Describe A Mistake You Have Made: IELTS Speaking Cue Card
You should say
- What mistake was it?
- When you made it?
- How you made it?
- How did you feel about it?

10 unique answers with expert feedback
Band 6-7
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Follow up questions
Follow up questions
How did you feel after missing the train and the exam?
What did you learn from this experience?
How do you plan to avoid making similar mistakes in the future?
Band 5-6
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Follow up questions
Follow up questions
How did you feel about missing the interview?
What did you learn from this mistake?
How did this mistake affect your job search later?
Band 5-6
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00:00
Follow up questions
Follow up questions
What did you learn from this mistake?
How did this mistake affect your future choices?
Would you do anything differently if given a second chance?
Practice other cue cards
Band 5-6
00:00
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00:00
Follow up questions
Follow up questions
How did that mistake affect your relationship with your parents?
What lessons did you learn from that experience?
Have you made any similar mistakes since then?
Band 5-6
00:00
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00:00
Follow up questions
Follow up questions
What strategies will you use to prepare for the IELTS retake?
How do you think your family influences your study habits?
What lessons have you learned from this mistake?
Cue 1:What mistake was it?
- Clearly state the mistake you made, making it relatable and understandable.
- Provide some context about why it was a mistake and its significance.
Example
The mistake I made was not studying enough for my final exams in college. I thought I could manage with minimal preparation, but it turned out to be a poor decision.
Cue 2:When you made it?
- Mention the specific time frame when this mistake occurred.
- Relate it to a significant event or period in your life for better context.
Example
I made this mistake during my final semester in college, just a few weeks before the exams in April. I was busy enjoying my last days with friends, thinking I had enough time.
Cue 3:How you made it?
- Explain the actions you took that led to the mistake.
- Discuss any distractions or poor choices that contributed to the situation.
Example
I spent more time hanging out with friends and attending parties rather than focusing on my studies. I kept telling myself that I could catch up later, but I never did.
Cue 4:How did you feel about it?
- Share your feelings after realizing the mistake.
- Reflect on the consequences and what you learned from the experience.
Example
When I received my results, I felt devastated. I had failed a couple of subjects, and it was a harsh wake-up call. I realized that my lack of preparation had serious consequences, and I learned the importance of time management and prioritizing my responsibilities.
Conclusion
Example
In conclusion, this mistake taught me valuable lessons about responsibility and the importance of preparation. It was a tough experience, but it ultimately helped me grow and become more disciplined in my studies.
Following this structure will ensure you cover all the essential points while providing a clear and engaging response to the cue card topic.
Tips to answer this Cue Card
1: Being Vague About the Mistake
Candidates often provide unclear or general descriptions of their mistakes, which can lead to a lack of detail in their answers. This makes it hard for the examiner to understand the situation.
Tip
Be specific about the mistake. Clearly describe what happened and provide concrete examples to illustrate your point.
2: Neglecting Emotional Impact
Many candidates forget to express how they felt about the mistake, which is crucial for a personal and engaging response. This can make the answer seem flat and uninteresting.
Tip
Include your feelings about the mistake. Explain how it affected you emotionally and what you learned from the experience.
Lack of Reflection on Learning
Some candidates fail to discuss what they learned from their mistake, missing an opportunity to show personal growth. This can weaken the overall impact of their response.
Tip
Conclude by reflecting on what the mistake taught you. Share how it has influenced your actions or decisions since then.

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