Describe An Occasion When You Waited A Long Time For A Nice Thing: IELTS Cue Card

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Describe An Occasion When You Waited A Long Time For A Nice Thing: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

Updated on Nov 13, 2024, 06:26

Overview

The IELTS exam comprises four components: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. The speaking component has three segments: an introduction round, an individual long turn, and a discussion round.

The individual long turn section is also known as the cue card round. Here, the examiner presents a cue card featuring a topic and prompts you to speak for 2-3 minutes.

You may get topics like ‘Describe an Occasion When You Waited a Long Time For a Nice Thing’, which we will discuss in this practice test.

In this guide, you'll discover practical strategies for readying yourself for the IELTS speaking test and adeptly responding to the examiner's inquiries. Remember that Part 3 begins immediately following the cue card round, wherein the examiner will pose questions centred around the given topic.

Cue Card/Topic: Describe an occasion when you waited a long time for a nice thing

You should say

When did it happen?
What was the nice thing?
How long have you waited?
Why do you wait for a long time?
Explain how you felt about the experience.

Sample Answers

How to answer

Sample Answer 1

Introduction

Last spring, I went on a religious journey to the holy city of Varanasi in India, where I had a memorable experience.

When did it happen?

Participating in the Ganga Aarti ceremony along the ghats of the River Ganges was an enjoyable experience.
This traditional ceremony has been happening for centuries and is well-known for its spiritual significance and mesmerising ambience.

What was the nice thing?

Since hearing about Varanasi's spiritual charm, I had eagerly anticipated this experience.
Finally, I witnessed the Ganga Aarti ceremony during my trip to India.

How long have you waited?

Patience was vital during my wait for the Ganga Aarti ceremony in Varanasi.
The crowds along the ghats made the wait seem prolonged, and the sweltering heat only added to the challenge.
Nonetheless, I remained patient and optimistic, knowing the experience would be worth it.

Why do you wait for a long time?

The large crowd gathering along the ghats to witness the Ganga Aarti ceremony in Varanasi made the wait seem longer than anticipated.
Despite the heat and the crowd, I remained patient, optimistic that the experience would be worth it.

Explain how you felt about the experience.

During the wait, I felt excited knowing I was about to witness a sacred ritual deeply ingrained in Indian culture.
As the ceremony commenced and the chants filled the air, I was overcome with a profound spiritual connection and tranquillity.

Conclusion

It was undoubtedly worth the wait to participate in the Ganga Aarti ceremony.
Witnessing this ancient ritual along the banks of the River Ganges left a lasting impression on me, highlighting the spiritual richness and cultural vibrancy of Varanasi, India's spiritual capital.

Sample Answer 2

Introduction

I experienced a memorable occasion while eagerly awaiting the release of a highly anticipated book in my favourite series.

When did it happen?

While waiting for the release of a highly anticipated book in my favourite book series, I experienced a memorable occasion.

What was the nice thing?

Obtaining the latest instalment of the book series that I had been ardently pursuing for years was the nice thing I had been waiting for.
This book series was particularly dear to me, and every new release was a reason for festivity.

How long have you waited?

I had eagerly anticipated this book for over a year since the author announced its release.
As the release date approached, my excitement only grew stronger.
I can't wait to dive into the next chapter of the story.

Why do you wait for a long time?

The author took a long time to write the book to meet the fans' high standards.
Despite the wait, I remained patient, confident that the author's dedication would result in a story worth waiting for.

Explain how you felt about the experience.

As I waited for the new book in my favourite series, I felt excited and impatient, imagining what might happen to the characters.
Finally, the book was released, and I felt so happy and nostalgic when I read it.
I loved reconnecting with the characters and being immersed in the fantastic world of the series.

Conclusion

It was worth the wait for the latest book in my favourite series.
Reading the book and getting lost in its captivating story left me feeling fulfilled and excited for what's to come in the next chapter of the series.

Also Read: IELTS Speaking Cue Card 2024: Topics, With Sample Answers

Sample Answer 3

Introduction

I experienced a memorable event while eagerly waiting for an art exhibition showcasing my favourite artist's works.

When did it happen?

Last summer, I attended an art exhibition featuring masterpieces of a renowned artist I deeply admire.
Each painting in the collection had a unique charm, captivating the audience with its beauty and depth.

What was the nice thing?

It was a great experience to attend the opening night of an art exhibition featuring the masterpieces of a renowned artist whose work I deeply admired.
Each painting in the collection had its unique charm, captivating the audience with its beauty and depth.

How long have you waited?

I had been looking forward to this exhibition for months, eagerly waiting for the chance to immerse myself in the world of artistry and creativity.
The opening night finally arrived, and I was thrilled to experience the showcase of my favourite artist.

Why do you wait for a long time?

The wait was long, but curating an exceptional exhibition that would do justice to the artist's talent and vision was necessary.
I knew it would be worth the wait, so I remained patient.
Finally, the day arrived, and I was thrilled to experience such a remarkable showcase.

Explain how you felt about the experience.

As I waited for the exhibition, I felt excited about the artistic wonders that awaited me.
When I finally saw the stunning artwork adorning the walls, I was inspired by the artists' ability to evoke emotions and provoke thought through their creations.

Conclusion

The wait for the art exhibition was undoubtedly worth it.
Immersing myself in the world of art and discovering the beauty and creativity of the artist's work left me feeling enriched and inspired.
This experience reaffirmed the transformative power of artistic expression.

Also Read: IELTS Speaking Practice Test With Sample Answers

To prepare best for the topic 'Describe an occasion when you waited a long time for a nice thing,’ ensure you follow the correct structures.

As you know, the examiner will provide you with a cue card. This card will include your topic and 3-4 points you must cover during your test.

For instance, the cue card for the topic ‘Describe an occasion when you waited a long time for a nice thing’ will be like this:

Going through the cue card will help you understand the points you should discuss in your answers.

Introduction

Briefly introduce the occasion and set the scene.
Mention when and where it happened.
Provide a hint about the nice thing you are waiting for.

“During my vacation in Paris last summer, I eagerly anticipated visiting the famous Louvre Museum.”

When did it happen?

Clearly state what the nice thing was.
Describe its significance or appeal.
Highlight why it was worth the wait.

“Exploring the Louvre Museum was nice, as it is renowned for its vast collection of art masterpieces, including the iconic Mona Lisa. For art enthusiasts like me, its historical significance and cultural richness make it a must-visit destination.”

What was the nice thing?

Specify the duration of the wait.
Explain any factors that contributed to the length of the wait.
Provide context about the anticipation during the wait.

“Ever since I booked my tickets to Paris, I had eagerly anticipated this visit for months. As the day approached, the excitement grew, making the wait feel even longer.”

How long have you waited?

Specify the duration of the wait.
Explain any factors that contributed to the length of the wait.
Provide context about the anticipation during the wait.

Why do you wait for a long time?

Describe the reasons or circumstances that led to the prolonged wait.
Highlight any obstacles or challenges faced during the wait.
Explain the significance or value of the nice thing that justified the wait.

“The extensive lines and crowds at the museum entrance were the primary reasons for the long wait. Despite the inconvenience, I was determined to experience the museum's treasures firsthand, knowing it would be worth it.”

Explain how you felt about the experience.

Share your emotions and thoughts during the wait.
Reflect on the anticipation and excitement leading up to the experience.
Describe your feelings upon finally experiencing the excellent thing.

“During the wait, I oscillated between impatience and excitement, eagerly anticipating the moment I would enter the museum. Despite the long queues and wait times, the thrill of finally entering the Louvre and beholding its magnificent artworks left me in awe.”

Conclusion

Summarise the key points of the experience.
Reflect on the significance of the wait and the value of the excellent thing.
End on a positive note, emphasising the memorable nature of the experience.

“The wait for my visit to the Louvre Museum was well worth it. Immersing myself in its artistic treasures was unforgettable, highlighting the joy and fulfilment that come from patiently awaiting something extraordinary.”

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Follow-Up Questions

Below are some sample questions and possible answers. Once again, we recommend that you only take the inspiration from the answers below and add your twist to it!

Q1. When do people have to wait for a long time?

Answer 1: During peak hours, people often experience long waiting times at airports, train stations, and bus terminals. Government offices or popular events can also lead to long queues and extended waiting periods.

Answer 2: Waiting for extended periods is common during medical appointments, especially in busy clinics or hospitals. Patients may have to wait hours to see a doctor or receive treatment, particularly in emergencies.

Q2. What do people do while waiting?

Answer 1: While waiting, individuals frequently engage in activities like scrolling through their phones, reading books or magazines, or chatting with companions. Some opt for mindfulness practices or simply observe their surroundings to pass the time.

Answer 2: During waiting periods, some people prefer to use the time for productivity, such as responding to emails, taking notes, or planning their schedules. Others choose to use the time for relaxation, like listening to music or practising deep breathing exercises.

Q3. Are most people patient while waiting?

Answer 1: When waiting for something, some people remain patient while others may become restless or irritated, especially during prolonged queues or delays. Comfort, expectations, and urgency can affect an individual's patience while waiting.

Answer 2: The patient level can vary between individuals and can be influenced by temperament, past experiences, and stress levels. While some people remain composed by distracting themselves or thinking positively, others may express their frustration more readily.

Q4. Do you like to wait for a long time? Why?

Answer 1: Extended waiting is tedious as it can take up valuable time that could be spent productively or leisurely. However, waiting is necessary in certain situations, and I try to remain patient by engaging in activities or maintaining a positive mindset.

Answer 2: Waiting for prolonged periods isn't preferable as it can disrupt plans and lead to frustration. Yet, I acknowledge its inevitability in daily life. I use time constructively to cope, whether by catching up on reading or practising mindfulness techniques.

Q5. Do you think patience is necessary?

Answer 1: There is no doubt that patience is an important virtue that is essential for navigating life's challenges and uncertainties. It helps to develop resilience, empathy, and self-control, allowing individuals to persevere through difficult times and maintain harmonious relationships.

Answer 2: Patience is indispensable for achieving personal and professional goals. It cultivates perseverance, tolerance, and understanding, facilitating effective problem-solving and fostering healthy interactions with others. Patience empowers individuals to endure setbacks and pursue long-term aspirations with resilience.

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FAQs

Q. What can I do if I don’t understand the cue card topic?

Ans. If you need help grasping the cue card topic, consider these strategies. First, read the cue card several times to familiarise yourself with the subject. If that doesn't suffice, break down the topic into smaller segments and research each separately. You can also seek assistance or clarification from others or connect the topic to your existing knowledge for better comprehension.

Q. Can I express my opinion during the test, even if it's different from the examiner's?

Ans. Yes, you can express your opinion during the test, even if it differs from the examiner's. The IELTS Speaking test evaluates your ability to communicate effectively in English, not the alignment of your views with the examiner's. However, ensure your opinion is supported with reasons and examples to demonstrate your ability to express yourself clearly and coherently.

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

Ans. During the 1-minute prep for the Cue Card task, maximise efficiency! Brainstorm key ideas and jot down keywords for your intro, main points, and conclusion. Focus on strong points and relevant examples. Use keywords, not whole sentences, to jog your memory. Consider your notes as a roadmap, not a script, for flexibility. Aim to finish jotting down points with 15-20 seconds left to review your plan for a smooth and confident response.

Q. What is the duration of Part 2 speaking IELTS?

Ans. IELTS Speaking Part 2 consists of two sections: preparation and speaking.

During the 1-minute preparation, you'll receive a cue card with a topic. This is your opportunity to brainstorm ideas, plan your response structure, and jot down keywords for the introduction, main points, and conclusion.

Once your prep time is up, you'll have 1-2 minutes to discuss the topic. The examiner will only interrupt you if you significantly exceed the time limit. In total, Part 2 speaking takes roughly 3-4 minutes.

Q. Can I change the topic for speaking in IELTS?

Ans. No, you can't change the topic in the IELTS speaking test. The examiner assigns it and evaluates your English fluency based on it. However, aim for a strong performance by showcasing your vocabulary, grammar, and clear communication skills, even on an unfamiliar topic.

Q. How can I prepare for the IELTS cue card?

Ans. Practice with a range of cue card topics beforehand! This helps build flexibility in your speaking style and prepares you for different subjects. Take 1 minute to brainstorm and jot down key ideas: introduction, 2-3 main points, and conclusion. Consider supporting examples to showcase your English skills effectively.

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

Ans. IELTS speaking is assessed based on four criteria, each carrying equal weight:

Fluency & Coherence: Evaluate how smoothly and logically you express yourself.
Lexical Resource: Assesses the range and accuracy of your vocabulary.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy: Examines the correctness and variety of your grammar usage.
Pronunciation: Review the clarity and ease of understanding in your speech.

Your overall score is the average of these four individual band scores.

Q. Are speaking tests for Academic and General the same?

Ans. The speaking format in IELTS is identical for both Academic and General tests. You'll converse with the examiner and discuss a cue card topic. However, the content might differ. Academic tests delve into study-related themes or your field, while General tests focus on daily life scenarios.

Q. How can I improve my performance in the IELTS Speaking test?

Ans. Boost your IELTS Speaking performance with two key strategies:

Watch shows, listen to podcasts, or find online partners for regular English exposure.
Master a clear response structure and practice with various topics.

These ways will help you constantly improve your performance and get a good band score.

Q. Can I exceed the time limit during the speaking test?

Ans. Adhering to the designated time limits during the IELTS speaking test is crucial to ensure that you have ample time to answer all the questions. Going over the time limit can adversely impact the remaining sections of the test. Therefore, it is advisable to aim to finish early, as it demonstrates effective time management skills and provides the examiner with the opportunity to ask follow-up questions, if any.

Q. How to make notes for cue card IELTS?

Ans. To take good notes for the cue card in the IELTS speaking test, focus on the important words and phrases in the prompt. Use abbreviations, symbols, and short forms to save time. Read the cue card carefully, identify the key points, and organize them well. Practice note-taking skills beforehand to develop a good strategy and do better in the speaking test.

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