Describe a time when you saw something in the sky: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

What you saw in the sky
When/where you saw it
What it looked like / any details
And explain why it was memorable

72 unique answers with expert feedback

What do you think causes the moon to appear red?

The red color of the moon, often referred to as a 'blood moon', is caused by a lunar eclipse. During this event, the Earth comes between the sun and the moon, and the Earth's atmosphere scatters sunlight, allowing only the longer red wavelengths to reach the moon.

Have you ever seen any other interesting phenomena in the sky?

Yes, I have seen several interesting phenomena, such as meteor showers and the Northern Lights. Each event has its own unique beauty and significance, and they all evoke a sense of wonder and appreciation for the universe.

How do you feel about astronomy and its impact on society?

I believe astronomy plays a crucial role in expanding our understanding of the universe. It inspires curiosity and innovation, and it can unite people through shared experiences, such as watching celestial events together, fostering a sense of community.

Band >7

00:00

It was once upon a time, it was middle of the night, around 12 a.m. or 1 a.m. Between that, me and my sister went to the terrace. And there we look up on the sky. At that time we suddenly see a shining bright light like dot moving from one side to another side. We were amazed, what is that? So, then we confused that why, what's that going from this side to another side? And it's not a airplane, but it looks like a star. It looked like a star, but it's not a star. We could confirm that it's not a star. It's moving around from one side to another side. And then we confused and another day we again went to the terrace to see that. And again the next day we saw the same thing, same mystery there. So, then we decide to search about it on the mobile phone internet. So, some of them have answered like it was satellite. So, that you are seeing it moving like from one side to another side. And we then confirmed that it's satellite. And yeah, that was it.

Follow up questions

What do you think about the phenomenon of satellites in the sky?

I find it fascinating that we can see satellites moving across the sky. It's amazing to think about how they orbit the Earth and play a crucial role in communication, weather forecasting, and even GPS. It makes me appreciate the technology we have today.

Have you ever seen any other interesting celestial events?

Yes, I've seen meteor showers and the occasional comet. Watching shooting stars is always exciting, and it makes me feel connected to the universe. I also enjoy stargazing and learning about different constellations.

How do you feel when you look at the night sky?

Looking at the night sky gives me a sense of wonder and peace. It makes me reflect on the vastness of the universe and my place in it. I often feel inspired and curious about space and the mysteries it holds.

Band 7

00:00

So, recently, I observed planets during the planet parade, both by my naked eye and through a telescope. So, when I was in Pondicherry University, the physics department arranged a planet-watching night on the terrace of the department, where all the students from other departments were invited to join the program. Me and my friends went there around 5 p.m. in the evening, and we waited along with all other enthusiasts to watch the planet through the telescope, but the best part was the people who had knowledge about the location of all the planets, they made us first see and look at everything through our naked eye, and told us how to distinguish all of them. Moreover, I was really in awe to visualize the planets through the telescope. The planet parade is basically where 4 or 5 planets are on the same line of their orbits, and all of them looked very distinct through the telescope. I observed Jupiter, which was huge, and Saturn, I observed the ring around it.

Follow up questions

What other celestial events have you experienced?

I have also witnessed meteor showers and solar eclipses. Each event was unique and fascinating in its own way, especially the meteor shower, where I could see multiple shooting stars in a short period. It felt magical to watch them streak across the night sky.

How do you think astronomy can impact people's lives?

Astronomy can inspire curiosity and a sense of wonder about the universe. It encourages people to learn more about science and can foster a greater appreciation for nature. Additionally, it can bring communities together during events like star-gazing nights, promoting social interaction.

What do you think is the importance of observing planets?

Observing planets helps us understand our solar system better. It can spark interest in science and technology, leading to advancements in space exploration. Moreover, it connects us to the universe, reminding us of our place in it and the vastness beyond our planet.

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Band 7

00:00

A few months ago I witnessed the lunar eclipse which was visible from Asian land and I had the opportunity and the luxury of time to watch it from my own home. It was very late at night when I had climbed up to my terrace and was sitting for the lunar eclipse to occur and witness it up close and personal and it was extremely memorable for me since I had not witnessed a lunar eclipse ever before and in my childhood I was so fascinated by the fact of eclipse and how it occurred. So I was really excited and the little child in me was very excited to see and witness the lunar eclipse in full bloom. So it happened, I witnessed the moon gradually fading into the cover and in due time only a silhouette lingered and there was only a faint red glowing light around the shape of the moon and while the moon was fully covered in shadow and gradually it reappeared and it was beautiful to witness the entire process and to fathom how beautiful natural occurrences are.

Follow up questions

What other celestial events have you witnessed?

I have also witnessed meteor showers and the Perseids, which were spectacular. The shooting stars were mesmerizing, and I remember lying on the grass with friends, making wishes as we saw them streak across the sky. Each event is unique and adds to my appreciation of the universe.

How do you think witnessing such events affects people?

Witnessing celestial events can inspire awe and wonder in people. It often brings a sense of connection to the universe and can spark curiosity about science and astronomy. For many, it’s a reminder of the beauty of nature and can even evoke feelings of nostalgia or childhood wonder.

Do you think more people should observe the night sky?

Absolutely! Observing the night sky can be a calming and enriching experience. It encourages people to disconnect from their daily routines and appreciate the beauty around them. Plus, it can foster a greater interest in science and nature, which is beneficial for everyone.

Band 7

00:00

The interesting thing I saw in the sky was the red moon, which is also known as the lunar eclipse. The natural event occurs when the earth rotates around the sun and the moon appears to be reddish. I saw it two months ago when I was traveling to my brother's farmhouse where it is in the outskirts of the city, so the air was clean and there was little less pollution, which led to it being easily visible. I was standing on my balcony along with my younger brother. The sky was quite clear that night and the moon looked larger, more beautiful than usual. At first, the moon looked very normal, but it slowly started changing its color from white to orange and then to a deep red. The sight was memorizing and peaceful. At that time, we stood for nearly an hour to take pictures. We took a lot of pictures of this beautiful moment. The sky was totally in different shades that day. Everyone was looking at that moon. This was the most memorizing moment. We saw something new. It tells us that our nature is big and we know very little about nature.

Follow up questions

What other celestial events have you witnessed?

I've seen several celestial events, including meteor showers and the Northern Lights. Each event has its own unique beauty and significance. The meteor shower was particularly exciting because we could see multiple shooting stars in a clear sky, which felt magical.

How do you think witnessing such events affects people's appreciation of nature?

Witnessing celestial events like the lunar eclipse can deepen our appreciation for nature. It reminds us of the vastness of the universe and our small place within it. Such experiences can inspire curiosity and a desire to learn more about astronomy and the natural world.

Do you think more people should spend time observing the sky?

Absolutely! Spending time observing the sky can be a calming and enriching experience. It encourages mindfulness and connection with nature. I believe that more people should take the time to look up and appreciate the beauty and wonder that the sky has to offer.

Show all 72 answers

Cue 1:What you saw in the sky

Begin by clearly stating what you saw in the sky, such as a rainbow, a shooting star, or a unique cloud formation.
Use descriptive language to create a vivid image of the sight.

Example

I saw a beautiful rainbow stretching across the sky after a light rain shower. The colors were vibrant, with shades of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet blending seamlessly into one another.

Cue 2:When/where you saw it

Mention the specific time and location where you witnessed this sight.
Provide context about the weather or the situation at that time.

Example

This happened last summer while I was visiting my grandparents' village in Kerala. It was late afternoon, and the sun was just beginning to set, creating a perfect backdrop for the rainbow.

Cue 3:What it looked like / any details

Describe the appearance of the sight in detail, including colors, shapes, and any other notable features.
Share any personal feelings or thoughts you had while observing it.

Example

The rainbow was a full arc, and it seemed to touch the ground at both ends. The colors were so bright and clear, almost like they were painted in the sky. I felt a sense of joy and wonder as I watched it, reminding me of my childhood when I used to chase rainbows.

Cue 4:And explain why it was memorable

Reflect on why this experience stood out to you and what it meant personally.
Connect it to any emotions or memories that it evoked.

Example

This moment was memorable because it reminded me of my childhood and the simple joys of life. It also symbolized hope and beauty after a storm, which resonated with me deeply during a challenging time in my life.

Conclusion

Example

In conclusion, seeing that rainbow was not just a visual treat but also a meaningful experience that brought back fond memories and a sense of hope. It taught me to appreciate the beauty around us, even in difficult times.

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 Descriptions

Using vague language can make your answer less engaging and informative. Candidates often fail to provide specific details about what they saw, which can lead to a lack of clarity.

Tip

Include specific details about the object in the sky, such as its color, shape, and size, to create a vivid image for the listener.

2: Ignoring the Cue Card Structure

Not following the cue card prompts can result in an unorganized response. Candidates may miss important aspects of the question, leading to incomplete answers.

Tip

Address each cue in order: describe what you saw, when and where, details about it, and why it was memorable to ensure a structured response.

Overly Short Answers

Providing overly brief answers can make it seem like you are not engaged or knowledgeable. Candidates often give one-sentence responses that lack depth.

Tip

Expand your answers by adding personal feelings, thoughts, or stories related to the experience to make your response more engaging.

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