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IELTSTM CUE CARD

Describe a Good Service You Received: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

Updated on Sep 12, 2024, 12:29

Overview

In the IELTS Speaking Test, the topic 'Describe a Good Service You Received' is part of Round 2, also known as the individual long turn. This task requires you to speak for 1-2 minutes about a service experience that left a positive impression on you. It assesses your ability to describe and evaluate service quality, focusing on factors such as the service provider’s professionalism, efficiency, and how the service met your needs.

 

Practising this topic helps enhance your ability to describe events and experiences in a structured manner, showcasing your narrative skills and vocabulary. By focusing on how to articulate the specifics of the service, its effectiveness, and your satisfaction, you improve your fluency and coherence—essential skills for achieving a high score in the IELTS Speaking section.

 

Cue Card/Topic: Describe a Good Service You Received

You should say

  • What was the service?
  • When did you receive it?
  • Who you were with?
  • How did you feel about it?
Sample Answer 1

Introduction (Covers: What was the service?)

 

  • The service I want to describe is a personalised shopping experience I had at a boutique in Delhi. 
  • The store was known for its excellent customer service and attention to detail.
  • This service involved a dedicated personal shopper who helped me choose outfits for an important family wedding. The service was tailored to my preferences and needs.
  • The experience was provided by a high-end boutique in Connaught Place, which is famous for its luxury fashion and exceptional service standards.
  • The service included everything from style advice to arranging the outfits according to my schedule and preferences.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: When did you receive it?)

 

  • I received this service about six months ago, just before my cousin’s wedding. It was a busy time, and I was overwhelmed by the choices available.
  • The appointment was scheduled on a weekend, and the boutique was elegantly set up to make clients feel comfortable and special.
  • Initially, I was unsure what to expect, but the personal shopper’s friendly approach and professional expertise quickly made me feel at ease.
  • I remember feeling relieved and excited as I didn’t have to worry about the selection process, which was efficiently handled by the shopper.

 

Key Highlights (Covers: Who you were with?)

 

  • I was accompanied by my mother, who also enjoyed the service and found the experience pleasant. 
  • We both appreciated the personal attention and care.
  • The service stood out because the personal shopper selected outfits based on my taste and provided valuable fashion tips.
  • The boutique also offered refreshments and a relaxing environment, making the shopping experience enjoyable.
  • The personal shopper’s knowledge and patience were particularly notable, as she ensured I felt satisfied with every choice.

 

Conclusion (Covers: How did you feel about it?)

 

  • Overall, I was extremely pleased with the service. It made the shopping process smooth and enjoyable, which was a huge relief.
  • The service not only met but exceeded my expectations, as I ended up with several outfits I was thrilled about.
  • I felt grateful for the convenience and personalised attention, which made the experience memorable.
  • This service left a positive impression, and I would definitely consider using it again for future special occasions.
Sample Answer 2

Introduction (Covers: What was the service?)

 

  • The service I received was a personalised home delivery of groceries from a local store in Mumbai. 
  • This was a thoughtful gesture that made my life easier during a particularly busy week.
  • The service included having groceries delivered right to my doorstep with a pre-arranged schedule, which saved me a lot of time and effort.
  • This home delivery service was provided by a well-known local grocery store, which is known for its customer-friendly approach and reliable service.
  • It was especially helpful as it ensured I got fresh produce and other essentials without having to leave the house.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: When did you receive it?)
 

  • I used this service about three months ago when I was swamped with work and unable to go out shopping. The convenience was invaluable during that hectic period.
  • The delivery was scheduled for an evening, and the groceries arrived right on time, making it a hassle-free experience.
  • At first, I was sceptical about the quality and timeliness, but the service exceeded my expectations with its promptness and efficiency.
  • I remember feeling relieved and appreciative, as the service allowed me to focus on my work without worrying about grocery shopping.

 

Key Highlights (Covers: Who you were with?)
 

  • I was alone when I used the service, but the delivery person was courteous and made sure everything was handled with care.
  • The highlight was the store’s attention to detail, ensuring that the items were fresh and packaged properly.
  • The delivery also included a follow-up call to check if everything was satisfactory, which was a nice touch.
  • The service’s reliability and the store’s commitment to customer satisfaction stood out during the entire experience.

 

Conclusion (Covers: How did you feel about it?)

 

  • Overall, I was very satisfied with the service. It made a significant difference in managing my daily chores and saved me valuable time.
  • The quality of the service surpassed my expectations, and I found it to be incredibly efficient and convenient.
  • I felt very pleased with how well the service was executed, and it was a relief to have such reliable support.
  • This experience left a positive mark, and I would definitely recommend it to others looking for similar convenience in their daily lives.
Sample Answer 3

Introduction (Covers: What was the service?)

 

  • The service I want to describe is a home renovation service I used in Bangalore. This service involved transforming my living space with professional expertise.
  • The service included a complete overhaul of my kitchen and living room, which was managed by a team of skilled professionals.
  • The renovation was carried out by a reputable local firm known for its attention to detail and customer satisfaction.
  • This service was particularly valuable as it helped modernise my home and enhance its functionality.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: When did you receive it?)

 

  • I arranged for this service about four months ago, during a period when I wanted to refresh my home environment. It was an ideal time for such a project.
  • The renovation work was conducted over a span of three weeks, with the team working efficiently and maintaining a clean workspace.
  • Initially, I was concerned about the disruption and quality of the work, but the service was executed with impressive professionalism and care.
  • I felt a mix of excitement and relief throughout the process, knowing that my home was in capable hands and that the outcome would be rewarding.

 

Key Highlights (Covers: Who you were with?)

 

  • I worked closely with the renovation team, which included an interior designer and several skilled tradespeople who were all highly professional.
  • The standout feature of the service was the designer’s ability to incorporate my ideas and preferences into the final design.
  • The team also offered timely updates and addressed any concerns I had, ensuring smooth progress and transparency.
  • The attention to detail in the finishing touches and the quality of materials used were particularly noteworthy.

 

Conclusion (Covers: How did you feel about it?)

 

  • Overall, I was extremely pleased with the service. It significantly improved my living space and exceeded my expectations.
  • The quality of the work and the professionalism of the team left a lasting positive impression on me.
  • I felt very satisfied with how the project turned out and appreciated the convenience of having experts handle everything.
  • This renovation service not only enhanced my home but also made the entire process enjoyable and stress-free.

 

Also Read: Best IELTS Cue Cards for 7+ Band Score

When the cue card section begins, the examiner will hand you a cue card titled "Describe a Good Service You Received.


You will have one minute to prepare your response and make notes if needed. After the preparation time, you will be asked to speak for up to two minutes on the topic.


The best way to answer a cue card is to break it down into smaller pieces: introduction, describing your experience, key highlights, and conclusion. To structure your response effectively, you can explore various tips and tricks for the IELTS speaking test.

 

Introduction (Covers: What was the service?)

 

  • State the type of service you received.
  • Mention where or from whom you received this service.
  • Briefly describe what the service involved.
  • Include any relevant context about the situation in which you received it.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: When did you receive it?)

 

  • Specify when you received the service, including the time of day or occasion.
  • Describe the setting or environment where the service took place.
  • Explain your initial expectations or thoughts before receiving the service.
  • Mention any personal or emotional responses you had during the experience.

 

Key Highlights (Covers: Who you were with?)

 

  • Identify who was involved with you during the service.
  • Discuss any standout features or aspects of the service.
  • Highlight any interactions or exchanges that were particularly memorable.
  • Note any additional details that made the service unique or noteworthy.

 

Conclusion (Covers: How did you feel about it?)

  • Share your overall feelings about the service.
  • Reflect on whether the service met, exceeded, or fell short of your expectations.
  • Mention any lasting impressions or effects the service had on you.
  • Summarise why this service was significant or memorable for you.

 

By following this structure, you can ensure your response is clear, organised, and within the two-minute limit.

 

Also Read:

 

Follow-Up Questions

In the IELTS Speaking test, the follow-up questions, also known as Round 3, come after the cue card round. These questions explore the topic you discussed in more depth, focusing on your opinions and understanding. 

 

Expect these questions to be more abstract and require you to elaborate on broader themes related to the cue card topic. This round tests your ability to discuss issues in a more analytical and reflective manner, often connecting personal experiences to general concepts.

Q1. As a customer, what kinds of services would you expect to receive from a company?

Answer 1: As a customer, I expect a company to provide reliable and efficient services. This includes clear communication, timely responses to inquiries, and effective problem resolution. I also appreciate when companies offer personalised attention, ensuring that my specific needs are met with care and professionalism. Overall, I value transparency and a customer-centric approach.

 

Answer 2: From a company, I would expect high-quality service that meets my expectations. This means having knowledgeable staff who are approachable and responsive. It’s important for companies to be proactive in addressing issues and to offer solutions that are both practical and satisfactory. Consistent service and a genuine commitment to customer satisfaction are crucial.

Q2. What do you think of the relationship between companies and consumers?

Answer 1: The relationship between companies and consumers is crucial for business success. Companies need to build trust with consumers by delivering on promises and maintaining high standards of service. In return, consumers should provide feedback and support, which helps companies improve their offerings. A positive relationship benefits both parties and fosters loyalty and satisfaction.

 

Answer 2: Companies and consumers have a symbiotic relationship where both influence each other. Companies need to understand consumer needs and adapt their services accordingly to maintain a strong market presence. Consumers, on the other hand, have the power to impact a company’s reputation through their feedback and purchasing choices. Effective communication and mutual respect are key to this relationship.

Q3. Why should companies react quickly when customers have difficulties?

Answer 1: Companies should react quickly to customer difficulties to prevent issues from escalating. Fast responses help maintain customer trust and satisfaction, showing that the company values its customers and their concerns. It also helps to resolve problems before they negatively impact the company's reputation and customer loyalty.

 

Answer 2: Quick responses to customer issues are essential because they demonstrate a company’s commitment to customer service. Addressing problems promptly can prevent negative reviews and loss of business. Additionally, timely resolutions help to retain customers and build a positive brand image, which is crucial for long-term success.

Q4. What kind of jobs involve coping with the public?

Answer 1: Jobs such as customer service representatives, retail staff, and healthcare professionals involve regular interaction with the public. These roles require strong communication skills and the ability to handle various customer needs and concerns efficiently. Coping with the public effectively is key to providing excellent service and maintaining positive relationships.

 

Answer 2: Roles like teaching, hospitality management, and public relations require extensive interaction with the public. These jobs demand excellent interpersonal skills and patience, as they often involve addressing diverse queries and managing different expectations. Successfully managing public interactions is essential for job satisfaction and professional success in these fields.
 

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FAQs

Q. What is the highest score in IELTS speaking?

Ans. The highest score in IELTS Speaking is 9, which is classified as "Expert User." Achieving this score indicates that you have a comprehensive understanding of the language, can speak fluently with minimal effort, and can handle complex communication with ease. To reach this level, your responses should demonstrate exceptional grammar, vocabulary, coherence, and pronunciation.

Q. Can I change the topic for speaking in IELTS?

Ans. No, you cannot change the topic for the IELTS Speaking test. You are required to respond to the specific prompts provided by the examiner. The test is designed to assess your ability to speak on given topics, so it’s important to prepare for a range of potential subjects and practice articulating your thoughts within the constraints of the provided topics.

Q. Which tense is used in cue cards?

Ans. The tense used in the Cue Card task depends on the prompt. You may need to use past, present, or future tenses based on what you are describing. For example, past tense can be used to recount past experiences, present tense can be used to discuss current situations, and future tense can be used to talk about future plans. Ensure that your tense usage is consistent with the context of your response.

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