Describe something that surprised you and made you happy: IELTS Speaking Cue Card
You should say
- What it was?
- Who did this?
- How you found out about it and what you did?
- And explain why it surprised you and made you happy.
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4 unique answers with expert feedback
Band 6-7
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Follow up questions
Follow up questions
How do you usually celebrate your birthday?
What other surprises have you received in your life?
Why do you think surprises are important in friendships?
Band 6
00:00
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00:00
Follow up questions
Follow up questions
How did you feel when you first heard about your brother's marriage?
What was the most memorable moment from the wedding?
How has your relationship with your brother changed since his marriage?
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IELTS Cue Cards asked last week
Reported by Leap students who gave IELTS
Band 6
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00:00
Follow up questions
Follow up questions
What qualities do you think helped you get the job?
How did you feel on your first day at the university?
What challenges did you face in your new job?
Band 5-6
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Follow up questions
Follow up questions
How did you feel when you received the iPhone from your parents?
What other surprises have you received from your family or friends?
How do you think surprises affect relationships?
Cue 1:What it was?
- Begin by clearly stating what the surprising event was.
- Provide some context about the event to engage the listener.
Example
The surprise that made me incredibly happy was when I received a scholarship for my master's degree. I had applied for it months ago and had almost forgotten about it.
Cue 2:Who did this?
- Mention the organization or person responsible for the surprise.
- Explain their significance in your life or studies.
Example
The scholarship was awarded by a well-known educational foundation in India that supports students pursuing higher education. This foundation has helped many students like me, and being chosen felt like a huge honor.
Cue 3:How you found out about it and what you did?
- Describe how you learned about the scholarship award.
- Share your immediate reaction and any actions you took afterward.
Example
I found out about the scholarship through an email notification while I was studying at home. When I read the subject line, my heart raced, and I quickly opened it. I was overjoyed and immediately called my family to share the good news.
Cue 4:And explain why it surprised you and made you happy.
- Reflect on your feelings of surprise and happiness.
- Connect the event to your future aspirations or goals.
Example
It surprised me because I didn’t expect to receive such a prestigious scholarship, given the number of applicants. It made me happy because it not only eased my financial burden but also motivated me to work harder in my studies, knowing that someone believed in my potential.
Conclusion
Example
In conclusion, receiving the scholarship was a life-changing moment for me. It reminded me of the importance of perseverance and the joy that comes from unexpected good news.
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 the Surprise
Candidates often give unclear descriptions of what surprised them. This can make it hard for the examiner to understand the significance of the event.
Tip
Be specific about the event. Use clear details to explain what happened and why it was surprising.
2: Neglecting Emotional Impact
Some candidates forget to express their feelings about the surprise. This can make their response less engaging and personal.
Tip
Share your emotions. Explain how the surprise made you feel happy and why it was meaningful to you.
Rushing Through the Explanation
Candidates often rush their answers, skipping important details. This can lead to a disorganized response that lacks depth.
Tip
Take your time. Structure your answer by addressing each cue clearly and thoroughly to create a complete picture.
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IELTS Cue Cards asked last week
Reported by Leap students who gave IELTS
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