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.

23 unique answers with expert feedback

What challenges did you face while searching for information?

One of the main challenges was filtering through a vast amount of information to find relevant and credible sources. Additionally, some articles were behind paywalls, which made access difficult. I had to rely on my university's resources and seek help from faculty to navigate these challenges.

How did you ensure the information you found was reliable?

I focused on peer-reviewed articles and reputable academic journals. I also cross-referenced information from multiple sources to verify its accuracy. Consulting with a faculty member helped me identify key studies and avoid misinformation in my research.

What skills did you develop during this research process?

I developed critical research skills, including effective information retrieval and evaluation. I also improved my organizational skills by using a reference manager, which helped me keep track of sources. Additionally, I enhanced my ability to synthesize information into a coherent literature review.

Band 6-7

00:00

I remember a time when I was preparing for IELTS exam. I had been studying consistently but I realized I was struggling a bit with reading session and writing session. To improve I needed to gather more strategies and tips that would help me to enhance my skills. I began searching online for resources related to reading comprehension and effective writing techniques for the IELTS exam. I visited various websites, individual official IELTS preparation site blogs and forums where people shared their personal experiences. I also looked for sample essay and practice tests that could give me a clear idea of what to expect on the exam day. Through my search, I found my specific methods to improve my reading speech such as scheming and scanning techniques which helped me to better manage my time during the test. I also came across a number of writing templates and structure guides which gave me a clear understanding of how to organize my essay more effectively. In the end, the information I gathered significantly boosted my confidence. It allowed me to approach the exam with better preparation and I felt more ready to tackle the challenges in the reading and writing session and the listening session.

Follow up questions

What specific websites or resources did you find most helpful?

I found the official IELTS website to be very informative, along with blogs like IELTS Liz and forums like IELTS Buddy. These platforms provided a wealth of tips and shared experiences from other test-takers, which were invaluable in my preparation.

How did you feel after gathering the information?

After gathering the information, I felt a significant boost in my confidence. The strategies I learned made me feel more prepared and less anxious about the exam. I was able to approach my studies with a clearer plan and a better understanding of what to expect.

Did you implement all the strategies you found? Which worked best?

I tried to implement most of the strategies I found, but the scheming and scanning techniques for reading were particularly effective. They helped me manage my time better during practice tests, allowing me to answer more questions accurately within the time limit.

Band 6-7

00:00

So, I was once working on a research paper on transformers that is an architecture or we can say algorithm which is most important term in artificial intelligence and machine learning field. So I was working on the paper and I needed every information of how transformers works and how its architecture is made. So for that two months ago I started searching for that particular information and I get it on from internet as well as YouTube videos. I started learning about every detail and everything I get from internet I made notes on that and gone through the topic very thoroughly. So I will be very I should have a very good knowledge of what I am what I was working on because according to many researchers if you write a paper you should be aware of what you are what you are concluding also you need a deep knowledge of what you are writing on the topic. So, yes I cannot move further without getting the knowledge of what I was really looking for. So, yes I search for many videos as well as internet articles and research papers and concluded how this information helps me and from that information I derived something new and experimented myself to generate a different algorithms and wrote a research paper about it. So yes for that I needed to search for the topic and I search it on internet crawling hundreds of articles and taking out important information from them.

Follow up questions

What specific challenges did you face while searching for information?

While searching for information, I faced challenges like filtering through a vast amount of data. Not all sources were reliable, and I had to critically evaluate the credibility of the articles and videos. Additionally, some technical concepts were difficult to understand without prior knowledge.

How did you ensure the information you found was reliable?

To ensure the reliability of the information, I cross-referenced multiple sources, including academic papers, reputable websites, and expert YouTube channels. I also looked for citations and references in the articles to verify the authenticity of the claims made.

What impact did this research have on your understanding of the topic?

This research significantly deepened my understanding of transformers and their applications in AI. It allowed me to grasp complex concepts and even inspired me to experiment with creating my own algorithms, which enhanced my practical skills in the field.

Practice other cue cards

Describe a way/change that helps you save a lot of time

View answers

Describe a risk you took that you thought would lead to a terrible result but ended up with a positive result

View answers

Describe a difficult task that you completed at work/study that you felt proud of

View answers

Describe an event that ended in failure.

View answers

Describe a daily routine that you enjoy

View answers

Describe Something You Do Regularly That Helps You Work And Study Better

View answers

Describe a skill that was difficult to learn

View answers

Describe a book you recently read.

View answers

Describe a piece of advice you recently received.

View answers

Describe Something Healthy You Enjoy Doing

View answers

Describe Something You Do To Keep Fit And Healthy

View answers

Describe Something That Helps You Concentrate

View answers

Describe an article about health that you read.

View answers

Describe A Difficult Decision That You Made And Had A Good Result

View answers

Describe a piece of good advice that you gave to someone

View answers

Describe A Positive Change In Your Life

View answers

Describe a plan that you had to change recently

View answers

Describe an achievement/success you are proud of

View answers

Describe a long-term goal you would like to achieve.

View answers

Describe an activity you enjoyed in your free time when you were young.

View answers

Band 6-7

00:00

I search for information constantly so this topic was quite hard for me to decide on any specific point to describe but what I settled on was actually from just this last weekend. I absolutely love Google Maps. It is extremely useful and I use it multiple times a week really any time that I'm going somewhere that I am not totally familiar with. In this particular instance I was going to the office of a business that I am very seriously considering taking an internship with. I knew the general area of where the offices were located and so I made it as close as I could until I knew that I would need further discussion and direction. I then pulled off to the side of the road and consulted Google Maps. My city is famous for its innumerable tiny alleyways. It just so happened that the quickest route to my destination was to cut straight through the urban block beside my via one of these alleyways. It was very small but full of interesting businesses and restaurants. So many smells that almost made me stop despite my appointment. So this is when I needed information and it gave me far more information than was initially needed and I have many restaurants to add on my list of places I want to eat.

Follow up questions

How do you usually search for information when you need it?

I typically use online resources like Google, Wikipedia, and various apps. For directions, I rely heavily on Google Maps, but for other topics, I might check academic articles or forums to get a broader perspective.

What other tools or apps do you find helpful for searching information?

Apart from Google Maps, I find apps like Yelp for restaurant reviews and TripAdvisor for travel information very useful. For academic research, I often use Google Scholar and library databases to access reliable sources.

Can you share a time when the information you found was incorrect?

Yes, there was a time when I relied on a navigation app that led me to a closed road. I ended up being late for an important meeting. It taught me to double-check information, especially when it comes to directions.

Band 6-7

00:00

Good question. When I was preparing for my TOLK exam, I came across many difficult questions like to find logarithm without using a calculator. So I wasn't aware of how to find it and I searched it in ChatGPT. ChatGPT helped me thoroughly. Each and every step was described in details and it helped me to study how to find it without even using any mechanical device. So I would say ChatGPT was my lifesaver then and it was not that hard but I wasn't

Follow up questions

How did you feel about using AI tools for studying?

I felt quite relieved using AI tools like ChatGPT. It made complex topics more understandable and accessible. Initially, I was skeptical about relying on technology, but it turned out to be a great resource that boosted my confidence in tackling difficult subjects.

What other resources do you use for studying besides ChatGPT?

Besides ChatGPT, I often use online tutorials, educational videos, and textbooks. I also participate in study groups with friends where we discuss challenging topics. This combination of resources helps reinforce my understanding and provides different perspectives on the material.

Have you ever faced challenges with online information?

Yes, I have faced challenges with online information, especially when sources are unreliable or contradictory. It's important to verify the information from multiple credible sources. I learned to cross-check facts and rely on well-reviewed educational platforms to ensure the accuracy of what I study.

Show all 23 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.

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.