Describe a Time When You Answered a Phone Call From Someone You Didn’t Know In a Public Place

IELTS^TM CUE CARD

Describe a Time When You Answered a Phone Call From Someone You Didn’t Know In a Public Place: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

Updated on Nov 12, 2024, 11:14

Overview

In the IELTS Speaking Test, the topic "Describe a Time When You Answered a Phone Call From Someone You Didn’t Know in a Public Place" invites you to share a personal experience that showcases your communication skills and ability to think on your feet. This scenario emphasises the importance of context, such as your location, the nature of the conversation, and your feelings during the interaction. Addressing the topic effectively requires clarity in expressing thoughts, managing unexpected situations, and demonstrating conversational fluency.

Practising this topic can significantly enhance your IELTS Speaking skills by encouraging you to articulate your thoughts clearly and concisely. It allows you to develop strategies for responding to unplanned questions while maintaining coherence and structure in your speech. Additionally, it helps build confidence in speaking about real-life situations, an essential skill that will not only benefit you during the test but also in everyday interactions.

Cue Card/Topic:Describe a Time When You Answered a Phone Call From Someone You Didn’t Know In a Public Place

You should say

Where were you?
Why did you pick it up?
What did you talk about?

Sample Answers

How to answer

Sample Answer 1

Introduction (Covers: Where were you?)

One afternoon, I was sitting in a bustling café in Connaught Place, Delhi, waiting for a friend to arrive.
The café was lively, filled with the chatter of other customers and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee.

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: Why did you pick it up?)

Suddenly, my phone rang, and I noticed it was an unknown number.
Normally, I wouldn’t answer calls from unfamiliar numbers, but I was expecting a call regarding a job interview.
I thought it might be the recruiter, so I decided to pick it up.

Key Highlights (Covers: What did you talk about?)

When I answered, a friendly voice introduced herself as a representative from a local charity.
She was reaching out to discuss their upcoming event and asked if I would be interested in volunteering.
I explained that I was currently focused on my job search but appreciated the work they were doing.
We chatted for a few minutes about their initiatives and how they help the community, and she invited me to their event if I had the time later.

Conclusion

Although I initially picked up the call, hoping for news about my job interview, it turned out to be a pleasant conversation that opened my eyes to a meaningful cause.
I felt good about connecting with someone passionate about their work, and I even considered volunteering once my schedule allowed it.
It was a reminder that sometimes unexpected calls can lead to interesting conversations!

Sample Answer 2

Introduction (Covers: Where were you?)

Last summer, I was at a crowded train station in Mumbai, waiting for my train to Pune.
The platform was filled with people rushing to catch their trains, and the atmosphere was quite chaotic.

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: Why did you pick it up?)

As I was scrolling through my phone to check the train schedule, I received a call from an unknown number.
Typically, I wouldn’t answer such calls, but my curiosity got the better of me. I thought it might be a friend or a family member trying to reach me, so I decided to pick it up.

Key Highlights (Covers: What did you talk about?)

To my surprise, it was a man from a telecom company trying to sell me a new data plan.
Initially, I was taken aback, but I politely listened to his pitch. He explained the benefits of the plan and offered me a discount if I signed up immediately.
Although I wasn't interested, I engaged in conversation for a bit, asking him about his work and how he dealt with the constant rejections from customers.
We talked for a few minutes, and he shared some funny stories about his job, making the interaction surprisingly enjoyable.

Conclusion

Even though I answered the call expecting something different, I ended up having an amusing chat with a stranger.
It reminded me that sometimes, unexpected interactions can brighten your day, even if they don’t lead to anything significant.
After hanging up, I felt a little lighter, as if the conversation had added a bit of warmth to the hectic environment around me.

Sample Answer 3

Introduction (Covers: Where were you?)

Last summer, I was at a crowded train station in Mumbai, waiting for my train to Pune.
The platform was filled with people rushing to catch their trains, and the atmosphere was quite chaotic.

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: Why did you pick it up?)

As I was scrolling through my phone to check the train schedule, I received a call from an unknown number.
Typically, I wouldn’t answer such calls, but my curiosity got the better of me. I thought it might be a friend or a family member trying to reach me, so I decided to pick it up.

Key Highlights (Covers: What did you talk about?)

To my surprise, it was a man from a telecom company trying to sell me a new data plan.
Initially, I was taken aback, but I politely listened to his pitch. He explained the benefits of the plan and offered me a discount if I signed up immediately.
Although I wasn't interested, I engaged in conversation for a bit, asking him about his work and how he dealt with the constant rejections from customers.
We talked for a few minutes, and he shared some funny stories about his job, making the interaction surprisingly enjoyable.

Conclusion

Even though I answered the call expecting something different, I ended up having an amusing chat with a stranger.
It reminded me that sometimes, unexpected interactions can brighten your day, even if they don’t lead to anything significant.
After hanging up, I felt a little lighter, as if the conversation had added a bit of warmth to the hectic environment around me.

When the cue card section starts, the examiner will hand you a card with a topic written on it. You will have one minute to prepare your response, and then you will need to speak about the topic for one to two minutes. This is your opportunity to showcase your ability to speak fluently and coherently on a given subject.

The best way to answer these cue cards is by breaking down your response into four parts: Introduction, describing your experience/opinion/interest, key highlights, and conclusion.

Introduction (Covers: Where were you?)

Briefly state what the experience is about (answering a call).
Mention the location where this happened.
Set the tone for your story to engage the listener.

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: Why did you pick it up?)

Explain your initial reaction to receiving the call.
Share your reasons for answering it (curiosity, importance).
Describe the setting to give context to your experience.

Key Highlights (Covers: What did you talk about?)

Describe who was on the other end of the call and their purpose.
Highlight important details discussed (opportunity, questions).
Share any specific points that stood out during the conversation.

Conclusion

Summarise your feelings after the call ended.
Mention any insights gained from the conversation.
Conclude with a lesson learned or a reflection on the importance of seizing unexpected opportunities.

By following this structure, you can ensure that your response is well-organised, clear, and detailed, fitting within the two-minute time limit. Now, let’s look at a sample answer to illustrate how you can apply this structure effectively.

Follow-Up Questions

In the IELTS Speaking Test, the examiner will ask follow-up/ two-way discussion questions after you finish speaking about your cue card topic. This part of the test helps the examiner assess your ability to discuss the topic in more depth, providing detailed answers and expanding on your initial response. You should expect questions that explore your reasoning, experiences, and opinions related to the topic.

Q1. How do you feel about answering calls from unknown numbers?

Answer 1: I generally feel cautious about answering calls from unknown numbers. It can be a bit unsettling, as I’m always wary of potential scams or telemarketers. However, I also recognise that sometimes important calls can come from unknown sources, so I try to keep an open mind. If the call is relevant or valuable, it can lead to interesting conversations.

Answer 2: I’m quite hesitant when it comes to answering calls from unknown numbers. While I understand that some might be legitimate, the fear of unwanted sales pitches or spam makes me reluctant. I usually prefer to let such calls go to voicemail and check the message later. It feels safer that way, and I can decide whether to call back based on the context.

Q2. What do you think are the pros and cons of talking to strangers on the phone?

Answer 1: One pro of talking to strangers on the phone is that it can lead to new connections or opportunities. You might learn something valuable or gain a fresh perspective on a topic. However, the downside is that it can also be risky, as you never know who is on the other end. It’s important to be cautious and aware of potential scams.

Answer 2: Talking to strangers on the phone can be quite enriching. It opens the door to diverse viewpoints and experiences. However, a significant con is the lack of visual cues, which can make communication less effective. Additionally, without context, it’s easy to misunderstand the intent of the caller, which can lead to uncomfortable situations.

Q3. How do you think technology has changed the way we communicate?

Answer 1: Technology has dramatically changed communication by making it faster and more convenient. We can now connect with anyone globally within seconds, whether through calls, texts, or social media. However, while technology has enhanced accessibility, it sometimes diminishes the depth of conversations, as face-to-face interactions are replaced by brief texts or calls.

Answer 2: I believe technology has revolutionised how we communicate, allowing for instant communication across vast distances. Video calls have added a visual element that was missing in traditional phone calls, making conversations feel more personal. However, I also think it can create a sense of disconnect, as people may rely on digital interactions instead of nurturing in-person relationships.

Q4. Have you ever had a positive experience from talking to a stranger on the phone?

Answer 1: Yes, I once spoke to a stranger on the phone while participating in a survey about a local event. It turned out to be a positive experience as I shared my thoughts and learned more about community initiatives. The person on the other end was friendly and engaging, which made the conversation enjoyable and insightful.

Answer 2: I have had a positive experience talking to a stranger on the phone when I received a call about a volunteer opportunity. Initially hesitant, I ended up having a meaningful conversation that led to my involvement in a charity project. It was a rewarding experience that reminded me of the benefits of being open to new connections.

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FAQs

Q. Can I lie in my answers?

Ans. The content of your answers isn’t evaluated for truthfulness, so you can invent details if needed. However, your responses should be plausible and relevant to the question. The key is to focus on demonstrating your language skills rather than the factual accuracy of your answers.

Q. What are common topics in the IELTS Speaking section?

Ans. Common topics include everyday activities like hobbies, technology, education, travel, culture, and current events. Familiarising yourself with these topics and practising how to discuss them in detail can help you feel more prepared during the test.

Q. How can I practise for the IELTS Speaking test?

Ans. Practice by speaking with a partner, recording yourself, and using sample questions to simulate the test environment. Listening to English media and practising speaking on a variety of topics can also improve your fluency and confidence. Regular practice helps you get comfortable with the format and timing.

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