Describe Something That You Picked Up That Was Thrown By Someone Else: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

Where was it?
When was it picked up?
What did you do after you picked it up?
How did you feel?

27 unique answers with expert feedback

What do you think about throwing away items that are not working?

I believe that we should be careful about throwing away items, especially if they can be repaired. Sometimes, things that seem useless can have value, either sentimentally or financially. It's always worth checking if something can be fixed before discarding it.

How do you feel about repairing old items instead of buying new ones?

I feel that repairing old items is a great way to save money and reduce waste. It also allows us to appreciate the history and craftsmanship of older items. Plus, it can be satisfying to bring something back to life that was once considered broken.

Have you ever found anything else that someone else discarded?

Yes, I have found a few other items that were thrown away, like books and furniture. Each time, I felt a sense of excitement and curiosity about their history. It’s interesting to think about why someone would discard something that still has potential value.

Band 6-7

00:00

It was Sunday evening around dawn. I wanted to eat ice cream and naturally I went ahead and got down from my apartment and went to the grocery store. As I made my way towards the grocery store I saw a bunch of kids playing cricket. Naturally I wanted to play with them as it had been a long time since I had played cricket with anyone, be it my friends or be it just some random stranger. I stood there for about half a minute and I watched them play. Fortunately or unfortunately while they were playing one of their balls was shot towards me. It landed next to my feet and I picked the ball. I contemplated for a minute about what to do. One hand I wanted to return the ball to them, on the other hand I wanted to ask them to play. But I knew how we felt when we were children and some older guy asked to play with us. It was not really an ideal condition so despite not wanting to return the ball without asking them to play, I just returned the ball to them with a smile on my face and made my way towards the grocery store. I got ice cream and while returning had another glance at the kids playing cricket, smiled and left home.

Follow up questions

How did you feel when you picked up the ball?

I felt a mix of nostalgia and excitement. It reminded me of my childhood when I used to play cricket with friends. I was happy to see the kids enjoying the game, but I also felt a bit hesitant about interrupting their play.

What do you think about children playing outdoor games?

I believe outdoor games are essential for children's development. They promote physical fitness, teamwork, and social skills. It's great to see kids engaging in activities like cricket, as it helps them build friendships and enjoy their childhood.

Have you ever played cricket with strangers before?

Yes, I have played cricket with strangers in the past. It can be a fun experience as it brings people together, regardless of age or background. Sharing a game creates a sense of community and can lead to new friendships.

Band 6-7

00:00

While I was going to my mother's house, which is nearby my home only, I found a pack of leftover food, which was really shocking for me because in India, we compare food to God and there was a huge packet of leftover food might be thrown by some brat who doesn't value the importance of food. The food is so important, if we look around us, there are many people who can't afford a single time of food and today's generation is going somewhere else and they don't consider it as important. So, while going back, I saw a stray dog coming towards me, while gazing at his eyes, I could easily judge that he was feeling very hungry. So, I opened the leftover food packet and I fed the dog with the food. I really felt happy and mesmerized when I could see that with that food, I could fill the stomach of someone. The dog was really, really, I could see.

Follow up questions

Why do you think food waste is a significant issue in today's society?

Food waste is a major issue because it reflects a lack of appreciation for resources. Many people are unaware of the struggles faced by those who are food insecure. In a world where so many go hungry, wasting food is not just irresponsible but also morally concerning.

How can individuals contribute to reducing food waste?

Individuals can reduce food waste by planning meals, buying only what they need, and donating excess food. Educating others about the importance of valuing food and sharing leftovers with those in need can also make a significant difference in the community.

What role do you think education plays in addressing food waste?

Education plays a crucial role in addressing food waste by raising awareness about its impact on society and the environment. Teaching people about food sustainability, the importance of sharing, and the value of resources can foster a more responsible attitude towards food consumption.

Practice other cue cards

Describe when someone gave you something you really wanted /a gift your received

View answers

Describe a favorite thing you own.

View answers

Band 5-6

00:00

Well, there are many things which I picked up and throw, which is thrown by someone. I would like to share one moment when I went to park with my family on last Sunday. We are, there are, there were many children's play in the ground and one children sat on the bench and they started to eat biscuits, candies, bananas, and so on. And I saw that, saw him, I saw him, he started to throw wrap, candy wrap, biscuit wrap, and bananas, peels. I noticed after eating they leave, and I went to there and I picked all the things and throw in the dustbin. After throwing the dustbin, I went to him and I started to, I started to take lecture about the cleanness of the park and he realized that he did very wrong and he said to me,

Follow up questions

Why do you think people litter in public places?

People often litter because they may not understand the impact of their actions on the environment. Some might feel that someone else will clean up after them, while others may not have been taught the importance of keeping public spaces clean. It's a lack of awareness and responsibility.

What can be done to encourage people to keep parks clean?

To encourage cleanliness in parks, we can organize community clean-up events, provide more trash bins, and create awareness campaigns about the importance of keeping the environment clean. Education in schools about environmental responsibility can also play a significant role.

Have you ever participated in any community clean-up activities?

Yes, I have participated in community clean-up activities. It was a great experience to work with others towards a common goal. We collected trash from local parks and beaches, and it felt rewarding to see the immediate impact of our efforts on the environment.

Band 5-6

00:00

the object which I recycled and used it again was a rabbit cage that I was that I came across the street and I got it fell and down on beside the street and I picked up and I examine it the condition of the cage was really bad someone have had used it and after excessively using it it has been thrown in beside the street then I picked up I bought it home and I colored it I painted with various colors like red blue and it was really looking it it was really looking decorative item in a home so I kept it outside the home to use it to use it as a shoe rack and really my mom was really impressed for making a rabbit cage into a shoe rack and really it is very useful to us in this current times however most of the shoes are kept in a balcony but some of the shoes are just it's a play are kept in a shoe rack of rabbit cage but my father never kept his shoes in this shoe rack because he thinks it's very expensive and he needs some other vacant space or free space so I think it it would it really motivate me to do such things for recycling

Follow up questions

What inspired you to recycle the rabbit cage?

I have always been interested in recycling and upcycling items. When I saw the rabbit cage, I thought it had potential to be transformed into something useful. I wanted to create something beautiful and functional from something that was discarded.

How do you feel about recycling in general?

I believe recycling is essential for reducing waste and protecting the environment. It not only helps in conserving resources but also encourages creativity. I feel proud when I can give a new life to an object that others consider useless.

Have you recycled other items besides the rabbit cage?

Yes, I have recycled several items, like old furniture and glass jars. Each project is a fun challenge for me, and I enjoy finding new uses for things that would otherwise be thrown away. It’s rewarding to see how these items can be transformed.

Show all 27 answers

Cue 1:Where was it?

Begin by describing the location where you found the item. Make it vivid and relatable.
Mention any specific details about the environment that made it memorable.

Example

I found the item in a bustling park in my hometown, near a small pond where families often gather for picnics. The sun was shining, and children were playing nearby, creating a lively atmosphere.

Cue 2:When was it picked up?

Specify the time of day or the occasion when you picked it up.
Relate it to any personal significance or context that makes the moment special.

Example

It was a sunny Saturday afternoon last month when I decided to take a stroll in the park. I often visit on weekends to unwind and enjoy nature.

Cue 3:What did you do after you picked it up?

Describe your immediate reaction after picking up the item.
Explain any actions you took next, such as returning it to its owner or keeping it.

Example

After I picked it up, I realized it was a beautiful, hand-painted ceramic mug. I looked around to see if anyone was searching for it, but no one seemed to be. I decided to take it home, thinking I could use it for my morning tea.

Cue 4:How did you feel?

Share your emotions about finding the item and your decision to keep it.
Reflect on any memories or thoughts it triggered.

Example

I felt a mix of excitement and curiosity. The mug was unique, and I loved the intricate designs on it. It reminded me of my grandmother's collection of pottery, which made me feel nostalgic and happy.

Conclusion

Example

In conclusion, finding that mug was a delightful experience. It not only added a charming piece to my kitchen but also brought back fond memories of my grandmother. It’s amazing how something so simple can evoke such strong feelings and connections.

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. Avoid general statements that do not provide specific details about the item you picked up.

Tip

Focus on describing the item in detail, including its appearance, size, and condition to create a vivid picture.

2: Ignoring Emotional Impact

Failing to express your feelings about the experience can make your response less engaging. Emotions help connect your story to the listener.

Tip

Share your feelings about picking up the item, such as surprise or happiness, to add depth to your answer.

Lack of Structure

A disorganized response can confuse the listener. Make sure your answer follows a clear structure that addresses all the cues.

Tip

Use the cues as a guide to structure your response: start with where and when, then describe what you did and how you felt.

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Answer

I like to taste different types of cuisine. Here I would like to talk about my favorite dish at my traditional festival of Onam which is Sadya. Sadya is popular in my city. We are experimenting these cuisines on Onam festival day. Onam is a famous festival in my city. All family members get together in my home and we make a delicious Sadya. There are many ingredients includes that Sadya. Moreover, we make a big feast that day as well as we create a lot of memories together and we wear that day the traditional dress called Sari and men wear the Dhotis. That festival is really important to us because the whole day we are conducting different kinds of games at our homes and all the family members came together. It's a memorable day in my life. This is the festival. We are making the Sambar and Aviyal. These all the kinds of foods are making with the vegetables.

Talk about a toy you liked in your childhood

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Anonymous student Band 8

Sector 34 Test Centre, Chandigarh

Answer

The toy which I liked in my childhood was a panda doll, which makes me pleasant and makes me more blush. The pandas are the most beautiful creatures of the world, which looks gigantic and has pooshy cheeks and they are like stars in the clouds and they dream in me. Furthermore, these have been given by my father. My father is a very very beautiful artistic person, who makes me think of that. Every day you will face every difficulties and make you suffer and move forward. Pandas are always seen in Japanese countries. It is my lifelong dream to visit a Japanese country and click a photo with the original pandas, which makes sounds better.

Describe a time you were in a place where you didn't know the local language

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Anonymous student Band 6.5

Whitefield Test Center, Bengaluru

Answer

As India is a very large country full of diversity, so there are many places which have their own language and speak their native language. The place which I visited and I didn't know about their language was Leladakh, which is about 300 km away from my hometown and it is a very good place as it consists of different kind of trees, animals and have many scenic views and I visited over there last year in summers as it was the best time to visit because it has many, it was cold over there and we had summers in our area so it was the best time to visit over there and I went over there with my whole family.

Describe a time when your friend damaged something you owned

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7

Begumpet Test Centre, Hyderabad

Answer

When I was a kid, I had a little pencil box which had these four buttons which gave the pencil box an operative use. When you press the button, the box would open up. When you press the second button, a little part of it would slide out. Basically it was just a little electronical and a fun thing to have and I owned it when I was in 6th. One day after break, I was standing and talking there with one of my friends and another friend of mine was running through the hallway and accidentally she pushed my shoulder and my pencil box hit the ground and it broke into multiple pieces to the point that it was not functional anymore.

Describe a book you recently read

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Anonymous student Band 7.5

CBD Belapur Test Centre, Navi Mumbai

Answer

It Ends With Us is a book I read recently. It's by the author Colleen Hoare. It's mainly a story about two teenagers, Atlas and Lily, and how they just handle their life going through high school, adolescence, and just domestic violence at home. Both of them come from very, very different families. However, they have one common determining factor between them, which is domestic violence. The abuse that they've seen their moms go through is just insane, and they connect through that on a different level. They're actually in the same high school, but they never speak to each other until Atlas actually crashes into an empty house next to Lily's villa. When Atlas is homeless and he doesn't have anywhere to go, he just comes and breaks into the house next to Lily's, and Lily helps him with all the daily necessities like clothes and food, medicines and stuff. Furthermore, their friendship blossoms into love, but it doesn't really fructify as Atlas has to leave. This book really gave me a lot of knowledge about domestic abuse and how to deal with it.