Describe A Time When You Needed To Search For Information: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

What information did you need to search for?
When you search for it?
Where did you search for it?
And explain why you needed to search for it.

69 unique answers with expert feedback

What strategies did you use to find reliable information for your thesis?

I focused on academic journals and research papers from reputable sources. I also consulted my professors for guidance and used university databases, which helped me filter out unreliable information and focus on credible studies.

How did you feel when you found the information you needed?

I felt a huge sense of relief and excitement. It was like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. Finding relevant information gave me the confidence to move forward with my thesis and explore the topic in depth.

Have you ever faced challenges while searching for information?

Yes, initially I struggled to find specific studies related to my topic. The vast amount of information online was overwhelming, and I had to learn how to refine my search queries to get more targeted results.

Band 7

00:00

During my graduate studies, I was assigned to cross-site on a development of composite materials for aerospace structures to gather reliable and up-to-date information. I began by reviewing academic journals and conference papers on platforms like ScienceDirect and IEA, explored some websites. I also accessed databases through my university library to find pre-reviewed articles. Since my topic was specialized, I contacted a faculty member working in material science to get insights and recommendations on key sources. I organized my findings using a reference manager and created a literature review to summarize advancements in composite manufacturing techniques like properties and real-world applications. This structured research helped me develop my strong foundation for the project and a later contribution to a well-received presentation.

Follow up questions

What challenges did you face while searching for information?

I encountered difficulties in finding specific articles due to the niche nature of my topic. Some databases had limited access, and I had to rely on my university's subscriptions. Additionally, filtering through vast amounts of information to find relevant studies was time-consuming.

How did you ensure the information you found was reliable?

I focused on peer-reviewed journals and reputable conference papers. I also cross-referenced information from multiple sources and consulted with my faculty advisor to validate the credibility of the materials I was using.

What tools or methods did you use to organize your research?

I used a reference manager software to keep track of my sources and citations. This helped me categorize the information effectively. I also created an outline for my literature review to ensure a logical flow of ideas and findings.

Band 7

00:00

Around two months back, my wristwatch stopped working and I desperately needed to have it repaired. I asked people around me whether they knew of a good wristwatch repair shop. Unfortunately, I didn't get any positive response. So I went online, I went to Google and I generally asked for repair shops around me. And based on the ratings and the destination and the distance from my location, I chose a particular shop that would work for me. Based on the information that was provided to me online, I then proceeded to search for the exact location of the shop and marked the location on the map so that I could reach the place without any hassle. Upon reaching, I was also able to find out the timings for the shop and ensure that I reached on time and also get a general sense of the prices involved for the repair of the watch. All in all, it was a very pleasant experience, it was quick, all the information was available on my fingertips and it was a very cohesive experience, a cohesive information that was provided to me, basis which I was able to very easily and conveniently take a decision.

Follow up questions

How do you usually search for information when you need it?

I typically start by asking friends or family for recommendations. If that doesn't yield results, I turn to online searches, using search engines or social media platforms to gather information. I also check reviews and ratings to ensure the reliability of the sources.

What are some advantages of searching for information online?

Searching online offers convenience and speed. You can access a vast amount of information quickly, compare options, and read reviews from other users. It also allows you to find specific details like location, hours of operation, and pricing, which helps in making informed decisions.

Have you ever faced challenges while searching for information online?

Yes, sometimes the information can be overwhelming or contradictory. It can be challenging to determine which sources are credible. Additionally, not all businesses have an online presence, so I might miss out on good options that aren't listed online.

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Band 7

00:00

the time I had to search for a complete During my masters, I had a research paper I was completing, a dissertation I was working on. At that time, there was a topic I was really interested in and it was the correlation between young women in STEM and burnout in mental health levels, self-esteem levels seen in them. At that time, I was exposed to a lot of information I might not have known at all before and it gave me a lot of enlightenment in that particular area. So, the information I was searching for, I had to talk to a lot of people and a lot of young women in STEM who are genuinely very busy with their lives. And you could see a pattern of burnout that was up and coming in all the people at that age. There is also a gap, a job wage gap that is seen between women and men. So, all of these information was shared at that point with me during my research. So, because of my research, I ended up getting to know a lot more about this topic and it's still something I'm really interested in. And after that, I had worked even more in detail about their self-esteem issues in correlation with this burnout. This was done in the time period of 2024 and 2023 to 2024, around 8-9 months. I know that's a pretty short period for a research paper because even in PhD, people take a long time to get information and attain a proper conclusion to whatever they were looking for. So, this was what I did when I wanted to search for information.

Follow up questions

What methods did you use to gather information for your research?

I utilized a combination of interviews, surveys, and academic journals. I reached out to young women in STEM through social media and professional networks, and I also accessed various online databases to find relevant studies and articles that discussed burnout and self-esteem.

How did your findings impact your perspective on women in STEM?

My findings deepened my understanding of the challenges young women face in STEM fields. It highlighted the importance of mental health support and the need for initiatives that address burnout and promote self-esteem, which I believe are crucial for retaining women in these careers.

What challenges did you face while conducting your research?

One of the main challenges was finding participants who were willing to share their experiences due to their busy schedules. Additionally, synthesizing the vast amount of information into a coherent narrative was quite challenging, especially given the complexity of the issues involved.

Band 6-7

00:00

I started practicing dentistry immediately after completing my undergraduation in Bachelor of Dental Surgery. When I almost completed four year of experience I realized it's all it is always better to put a clinic of my own rather than being salaried. Finally I decided to start a clinic within six months and I needed a lot of information regarding the same. I searched a lot in Google and some health magazines where there were experiences of some doctors and also I enquired in IDA group which is International Dentist Association groups about articles related to investing in setting up a no clinic. I went through all this information to improve my knowledge regarding the amount of investment required to set up a no clinic and the way to advertise the treatment and also how to make profit out of it. It helped me a lot and I could

Follow up questions

What specific information did you find most helpful during your research?

The most helpful information I found was about the initial investment costs and the marketing strategies. Understanding how much I needed to invest and how to effectively advertise my clinic made a significant difference in my planning process.

How did you verify the credibility of the sources you used for your research?

I verified the credibility of my sources by checking the author's qualifications and looking for peer-reviewed articles. I also cross-referenced information from multiple sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Have you ever faced challenges in finding reliable information? How did you overcome them?

Yes, I faced challenges in finding reliable information, especially regarding local regulations. I overcame this by reaching out to experienced colleagues and joining professional groups where I could ask questions and get firsthand advice.

Show all 69 answers

Cue 1:What information did you need to search for?

Clearly state the specific information you were looking for, such as a topic or a problem you needed to solve.
Explain the context of why this information was important to you at that time.

Example

I needed to search for information about the best study materials for the IELTS exam. As I was planning to take the test in a few months, I wanted to ensure I had the right resources to prepare effectively.

Cue 2:When did you search for it?

Mention the timeframe when you started your search, including any relevant deadlines.
Describe any urgency you felt in finding this information.

Example

I started my search about three months before my IELTS exam date. I felt a bit anxious because I wanted to make sure I had enough time to study all the necessary materials before the test.

Cue 3:Where did you search for it?

Specify the platforms or resources you used to find the information, such as websites, libraries, or social media.
Mention if you consulted any friends or teachers for recommendations.

Example

I searched for information primarily on the internet, using websites like IELTS.org and various educational forums. I also asked my English teacher for advice on which books to use.

Cue 4:And explain why you needed to search for it.

Discuss your motivation for seeking this information, such as personal goals or academic requirements.
Highlight the importance of being well-prepared for the IELTS exam.

Example

I needed to search for this information because achieving a high score on the IELTS was crucial for my university application abroad. I wanted to ensure that I was well-prepared and confident on the exam day.

Conclusion

Example

In conclusion, searching for the right information was a vital step in my preparation for the IELTS exam. It helped me feel more confident and equipped to achieve my goals, demonstrating the importance of thorough research in any endeavor.

Following this structure will ensure you cover all the essential points while providing a clear and engaging response to the cue card topic.

Tips to answer this Cue Card

1: Vague Responses

Providing vague or unclear answers can make it difficult for the examiner to understand your experience. Specific details are crucial for a strong response.

Tip

Use specific examples and details to explain what information you searched for and why it was important.

2: Lack of Structure

Failing to organize your answer can lead to confusion. A clear structure helps convey your thoughts effectively.

Tip

Follow the cue prompts in order: start with what you searched for, when, where, and then explain why.

Overly Simple Language

Using overly simple language can limit your ability to express your ideas fully. This may affect your score in fluency and coherence.

Tip

Try to use a variety of vocabulary and sentence structures to make your response more engaging and sophisticated.

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