Talk Icon

Practice 100+ speaking topics!

Star rating icon

4.2

1M+ Installs

Get App

leap-scholar-logo
hamburger-menu
cue_card_backround_image_mobile

IELTSTM CUE CARD

Describe A Travel You Were Looking Forward To But Was Delayed

Updated on Oct 08, 2024, 14:37

Overview

An IELTS Speaking cue card is a prompt card used in the speaking section of the IELTS exam to stimulate discussion and elicit extended responses from candidates. 
 

Cue cards are an integral part of the speaking test, providing candidates with a specific topic to talk about for a designated period of time.

 

Imagine eagerly planning a long-awaited trip, only to encounter unexpected delays that disrupt your travel plans. This is the scenario we'll be delving into today. You'll reflect on a travel experience that you were excited about but faced delays, exploring how it impacted you and what you did during the wait.
 

Throughout this discussion, we'll look into sample answers to illustrate various ways candidates can effectively communicate their experiences and emotions related to delayed travel.

 

Cue Card/Topic: Describe A Travel You Were Looking Forward To But Was Delayed

You should say

  • Where were you going?
  • Why was it important for you?
  • Why was it delayed?
  • What happened in the end?
Sample Answer 1

Introduction:

 

  • Last summer, anticipation was high for a trip to Venice, Italy.
  • Detailed planning included exploring canals, landmarks, and local cuisine.
  • Disappointment struck a week prior when the trip had to be postponed.

 

Describing your experience/opinion/interest:

 

  • Excitement was tangible, especially for experiences like gondola rides and visiting St. Mark's Square.
  • The delay felt like a setback after meticulous planning.
  • Emotions ranged from frustration to understanding the necessity of the delay.

 

Key Highlights:

 

  • The delay prompted reconsideration of travel plans and exploration of alternative destinations.
  • Despite initial disappointment, optimism prevailed, leading to the discovery of new possibilities.
  • The experience underscored the importance of adaptability and resilience in unforeseen circumstances.

 

Conclusion:

 

  • While the delay was disheartening, enthusiasm for travel remained undiminished.
  • Valuable lessons in flexibility and determination were learned.
  • Looking forward to rescheduling the trip and making the most of the experience when the time is right.
Sample Answer 2

Introduction:

 

  • Let me take you on a journey I was eagerly anticipating, a trip to the majestic Himalayan town of Manali.
  • I had been dreaming about escaping the city chaos and immersing myself in the serene beauty of the mountains.
  • However, my excitement was put on hold when I received the disappointing news of the trip delay just a few days before departure.

 

Describing your experience/opinion/interest:

 

  • Anticipation was running high as I imagined trekking through lush green valleys and breathing in the crisp mountain air.
  • The delay felt like a sudden interruption to my much-needed break from the daily hustle and bustle.
  • I experienced a mix of emotions, from frustration at the unexpected delay to a sense of resignation, knowing that sometimes things don't go as planned.

 

Key Highlights:

 

  • The delay prompted me to explore alternative destinations within India that offered similar experiences.
  • Despite the initial disappointment, I embraced the chance to discover hidden gems closer to home.
  • It served as a reminder of the unpredictability of travel and the importance of adaptability in such situations.

 

Conclusion:

 

  • While the delay was a setback, my enthusiasm for exploring new places remained undiminished.
  • I learned valuable lessons about flexibility and resilience during unexpected challenges.
  • I eagerly await the opportunity to reschedule my trip to Manali and immerse myself in its natural splendour when the time is right.
Sample Answer 3

Introduction:

 

  • Let me share with you a travel experience I had been eagerly anticipating, a visit to the culturally rich city of Jaipur, Rajasthan.
  • The prospect of exploring the magnificent palaces, vibrant bazaars, and rich heritage had filled me with excitement.
  • However, my excitement was dampened when I received the unexpected news of the trip delay just days before departure.

 

Describing your experience/opinion/interest:

 

  • Envisioning myself wandering through the majestic Amber Fort and marvelling at the intricate details of Hawa Mahal had fueled my anticipation.
  • The delay came as a disappointment, disrupting my plans for a memorable cultural immersion.
  • Initially frustrated, I gradually came to terms with the situation, understanding that sometimes delays are inevitable.

 

Key Highlights:

 

  • The delay prompted me to explore nearby destinations within Rajasthan, such as Udaipur and Jodhpur, known for their enchanting beauty and rich history.
  • Despite the setback, I embraced the opportunity to delve deeper into the vibrant culture and heritage of Rajasthan.
  • It was a lesson in adaptability and resilience, reminding me to make the most of unexpected circumstances.

 

Conclusion:

 

  • While the delay was disappointing, my passion for exploring Rajasthan's wonders remained undiminished.
  • The experience taught me valuable lessons in flexibility and patience, crucial traits for any traveller.
  • I eagerly await the chance to reschedule my trip to Jaipur and immerse myself in its captivating charm when the time is right.

Understanding how to respond effectively to cue card topics such as ‘Describe a trip you were looking forward to but was delayed’ is essential for excelling in the IELTS test. 

 

Mastering this skill not only showcases your fluency but also demonstrates your ability to organise your thoughts within a tight time frame.

 

 Here's how to approach answering this cue card:

 

Introduction:

 

  • Begin by introducing the travel plan you were excited about.
  • Clearly state that the trip was delayed and briefly mention the reasons for the delay.
  • Express your anticipation for the trip and your disappointment when it was delayed.

 

Describing your experience/opinion/interest:

 

  • Share details about the destination you were planning to visit and why it was significant to you.
  • Discuss your preparations for the trip, including any bookings or arrangements made.
  • Express your feelings upon learning about the delay, such as frustration, disappointment, or understanding.

 

Key Highlights:

 

  • Highlight the impact of the delay on your plans and emotions.
  • Discuss any alternative arrangements you considered or actions you took due to the delay.
  • Describe how you managed your expectations and stayed positive despite the setback.

 

Conclusion:

 

  • Summarise your experience of eagerly anticipating a trip only to have it delayed.
  • Reflect on the lessons learned from this experience, such as patience or adaptability.
  • End on a hopeful note by expressing your determination to eventually make the trip and the excitement that still lingers despite the delay.

Follow-Up Questions

In the follow-up question round of the IELTS speaking test, the examiner will delve deeper into the topic discussed in the cue card. This phase allows the examiner to assess your ability to provide extended answers and engage in a more in-depth conversation. 

 

Expect questions related to the theme of your cue card topic, as well as broader questions about travel experiences and opinions.

Q. Which transportation mode is the safest, according to you?

Answer 1: Personally, I believe that air travel is the safest mode of transportation. The stringent safety regulations, advanced technology, and highly trained professionals contribute to its reputation for safety.

 

Answer 2: In my opinion, trains are the safest mode of transportation. Their fixed tracks and extensive safety measures make them a reliable choice for travel, especially for shorter distances.

Q. Which things should you keep in mind before travelling?

Answer 1: Before travelling, it's essential to ensure you have all necessary documents, such as passports and visas. Additionally, research your destination's culture, customs, and any travel advisories. Packing essentials like clothing appropriate for the climate and any required medications is crucial.

 

Answer 2: One should always check for travel restrictions, health advisories, and weather forecasts. It's wise to inform family or friends about your itinerary and keep emergency contacts handy. Lastly, have a flexible mindset to adapt to unexpected situations during the journey.

Q. How can travelling be useful to people?

Answer 1: Travelling broadens one's horizons by exposing them to diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences. It fosters personal growth, enhances cultural understanding, and promotes tolerance and empathy.

 

Answer 2: Travelling offers opportunities for relaxation, rejuvenation, and stress relief. It allows people to break out of their routines, discover new interests, and create lasting memories with loved ones.

Q. How do you think commercial flights will improve?

Answer 1: I believe commercial flights will continue to improve in terms of efficiency and sustainability. Advancements in aircraft technology, such as fuel-efficient engines and eco-friendly designs, will reduce carbon emissions and environmental impact.

 

Answer 2: With the advent of digital technologies, commercial flights will enhance passenger experience through seamless booking processes, personalised services, and enhanced in-flight entertainment options. Additionally, efforts to improve safety measures and streamline airport procedures will contribute to overall improvements in air travel.

FAQs

Q. How should I manage my time during the Cue Card task?

Ans. During the Cue Card task, you'll get 1 minute to prepare and 2 minutes to speak. Efficient time management is crucial for optimal performance. Use the minute to jot down and organise your ideas. During the 2-minute speaking time, elaborate and cover all key points from the cue card. Pace yourself and avoid rushing. Use transition words to connect your ideas smoothly.

Q. How do I frame my answer in 1 minute?

Ans. To effectively frame your answer within 1 minute, begin by outlining and arranging key points logically. Commence with a brief introduction to set the context, elaborate on the main points concisely, and conclude with a succinct summary or closing statement. Practising this structured approach can help ensure clarity and coherence within the given time constraint.

Q. How many hours is the IELTS speaking test?

Ans. The IELTS speaking test, a vital exam component, typically spans 11-14 minutes. This comprehensive assessment consists of three distinct sections: firstly, an introductory phase and interview, which typically consumes 4-5 minutes. Subsequently, candidates take a long turn where they express their views on a given topic, typically lasting 3-4 minutes. Lastly, participants partake in a discussion about the topic for another 4-5 minutes.

Q. What is the marking scheme for the IELTS speaking test?

Ans. The IELTS speaking test is evaluated across four key criteria: fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. Each aspect holds equal importance in determining proficiency. Examiners meticulously follow a comprehensive marking scheme to assess candidates' performance accurately. This systematic approach ensures a fair and thorough evaluation of candidates' speaking abilities, ultimately reflecting their overall language proficiency.

ielts logo

Get the IELTS Prep App

Star rating icon

4.2

1M+ Installs

app download banner image

Get the app link on your phone

+91

Or download app from

google play storeapp store

IELTS Important Information

Read More about IELTS Practice Test

IELTS Accepting Universities

IELTS Test Centre and Dates in India

IELTS Accepting Countries

Top Speaking Sample with Answers