Describe a time when you broke something: IELTS Speaking Cue Card
You should say
- What it was
- When/where that happened
- How you broke it
- And explain what you did after that
8 unique answers with expert feedback
Band 6-7
00:00
/
00:00
Follow up questions
Follow up questions
How did you feel after breaking the showpiece?
What did you learn from this experience?
How did your mother react when she found out?
Band 5-6
00:00
/
00:00
Follow up questions
Follow up questions
How did you feel after breaking your mother's vase?
What did you learn from that experience?
Have you ever broken something again since then?
Band 5-6
00:00
/
00:00
Follow up questions
Follow up questions
What do you think makes certain objects special to us?
Have you ever tried to repair something you broke? How did it go?
How do you usually feel when you lose something valuable?
Practice other cue cards
Band 5-6
00:00
/
00:00
Follow up questions
Follow up questions
How did your mother react when you broke her phone?
What lessons did you learn from this experience?
Have you ever broken something valuable again since then?
Band 5-6
00:00
/
00:00
Follow up questions
Follow up questions
How did you feel after breaking the frame?
What did you learn from this experience?
How did your friend react to the situation?
Cue 1:What it was
- Begin by clearly stating what item you broke, providing specific details about it.
- Mention why this item was significant to you or its usual importance in your daily life.
Example
The item I broke was my favorite ceramic mug, which I had received as a gift from my grandmother. It was special to me because it reminded me of her every time I used it, especially during my morning tea.
Cue 2:When/where that happened
- Describe the time and place where the incident occurred, making it relatable.
- Include any relevant details about the atmosphere or context of the situation.
Example
This happened last summer while I was at home during the rainy season. I was sitting at my dining table, enjoying a cup of tea while watching the rain outside. The cozy atmosphere made it a perfect moment.
Cue 3:How you broke it
- Explain the circumstances that led to the item being broken, focusing on your actions.
- Use descriptive language to convey the moment of the accident.
Example
As I reached for my phone to check a message, I accidentally knocked the mug off the table. It fell to the floor and shattered into several pieces. I felt a rush of panic as I realized what had happened.
Cue 4:And explain what you did after that
- Discuss your immediate reaction and feelings after breaking the item.
- Explain how you dealt with the situation, including any steps you took to clean up or replace the item.
Example
After the initial shock, I quickly picked up the broken pieces, feeling a mix of sadness and regret. I cleaned the area carefully to avoid any injuries. Later, I decided to visit a local store to find a similar mug, hoping to find one that would remind me of my grandmother.
Conclusion
Example
Breaking my favorite mug was a disappointing experience, but it taught me to be more careful with my belongings. It also reminded me of the importance of cherishing memories associated with items, even if they are lost.
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 Detail
Providing vague answers can make your response uninteresting. It's important to include specific details about the item you broke and the situation surrounding it.
Tip
Use descriptive language to explain what the item was and the context of the incident. This will engage the listener and provide a clearer picture.
2: Ignoring Emotions
Failing to express your feelings about breaking something can make your answer less relatable. Emotions help convey the impact of the event.
Tip
Share how you felt when you broke the item and how it affected you. This adds depth to your response and connects with the examiner.
Skipping Consequences
Not explaining what you did after breaking the item can leave your story incomplete. It's important to show how you handled the situation.
Tip
Discuss the steps you took after the incident, whether it was fixing it, apologizing, or learning a lesson. This shows responsibility and reflection.
IELTS Cue Cards asked last week
Reported by Leap students who gave IELTS
All Answers
Here are all the answers by real-users practicing speaking for IELTS Cue Cards on our IELTS Prep App.
Band 6-7
Band 6
Band 6
Band 5-6
Band 5-6
Band 5-6
Band 5-6
Band 5-6
Explore
491 Cue Cards
Personal Experience
127 Cue Cards
Describing People
70 Cue Cards
Travel
49 Cue Cards
Personal Development
45 Cue Cards
Hobbies/Interests
44 Cue Cards
Environment/Culture
40 Cue Cards
Tech/Media
28 Cue Cards
Education/Work
21 Cue Cards
Social Issues
19 Cue Cards
Describe An Object
17 Cue Cards
Business/Shopping
17 Cue Cards
Food/Cooking
8 Cue Cards
Fashion
6 Cue Cards
Master IELTS Speaking with Leap's Self-Prep Course
Students Enrolled
2,411 Reviews
Master IELTS Speaking with Leap's Self-Prep Course
Students Enrolled
2,411 Reviews