Describe Something That Surprised You: IELTS Speaking Cue Card
You should say
- What was the surprise?
- When did it happen?
- How you found about it?
- How did you feel about it?

22 unique answers with expert feedback
Band 6-7
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Follow up questions
Follow up questions
What other activities did you enjoy during your trip to Dubai?
How did you feel when you first discovered the island?
Would you recommend visiting that island to others?
Band 6-7
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Follow up questions
Follow up questions
How did you feel when you first saw your cousin after five years?
What other surprises have you experienced in your life?
Why do you think surprises are important in relationships?
Band 6-7
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Follow up questions
Follow up questions
How did you feel when you first saw the portrait?
What other gifts have you received that surprised you?
Do you think surprises are important in friendships?
Practice other cue cards
Band 6-7
00:00
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00:00
Follow up questions
Follow up questions
How did you feel when you first heard the news about the twins?
What challenges have you faced since the twins were born?
How has your life changed since becoming a parent of twins?
Band 6-7
00:00
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00:00
Follow up questions
Follow up questions
How did you feel when you received the call from your friend?
What do you think makes friendships last despite long periods of no contact?
Have you kept in touch with any other friends from college?
Cue 1:What was the surprise?
- Begin by clearly stating what surprised you and why it was unexpected.
- Provide some context to help the listener understand the significance of the surprise.
Example
The surprise that I experienced was when my younger sister, who had been struggling with her studies, topped her class in the recent exams. I never expected her to achieve such a remarkable feat, especially since she had been feeling quite demotivated about her performance.
Cue 2:When did it happen?
- Mention the specific time frame when this event occurred.
- You can also include any relevant details about the day or occasion.
Example
This happened just a few weeks ago, right after the results were announced for the semester exams. It was a Saturday morning, and I was having breakfast when I received the news.
Cue 3:How you found out about it?
- Describe how you received the news about the surprise.
- You can mention who informed you and the manner in which they conveyed the information.
Example
I found out about it through a phone call from my mother. She was so excited and couldn’t stop praising my sister. I could hear the joy in her voice, which made me curious to know more.
Cue 4:How did you feel about it?
- Share your emotional reaction to the surprise.
- Explain why you felt that way and how it affected your relationship with the person involved.
Example
I felt an overwhelming sense of pride and happiness. It was a relief to see my sister succeed after all her hard work. This achievement brought us closer, and I felt motivated to support her even more in her future endeavors.
Conclusion
Example
In conclusion, this surprise not only filled me with joy but also taught me the importance of perseverance. It reminded me that with dedication and hard work, anyone can achieve their goals, and I am proud to be part of my sister's journey.
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 unclear and unengaging. Specific details help the examiner understand your experience better and keep their interest.
Tip
Include specific details about the surprise, such as what happened, where it took place, and any relevant context to make your story more vivid.
2: Lack of Emotion
Failing to express your feelings can make your response flat. Emotions are key to connecting with the listener and making your story memorable.
Tip
Share your feelings about the surprise, such as excitement or confusion, to convey the impact it had on you and engage the examiner.
Ignoring the Cues
Not addressing all the cue prompts can lead to an incomplete answer. Each cue is designed to help structure your response effectively.
Tip
Make sure to answer all the cues provided, such as when it happened and how you found out, to create a well-rounded response.

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