Describe a time that something changed your life in good ways: IELTS cue card

Bhargavee Sisodia

03 Jul 2024

One of the most coveted English certification tests, the International English Language Testing System, or IELTS exam, is accepted worldwide by esteemed academic institutions and corporate organizations. To succeed globally, each student or job candidate must pass the IELTS English language test. The four main sections of the IELTS test are the speaking test, reading test, writing test, and listening test. Therefore, to thrive in the IELTS test and earn a good score, you must prepare for it and get the right IELTS guidance.

First, let us get a clear idea of the IELTS speaking test: 

• Overall, feedback from students taking the IELTS exam indicates that the speaking portion is the most challenging one. The reason is to prepare and assemble your ideas for a speech on an unfamiliar topic in only one minute. 
• An examiner interviews you for the IELTS speaking test to evaluate your level of spoken English proficiency. The three components of the IELTS speaking test include the general introduction, the cue card segment, and the follow-up questions portion. 
• When assessing a candidate for the IELTS speaking exam, some of the most crucial elements considered are the amount of vocabulary and grammatical structures used. As you practice for the IELTS exam, going through the IELTS sample test examples can help you understand what strategies are most effective for you and how to approach the IELTS speaking topics.

Now some key highlights to remember before embarking on your journey into the IELTS cue card section which is a part of the IELTS speaking test. 

• Every applicant who wants to ace the IELTS speaking test should study thoroughly the IELTS cue card and IELTS speaking topics.
• On the cue card section of the IELTS exam, you will have one minute to plan your response. This is an excellent opportunity for you to make notes that will help you when you respond. You have a maximum of two minutes to speak on the subject during the IELTS exam. 
• Your score on the IELTS test will soar if you can provide a sufficiently interesting and thought-provoking response in this area that evaluates your language competence.  
• Nonetheless, you may overcome your concern by practicing answering IELTS speaking questions and preparing for the exam methodically. 

We will discuss how to answer the cue card topics in this IELTS practice exam. We will use the example, "Describe A Time That Something Changed Your Life In Good Ways," to demonstrate how you might structure your responses. 

IELTS sample test topic: Describe a time that something changed your life in good ways

When discussing the assigned topic, your approach should be exactly like shown in the following points. Construct your responses based on the points mentioned below. 

• When and where it happened? 

Commence your topic by explaining the situation or event.

You should describe the significance of this particular episode in your life. 

After this, give specifics about the event's timing and location.

To aid the audience in understanding the incident, set up a scenario. 

• What happened?

After giving an introduction and the idea about the incident, start talking about the scenario or occurrence here.

You should point out the effects the event has had on your life.

• How did you feel about it? 

Gradually, you should discuss your feelings at the moment of the incident. 

Then, express the delight, exhilaration, or terror that the occurrence has caused you to feel. 

• Explain in what positive ways this event changed your life

Here, you have to elucidate the improvements or changes brought about by the event. 

While concluding your topic, describe how this experience has improved your quality of life. 

You should emphasize the significance of the experience in your life. 

IELTS exam sample 1: Describe a time that something changed your life in good ways

When and where it happened?

Without a doubt in one way or another, we all experience changes in our lives at some time. I want to talk about one such good change today which caused a favorable and everlasting effect on my life. The turning point of my life in a positive way was 2 years back when I started my hostel life away from my home for my master's education. Little did I know, a mixture of experiences was waiting for me ahead.

What happened?

It was really tough to release myself from my family’s comforting embrace. It was an emotional roller coaster seeing my mom drop me off at my new hostel room. Initially, it took me a few weeks to mentally settle in my freshly established surroundings and acclimate to living in a dorm room. However, the initial discomfort gradually transformed into an unexpected sense of ease. 

How did you feel about it? 

The excitement of moving to a different city and sharing a room with a stranger outweighed all the nervousness and anxiety. The daily struggle for the bathroom, endless late-night talks, and sharing everything from books to shampoo are things that bind people together in an unbreakable and unforgettable way. Living with friends makes us forget what it’s like to be alone, and this is something I certainly miss for the most part. 

Explain in what positive ways this event changed your life

The experience of living in my hostel had a transforming impact molding me into a person who is more patient, adaptable, and empathetic. There were obstacles along the way, but they acted as catalysts for my personal growth. Additionally, the wonderful exposure to multicultural society expanded my global horizons and made me learn to respect people’s privacy, boundaries, and opinions. I was able to come out of my comfort zone and learned the ability to adapt and keep an optimistic attitude in the face of hardships. 

IELTS exam sample 2: Describe a time that something changed your life in good ways

When and where it happened?

Well, I have undergone numerous transitions in my life, one of which positively impacted my life. A few months ago, I stumbled upon an amazing book that entirely altered my viewpoint towards life. This was the start of my epiphany and my journey toward personal growth. One fine evening, I went out with my sister to a nearby mall from our home. I saw a small bookstore named Booktopia, the name itself interested me, and I entered there to explore more. 

What happened?

As my sister and I were strolling inside the bookstore, my attention caught this amazing book based on the Shiva trilogy written by Indian author Amish Tripathi. It is a literal masterpiece based on Hindu mythology and the life of Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism. I was captivated after reading the blurb of the book and instantly picked up the book and decided to give it a shot. 

How did you feel about it? 

I was spellbound and elated by this novel book which portrayed one of the mightiest Gods of Indian mythology- The Shiva, Mahadev as a human being. The book is predicated on the idea that actions, deeds, and karma are the only deciding factors in transforming an ordinary man into Mahadev- God of Gods. Throughout the entire novel, in my mind's eye, it was a movie playing out. I could imagine the characters, the cities, the rivers, and the wars so vividly throughout the book.

Explain in what positive ways this event changed your life

The three novels of the Shiva trilogy have enriched my life in many accepts. Some of the life lessons I have learned in this journey are we as a person possess some sort of divine energy and nothing is impossible when one knows himself. I realized love and respect go hand in hand. A person's destiny is determined only by his or her actions and not by the root from which he comes. Even if we may never fully forgive the previous wrong, our current actions may be able to mend the inner spirit. These life lessons enabled me to maintain composure in the face of chaos. It has given me more energy and optimism and the ability to deal with obstacles in life more easily.

IELTS speaking test: Follow-up questions

In the subsequent segment of the IELTS speaking examination, candidates will be given four to five minutes to respond to a few follow-up questions. Based on the IELTS academic format, we've included a few follow-up questions around the concept of delivering some good news. You'll be able to ace the speaking test of the IELTS and score highly if you do this. 

IELTS exam preparation: Follow-up questions 1

Do you believe with age, we become more positive about life and tend to change with our surroundings?

Yes, I believe so because as you grow older and wiser, you gain a lot of experiences and life lessons which makes you embrace positivity as a way of life. Positive thinking may enhance your overall well-being and navigate the challenges that come with aging gracefully.  According to research, cultivating a positive mindset tends to have greater physical and mental health. Additionally, adopting a positive outlook can aid you in overcoming obstacles in life with resilience and optimism. It gives you a sense of empowerment and find purpose even in difficult circumstances.

IELTS exam preparation: Follow-up questions 2

What general changes have this event you discussed brought improvement in your life?

The positive improvements I have brought in my life have emerged by embracing self-care and well-being. I should engage in affirmations by allowing myself to be happier and to experience new chances. I should be open-minded and willing to venture outside of my comfort zone since attempting new things and accepting change are frequently necessary for personal growth. 

With persistence and a focus on self-improvement, I can create a more fulfilling and positive life for myself.  

IELTS exam preparation: Follow-up questions 3

Could you elaborate on any techniques you used to adjust to the changes?

One particular strategy for adjusting to any changes in our lives is by approaching them with an open and learning mentality.  We have to continually keep our minds open to new things and experiences. Adopting a growth mindset can help us become a person who will see that changes are major opportunities, not obstacles. Lastly, instead of comparing ourselves to other people, we should concentrate on our goals. 

Also, read some more IELTS cue card topics from our website D-Vivid Consultant to enhance your speaking skills more and master yourself in the IELTS speaking section. 

• Describe-something-you-would-like-to-learn-in-future
• Describe-a-person-who-encouraged-you-to-achieve-your-goal
• Describe-a-subject-that-you-would-like-to-learn-in-future

Make sure you take an IELTS practice test every day if not more. Make a list of the mistakes you made on the IELTS exam sample test while practicing at your home and plan out how to correct them. Take each IELTS sample test seriously and approach it as though it were the final IELTS exam.

Conclusion: 

Overall, getting good IELTS tutoring is essential for doing well on the IELTS speaking exam, particularly in the cue card and follow-up questions sections. With our list of the most popular IELTS speaking topics along with answers and our insights into the IELTS exam preparation, we at D-Vivid Consultant can assist you in preparing strategically for the IELTS exam. It is important to approach IELTS speaking questions carefully, and the only way to acquire this approach is via constant practice. Thus, you should put in a lot of preparation for the IELTS exam and have confidence in yourself. We are always available to you through a click to assist you on your journey.