Are you studying for the IELTS Test and seeking tips on how to ace the IELTS Speaking Section’s second task? If you are, then this post is for you.
On this page, we will show you how to earn a high mark on this section of the test, which is also known as the Cue Card Section.
If you have not already guessed, most applicants believe this is the part of the test in which they performed the worst.
Why? It is because you have to speak for extended periods without being interrupted or asked by the examiner.
You also have a limited amount of time to prepare. Please continue reading for examples of replies to the cue card topic ‘Describe a time when you felt relieved.’
What is the IELTS Cue Card Question?
The second task of the IELTS Speaking Section entails speaking for 1 to 2 minutes on a specified topic based on the material presented on a card by the examiner.
This card is sometimes referred to as a cue card. You have 60 seconds to think about what you will say.
Using the sheet of paper and pencil provided by the examiner, you may jot down some ideas to assist you in structuring your talk.
After that, you must give a one- to two-minute speech on the given topic. When the two minutes have elapsed, you will be signaled by the examiner to stop talking.
Be prepared to answer 1-2 follow-up questions about what you have said. You must answer swiftly and succinctly to these queries.
How to Answer this Specific Cue Card Question: “Describe a Time When You Felt Relieved”
Topic/ Question
Describe a Time When You Felt Relieved
Guidelines to Answer this Question
- What happened
- When and where it happened
- What the other possible outcome was
And explain how you felt about what happened.
- Recall an event when you felt relieved of the situation. It could be something that happened just recently or something that occurred a long time ago. Whatever it is that you choose, make sure you will have enough details and information to share later on.
- As soon as you have a specific incident to discuss, stick to it. Time is not on your side on this part of the test, and you should not be wasting it.
- Begin writing down your thoughts and ideas. State what happened and when and where it took place. Discuss what could have happened had things turned out differently, and lastly, explain and express how you felt that time.
- Manage your time well. Do not write sentences. Write only keywords and phrases.
- Impress the examiner by making extensive use of advanced vocabulary and complex grammar structures. These will aid you in scoring high in this part of the test.
- As you jot down notes, quickly do this while making sure that you will be able to comprehend what you have written later on. If the examiner cannot grasp what you have written, it is totally fine. You are appraised based on the content and delivery of your speech, not on your handwriting.
- If you feel like taking a look at your notes, do so. It is all right. Your points will not be deducted because of it.
Sample Responses : “Describe a Time When You Felt Relieved”
Sample Response 1:
“It was a few years ago that I traveled to visit my aunt in a city about which I knew very little. That was only the second time I’d been in the city. I first visited it almost 7 or 8 years ago, when things in that incredibly congested and large metropolis appeared a little different. The streets, for example, were widened, and many new businesses and buildings were constructed. Additionally, some of the businesses and shops relocated to new locations, which I was unaware of.
None of this would be an issue for me, except my aunt had requested that I get her medication from a specific pharmacy. She was an asthmatic, and she used an inhaler from a foreign brand that was only available at a specific pharmacy in the city. I knew where the drugstore was, or at least I thought I did. However, when I arrived at that place, I discovered that the drugstore had relocated. I asked a few people there, but no one could tell me anything about it. Seeing no other options, I decided to enlist the assistance of the internet on my smartphone, despite my reservations. Thankfully, when I googled the pharmacy’s name on my phone, it provided me with its address and directions.
I sighed in relief when I discovered the pharmacy’s location. I immediately bought my aunt’s medication. It was such a relief. After all, I didn’t want my aunt to be inconvenienced as a result of my inability to locate a pharmacy and get her medication.”
Follow-up Question 1:
How has the internet improved navigation tools over the past few decades?
Response:
“I believe that the internet has greatly improved navigation tools over the last few decades. Thanks to the never-ending research, studies, and hard work of the people behind it all. These days, all you need is your smartphone, and you will be able to reach your destination. You can also track someone if you want to. That’s something no one would have thought was possible decades ago.”
Follow-up Question 2:
Are there any other instances when you almost got lost? How did you handle the situation?
Response:
“Yes, there was a time when I was traveling alone, and I decided to explore the city. However, I lost track and got so excited going to different stores that I got lost. I found my way by asking directions from the people I saw on the streets. There was no Google Map at that time yet.”
Sample Response 2:
“I’ve felt relieved a lot of times but let me share with you about a time when I felt the most relieved. It happened four years ago when I was a university student. The city where I live experiences severe traffic congestion occasionally, which is really inconvenient. As a result, we are frequently late for our appointments.
I had a test at 8:30 a.m., and I thought it would start at 9:30 a.m. This occurred because I mistyped the exam timetable in my notepad. I studied hard and was expecting an A+ on the exam. I left my place at 8:15 a.m. on exam day because my commute to campus takes around 40 minutes. I should have arrived at least 30 minutes before the exam started, according to the schedule. But it was not the case! When I arrived at the test room around 10:15 a.m., I was surprised to find that the exam would be over in 15 minutes. I couldn’t think clearly about what I should do since I was concerned and anxious.
At the time, I felt helpless and asked the teacher what I could do. He suggested that we meet after the exam. He asked me to explain why I was late for the exam. When I informed him what had happened, the coordinator scheduled an assessment for me in his office. He took ten minutes off the exam period as a penalty and ordered me to finish the exam and hand over the answer sheet to him. I was a little concerned about the situation. However, I was relieved that I was permitted to take the test. Because of my thorough preparation, I was able to answer all of the questions in a timely manner.”
Follow-up Question 1:
What do you think could have happened had they not allowed you to take the test?
Response:
“Oh, I would have failed the subject and probably had to retake it. It’s a crucial exam, and that’s why I really studied hard for it. I was beyond grateful that I was given a chance to take it. I learned my lesson, and after that incident, I always double-check my schedule and reminders.”
Follow-up Question 2:
In situations that call for you to think quickly, do you make the right decisions?
Response:
“More often than not, I tend to ask my family and friends about what they think whenever I need to decide on something. Because of that, I usually make the right call. However, there are instances when I need to think quickly and can’t consult them, just like what happened on that exam. I could have taken the test when I arrived and answered it in 15 minutes. I’m thankful I did not because I might have failed it due to pressure.”
Vocabulary List for Answering this Question: “Describe a Time When You Felt Relieved”
Below are some words from the sample responses for the cue card topic ‘Describe a time when you felt relieved.’ with their definitions and example sentences to guide you.
| Word | Part of Speech | Definition | Example Usage of the Word in a Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| anxious | adjective | Worry, disquiet, or agitation, usually in anticipation of an upcoming event or anything having an unclear consequence | “She was anxious to locate a place to sleep for the night.” |
| assessment | noun | The assessment or appraisal of someone or something’s nature, quality, or capacity | “The assessment method at the college is very formalized.” |
| commute | verb | To travel a distance between one’s house and place of employment on a frequent basis | “We choose to reside outside of town and commute to work daily.” |
| congested | adjective | Bunged with people or traffic to the point of obstructing mobility | “The highways leading out of Falmouth were congested to the brim.” |
| enlist | verb | To engage a person’s (or an object’s) assistance or support | “It’s possible that you’ll need to enlist the assistance of a friend.” |
| helpless | adjective | Unable to defend or act without assistance | “I was helpless in the face of pain and fever.” |
| inability | noun | The state of not being able to perform a task | ‘His inability to deal with the issue is a clear indication of his vulnerability.” |
| inconvenience | noun | The trouble or hardship caused to one’s personal needs or comfort | “The airline apologizes for any inconvenience this has caused.” |
| metropolis | noun | A country’s or region’s capital or most important city | “In today’s world, Paris is a frantic and packed metropolis.” |
| navigation | noun | The technique of precisely determining one’s location and arranging and following a path | “Due to buried boulders, navigation on this river is challenging.” |
| permit | verb | To give someone permission or consent to do anything | “He has the option of upholding the court’s ruling and permitting the execution to proceed.” |
| relieved | adjective | No longer distressed or worried; at ease | “Once the plane landed, he was relieved.” |
| relocate | verb | To transfer to a new location and establish a home or company there | “The company’s headquarters will be relocated to the city.” |
| reservation | noun | A doubt | “Without reservation, we condemn their acts.” |
| timetable | noun | A schedule of events that are set to take place at specific times | “This week I have a packed timetable.” |