Describe a risk you took that you thought would lead to a terrible result but ended up with a positive result: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

When you took the risk
Why you took the risk
How it went
And explain how you felt about it

14 unique answers with expert feedback

What motivated you to choose biology over engineering despite family pressure?

I was genuinely passionate about biology and felt a strong connection to the subject. Even though my family preferred engineering, I realized that pursuing my interest in biology would lead to a more fulfilling career. I wanted to follow my passion rather than conform to expectations.

How did you overcome the challenges you faced in your biology studies?

Initially, I struggled with complex biological concepts, but I dedicated extra time to studying and sought help from professors and peers. I also formed study groups, which made learning more engaging. Gradually, I developed a deeper understanding and appreciation for the subject.

What advice would you give to someone facing similar career choices?

I would advise them to listen to their own interests and passions rather than solely relying on family opinions. It's important to choose a path that resonates with you, as this will lead to greater satisfaction and success in the long run. Trust your instincts and pursue what you love.

Band 7

00:00

One of the most incredible risk that I have ever taken in my life was during my 12th grade. I have actually completed my schooling and it was my time to apply for college. So I was basically a biology student and maths was never my cup of tea. So I need to crack my NEET exam but the thing is I haven't applied for any colleges other than the medicine ones. NEET was my last ray of hope and I was solely relying on this one exam with high confidence on myself that I will clear this exam. I prepared for a period of about two years for this exam and I was awaiting the results on one fine day and when the results came and when I attended the counselling, I was able to feel elation because I cleared NEET and I have got a seat in medical college in Thiruvarur. Furthermore, my family supported me during all phases of this period and they always provided me with a tranquil environment so that I can study in peace. They supported all my decisions. Furthermore, they were always standing by my side as good well-wishers and taking me through all these hurdles like they were nothing. So I striked the iron when it was hot and yes, I was able to crack my NEET exam and I am a fully flourished doctor now.

Follow up questions

How did you feel during the preparation for the NEET exam?

During the preparation for the NEET exam, I felt a mix of anxiety and determination. There were moments of self-doubt, especially since I was not confident in math. However, I stayed focused on my goal and pushed through the challenges, reminding myself of the importance of this exam for my future.

What advice would you give to someone taking a similar risk?

I would advise anyone taking a similar risk to believe in themselves and stay committed to their goals. It's essential to have a solid study plan and seek support from family and friends. Also, managing stress through relaxation techniques can be very helpful during intense preparation periods.

How has this experience influenced your approach to risks in the future?

This experience taught me that taking calculated risks can lead to rewarding outcomes. I learned to evaluate my strengths and weaknesses better and to embrace challenges rather than shy away from them. Now, I approach risks with more confidence and a strategic mindset, knowing that hard work pays off.

IELTS Cue Cards asked last week

Reported by Leap students who gave IELTS

Describe your favourite food at a traditional festival or a special event in your country

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7.5

Pitampura Test Centre, New Delhi

Answer

I like to taste different types of cuisine. Here I would like to talk about my favorite dish at my traditional festival of Onam which is Sadya. Sadya is popular in my city. We are experimenting these cuisines on Onam festival day. Onam is a famous festival in my city. All family members get together in my home and we make a delicious Sadya. There are many ingredients includes that Sadya. Moreover, we make a big feast that day as well as we create a lot of memories together and we wear that day the traditional dress called Sari and men wear the Dhotis. That festival is really important to us because the whole day we are conducting different kinds of games at our homes and all the family members came together. It's a memorable day in my life. This is the festival. We are making the Sambar and Aviyal. These all the kinds of foods are making with the vegetables.

Talk about a toy you liked in your childhood

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 8

Sector 34 Test Centre, Chandigarh

Answer

The toy which I liked in my childhood was a panda doll, which makes me pleasant and makes me more blush. The pandas are the most beautiful creatures of the world, which looks gigantic and has pooshy cheeks and they are like stars in the clouds and they dream in me. Furthermore, these have been given by my father. My father is a very very beautiful artistic person, who makes me think of that. Every day you will face every difficulties and make you suffer and move forward. Pandas are always seen in Japanese countries. It is my lifelong dream to visit a Japanese country and click a photo with the original pandas, which makes sounds better.

Describe a time you were in a place where you didn't know the local language

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 6.5

Whitefield Test Center, Bengaluru

Answer

As India is a very large country full of diversity, so there are many places which have their own language and speak their native language. The place which I visited and I didn't know about their language was Leladakh, which is about 300 km away from my hometown and it is a very good place as it consists of different kind of trees, animals and have many scenic views and I visited over there last year in summers as it was the best time to visit because it has many, it was cold over there and we had summers in our area so it was the best time to visit over there and I went over there with my whole family.

Describe a time when your friend damaged something you owned

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7

Begumpet Test Centre, Hyderabad

Answer

When I was a kid, I had a little pencil box which had these four buttons which gave the pencil box an operative use. When you press the button, the box would open up. When you press the second button, a little part of it would slide out. Basically it was just a little electronical and a fun thing to have and I owned it when I was in 6th. One day after break, I was standing and talking there with one of my friends and another friend of mine was running through the hallway and accidentally she pushed my shoulder and my pencil box hit the ground and it broke into multiple pieces to the point that it was not functional anymore.

Describe a book you recently read

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7.5

CBD Belapur Test Centre, Navi Mumbai

Answer

It Ends With Us is a book I read recently. It's by the author Colleen Hoare. It's mainly a story about two teenagers, Atlas and Lily, and how they just handle their life going through high school, adolescence, and just domestic violence at home. Both of them come from very, very different families. However, they have one common determining factor between them, which is domestic violence. The abuse that they've seen their moms go through is just insane, and they connect through that on a different level. They're actually in the same high school, but they never speak to each other until Atlas actually crashes into an empty house next to Lily's villa. When Atlas is homeless and he doesn't have anywhere to go, he just comes and breaks into the house next to Lily's, and Lily helps him with all the daily necessities like clothes and food, medicines and stuff. Furthermore, their friendship blossoms into love, but it doesn't really fructify as Atlas has to leave. This book really gave me a lot of knowledge about domestic abuse and how to deal with it.

I would advise them to set realistic goals, consult a healthcare professional, and focus on sustainable changes rather than quick fixes. It's important to find enjoyable activities and healthy foods that fit their lifestyle. Consistency and patience are key to long-term success.

Show all 14 answers

Cue 1:When you took the risk

Begin by mentioning the specific time and situation when you took the risk.
Make it relatable by sharing a brief background about your life at that time.

Example

I took this risk about two years ago when I was working in a stable job in a multinational company. I had been there for three years, but I felt unfulfilled and wanted to pursue my passion for photography.

Cue 2:Why you took the risk

Explain your motivations for taking the risk, focusing on your passion or desire for change.
Mention any fears or doubts you had before making the decision.

Example

I decided to leave my job because I wanted to follow my dream of becoming a professional photographer. Although I was scared of the financial instability and the possibility of failure, I felt that if I didn’t try, I would always regret it.

Cue 3:How it went

Describe the process of taking the risk and the challenges you faced.
Share the positive outcomes that resulted from your decision.

Example

Initially, it was tough. I struggled to find clients and often doubted my skills. However, after a few months of hard work, I started getting recognition for my work. I even had my first exhibition, which was a huge success.

Cue 4:And explain how you felt about it

Reflect on your emotions during the journey, both the highs and lows.
Conclude with how this experience changed your perspective on taking risks.

Example

Looking back, I felt a mix of anxiety and excitement throughout the journey. The fear of failure was always present, but the joy of pursuing my passion outweighed it. This experience taught me that taking risks can lead to unexpected and rewarding outcomes.

Conclusion

Example

In conclusion, taking that risk to follow my passion for photography turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life. It not only brought me happiness but also taught me the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone to achieve my dreams.

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: Avoid Vague Descriptions

Using vague language can make your story less engaging and unclear. Specific details help the examiner understand your experience better and make your answer more memorable.

Tip

Include specific dates, places, and emotions to paint a clearer picture of your experience.

2: Don't Focus Solely on Negatives

Focusing too much on the potential negative outcomes can make your answer sound pessimistic. It's important to balance the risks with the positive results.

Tip

Start by acknowledging the risk, then shift to the positive outcome and what you learned from the experience.

Neglecting Personal Feelings

Failing to express your feelings about the experience can make your answer less relatable. Personal emotions add depth to your story and engage the listener.