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IELTSTM CUE CARD

Describe A Time When You Picked Up An Item That Someone Else Lost

Updated on Oct 08, 2024, 15:09

Overview

An IELTS Speaking cue card is a prompt given to you during the speaking section of the exam. It is a topic for you to speak about for a specified amount of time, usually around 2 minutes. Cue cards are an integral part of the IELTS speaking test, designed to assess your ability to express yourself fluently and coherently.
 

The topic, "Describe A Time When You Picked Up An Item That Someone Else Lost," prompts you to recount an incident where you found and returned something lost by another person. Such instances of helping others by retrieving their lost belongings can leave a positive impact on both the finder and the person who lost the item. 

 

Cue Card/Topic: Describe A Time When You Picked Up An Item That Someone Else Lost

You should say

  • What was the item?
  • When and where you found it?
  • What did you do after finding it?
  • And explain how you felt about the experience.
Sample Answer 1

Introduction: (Covers- What was the item?/ When and where you found it?)

 

  • Last month, I was strolling through the bustling streets of Delhi when something caught my eye. 
  • Amidst the chaos, I spotted a small leather wallet lying on the pavement near a busy market. 
  • It seemed like a moment frozen in time, and without a second thought, I bent down to pick it up.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest: (Covers- What did you do after finding it?/ And explain how you felt about the experience.)

 

  • Upon picking up the wallet, I couldn't help but feel a surge of curiosity mixed with a tinge of responsibility. 
  • I opened it to find identification cards, some cash, and a few photographs. 
  • Instantly, my heart went out to the owner, imagining the panic they must be feeling. 
  • Despite the crowd bustling around me, I felt a sense of duty to reunite the lost wallet with its rightful owner.

 

Key Highlights: 

 

  • The task at hand was daunting, but I was determined. I meticulously examined the contents of the wallet to find any contact information. 
  • Luckily, there was a phone number scribbled on one of the cards. With a glimmer of hope, I dialled the number, and after a few rings, a relieved voice answered. 
  • The owner, Mr. Gupta, had been frantically searching for his lost wallet and was overjoyed to hear from me.

 

Conclusion: 

 

  • As I handed over the wallet to Mr. Gupta, I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction wash over me. 
  • It wasn't about the gratitude or the small reward he offered; it was about doing the right thing. 
  • The experience taught me the importance of kindness and empathy in a world often consumed by haste and indifference. 
  • It reinforced my belief that even the smallest act of honesty can make a significant difference in someone's life.
Sample Answer 2

Introduction: (Covers- What was the item?/ When and where you found it?)

 

  • I remember when I found something valuable that someone else had lost. It happened while I was commuting on a local bus in Delhi. 
  • I discovered a lost wallet during one of my daily trips. 
  • This experience was quite rewarding and thought-provoking, highlighting the importance of honesty and empathy.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest: (Covers- What did you do after finding it?/ And explain how you felt about the experience.)

 

  • One afternoon, while riding a crowded bus, I noticed a wallet lying on an empty seat.
  • It was a typical weekday, and the bus was packed with people returning from work.
  • When I saw the wallet, I thought about the person who must be anxious about losing it. 
  • I felt a strong sense of responsibility to ensure it got back to its rightful owner.

 

Key Highlights: 

 

  • After picking up the wallet, I checked inside for any identification. 
  • I found some cash, cards, and an ID with the name and address of the owner, Rajesh Sharma. 
  • I decided to call the contact number on the ID card and arranged to meet Mr Sharma at a nearby café. 
  • He was incredibly relieved and thankful, sharing how the wallet contained important documents he needed for work the next day.

 

Conclusion: 

 

  • The experience of finding and returning the wallet left me feeling satisfied and proud.
  • It reinforced my belief in doing the right thing, no matter how small the act may seem.
  • I realised that such gestures build trust and kindness in the community. 
  • Helping Mr Sharma made me appreciate the impact of honesty and compassion in everyday life.
Sample Answer 3

Introduction: (Covers- What was the item?/ When and where you found it?)

 

  • I recall an instance when I found something that someone else had lost. 
  • This happened during my morning jog in the neighbourhood park in Mumbai. 
  • I stumbled upon a misplaced mobile phone on a bench. 
  • This experience was quite fulfilling and reaffirmed my belief in doing good deeds.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest: (Covers- What did you do after finding it?/Explain how you felt about the experience.)

 

  • I noticed a smartphone lying unattended on a park bench during my regular morning jog. 
  • It was early, and the park was fairly empty, with only a few joggers around. 
  • Seeing the phone, I immediately thought about the person who must be worried about losing it. 
  • I felt compelled to do something about it and try to find the owner.

 

Key Highlights: 

 

  • I picked up the phone and checked for any clues about its owner. 
  • Luckily, it wasn’t locked, so I could access the contacts. 
  • I found a recent call from a contact named “Mum” and decided to call the number. I spoke with the owner’s mother, who informed me that the phone belonged to her daughter, Priya. 
  • We arranged to meet at the park entrance, and when Priya arrived, she was overjoyed and grateful to have her phone back.

 

Conclusion: 

 

  • Returning the lost phone gave me a sense of fulfilment and pride. 
  • It reinforced my belief in the importance of honesty and helping others. 
  • I realised that such small acts of kindness can significantly impact someone’s day.
  • This experience made me appreciate the value of community and the joy of doing good deeds.

When the cue card section begins, the examiner will hand you a cue card with a topic written on it. They will instruct you to speak on the topic for two minutes. You will have one minute to prepare your response before you start speaking.

 

The best way to answer a cue card is to break it down into smaller pieces: introduction, describing your experience, key highlights, and conclusion. Here’s how you can approach the topic "Describe A Time When You Picked Up An Item That Someone Else Lost:

 

Introduction: 

 

  • Begin by introducing the situation you will describe, stating when and where it happened. 

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest: 

 

  • Talk about how you stumbled upon the lost item, your initial reaction, and why you picked it up. 
  • Share any relevant thoughts or feelings you had at the time.

 

Key Highlights: 

 

  • Focus on how you identified the owner of the lost item (if applicable), any challenges you faced in doing so, and the resolution of the situation. 
  • Highlight the importance of honesty and integrity in your actions.

 

Conclusion: 

 

  • Reflect briefly on the experience, perhaps mentioning how it felt to return the lost item or the lesson you learned about helping others. 

 

Also read: IELTS Speaking Questions with Answers 2024 

 

Pace Up Your IELTS Preparation With Our Expert Masterclass!

Follow-Up Questions

In the IELTS Speaking test, the examiner will ask follow-up questions after you complete your cue card. This round is designed to delve deeper into your topic, allowing you to elaborate on your thoughts and experiences. 

 

The examiner might ask about related themes, opinions, or general societal views. It is an opportunity to demonstrate your fluency, coherence, and ability to discuss topics in more detail.

Q1. Why do you think people often lose their belongings?

Answer 1:I believe people often lose their belongings because they are distracted or in a hurry. For instance, in a busy city like Mumbai, people are constantly rushing from one place to another, and it is easy to forget or drop something without noticing. Stress and multitasking also contribute to this tendency to misplace items.

 

Answer 2: People tend to lose their belongings due to forgetfulness or carelessness. It is easy to misplace items in crowded places, such as markets or public transport. Additionally, our increasing reliance on technology makes us often preoccupied with our phones and overlook our surroundings, leading to lost possessions.

Q2. How do you think people feel when they lose something important?

Answer 1: People usually feel anxious and stressed when they lose something important. They might worry about the inconvenience and potential costs of replacing the item, especially if it is valuable, like a wallet or phone. The emotional impact can be significant, causing distress and frustration.

 

Answer 2: Losing something important can make people feel panicked and helpless. They may fear the loss of personal information or sentimental value attached to the item. The immediate reaction is often a mix of frustration and desperation as they try to retrace their steps and recover the lost possession.

Q3. Do you think people are generally honest when they find lost items?

Answer 1: I think most people are honest when they find lost items, as they understand the distress it can cause. Many individuals try to return lost belongings because they empathise with the owner's situation. However, there are always exceptions, and some might keep the item if they find it valuable or useful.

 

Answer 2: Generally, I believe people tend to be honest when they find lost items. Social norms and the desire to do good often motivate individuals to return lost possessions. However, the decision can vary depending on the person's character and the item's value. In close-knit communities, honesty is usually more prevalent.

Q4. What measures can be taken to reduce the likelihood of losing personal items?

Answer 1: To reduce the likelihood of losing personal items, individuals can develop habits of always checking their belongings before leaving a place. Using designated spots for essentials like keys and wallets can help. Additionally, technology such as tracking devices on phones and wallets can assist in quickly locating lost items.

 

Answer 2: People can adopt several measures to avoid losing their belongings. Being mindful and organised is crucial, such as placing items in specific pockets or compartments. Labelling items with contact information and using technology like GPS trackers can also prevent loss and facilitate recovery if items are misplaced.

FAQs

Q. What is the structure of the IELTS Speaking test?

Ans. The IELTS Speaking test consists of three parts. In Part 1, the examiner asks general questions about yourself and familiar topics. Part 2 involves speaking about a specific topic from a cue card for 1-2 minutes. In Part 3, the examiner asks more abstract and analytical questions related to the Part 2 topic. The test lasts about 11-14 minutes in total.

Q. How is the IELTS Speaking test scored?

Ans. The IELTS Speaking test is scored based on four criteria: fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. Each criterion is equally weighted, and scores range from 0 to 9. The overall speaking score is the average of the four criteria scores.

Q. Can I ask the examiner to repeat a question during the speaking test?

Ans. Yes, you can ask the examiner to repeat or clarify a question if you do not understand it. However, it is important to do so politely and only when necessary. Repeatedly asking for clarification may affect your fluency score.

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