it spoils it

3. Is it important to be calm?

Being diplomatic plays a vital role when establishing and maintaining relationships, particularly in business world. Hence, it’s crucial that one is able to keep a cool head and a warm heart when dealing with others. Under no circumstances should you unleash your anger or say out loud what you wish others to hear without mentally filter them in your head. It would cost you a lifetime to rebuild your personal branding with just a slip in a wrong situation.

Unleash (verb) to allow someone or something to be free when they were previously strictly controlled

4. What would you do if you make others angry at you?

Well, that’s a tough question. Hardly have I ever made others angry besides my mother. Still, once in a while when my friends were so pissed since I broke my promises or cancelled our plan at the very last minute, I did nothing except from sincerely apologizing and listening to them expressing their disappointment and anger. That doesn’t happen very often but it bothers me every time since I let people down. Therefore, I’ve learned to say no to things I am unable to fulfill rather than raising people’s hope and couldn’t accomplish it.

Once in a while (idiom) sometimes, but not very often

Pissed (adj) angry

At the very last minute (expression) at the latest possible moment or opportunity

5. In what way, can people manage their anger well?

As far as I am concerned, there’s only one way to handle things well. Practice, practice and practice. If you’re fortunate enough to be born with charisma and diplomacy, you already hit a jackpot since you’re natural in managing your emotion, in this case, anger. However, if you’re not, the skill can be acquired by learning and constant practice. They suggest that a person has to spend at least 10,000 hours on a specific area to be an expert in it and handling your behavior is no exception. Be observant to notice your feeling and have a keen determination to eliminate negative response would be helpful.

Charisma (noun) a strong personal quality that makes other people like you and be attracted to you

Diplomacy (noun) the ability to deal with people in a sensitive way that does not upset or offend them

Hit a jackpot (phrase) to be very successful at something

Eliminate (verb) to get rid of something that is not wanted or needed