Describe a Time When You Shared Something with Others: How to Answer
The second part of the IELTS Speaking test is the Individual Long Turn. It is also called the IELTS Cue Card section. The examiner provides you with a task or cue card in this section.
Check out the symbolic representation of the cue card:
During the preparation time, the examiner will give you a pen/pencil and a rough sheet to make notes if needed. You can use this time to structure your answer.
Afterwards, the examiner will instruct you to begin your answer and remind you of the ending time.
Once you are given a cue card, the next step is to plan your answer. During the 1-minute preparation time, you have to structure your answer. Begin your answer by providing a short introduction to the topic. Then, explain your topic in detail. In the end, give a brief conclusion to your speech.
One of the effective ways to answer a cue card topic is by breaking down the topic into 4 parts that are: Introduction, Cue Card Questions, Your feelings regarding the topic and Conclusion. This way, you can cover all the major sides of the topic.
Introduction
- Start your answer with a catchy phrase or idiom. This will act as a good opener for your answer.
For example, “There is no joy in possession without sharing”.
- Brief your central opinion or idea.
For example, “I love sharing my happiness with the people I care about”.
What did you share?
- Explain what you shared. Here, you can provide details about the object, idea, stories, or emotions you shared with the person.
For example, “I was shopping for myself, and then I came across this beautiful dress. I felt like gifting it to someone.”.
Who did you share with?
- Here, you can mention the person to whom you shared the object or whatever you prefer.
- Along with mentioning the person's name, you can add 1-2 lines about the person.
For example, “I gifted the dress to my roommate, who loves wearing frocks”.
Why did you share?
- Provide reasons why you shared this with the person.
- You can explain the context and reasons why you felt like sharing.
For example, “It was her birthday, so I thought it would be a nice gift”.
How is it special?
- This is your place to be creative and expressive. Explain the experience with passion and emotion. Explain how it is a special event for you.
- Give reasons for why it is memorable.
For example, “The day is so special for me because she told me how my gift was special for her and how it was the best birthday gift she ever received”.
Conclusion
- End your speech on a positive note.
- Here, you can conclude your speech by recalling your main idea.
For example, “Gifting our loved ones always gives us happiness, and it makes us feel good about ourselves by seeing smiles on the faces of people we love”.
Describe a Time When You Shared Something with Others: Sample Answers
Find the Sample Answers for Describe a Time When You Shared Something with Others IELTS Cue Card here.
Introduction
- I think sharing can be a great way to express our feelings towards one another and help strengthen our relationships.
What did you share?
- It is good to share your feelings or things with your loved ones. In our everyday lives, when something nice happens, we desire to share it with our loved ones.
- There was a time when I bought a book of the thriller genre, and I loved it so much that I wanted my best friend to read it as well.
Who did you share with?
- I shared the book with my best friend with a little gist of what it holds.
- I tasked her to read it and then tell me her views on it later on.
Why did you share?
- I shared because she is also passionate about reading new books, especially thriller and mystery books.
How is it special?
- It is special because of its story and the plot twist.
Conclusion
- I feel that sharing things or experiences with your loved ones is good.
- It brings joy to us and our loved ones as well.
Describe a Time When You Shared Something with Others: Follow-up Questions
We have given four follow-up questions for ‘Describe a time when you were sharing something with others’ IELTS Speaking Cue Card. The examiner will engage the test taker in a more detailed discussion of the topic introduced in Part 2 in Part 3 of the IELTS Speaking test. The purpose of this section is to assess your ability to express your views, by giving explanations and discussing ideas in relation to the topic.
You have 4-5 minutes to elaborate on your previous responses and express your opinions. Listen carefully, speak clearly, and use appropriate vocabulary and grammar to engage in a discussion.
