Describe An Occasion When You Lost Something: IELTS Speaking Cue Card
You should say
- What you lost?
- When and where you lost it?
- What you did to find it?
- Explain how you felt about it?

9 unique answers with expert feedback
Band 6-7
00:00
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00:00
Follow up questions
Follow up questions
How did you feel when you realized you lost your chain?
What did you learn from this experience?
Have you ever lost something else that was important to you?
Band 5-6
00:00
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00:00
Follow up questions
Follow up questions
How did you feel when you realized your watch was missing?
What do you think is the most important thing to do when you lose something valuable?
Have you ever lost something more valuable than your watch?
Band 5-6
00:00
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00:00
Follow up questions
Follow up questions
How did you feel about missing the wedding?
What did you learn from this experience?
How did your family react to your absence?
Practice other cue cards
Band <5
00:00
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00:00
Follow up questions
Follow up questions
What was the most valuable item you ever lost?
How did you feel when you realized you lost something?
Have you ever found something that someone else lost?
Band <5
00:00
/
00:00
Follow up questions
Follow up questions
What was the most valuable item you ever lost?
How did you feel when you realized you lost something?
What steps did you take to try to find your lost item?
Cue 1:What you lost?
- Clearly state what item you lost, providing specific details about it.
- Mention why this item was important to you, to give context to your story.
Example
I lost my favorite wristwatch, which was a gift from my grandfather. It was not just a timepiece for me; it held sentimental value and reminded me of the special moments we shared.
Cue 2:When and where you lost it?
- Describe the time and place where you realized the item was missing.
- Include any relevant details about the situation that might have contributed to the loss.
Example
I lost it last month while I was attending a wedding in my hometown. I remember taking it off briefly to wash my hands in the restroom, and when I returned to the reception, I noticed it was no longer on my wrist.
Cue 3:What you did to find it?
- Explain the steps you took to search for the lost item.
- Mention if you asked others for help or retraced your steps.
Example
As soon as I realized it was missing, I rushed back to the restroom and asked the staff if anyone had found a watch. I also retraced my steps around the venue, checking under tables and asking my relatives if they had seen it.
Cue 4:Explain how you felt about it?
- Share your emotional response to losing the item.
- Discuss any feelings of frustration, sadness, or anxiety you experienced.
Example
I felt a wave of panic wash over me when I couldn’t find it. Losing something so precious made me anxious and sad, as it reminded me of my grandfather. I felt a sense of loss that went beyond just the watch itself.
Conclusion
Example
In the end, I never found the watch, but the experience taught me to be more careful with my belongings. It also made me appreciate the memories associated with it even more, reminding me of the love and wisdom my grandfather shared with me.
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 give unclear answers without specific details about what they lost or where it happened. This can make the response less engaging and informative.
Tip
Provide specific details about the item you lost, including its significance and the exact location and time of the loss to create a vivid picture.
2: Neglecting Emotional Impact
Many candidates forget to express their feelings about losing the item, which can make their response seem flat and uninteresting.
Tip
Include your emotions during the experience, such as frustration or sadness, to make your story more relatable and engaging.
Lack of Problem-Solving Description
Some candidates fail to explain what actions they took to find the lost item, which is a key part of the cue card.
Tip
Clearly outline the steps you took to search for the item, such as retracing your steps or asking others for help, to show your problem-solving skills.

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