It was a bit overcast today, with the sky looking low and the air feeling stuffy. Out of curiosity, I tried an IELTS interview simulation online. It was a disaster! As an observer, it seems like just a chitchat between two people, but when it was my turn, I went awkwardly silent. I managed only yes-or-no answers to most questions. Thinking back, I could have shared so much more, but I just froze. Unlike in writing, there was no time to organize or revise. Some questions felt almost philosophical, touching on things I’d never considered—like, "When confronted with formidable challenges, what strategies do you employ to recalibrate your mental state and confront these obstacles?" Honestly, I didn’t even know what recalibrate meant, but of course, read in context right? My dad nearly laughed aloud upon hearing it. Honestly, I’d rather they’d asked me to recite the periodic table. Overall, I’m far too passive in conversations.