IELTS Cue Cards

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Personal Experience

IELTS Speaking Cue Cards on Personal Experience

What is the Personal Experience Category?

 

The Personal Experience category in the IELTS Speaking test typically asks you to describe an event, experience, or moment that has had a significant impact on your life. The aim is to assess your ability to narrate personal stories, express emotions, and demonstrate language proficiency.


71 Topics

1

Describe your first day at school.

2

Describe a prize you have won.

3

Describe something you were disappointed about.

4

Describe a situation when you were late.

5

Describe a time when you lost your pet.

6

Describe a time when your friend damaged something you owned.

7

Describe a letter you have received in your life.

8

Describe an important text message you received.

9

Describe a time when you felt incredibly sad.

10

Describe an instance when you received an apology.

11

Talk about a time when you helped a friend.

12

Describe something that you did with someone/a group of people

13

Describe a time when you moved to a new home

14

Describe a time you used your cellphone/smartphone to do something important

15

Describe a time when you organized a happy event successfully

16

Describe a story someone told you.

17

Talk about an interesting old person you met recently

18

Describe a time when you lost an important and valuable item

19

Describe an activity that usually wastes your time.

20

Describe a gift you recently gave to someone.

21

Describe your favourite place in your house where you can relax.

22

Describe a special meal that someone made for you

23

Describe a crowded place you have visited

24

Describe a time when you used your imagination.

25

Describe your experience when you changed your school/college

26

Describe an important event you celebrated

27

Describe a person who always has interesting ideas or opinions

28

Describe an experience when you got bored with others.

29

Describe a complaint that you made, and you were satisfied with the result.

30

Describe a person who thinks music is important and enjoys music

31

Describe A Time You Made A Promise To Someone

32

Describe an interesting discussion you had with your friend

33

Describe an occasion when you helped a family member/relative with something

34

Describe a place that you would like to learn the culture there (e.g. a library, museum, theatre)

35

Describe a party that you enjoyed

36

Talk about a thing you complained about something (but finally got a good result)

37

Describe A Positive Change That You Have Made Recently In Your Daily Routine

38

Describe Something That Was Broken In Your Home And Then Repaired

39

Describe a time when you answered a phone call from someone you didn’t know in a public place

40

Describe a time when you were in line for a long time.

41

Describe a time that something changed your life in good ways

42

Describe an unusual meal that you had

43

Describe a challenge you faced that you thought was rather difficult

44

Describe something that surprised you and made you happy

45

Describe a time when you were late

46

Describe a time when someone asked for your opinion

47

Describe A Time When You Helped A Child

48

Describe a job that one of your grandparents did

49

Describe a skill that you learned from older people

50

Describe something you did in your study/work that has made you feel confident

51

Describe A Time When You Were Stuck In A Traffic Jam

52

Describe a website which helped you to do something / website you visit often/ use regularly

53

Describe An Interesting Tradition In Your Country

54

Describe a time when you received money as a gift.

55

Describe a piece of good news you heard from others

56

Describe a prize you have received recently (e.g. money, something valuable, a medal)

57

Describe Something That Surprised You

58

Describe someone you know who made a good decision recently

59

Describe a time when missed or were late for an important meeting/event

60

Describe someone else’s room you enjoy spending time in

61

Describe a person who encouraged you to achieve your goal

62

Describe A Situation When You Helped Someone

63

Describe a place/country in which you would like to live/work for a short period of time

64

Describe A Happy Memory From Your Childhood

65

Describe something you did that made you feel proud

66

Describe an enjoyable journey by public transport?

67

Describe An Occasion When You Lost Something

68

Describe a piece of good news that you heard about someone you know well.

69

Describe a time when you received good service in a shop/store

70

Describe A Good Decision You Made Recently

71

Describe a time that you showed something new to others

More on IELTS Cue Cards on Personal Experience

FAQs

Q. How do I prepare for personal experience cue cards if I don’t have many real-life stories?

Ans. Even if you haven't faced a particular situation, use imagination or modify a real event. IELTS does not verify your story, so focus on fluency and clarity.

Q. Can I talk about someone else’s experience instead of mine?

Ans. No, personal experience cue cards require first-person narration. Use phrases like "I remember…" or "I once experienced…" to make it authentic.

Q. What if I forget details while speaking?

Ans. If you forget details, stay calm and rephrase using phrases like:

  • "To the best of my memory…"
  • "If I recall correctly…"
  • "I may not remember all the details, but…"
Q. Should I use complex vocabulary to score higher?

Ans. No, focus on natural vocabulary instead of forcing complex words. If you’re unsure about a word’s usage, it’s better to use simple and correct words.