Describe a time when you were waiting for something special that would happen: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

  • What you waited for
  • Where you waited
  • Why it was special
  • And explain how you felt when you were waiting

Band 6-7

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Certainly, there was a time when I was waiting for my admission in Amritsar well-known university GNDU. I want to pursue a bachelor's in physiotherapy in that university. The university is located in Amritsar. That is a very well-known university. I wanted to get enrolled in that course from that particular university itself. Moreover, it was back in 2019 when I wanted to get enrolled but somehow I couldn't enroll in that due to my less score. I was feeling very anxious. The reason I was feeling so anxious was I was waiting from 8 am to 8 pm in the evening. In that moment, I was feeling very anxious. I was very nervous whether I would get enrolled in that particular course or not. What will I do if I didn't get enrolled? I was very anxious. I was very confused. At the same point, I was feeling a bit confident that I would get enrolled but due to some quota or we can say due to some corruption going these days, I was not able to get enrolled.

Follow up questions


How did you cope with the anxiety while waiting for your admission results?
I tried to keep myself busy by studying and engaging in other activities. I also spoke to friends and family for support, which helped ease my anxiety. I focused on positive thoughts and reminded myself that I had done my best in the entrance exams.

What did you learn from that experience of waiting for something special?
I learned the importance of patience and resilience. Waiting for my admission taught me to manage my expectations and emotions better. It also made me realize that sometimes, despite our efforts, things may not go as planned, and we need to be prepared for that.

Have you experienced similar feelings of anticipation in other situations?
Yes, I have felt similar anticipation when waiting for job interviews or important exams. Each time, the waiting period was filled with mixed emotions, but I learned to channel that energy into preparation and self-improvement.

Band 6

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is today I would like to talk about a time when I am waiting for something it was a it was a day of the result of my MSc microbiology exam exam exam result after completion of my three year BSc I joined for post-graduation in Vivekananda College which is located in Tamil Nadu and until and still today I'm remembering those days it was very tough journey because studying masters is it's not as it's not a joke I had I had sit a long time for my studies my nights were sleepless I was I was I spent a lot of time for that MSc studies those days I understood one thing is that if I studied this like during the time of my bachelor's degree I tend to become a I tend to become a university rank holder but the exams was very tough and after the exam we have to wait around two months for the exam results one day I heard about that the university is going to announce the exams result that day I was I went to my friend home and I was sitting alone in a in the balcony of her her home and my friend was checking the exam results and finally she said that you had passed that exam and

Follow up questions


How did you feel while waiting for your exam results?
I felt a mix of anxiety and excitement. The two-month wait was nerve-wracking as I had invested so much effort into my studies. I kept thinking about the possibility of passing and what it would mean for my future. It was a rollercoaster of emotions.

What did you do to cope with the stress of waiting?
To cope with the stress, I tried to keep myself busy. I spent time with friends, engaged in hobbies, and focused on other subjects. I also practiced mindfulness techniques to calm my mind and reduce anxiety. It helped me stay positive during the waiting period.

What was your reaction when you finally received the results?
When I finally received the results, I felt an overwhelming sense of relief and joy. It was a moment of validation for all the hard work I had put in. I celebrated with my friends and felt proud of my achievement, knowing that my efforts had paid off.

Band 6

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I would like to share one of my experiences when I was waiting for something special. That was my 22nd birthday where my mother gave me an iPhone and I thought that no one can give me anything but I heard something when my mother talked with my sister then I felt so happy and that was one of my special gift for my birthday and for iPhone and iPad.

Follow up questions


How did you feel while waiting for your birthday surprise?
I felt a mix of excitement and curiosity. I was eager to see what my mother had planned for me, and the anticipation made the wait feel longer. I couldn't help but imagine what the gift could be, which added to my happiness.

What other memorable gifts have you received on your birthdays?
Besides the iPhone, I remember receiving a beautiful watch from my father on my 18th birthday. It was special because it symbolized my transition into adulthood. Each gift holds a unique memory and significance in my life.

How do you usually celebrate your birthdays?
I typically celebrate my birthdays with close friends and family. We usually have a small gathering with cake, games, and laughter. It's a time for me to reflect on the past year and appreciate the people in my life.

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Show all 3 answers

Cue 1:What you waited for

  • Clearly state the event or occasion you were waiting for, such as a festival, exam results, or a family gathering.
  • Mention any specific details that made this event significant to you.

Example

I was waiting for my sister’s wedding, which was a grand event in our family. It was special because it was the first wedding in our family in over a decade, and everyone was excited to celebrate together.


Cue 2:Where you waited

  • Describe the location where you were waiting, whether it was at home, a venue, or somewhere else.
  • Include details about the atmosphere and the people around you.

Example

I waited at our home, which was beautifully decorated for the wedding. The living room was filled with flowers and lights, and my relatives were buzzing with excitement, making the atmosphere lively and joyful.


Cue 3:Why it was special

  • Explain the personal significance of the event and why it mattered to you.
  • Share any cultural or emotional aspects that added to its importance.

Example

This wedding was special not only because it was a family reunion but also because it represented our traditions and values. It was a time for us to come together, celebrate love, and strengthen our family bonds.


Cue 4:And explain how you felt when you were waiting

  • Describe your emotions during the waiting period, whether you felt anxious, excited, or nostalgic.
  • Share any specific thoughts or memories that came to mind while waiting.

Example

While waiting, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. I was eager to see my sister in her bridal attire and to witness the rituals. I also reminisced about our childhood memories, which made the wait feel even more special.


Conclusion

    Example

    In conclusion, waiting for my sister’s wedding was an unforgettable experience filled with anticipation and joy. It reminded me of the importance of family and the beautiful moments we share together.


    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: Being Vague About Details

    Candidates often provide unclear or general answers, which can make their response less engaging. Specific details help create a vivid picture for the examiner.

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    Tip

    Include specific information about what you waited for, where you were, and why it was special to make your answer more interesting.


    2: Ignoring Emotional Aspects

    Some candidates forget to express their feelings during the waiting period. Emotions add depth to your story and make it more relatable.

    bulb icon

    Tip

    Describe how you felt while waiting, using adjectives to convey your excitement or anxiety, to enhance your response.


    Rushing Through the Answer

    Candidates may rush their answers, leading to incomplete thoughts or missing key points. This can affect clarity and coherence.

    bulb icon

    Tip

    Take your time to structure your response, ensuring you cover all cues clearly and logically, which will improve your overall fluency.


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    All Answers

    Here are all the answers by real-users practicing speaking for IELTS Cue Cards on our IELTS Prep App.

    Band 6-7

    Certainly, there was a time when I was waiting for my admission in Amritsar well-known university GNDU. I want to pursue a bachelor's in physiotherapy in that university. The university is located in Amritsar. That is a very well-known university. I wanted to get enrolled in that course from that particular university itself. Moreover, it was back in 2019 when I wanted to get enrolled but somehow I couldn't enroll in that due to my less score. I was feeling very anxious. The reason I was feeling so anxious was I was waiting from 8 am to 8 pm in the evening. In that moment, I was feeling very anxious. I was very nervous whether I would get enrolled in that particular course or not. What will I do if I didn't get enrolled? I was very anxious. I was very confused. At the same point, I was feeling a bit confident that I would get enrolled but due to some quota or we can say due to some corruption going these days, I was not able to get enrolled.

    Band 6

    I would like to share one of my experiences when I was waiting for something special. That was my 22nd birthday where my mother gave me an iPhone and I thought that no one can give me anything but I heard something when my mother talked with my sister then I felt so happy and that was one of my special gift for my birthday and for iPhone and iPad.

    Band 6

    is today I would like to talk about a time when I am waiting for something it was a it was a day of the result of my MSc microbiology exam exam exam result after completion of my three year BSc I joined for post-graduation in Vivekananda College which is located in Tamil Nadu and until and still today I'm remembering those days it was very tough journey because studying masters is it's not as it's not a joke I had I had sit a long time for my studies my nights were sleepless I was I was I spent a lot of time for that MSc studies those days I understood one thing is that if I studied this like during the time of my bachelor's degree I tend to become a I tend to become a university rank holder but the exams was very tough and after the exam we have to wait around two months for the exam results one day I heard about that the university is going to announce the exams result that day I was I went to my friend home and I was sitting alone in a in the balcony of her her home and my friend was checking the exam results and finally she said that you had passed that exam and
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