Describe a time when you needed to use your imagination – IELTS cue card 2024

Are you preparing for your IELTS Speaking test? Then you are at the right place to practise your IELTS Speaking Cue Card. 

In this blog, you will explore the IELTS Cue Card prompt ‘Describe a time when you needed to use your imagination’. 

This IELTS Cue Card allows you to show your creativity and imagination, gives you tips on forming your answer, and tips on preparing for this exam section will be discussed. 

The IELTS Speaking Test is a one-on-one interview with the examiner, which takes approximately 18-20 minutes. 

Describe a time when you needed to use your imagination – Model 1 

The first step to answering your IELTS Cue Card topic is to structure your answer within the given time frame. During the time given for preparation, you should frame your answer properly. 

You should start your answer with an introduction to the topic, then an explanation part, and end with a conclusion. 

Usually, you can also answer your cue card in other forms, but to break it down into question and answer is a better and recommended way. 

You can break it down into 3-4 basic questions and answer accordingly in the order. This will help you cover all the main points under the topic. 

Let’s break down the topic ‘Describe a time when you needed to use your imagination’ into questions.

Major questions to cover 

1. What was the situation?
2. When did it happen?
3. Why did you need to use your imagination?
4. How did things go after that?

Sample Answer – 1 

Well, using your imagination along with creativity can be a fascinating thing to do. I would like to share one such memory. So, when I was little, I enjoyed art and things where I could use my imagination and creativity and do interesting things.

1. What was the situation?

I remember that once, in 7th class, a painting competition was organised at school, and I went unprepared because of my habit of forgetting things and dates. At that moment, I had to think and create a picture in my imagination of what and how I would paint. 

2. When did it happen?

It happened when I was in 7th class and barely 12 or 13 years old. I liked to do different things, especially those involving creativity and different ideas to perform.  

3. Why did you need to use your imagination?

I had to use my imagination to draw a picture of some object or a painting of some person. Painting requires creativity and imagination, for which I had to juggle my mind and think of something different and amazing to paint. 

4. How did things go after that?

At last, I could paint a beautiful picture of Radha Krishna with amazing colours and some creativity to make it even more beautiful. Though to imagine Radha Krishna was a little difficult at the same time, that is the power of imagination.

It took me almost an hour to complete the painting, but it was beautiful and appreciated by everyone, and I got the third prize.

Sample Answer – 2

Well, the power of imagination with a mix of creativity is something amazing you can do. So, I would like to share one such amazing experience. I love decorating things and rooms with different and unique ideas, it is my favourite escape from the outside world. 

1. What was the situation?

Since childhood, I recall this passion for decorating things with different ideas through my imagination. So, a few years back, I moved to a new house and had to decorate my room. 

2. When did it happen?

It happened 3 years ago when I shifted from Chandigarh to Noida. My room was quite big and had space for everything I had imagined one day would be in my room to be kept there. 

3. Why did you need to use your imagination?

I felt the need to use my imagination in decorating my room, like where I could put little flower pots, where to hang paintings or portraits, and where to put other things.

4. How did things go after that?

Ultimately, I could finally decorate my room exactly how I imagined it would look. My mother and brother liked it the most and even asked me to decorate their rooms. 

IELTS Speaking Part 3 – Follow-up questions

Here is part 3 with follow-up questions for ‘Describe a time when you needed to use your imagination’.

1. Do you think imagination is necessary?

Yes, imagination is necessary as it helps individuals to think creatively and come up with new ideas. It allows individuals to visualize situations and come up with solutions that may not have been possible without imagination. Imagination also helps individuals to think beyond the obvious and to see things from different perspectives. It is a valuable tool in problem-solving, creativity, and innovation.

2. What kind of jobs are there that require the power of imagination?

There are several jobs that require the power of imagination, such as artists, writers, designers, architects, inventors, and entrepreneurs. These professions require individuals to come up with new ideas, designs, products, and solutions that are unique and creative. They rely heavily on imagination to create something that is visually appealing or that solves a specific problem. In addition to these professions, there are many other jobs that require imagination, including advertising, marketing, and even some scientific fields.

3. Which subjects boost up the imagination power?

Imagination is necessary to think creatively and come up with new ideas. Jobs that require imagination include artists, writers, designers, architects, inventors, and entrepreneurs. Subjects like art, music, literature, drama, and creative writing can boost imagination power by allowing individuals to explore their creative side and think outside the box.

4. Do you think adults can imagine multiple things at a time?

Yes, adults can imagine multiple things at a time. The human brain has the capacity to think about multiple things simultaneously, and imagination is no exception. However, it can be more challenging to focus on multiple imaginative thoughts at once, as it can lead to distraction and lack of concentration. It is important to cultivate the ability to focus on one imaginative thought at a time, while also being open to new and creative ideas.

5. Do you think children have a good imagination power?

Yes, children have good imagination power, and they often use it to make sense of the world around them. Engaging in imaginative play can help them develop their creativity. Despite losing some of their imaginative power as they grow older, it can be rekindled with practice and encouragement.

Summing Up

The IELTS Speaking Cue Card ‘Describe a time when you needed to use your imagination’ is an interesting topic that allows you to show your creativity and imagination. 

Imagination is a valuable tool that is necessary in various professions, such as artists, writers, designers, architects, inventors, and entrepreneurs. 

For more guidance on IELTS Speaking section and IELTS Speaking cue card, you can reach out to our Leap IELTS Expert Team.