Describe A Time When You Needed To Search For Information: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

What information did you need to search for?
When you search for it?
Where did you search for it?
And explain why you needed to search for it.

68 unique answers with expert feedback

What strategies did you use to find reliable information for your thesis?

I focused on academic journals and reputable research databases. I also consulted my professors for guidance and used keywords related to my topic to refine my searches. This helped me filter out irrelevant information and find high-quality sources.

How did you feel when you found the information you needed?

I felt a huge sense of relief and excitement. It was like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. The abundance of information not only validated my topic choice but also inspired me to dive deeper into my research and explore new angles.

Have you ever faced challenges while searching for information?

Yes, initially, I struggled with narrowing down my search and distinguishing between credible and non-credible sources. It was overwhelming at first, but with persistence and guidance, I learned to navigate the vast amount of information more effectively.

Band 7

00:00

During my graduate studies, I was assigned to cross-site on a development of composite materials for aerospace structures to gather reliable and up-to-date information. I began by reviewing academic journals and conference papers on platforms like ScienceDirect and IEA, explored some websites. I also accessed databases through my university library to find pre-reviewed articles. Since my topic was specialized, I contacted a faculty member working in material science to get insights and recommendations on key sources. I organized my findings using a reference manager and created a literature review to summarize advancements in composite manufacturing techniques like properties and real-world applications. This structured research helped me develop my strong foundation for the project and a later contribution to a well-received presentation.

Follow up questions

What challenges did you face while searching for information?

I encountered difficulties in finding specific articles due to the vast amount of information available. Additionally, some databases required access permissions, which limited my search. I also had to critically evaluate the credibility of sources to ensure the information was reliable and relevant.

How did you ensure the information you found was reliable?

I focused on peer-reviewed journals and reputable conference papers. I also cross-referenced information from multiple sources and consulted with my faculty advisor, who provided guidance on the most credible resources in the field of material science.

What tools did you use to organize your research findings?

I used a reference manager software to keep track of all the articles and papers I found. This helped me categorize the information effectively and create citations easily. Additionally, I created a structured outline for my literature review to ensure a logical flow of information.

Band 7

00:00

Around two months back, my wristwatch stopped working and I desperately needed to have it repaired. I asked people around me whether they knew of a good wristwatch repair shop. Unfortunately, I didn't get any positive response. So I went online, I went to Google and I generally asked for repair shops around me. And based on the ratings and the destination and the distance from my location, I chose a particular shop that would work for me. Based on the information that was provided to me online, I then proceeded to search for the exact location of the shop and marked the location on the map so that I could reach the place without any hassle. Upon reaching, I was also able to find out the timings for the shop and ensure that I reached on time and also get a general sense of the prices involved for the repair of the watch. All in all, it was a very pleasant experience, it was quick, all the information was available on my fingertips and it was a very cohesive experience, a cohesive information that was provided to me, basis which I was able to very easily and conveniently take a decision.

Follow up questions

What other methods do you use to search for information?

Besides using Google, I often check social media platforms for recommendations, visit forums, or ask friends and family for their experiences. Each method provides different perspectives and can lead to valuable insights.

How important is it to verify the information you find online?

Verifying information is crucial, especially when it comes to services like repairs. I always check reviews and ratings from multiple sources to ensure the credibility of the information before making a decision.

Can you describe a time when you found incorrect information online?

Yes, there was a time I looked for a restaurant and found outdated hours online. When I arrived, it was closed. This taught me to double-check information, especially for time-sensitive matters.

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Band 7

00:00

the time I had to search for a complete During my masters, I had a research paper I was completing, a dissertation I was working on. At that time, there was a topic I was really interested in and it was the correlation between young women in STEM and burnout in mental health levels, self-esteem levels seen in them. At that time, I was exposed to a lot of information I might not have known at all before and it gave me a lot of enlightenment in that particular area. So, the information I was searching for, I had to talk to a lot of people and a lot of young women in STEM who are genuinely very busy with their lives. And you could see a pattern of burnout that was up and coming in all the people at that age. There is also a gap, a job wage gap that is seen between women and men. So, all of these information was shared at that point with me during my research. So, because of my research, I ended up getting to know a lot more about this topic and it's still something I'm really interested in. And after that, I had worked even more in detail about their self-esteem issues in correlation with this burnout. This was done in the time period of 2024 and 2023 to 2024, around 8-9 months. I know that's a pretty short period for a research paper because even in PhD, people take a long time to get information and attain a proper conclusion to whatever they were looking for. So, this was what I did when I wanted to search for information.

Follow up questions

What motivated you to choose this specific research topic?

I was motivated by my own experiences and observations of young women in STEM. I noticed that many of them seemed overwhelmed and stressed, which sparked my curiosity about the connection between their mental health and their professional lives.

How did you approach interviewing the young women for your research?

I approached them with empathy and understanding, explaining the purpose of my research. I made sure to create a comfortable environment for them to share their experiences, which helped me gather honest and insightful information.

What challenges did you face while conducting your research?

One of the main challenges was finding enough participants who were willing to share their experiences. Additionally, balancing my time between research and other responsibilities was difficult, especially since I was working on a dissertation simultaneously.

Band 6-7

00:00

I started practicing dentistry immediately after completing my undergraduation in Bachelor of Dental Surgery. When I almost completed four year of experience I realized it's all it is always better to put a clinic of my own rather than being salaried. Finally I decided to start a clinic within six months and I needed a lot of information regarding the same. I searched a lot in Google and some health magazines where there were experiences of some doctors and also I enquired in IDA group which is International Dentist Association groups about articles related to investing in setting up a no clinic. I went through all this information to improve my knowledge regarding the amount of investment required to set up a no clinic and the way to advertise the treatment and also how to make profit out of it. It helped me a lot and I could

Follow up questions

What specific challenges did you face while searching for information?

While searching for information, I faced challenges like finding reliable sources and filtering out outdated or irrelevant data. Some articles were too technical, making it hard to understand the practical aspects of setting up a clinic. I also had to ensure the information was applicable to my local context.

How did you verify the credibility of the information you found?

I verified the credibility of the information by cross-referencing multiple sources, such as academic journals, reputable health magazines, and insights from experienced dentists in the IDA group. I also looked for recent publications to ensure the information was up-to-date and relevant.

What was the most valuable piece of information you discovered?

The most valuable piece of information I discovered was about the importance of marketing strategies for a dental clinic. Learning how to effectively advertise my services and understand patient needs was crucial for attracting clients and ensuring the clinic's success.

Show all 68 answers

Cue 1:What information did you need to search for?

Clearly state the specific information you were looking for, such as a topic or a problem you needed to solve.
Explain the context of why this information was important to you at that time.

Example

I needed to search for information about the best study materials for the IELTS exam. As I was planning to take the test in a few months, I wanted to ensure I had the right resources to prepare effectively.

Cue 2:When did you search for it?

Mention the timeframe when you started your search, including any relevant deadlines.
Describe any urgency you felt in finding this information.

Example

I started my search about three months before my IELTS exam date. I felt a bit anxious because I wanted to make sure I had enough time to study all the necessary materials before the test.

Cue 3:Where did you search for it?

Specify the platforms or resources you used to find the information, such as websites, libraries, or social media.
Mention if you consulted any friends or teachers for recommendations.

Example

I searched for information primarily on the internet, using websites like IELTS.org and various educational forums. I also asked my English teacher for advice on which books to use.

Cue 4:And explain why you needed to search for it.

Discuss your motivation for seeking this information, such as personal goals or academic requirements.
Highlight the importance of being well-prepared for the IELTS exam.

Example

I needed to search for this information because achieving a high score on the IELTS was crucial for my university application abroad. I wanted to ensure that I was well-prepared and confident on the exam day.

Conclusion

Example

In conclusion, searching for the right information was a vital step in my preparation for the IELTS exam. It helped me feel more confident and equipped to achieve my goals, demonstrating the importance of thorough research in any endeavor.

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: Vague Responses

Providing vague or unclear answers can make it difficult for the examiner to understand your experience. Specific details are crucial for a strong response.

Tip

Use specific examples and details to explain what information you searched for and why it was important.

2: Lack of Structure

Failing to organize your answer can lead to confusion. A clear structure helps convey your thoughts effectively.

Tip

Follow the cue prompts in order: start with what you searched for, when, where, and then explain why.

Overly Simple Language

Using overly simple language can limit your ability to express your ideas fully. This may affect your score in fluency and coherence.

Tip

Try to use a variety of vocabulary and sentence structures to make your response more engaging and sophisticated.

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