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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.


64 Topics

1

Describe a prize you have won.

2

Describe something you were disappointed about.

3

Describe a situation when you were late.

4

Describe a time when you lost your pet.

5

Describe a time when your friend damaged something you owned.

6

Describe your first day at school.

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 a time when you moved to a new home

13

Describe a story someone told you.

14

Describe an activity that usually wastes your time.

15

Describe a gift you recently gave to someone.

16

Describe a time when you used your imagination.

17

Describe an experience when you got bored with others.

18

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

19

Describe an important event you celebrated

20

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

21

Describe an interesting discussion you had with your friend

22

Describe a time when you organized a happy event successfully

23

Describe Something That Was Broken In Your Home And Then Repaired

24

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

25

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

26

Describe your experience when you changed your school/college

27

Describe a special meal that someone made for you

28

Talk about an interesting old person you met recently

29

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

30

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

31

Describe a time when you lost an important and valuable item

32

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

33

Describe a crowded place you have visited

34

Describe a person who thinks music is important and enjoys music

35

Describe a time when someone asked for your opinion

36

Describe a party that you enjoyed

37

Describe a person who always has interesting ideas or opinions

38

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

39

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

40

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

41

Describe a time when you received money as a gift.

42

Describe a piece of good news you heard from others

43

Describe A Time When You Helped A Child

44

Describe a time that something changed your life in good ways

45

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

46

Describe a job that one of your grandparents did

47

Describe something that surprised you and made you happy

48

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

49

Describe a challenge you faced that you thought was rather difficult

50

Describe someone you know who made a good decision recently

51

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

52

Describe a skill that you learned from older people

53

Describe someone else’s room you enjoy spending time in

54

Describe a person who encouraged you to achieve your goal

55

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

56

Describe A Time You Made A Promise To Someone

57

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

58

Describe something you did that made you feel proud

59

Describe an enjoyable journey by public transport?

60

Describe A Time When You Were Stuck In A Traffic Jam

61

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

62

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

63

Describe a time that you showed something new to others

64

Describe an unusual meal that you had

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.