Describe An Occasion When You Got Incorrect Information: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

  • When did you get it?
  • How did you get it?
  • How did you find it was incorrect?
  • And how do you feel about it?

Band 6

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So, the occasion when I got incorrect information is that when I changed my school in 2nd standard, I changed my school from SD Memorial School to Bluebells Public School. Now, there was a slight difference in the examination pattern of both the schools. Since till 1st class in SD Memorial School, we used to write answers of every question in the same sheet which was given to us as a question paper and we needed to write the answers in that sheet only. But in the Bluebells School, there was different examination pattern that you will get the question paper and you have to write in the answer sheet, the answers. So, I was new to that pattern, so I didn't know, so I asked one of the classmates which was sitting ahead of me that what should we do and we were like smaller kids, so he told me just write whatever is written in question paper, just copy and write that in the answer sheet. So, I got incorrect information from that and I wrote the same question as it is in my answer sheet and then I went home, my parents asked me how was your paper, so I said that it was quite easy that we need to just copy and write all the questions in the answer sheet, we do not need, we need not to do anything else, so that was the occasion that I got the incorrect information.

Follow up questions


How did you feel when you realized you had followed incorrect instructions?
I felt quite embarrassed and anxious when I realized I had followed incorrect instructions. I was worried about my performance and how my teacher would react. It was a learning experience for me, and I understood the importance of verifying information before acting on it.

What did you learn from this experience about seeking information?
I learned that it's crucial to seek information from reliable sources, especially in new situations. Instead of asking a classmate who might not know better, I should have approached a teacher or looked for official guidelines. This experience taught me to be more cautious and thorough.

Have you ever encountered incorrect information in other situations?
Yes, I have encountered incorrect information in various situations, such as during group projects or while planning events. Each time, it reinforced the importance of double-checking facts and consulting multiple sources to ensure accuracy before making decisions.

Band 5-6

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When I was in my college, there was an important assignment that I had to submit, though I had incorrect information about the deadline of the assignment, it was funny that I did not know that. That was the time when I was on a call with one of my college classmates and how the talking turned into a whole chaos. The friend told me that it is just tomorrow that we have to submit the assignment. I just had to rush down to the stationery shop, get the necessary supplies for the assignment. I was just all over, it was even late at the time. I just rushed back to my home, started finishing off my assignment, even though my friend helped me doing it. In my head, the deadline was still later time and it was just a funny incident. At the time, I was in a whole chaotic brain. I was just rushing out to just finish off my work and somehow submit the assignment the next day so that I don't have my marks cut due to the delay.

Follow up questions


How did you feel when you realized the information was incorrect?
I felt a mix of panic and relief. Initially, I was stressed about the deadline, but once I realized it was a misunderstanding, I found it amusing. It taught me to double-check important information and not rely solely on hearsay.

What steps do you take to verify information in the future?
Now, I always confirm deadlines and important details through official channels, like the college website or directly from professors. I also try to communicate with multiple classmates to ensure I have the right information before acting on it.

Have you ever experienced a similar situation again?
Yes, there have been a few instances where I received incorrect information, but I've learned to handle them better. I now approach such situations calmly and make sure to verify before rushing into action, which has saved me from unnecessary stress.

Band 5-6

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I got this incorrect information in 2022 when I was working at a company and this was regarding an Indian festival called the Dusshera which we were going to celebrate the next day so my colleague came to me she told me that everyone is going to wear a saree tomorrow so you should you have to follow that dress code tomorrow and I was like okay I can do that I don't have any problem

Follow up questions


How did you feel when you realized the information was incorrect?
I felt a bit embarrassed at first because I had already planned to wear a saree. It made me question my colleague's reliability, but I also understood that mistakes happen, especially with cultural nuances.

What did you do after discovering the incorrect information?
After realizing the mistake, I quickly checked with other colleagues to confirm the dress code. I decided to wear something comfortable instead, and I also made sure to clarify the dress code for future occasions to avoid confusion.

Have you ever given incorrect information to someone? What happened?
Yes, I once told a friend the wrong time for a meeting. They arrived late, and I felt terrible. I apologized and made sure to double-check details in the future to prevent such mistakes from happening again.

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Band 5-6

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When I was 7 years old, I used to feel occasion is a holiday place where we should visit. When I was 8 years old, then I get to know that occasion means it's the happiest thing in our life which should be celebrated by our family members, friends and our relatives. Occasions create a peaceful life in our life which have a great meaning in our life. Occasions never end in anything. Each of our memory carriers are one of the occasions in our life. A beautiful meaning is an occasion which describes our faithfulness to the person to whom we love. Occasions is nothing but our decisions taken to the loved one to celebrate with them. Occasions have a unique meaning to gather our relatives.

Follow up questions


How do you think incorrect information can affect our understanding of important concepts?
Incorrect information can lead to misunderstandings and misconceptions. For example, if someone believes that an occasion is only a holiday, they might miss out on celebrating important life events like birthdays or anniversaries, which are also significant occasions.

Can you share an example of a time when you received incorrect information about an occasion?
Once, I was told that a family gathering was just a casual get-together. However, it turned out to be a surprise birthday party for my grandmother. This misunderstanding made me miss out on the preparations and the joy of celebrating with everyone.

In your opinion, what is the importance of clear communication when discussing occasions?
Clear communication is crucial because it ensures everyone understands the significance of the occasion. Miscommunication can lead to missed celebrations or misunderstandings about the importance of certain events, which can affect relationships and shared experiences.

Band 5-6

00:00

/

00:00

In past 3 months I was travel to Thailand. At that trip I have plan a different kind of things which I have to do by own. I have not book a tour package like many people who travel from India to Thailand they book packages. Although but I am a only person who has book directly without booking a different kinds of travelling agency and different kinds of tour to make tour cheaper. So at that time I was landed in Thailand airport in Bangkok. At that time I was asked one local person like how to travel to Pattaya. But the thing he has given me the wrong information that you have to go to bus station and you have to take a 12 number bus. After I travel to 12 number bus then I reach to that specific bus station. Then they give me that you have a wrong information that this bus never go to Pattaya. The reason I feel so bad that local people are not supporting the tourism because Thailand is totally depend on tourism. So people are not giving a right information about a tourist how to go to there and how to travel. So people are only focusing on their own customer who has book their package. So this is a wrong because if you help a tourist they can come more early and they can come every time. So it will directly affect to their financial GDP. So it is very important that local should support non package person also to make them more easy to travel in Thailand.

Follow up questions


What do you think could improve the accuracy of information given to tourists?
I believe that local training programs for residents could help improve the accuracy of information. If locals are educated about tourist needs and routes, they can provide better guidance. Additionally, creating a system where tourists can report incorrect information might encourage locals to be more careful.

Have you encountered similar situations in other countries?
Yes, I have faced similar situations in other countries where locals provided incorrect directions. It often leads to confusion and frustration. However, I also found that using apps or maps can help verify the information given by locals, making travel smoother.

How important do you think accurate information is for tourism?
Accurate information is crucial for tourism as it directly impacts the experience of travelers. When tourists receive correct guidance, they feel more confident and satisfied, which can lead to positive reviews and repeat visits, ultimately benefiting the local economy.
Show all 7 answers

Cue 1:When did you get it?

  • Start by mentioning the specific occasion when you received the incorrect information.
  • Provide context about why this information was important to you at that time.

Example

I received incorrect information about a job interview date last month. I was really looking forward to this opportunity as it was for a position I had been dreaming about for a long time.


Cue 2:How did you get it?

  • Explain how you received the information, whether it was through a phone call, email, or a message.
  • Mention who provided the information and your initial reaction to it.

Example

I got the information through an email from the HR department of the company. The email stated that my interview was scheduled for the 15th of September, and I was thrilled to have finally secured a chance to showcase my skills.


Cue 3:How did you find it was incorrect?

  • Describe the moment you realized the information was wrong.
  • Explain how you confirmed the correct details and what steps you took next.

Example

I found out the information was incorrect when I arrived at the venue on the 15th, only to discover that there were no interviews scheduled for that day. I quickly checked my email again and saw that I had misread the date; it was actually on the 25th.


Cue 4:And how do you feel about it?

  • Share your feelings about the situation, including any frustration or lessons learned.
  • Reflect on how this experience has impacted your approach to receiving information in the future.

Example

I felt quite embarrassed and frustrated when I realized my mistake. It taught me the importance of double-checking information, especially when it comes to something as crucial as a job interview. Now, I always verify details before making any plans.


Conclusion

    Example

    In conclusion, receiving incorrect information can be quite stressful, especially when it involves important events like job interviews. However, this experience has helped me become more cautious and attentive to details, ensuring that I don’t make the same mistake again.


    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

    Avoid giving vague or unclear answers. Being non-specific can make your response sound unconvincing and may not fully address the cue card prompts.

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    Tip

    Provide specific details about the occasion, including exact times, places, and the nature of the incorrect information.


    2: Lack of Structure

    Failing to structure your response can lead to confusion. A disorganized answer may not effectively communicate your experience.

    bulb icon

    Tip

    Follow a clear structure: start with when you received the information, how you got it, how you discovered it was incorrect, and your feelings about it.


    Overly Emotional Responses

    While expressing feelings is important, overly emotional responses can detract from the clarity of your answer and may seem unprofessional.

    bulb icon

    Tip

    Balance your feelings with factual information. Explain your emotions clearly but keep the focus on the situation and its implications.


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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

    The time when I got the correct information was last month, I was working in real estate, so the job of a real estate agent is to assist in sale, purchase and renting of buildings. I was working as an industrial real estate agent, so it is difficult for an agent to make deals with limited buildings as sometimes there are few buildings available with each person, usually then we take buildings from other dealers, so there was a time I was with a party and we went to show 450 meter buildings, although I had a lot of buildings but the client didn't like none, didn't like all, so I asked my friend whose name is Himanshu and he told me that I can show 225 number, it was ground floor but when I went to 225 with the party, with the help of map, I didn't see it as there was a vacant lot there, so I called him again and told him about the situation, then he told me that it is not 225, it is 115, this led to a bad reputation of me and a bad impression of our company to the client, I was very frightened by that and I was very furious.

    Band 6

    So, the occasion when I got incorrect information is that when I changed my school in 2nd standard, I changed my school from SD Memorial School to Bluebells Public School. Now, there was a slight difference in the examination pattern of both the schools. Since till 1st class in SD Memorial School, we used to write answers of every question in the same sheet which was given to us as a question paper and we needed to write the answers in that sheet only. But in the Bluebells School, there was different examination pattern that you will get the question paper and you have to write in the answer sheet, the answers. So, I was new to that pattern, so I didn't know, so I asked one of the classmates which was sitting ahead of me that what should we do and we were like smaller kids, so he told me just write whatever is written in question paper, just copy and write that in the answer sheet. So, I got incorrect information from that and I wrote the same question as it is in my answer sheet and then I went home, my parents asked me how was your paper, so I said that it was quite easy that we need to just copy and write all the questions in the answer sheet, we do not need, we need not to do anything else, so that was the occasion that I got the incorrect information.

    Band 6

    While I am, I was in my nursing school in the first year, just entered in a first year. At that time, the college celebrated the function called fresher party. Fresher party was always given by our seniors. So at that time, what happened, the card was prepared by the senior. So they are mistaken in the card date, like it's 25th April. So mistakenly they type it like 26th April. And we all were there, all seniors are doing so much preparation. And when we entered, we saw there is so much decoration and chocolates and so many other things are there. Moreover, also we felt that today isn't any occasion, isn't any surprise party, but we all are in our uniform, school uniform. So we asked them about that. And even they cannot even see that they just mistakenly type. So it is so much, we also feel bad for them. Their cake and all things were ruined up. So just save that occasion, what we decided, we decided to get ready for that occasion only. And our teachers were also get support for the students. And we all going together and we all dress up. And we dress well and then we go to the party and we stay there.

    Band 5-6

    When I was 7 years old, I used to feel occasion is a holiday place where we should visit. When I was 8 years old, then I get to know that occasion means it's the happiest thing in our life which should be celebrated by our family members, friends and our relatives. Occasions create a peaceful life in our life which have a great meaning in our life. Occasions never end in anything. Each of our memory carriers are one of the occasions in our life. A beautiful meaning is an occasion which describes our faithfulness to the person to whom we love. Occasions is nothing but our decisions taken to the loved one to celebrate with them. Occasions have a unique meaning to gather our relatives.

    Band 5-6

    In past 3 months I was travel to Thailand. At that trip I have plan a different kind of things which I have to do by own. I have not book a tour package like many people who travel from India to Thailand they book packages. Although but I am a only person who has book directly without booking a different kinds of travelling agency and different kinds of tour to make tour cheaper. So at that time I was landed in Thailand airport in Bangkok. At that time I was asked one local person like how to travel to Pattaya. But the thing he has given me the wrong information that you have to go to bus station and you have to take a 12 number bus. After I travel to 12 number bus then I reach to that specific bus station. Then they give me that you have a wrong information that this bus never go to Pattaya. The reason I feel so bad that local people are not supporting the tourism because Thailand is totally depend on tourism. So people are not giving a right information about a tourist how to go to there and how to travel. So people are only focusing on their own customer who has book their package. So this is a wrong because if you help a tourist they can come more early and they can come every time. So it will directly affect to their financial GDP. So it is very important that local should support non package person also to make them more easy to travel in Thailand.

    Band 5-6

    When I was in my college, there was an important assignment that I had to submit, though I had incorrect information about the deadline of the assignment, it was funny that I did not know that. That was the time when I was on a call with one of my college classmates and how the talking turned into a whole chaos. The friend told me that it is just tomorrow that we have to submit the assignment. I just had to rush down to the stationery shop, get the necessary supplies for the assignment. I was just all over, it was even late at the time. I just rushed back to my home, started finishing off my assignment, even though my friend helped me doing it. In my head, the deadline was still later time and it was just a funny incident. At the time, I was in a whole chaotic brain. I was just rushing out to just finish off my work and somehow submit the assignment the next day so that I don't have my marks cut due to the delay.

    Band 5-6

    I got this incorrect information in 2022 when I was working at a company and this was regarding an Indian festival called the Dusshera which we were going to celebrate the next day so my colleague came to me she told me that everyone is going to wear a saree tomorrow so you should you have to follow that dress code tomorrow and I was like okay I can do that I don't have any problem
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