Describe Something That You Picked up That Was Thrown by Someone Else: IELTS Cue Card

IELTS^TM CUE CARD

Describe Something That You Picked up That Was Thrown by Someone Else: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

Updated on Nov 13, 2024, 06:14

Overview

IELTS Speaking is a common module in the IELTS Academic and General Training tests. The 3-parts remain the same in both tests. The cue card round is filled with simple topics such as personal interests, experiences, environmental and societal issues, and general knowledge. One of the most commonly asked topics is, 'Describe Something That You Picked up That Was Thrown by Someone Else.'

In this topic, you can mention an object that you found and how it has been useful to you. You can also talk about when and where you found it and how you felt when you picked it up. Finally, you can explain why you cannot live without it now. Remember to structure your answer with an introduction, key highlights, and a conclusion.

Cue Card/Topic:Describe Something That You Picked up That Was Thrown by Someone Else

You should say

Where was it?
When was it picked up?
What did you do after you picked it up?
How did you feel?

Sample Answers

How to answer

Sample Answer 1

Introduction

It was a typical evening in my neighbourhood in Mumbai, bustling with activity as people went about their daily routines.

Where was it?

Walking down the crowded street, I noticed a group of children playing cricket in a narrow alleyway between buildings.
The narrow lanes were lined with small shops and vendors selling various items.

When was it picked up?

Suddenly, I heard a loud cheer and a cricket ball flying.
Without warning, the ball came hurtling towards me, thrown by one of the young players engrossed in the game.

What did you do after you picked it up?

Instinctively, I reached out and caught the ball just before it could collide with me or anything else nearby.
Surprised but unharmed, I turned towards the group of children, who looked equally surprised and apologetic.

How did you feel?

At that moment, I felt mixed emotions—startled by the unexpected events but relieved that no harm was done.
Despite the initial shock, I couldn't help but chuckle at the situation, realising that it was just an innocent game of cricket in the bustling streets of Mumbai.

Conclusion

This experience served as a reminder of the vibrant and dynamic energy of city life in India, where even a simple game of cricket can lead to unexpected encounters and moments of laughter.

Sample Answer 2

Introduction

It was a sunny afternoon in Bangalore, my hometown, which is known for its pleasant weather and vibrant street life.

Where was it?

I was strolling through the bustling market area near my house, surrounded by the sounds and sights of vendors selling fresh produce, colourful fabrics, and street food delicacies.

When was it picked up?

As I navigated the crowded lanes, I suddenly felt something small and light hit my shoulder.
Startled, I saw a group of children playing with a makeshift ball made of rolled-up paper and tape.

What did you do after you picked it up?

Curious, I bent down to pick up the ball accidentally thrown in my direction.
The children, noticing my action, quickly ran over to apologize and retrieve their ball.

How did you feel?

Despite the initial surprise, I couldn't help but smile at the children's earnest apologies and their enthusiasm for the impromptu game.
Holding the paper ball in my hand, I felt a sense of nostalgia for my childhood days spent playing similar games in the neighbourhood streets.

Conclusion

This simple yet unexpected encounter with the children's playful antics uplifted me and reminded me of the joy that can be found in spontaneous moments of connection and camaraderie.

Sample Answer 3

Introduction

On a warm summer evening in Mumbai, I walked along the bustling promenade of Marine Drive, enjoying the gentle sea breeze and the vibrant atmosphere.

Where was it?

As I admired the scenic view of the Arabian Sea and the iconic skyline of Mumbai, I noticed a group of children playing cricket on the sandy beach below.

When was it picked up?

Suddenly, a cricket ball flew towards me from their makeshift pitch, landing with a soft thud at my feet.
I looked around, slightly surprised, and saw the children gesturing apologetically from below.

What did you do after you picked it up?

Without hesitation, I picked up the ball and tossed it back to the eager group of children, who greeted my action with cheerful smiles and enthusiastic waves of gratitude.

How did you feel?

Despite the interruption, I couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth and camaraderie in that moment.
The simple exchange with the children reminded me of the spontaneity and joy of childhood, and I couldn't help but chuckle at the unexpected twist in my evening stroll.

Conclusion

This brief encounter left me with a smile on my face and a newfound appreciation for the simple pleasures of life. It reminded me to embrace moments of spontaneity and connection wherever they may arise.

Once part 2 begins, you will be handed a cue card and 4 questions related to it. In our case, the cue card will look like this:

The ideal way to answer cue card prompts is to break them into digestible sections. Think of it this way: no matter your topic, there is always an introduction, key highlights, and a conclusion.

Considering that, here's how we'll break our topic down.

Introduction

Begin by setting the scene and providing context for the situation.
Describe where you were and what you were doing when the incident occurred.
For example, you could mention if you were outdoors, in a public place, or at home.

“It was a bustling afternoon in the heart of Kolkata, near the iconic Howrah Bridge, where I found myself amidst the cacophony of street vendors, commuters, and tourists.”

Where was it?

Provide a vivid description of where the object was thrown and subsequently picked up.
Include details about the surroundings, such as the time of day, weather conditions, and any notable features of the environment.

“As I navigated through the crowded streets, a sudden commotion caught my attention. In the midst of the bustling crowd, a child's toy was thrown haphazardly by someone in a moment of careless abandon.”

When was it picked up?

Elaborate on the circumstances surrounding the moment you picked up the object.
Describe the events leading up to it and any factors influencing your decision to retrieve the item.
You could mention if other people were present or the situation caught you off guard.

“Without a second thought, I instinctively reached out and picked up the toy, narrowly avoiding it from getting trampled by the hurried passersby. It was a reflex action, driven by the desire to prevent any harm to the innocent plaything.”

What did you do after you picked it up?

Offer more insight into your actions immediately after picking up the object.
Explain how you interacted with the item and what your intentions were.
If applicable, describe any further steps you took, such as returning the object to its owner or examining it closely.

“Once I had the toy safely in my hands, I paused for a moment to survey the surroundings. The child who had lost the toy was nowhere to be seen amidst the sea of people. Understanding the toy's importance to its young owner, I made a decision to hold onto it and search for its rightful owner.”

How did you feel?

Delve deeper into your emotional response to the situation.
Describe your initial reaction and any subsequent thoughts or feelings that arose.
Consider how the experience made you reflect on human behaviour or societal norms.

“Despite the chaotic scene around me, a sense of responsibility and empathy washed over me. I felt a deep connection to the child who had lost their toy and a determination to reunite them with it. It was a reminder of the power of small acts of kindness amidst the hustle and bustle of city life.”

Conclusion

Conclude your response by reflecting on the significance of the experience and its impact on you.
Consider any lessons learned or personal insights gained from the incident.
You may also comment on how the experience has influenced your perspective on similar situations in the future.

“The incident left a lasting impression on me, highlighting the importance of being vigilant and compassionate in the midst of everyday chaos. It was a simple yet poignant reminder of the interconnectedness of humanity, even in a bustling metropolis like Kolkata.”

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. Do you think a small action contributed to building a positive environment?

Answer 1: Yes, even a small action, like picking up a ball thrown by someone else, can build a positive environment. In the Indian context, such gestures are often seen as acts of goodwill and kindness, fostering a sense of community and unity. By responding positively to the situation, individuals can create a ripple effect of positivity and goodwill, ultimately enhancing the overall atmosphere.

Answer 2: No, small actions like picking up a ball thrown by someone else might not always contribute to building a positive environment. In some cases, individuals may feel annoyed or inconvenienced by such gestures, especially if they were not expecting or prepared for them. Additionally, cultural differences and personal preferences can influence how such actions are perceived, leading to misunderstandings or discomfort in certain situations.

Q2. Why do you think that picking things is important?

Answer 1: In the Indian context, picking things up is important as it reflects values of cleanliness and responsibility. By keeping public spaces tidy and litter-free, individuals contribute to a healthier and more hygienic environment for everyone. Additionally, picking up items dropped by others demonstrates respect for communal spaces and consideration for fellow citizens, fostering a sense of civic duty and pride.

Answer 2: However, some may argue that picking things up is only sometimes necessary or practical, especially in crowded or busy areas where litter is common. In such contexts, individuals might prioritise their own convenience over cleaning up after others, disregarding communal cleanliness. Additionally, cultural attitudes towards cleanliness and public spaces vary, and some may not see picking things up as important or necessary in certain situations.

Q3. Do people throw things intentionally?

Answer 1: In the Indian context, some people may intentionally throw things as a form of expression or protest, aiming to draw attention to social or political issues. Such actions can serve as activism or advocacy, sparking discussions and raising awareness about relevant topics. Additionally, the intentional throwing of items during celebrations or festivals can be part of cultural traditions, adding vibrancy and excitement to communal gatherings.

Answer 2: However, intentionally throwing objects can also pose risks and cause harm, especially in crowded or public spaces. Sometimes, people may throw things out of frustration, anger, or disregard for the consequences, leading to accidents or injuries. Additionally, deliberate littering can contribute to environmental pollution and degradation, tarnishing the beauty of natural landscapes and public areas.

Q4. Have you experienced a similar situation where you must pick and expect something?

Answer 1: Yes, I recall a time during a community cleanup drive when we were tasked with picking up litter along a local riverbank. Despite the initial reluctance, our group quickly got involved, and as we picked up trash, we noticed a positive change in the environment. The act of picking up litter beautified the area and fostered a sense of unity and responsibility among participants. It was heartening to see how a small action like picking up trash could make a tangible difference in improving our surroundings.

Answer 2: On the contrary, I've also witnessed instances where people threw garbage indiscriminately during a public event, such as a street festival. Despite the presence of trash bins, some individuals chose to litter the streets, leading to a messy and unsightly environment. This behaviour reflected a lack of civic responsibility and posed health hazards and environmental degradation. Such incidents highlighted the importance of promoting awareness about proper waste disposal and fostering a culture of cleanliness and respect for public spaces.

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FAQs

Q. What can I do if I need help understanding the cue card topic?

Ans. If you need help understanding the cue card topic, ask the examiner to clarify it. You can also take a few seconds to think about the topic and develop related ideas or examples. If unsure, you can use general phrases or expressions to discuss the topic until you feel more comfortable.

Q. Can I use informal language during my cue card task?

Ans. No, you should avoid using informal language during your cue card task. The cue card task is a formal speaking test, so you should use formal language throughout the test. Avoid using slang, contractions, or colloquial expressions, and instead use more formal vocabulary and sentence structures. This will help you demonstrate your language skills and show that you can communicate effectively in a formal setting.

Q. What are some of the common cue card topics?

Ans. Some common cue card topics in the IELTS speaking test include personal experiences, such as describing a memorable event or a favourite holiday destination, and more general topics related to society, education, technology, and culture. Other common topics may include describing a person you admire, discussing a current issue or problem, or expressing your opinion on a particular topic.

Q. Is the IELTS speaking test easy?

Ans. The IELTS speaking test can be challenging for many test-takers, as it requires fluency and accuracy in English and the ability to communicate effectively and confidently. However, with adequate preparation and practice, many individuals can achieve their desired score on the speaking test. It's important to remember that everyone's experience may vary, and what may be easy or difficult for one person may be different for another.

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

Ans. The speaking test is structured the same for both IELTS Academic and General Training modules. However, the content may vary slightly depending on the module you are taking. The skills required to do well on both exams are similar, so it's essential to prepare for the specific module you will be taking.

Q. Is eye contact important in IELTS speaking?

Ans. Eye contact is essential to effective communication and can also play a role in the IELTS speaking test. Making eye contact with the examiner during your speaking test can demonstrate confidence and engagement and help you connect with your audience. That being said, it's important to remember that you shouldn't force yourself to make eye contact if it makes you uncomfortable or distracts you from your speaking performance.

Q. What are common mistakes in IELTS speaking?

Ans. Common mistakes in IELTS speaking include lack of preparation, nervousness, using memorised answers, not answering the question, not speaking enough, and poor pronunciation.

Q. Which part is the most important in IELTS speaking?

Ans. All parts of the IELTS speaking section are essential, but the third part is generally considered the most challenging and carries the most weight in scoring. In this part, test-takers must express and defend their opinions on a given topic, using appropriate vocabulary and grammar structures.

Q. What is the lowest score in IELTS speaking?

Ans. The lowest possible score in IELTS Speaking is 0. However, this score is extremely rare as it indicates that the candidate did not attempt to answer any of the questions or was utterly silent throughout the test. The lowest score a candidate can realistically receive is 1, implying that they have made some effort to speak. Still, their responses could be more relevant to the questions asked.

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

Ans. No, you cannot change the topic in IELTS Speaking. The examiner will provide you with a topic or a cue card, and you will have to speak about that topic. However, you are free to interpret the topic in your own way and bring your experiences and opinions to make your speech more interesting and engaging.

Q. What vital language elements should I remember while attempting the cue card section?

Ans. To score well in the cue card section, remember to use a range of vocabulary, including idiomatic expressions and phrasal verbs. You should also try to use complex sentence structures, such as compound and complex sentences. It's also important to speak fluently and with good pronunciation and to use appropriate stress and intonation to convey meaning effectively. Finally, address the prompt thoroughly and provide relevant examples or details to support your answer.

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