Describe something you own that you want to replace?: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

What it is
Where it is
How you got it
Explain why you want to replace it.

21 unique answers with expert feedback

What features do you look for in a new study table?

When looking for a new study table, I would prioritize sturdiness, size, and storage options. I want a table that can accommodate my books and laptop comfortably, and ideally, it should have drawers or shelves for better organization. A design that fits my room's aesthetics would also be important.

How do you think a new table would improve your study habits?

A new table would likely enhance my study habits by providing a more comfortable and organized workspace. With a better design and functionality, I could focus more on my studies without distractions. It would also motivate me to spend more time studying in a pleasant environment.

Do you think sentimental value affects your decision to replace items?

Yes, sentimental value plays a significant role in my decision-making. While I recognize the need for a new table, the memories associated with my current one make it hard to let go. I often find myself weighing the emotional attachment against the practical benefits of a replacement.

Band 6-7

00:00

So, I always ask myself, is there anything that I want to replace in my life or get something better? And there is one thing and it's a necklace. It's like a butterfly with a silver chain and it was given by one of my lovers. And he is my man in this world and I miss him a lot. And the necklace is still in my cupboard. It's kept there. And I always think that I want to replace it or need to move on from it. It's very hard for me to let go and not think about him. And whenever I see the necklace in my cupboard, all the memories, all the good deeds, everything given by that man, it just flashes in my mind. And it just screams that I love him and I don't want to let him go and stuff. But the more I see the necklace, the more I realize that I want to change myself. I want to be capable of doing something and I need to forgive everything and forget everything. And then later on I realize that at some point I won't be able to move on, but I need to. That's why I think there is this necklace that I want to replace by. And I do miss him sometimes, but the necklace just reminds me of him. And sometimes I get too depressed about it and not able to do stuff. But later on I feel that maybe I should do it. Maybe I should move on for him and for me, for our better lives. But yeah, that's the one thing I want to replace. And there is one more thing I would like to replace is this broken doll. It is a written doll, it's broken. It was given by my auntie. And I want to replace it because it was...

Follow up questions

Why do you think it's difficult to let go of sentimental items?

Letting go of sentimental items can be challenging because they are tied to memories and emotions. They remind us of people, experiences, and feelings that we cherish. In my case, the necklace symbolizes love and connection, making it hard to part with.

How do you think replacing items can help in moving on?

Replacing items can serve as a symbolic act of moving on. It allows us to create new memories and associations, helping to break the emotional ties to the past. For me, replacing the necklace could signify a step towards healing and embracing new beginnings.

What other items do you think people often find hard to replace?

People often find it hard to replace items like gifts from loved ones, childhood toys, or family heirlooms. These items carry deep emotional significance and memories, making it difficult to let go. Each item tells a story that is hard to forget.

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Reported by Leap students who gave IELTS

Describe your favourite food at a traditional festival or a special event in your country

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7.5

Pitampura Test Centre, New Delhi

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

Reported by

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

Reported by

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

Reported by

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.

Yes, I have been looking at several models, particularly newer Royal Enfield bikes and other brands known for durability and performance. I am interested in models that offer better mileage and smoother gear transitions, as these are crucial for my riding experience.

Show all 21 answers

Cue 1:What it is

Begin by clearly identifying the item you want to replace.
Provide a brief description of its features and condition.

Example

The item I want to replace is my old smartphone. It's a basic model that I've been using for over four years now. While it still functions, the battery life has significantly decreased, and it often lags when I try to use apps.

Cue 2:Where it is

Mention where you usually keep this item.
Describe the significance of its location in your daily life.

Example

I keep my smartphone on my bedside table when I’m at home. It’s the first thing I check in the morning and the last thing I look at before going to sleep. It’s essential for my daily communication and staying updated.

Cue 3:How you got it

Share the story of how you acquired this item.
Include details about any special memories or occasions related to it.

Example

I got this smartphone as a gift from my parents on my birthday. It was a special moment for me because it was my first smartphone, and I felt very excited to finally have one. I remember how thrilled I was to explore all its features.

Cue 4:Explain why you want to replace it

Discuss the reasons for wanting to replace the item, focusing on its limitations.
Mention any specific features you are looking for in a new item.

Example

I want to replace my smartphone because it can no longer keep up with my needs. The camera quality is poor, and I often miss capturing important moments. I’m looking for a new phone with a better camera, longer battery life, and faster processing speed to enhance my daily experience.

Conclusion

Summarize your feelings about the item you want to replace.
Express your anticipation for the new item you plan to get.

Example

In conclusion, while my old smartphone has served me well, it’s time for an upgrade. I’m excited about the prospect of getting a new phone that will not only meet my current needs but also make my daily life more enjoyable.

Following this structure will ensure you cover all the essential points while providing a clear and engaging response to the cue card topic.