Describe a time when you lost your way - IELTS Cue Card

Introduction to IELTS Cue Card

The IELTS speaking part 2 consists of a task that includes cue cards. A small card or a prompt is provided to the candidate with a main theme and 3-4 pointers mentioned on it. These pointers help you to create a structure for your answer. Moreover, this section assesses the candidate's organization of thoughts and the ability to speak fluently. In the IELTS speaking section, after the candidate speaks about the topic, a conversation occurs between the examiner and the examinee.

How to Answer the Cue Card

If you are an IELTS aspirant, then all you need is confidence and fluency in the language. The candidate must speak for about 2 minutes on the topic, covering all the given points. It's important to remember that the criteria on which the examiner scores you are lexical resources, pronunciation, and fluency, so be sure to focus on these during your preparation.

The candidate must frame the answer on the below-mentioned pointers for the topic "Describe a time when you lost your way".

• When did it happen?
• Where was it?
• How did you feel when you were lost?
• How did you find your way out?

Before you start to answer, it is important to plan and structure your response. Moreover, candidates are provided with these questions to organise their thoughts. Now, let us look at what a cue card looks like in the IELTS speaking section.

Sample 1 - Describe a time when you lost your way

Here is a sample response that will guide you to ace your IELTS speaking task.

Introduction

Today, I will be talking about “The Era’s Tour,” a Taylor Swift concert. I am a great admirer of concerts and social events. I attended the concert in California last year, and indeed, it was an enchanting experience. Unfortunately, while returning after the concert, I was separated from my friend group due to the jam-packed crowd in the stadium.

When did it happen?

The concert took place in August, which is the eighth month of the Julian and Georgian calendars. Moreover, in India, it is the monsoon season while in the US it is the dog days of summer.

Where was it?

Social Finance Inc.(SoFi) is an entertainment stadium in the suburb of Inglewood, California, United States. The stadium has a seating capacity of more than 70,200, both indoors and outdoors. In 2023, Taylor’s third show in Los Angeles had 70,000 vivacious fans dancing and jumping. The stadium palpitated as if there had been an earthquake with a magnitude of 0.85.

How did you feel when you were lost?

Certainly, it was a bewildering feeling when I was unable to find my friends. The hunch of unfamiliar places is formidable, and I just wanted to get out of there. The irony is that I was sensing loneliness even in the crowd.

How did you find your way out?

It was serendipity that I remembered the name of the hotel we were staying in. I navigated my way through, relying on my instincts and following the signposts on the streets.

Conclusion

Steering off course was a metaphorical journey for me, and I triumphed magnificently by finding my way back to my hotel and friends.

Sample 2 - Describe a time when you lost your way

Here is a sample answer to help you ace the IELTS test.

Introduction

I am fond of driving through long routes. Moreover, I am someone who usually hits the nail on the head in terms of directions. However, recently, I was driving to my friend’s house and got lost. Though I have been to her house a million times, this time was different. While driving, I found very peculiar roads and failed to identify where it was leading.

When did it happen?

The incident took place a couple of days back, it was a rainy Sunday evening. Moreover, I had a feeling that it was going to be treacherous driving in the dark considering the weather.

Where was it?

My friend lives on the outskirts of the city, which seems a little obscure in my mind. The route I usually take to her house was blocked due to some construction work, so I took the other route and switched to Google Maps. Unfortunately, my phone’s battery died, and I landed in the boondocks.

How did you feel when you were lost?

As it started getting dark and cloudy, panic set in, and I began feeling anxious. It was indeed intimidating being alone without access to a phone.

How did you find your way out?

I tried to stay calm and locked my car, as I was unfamiliar with the area. I took a brief pause and began to drive again when the weather improved.

Conclusion

Today, we live in an era where technology leads the way. However, we may not always have access to technology. Hence, it is important to embrace challenges and grow from them.

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Sample 2 - Describe a time when you lost your way

Here is a sample answer for your cue card task that will help you score well in the IELTS exam.

Introduction

Last year, I visited Mussoorie along with some of my friends. Enthralled by the beauty of the location, I discovered a new path. Moreover, my curiosity led me astray during a hike in the pine forest of Mussoorie. While trekking, I lost track of time and the path as well. The wilderness of the picturesque path and the mountain air left me awestruck.

When did it happen?

The trip took place in June, which contains the summer solstice. In the northern hemisphere, June has the longest daylight hours of the year.

Where was it?

I was mesmerized by the scenic beauty and went for a solo hike near my hostel. I wandered off the beaten path, only to find myself hopelessly lost as the familiar trail vanished behind me.

How did you feel when you were lost?

While returning, panic set in as I struggled to recognize any familiar landmarks. With daylight fading and a weak phone signal, it was daunting to figure out which direction to take

How did you find your way out?

I relied on my instincts and mustered the courage to find my way back to the hostel. Fortunately, I encountered some local children playing and asked them for directions. They kindly accompanied me to my destination.

Conclusion

I felt immense relief as the unexpected detour taught me to have profound appreciation. Ultimately, it taught me invaluable lessons about patience and resilience.

Lexical Resources

Let us now look at some of the words you could use in your speaking section. These lexical resources are a great way to enhance your vocabulary for IELTS.

Lexical Resources	Meanings
Enchanting	Attractive or Delightful
Jam-packed	So full of people that there is no room for any more
Dog days of summer	Hot, summer weather
Vivacious	High-spirited
Palpitated	To beat rapidly especially because of excitement
Bewildering	Extremely confusing or difficult to understand
Hunch	An idea that is based on a feeling
Formidable	Difficult to deal with
Serendipity	Good luck in making unexpected and fortunate discoveries
Metamorphic	A profound change
Triumph	A great success or victory
Hits the nail on the head	To do or say something that is exactly right
Peculiar	Unusual and strange
Treacherous	Dangerous
Obscure	Not well known
Boondocks	A remote or rural area
Picturesque	Attractive
Astray	Away from the correct path or direction
Awestruck	To be full of wonder and amazement
Solstice	Either of the two times of the year at which the sun reaches its highest. Marked by the longest day.

Now that you've mastered the lexical resources and their meanings, it's time to delve into the follow-up questions in the IELTS exam. Your understanding of these elements will be instrumental in your success.

Follow-up Questions

Once the candidate completes the IELTS speaking part 2, the examiner initiates a crucial phase by asking follow-up questions. This interactive session, lasting 4-5 minutes, is a key determinant of the candidate's performance.

Listed below are some follow-up questions that the interviewer may ask:

1. According to you, are young people more reliant on their phones than old people?
2. Describe in detail what did you feel when you got lost in a crowd of 70,000+ people.
3. Have you ever been in a similar situation before? If yes, how did you handle it?
4. What are some factors that influence your decision to go to a new place in terms of direction?
5. What are some precautions that you can take to avoid getting lost?

Now that you are thorough with the samples, lexical resources and some follow-up questions, you will get through the test. Further, let us read some tips to ace the IELTS cue card section.

Tips to Excel in IELTS Cue Card

Preparing for the speaking section is a crucial part of the IELTS journey. However, it is the smallest section of the exam yet the most difficult one. The speaking section goes on for 11-14 minutes. Here are some tips that will guide you in preparing better.

• Take notes and write down key points while planning your response.
• Taking the IELTS mock test will help you practice making structured responses in time.
• Try to set a balance between simple and complex sentences.
• Your response must revolve around the main theme/idea.
• Avoid using fillers such as um, ah or even long pauses in your task.
• Make a habit of reading novels, newspapers, and magazines every day for practice.
• Enhance your vocabulary by inculcating phrases and idioms in your speech.

Suggested Read:

1. Describe an Important Decision You Made - IELTS Cue Card
2. Describe Someone Who Often Helps Others- IELTS Cue Card
3. Describe a Long Car Journey You Went On - IELTS Cue Card
4. Describe a Piece of Good Advice That You Gave to Someone - IELTS Cue Card
5. Describe a Traditional Festival That is Important in Your Country – Cue Card

Conclusion

In conclusion, mastering the IELTS speaking part 2 requires extensive practice. This section of the exam evaluates the candidate's ability to speak fluently. Therefore, it's crucial to devise effective strategies and cultivate a habit of extensive reading. This blog, which covers various samples on 'describe a time when you lost your way', along with follow-up questions and tips, will be a valuable resource in your preparation.