Describe a time that something changed your life in good ways: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

When and where it happened?
What happened?
How you felt about it?
And explain how it changed your life in good ways.

14 unique answers with expert feedback

How did your relationship change after marriage?

After marriage, our relationship deepened significantly. We became more committed to each other and learned to communicate better. Living together brought us closer, and we started to understand each other's habits and preferences more, which strengthened our bond.

What challenges did you face during the adjustment period?

During the adjustment period, I faced challenges like managing household responsibilities and balancing personal time with my new role as a husband. It took time to adapt to sharing decisions and understanding my wife's expectations, but we worked through it together.

What advice would you give to someone about to get married?

I would advise them to communicate openly and honestly with their partner. It's essential to discuss expectations and responsibilities before marriage. Also, being patient and understanding during the adjustment phase is crucial, as it helps build a strong foundation for the relationship.

Band 6-7

00:00

That would be about two years ago, when I moved schools. I didn't really know anyone in the new school that I moved to, which made it really hard to connect with other people. However, since I moved to that school, it was quite effortless for me to make connections and engage with other people. There weren't really a lot of welcoming students there, but the people that I am currently building a relationship with are very close to me. And they make the whole experience feel more comfortable. I love meeting genuine people.

Follow up questions

How did you feel when you first moved to the new school?

Initially, I felt quite anxious and lonely because I didn't know anyone. It was a challenging transition, but I knew I had to be open to new experiences and people.

What qualities do you look for in friends?

I value authenticity and kindness in friends. It's important to me that they are genuine and supportive, as these qualities help build strong, lasting relationships.

How has this experience influenced your view on change?

This experience taught me that change can lead to positive outcomes. Embracing new situations can help us grow and connect with others in meaningful ways.

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.

Band 5-6

00:00

The time that changed my life in good ways would be when I was in 12th grade, I got failed, I failed in my exams, I lost three subjects and I don't know what happened. I was very depressed in that time but I again took a retest of those three subjects which I have failed and I passed in a first try. After that I felt that whatever happened was for a reason and it changed my perspective on studying and my lifestyle and I got to know more about the family members who used to respect me and love me for the way I am, all of a sudden they ignored me, taunt me and they described me as a selfless and non-worthy person. And hence I started to make sure that I have not failed any subjects whenever I took an exam but then I took admission for degree and I aced all my exams in my degree for the first time and then my professor made me stand in the class and made all the students to clap for me for scoring the highest in his subject and at that moment I realized that everything happens for a reason and it too happens for a good reason and it is very important to think positively about the situation and not take it too seriously about that anymore and from then onwards I changed my life and my perspective.

Follow up questions

How did your failure impact your relationships with friends and family?

My failure initially strained my relationships, as some family members were critical. However, it also helped me identify who truly supported me, strengthening my bonds with those who encouraged me during tough times.

What strategies did you use to prepare for your retests?

I created a study schedule, focused on understanding the subjects better, and sought help from teachers and friends. I also practiced past papers to build my confidence and improve my exam techniques.

Can you share how this experience influenced your future goals?

This experience motivated me to pursue higher education with determination. It taught me resilience and the importance of hard work, shaping my ambition to excel in my career and personal life.

Band 5-6

00:00

As per my opinion, I altered my life when I was in college, so during that time I changed as a good human being because I took my nursing subject as my college study, so firstly I met different kind of people and they are very nice and they took care of me whenever I need any time and secondly when I accompany with the teachers and they are very cooperative and sincere towards the work and they always acquaintance me when I need accompany, so I feel very grateful to meet them and thirdly I changed because when I posted in hospital I saw different kind of people in different situation, people suffered in different kind of various type of situation like they are, so during that time I thought that I change in a good way because when I went for the posting I saw sick bus people and I think that it is the worst period of their time and so for me it is very fortunate to repay back to the society and I care for their health and also I care for them when I need, so it is very important.

Follow up questions

How did your experiences in nursing shape your perspective on life?

My experiences in nursing opened my eyes to the struggles people face. It taught me empathy and the importance of helping others. I learned to appreciate life more and understand that everyone has their battles, which motivated me to be more compassionate and supportive.

Can you share a specific moment in the hospital that impacted you the most?

One moment that stood out was when I cared for a terminally ill patient. Their strength and gratitude despite their suffering deeply moved me. It made me realize the value of life and the impact of kindness, reinforcing my commitment to nursing and helping others.

What skills did you develop during your time in nursing school?

I developed several skills, including communication, critical thinking, and teamwork. Interacting with patients and collaborating with healthcare professionals taught me how to effectively address various situations and provided me with the confidence to handle challenges in a clinical environment.

Band 5-6

00:00

Stop this. At once, whenever I trusted Lord Krishna, I used to change things in my life. It's happening so good and I have changed my life. Because of some bad habits, I used to be very dull and depressed. Whenever I trusted Lord Krishna, I used to fulfil my life happily. Now I am living happily. Whenever I am going, every Friday to Lord Krishna Temple, which is located in Abbots. It's called Iskcon Temple, which is very famous in Hyderabad. Hyderabad is part of South India. I would suggest everyone to go to the temple and experience once in their life. Whoever is in a bad situation, go there, pray there and meditate there. He can see a lot of changes. Maybe I would have thought like that. Whenever I feel low or stressed, I used to get up early in the morning at 4 o'clock and take a bath. After finishing the bath, I used to wear clothes and went to Abbots Iskcon Temple at early morning 4 or 4.30. I meditated there. I feel I changed my life in these good ways.

Follow up questions

How did your habits change after visiting the temple?

After I started visiting the temple, I replaced my bad habits with positive routines. I began meditating regularly and focused on self-improvement. This shift helped me feel more energized and motivated, leading to a more fulfilling life.

What specific changes did you notice in your life?

I noticed a significant reduction in my stress levels and an increase in my overall happiness. My outlook on life became more positive, and I developed a sense of purpose. I also made new friends at the temple, which enriched my social life.

Why do you think visiting the temple had such a strong impact on you?

The temple provided a peaceful environment where I could reflect and meditate. The teachings of Lord Krishna inspired me to let go of negativity and embrace positivity. This spiritual connection helped me find inner strength and clarity in my life.

Show all 14 answers

Cue 1:When and where it happened?

Begin by setting the scene with a specific time and place that is significant to you.
Mention any relevant details that make the moment memorable.

Example

It was in the summer of 2019, during my final year of college, when I attended a motivational seminar in my city. The event was held at a local auditorium, filled with students eager to learn about personal development.

Cue 2:What happened?

Describe the key event or moment that had a profound impact on you.
Include any specific speakers or activities that stood out during the event.

Example

During the seminar, a renowned speaker shared his journey of overcoming failures and achieving success. He emphasized the importance of resilience and self-belief, which really struck a chord with me. His story inspired me to rethink my own approach to challenges.

Cue 3:How you felt about it?

Express your emotions during and after the event, highlighting any changes in your mindset.
Share how the experience resonated with your personal aspirations.

Example

I felt a surge of motivation and hope as I listened to him. It was as if a light bulb went off in my head, and I realized that I had been too afraid to pursue my dreams. I left the seminar feeling empowered and ready to take action.

Cue 4:And explain how it changed your life in good ways.

Discuss the specific changes you made in your life following the event.
Highlight any positive outcomes that resulted from these changes.

Example

After the seminar, I decided to start my own small business while completing my studies. This experience taught me valuable lessons in entrepreneurship and time management. It not only boosted my confidence but also opened up new opportunities for me, leading to a successful venture that I continue to manage today.

Conclusion

Example

In conclusion, that seminar was a turning point in my life. It taught me the importance of resilience and pursuing my passions. The positive changes I made have not only shaped my career but also my outlook on life, making me more determined and optimistic about the future.

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: Lack of Specific Details

Avoid being vague or general in your response. Specific details make your story more engaging and relatable, helping the examiner understand your experience better.