Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
When you made a promise to someone - Cue Card # 739
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IELTS Speaking Part 2: IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card.
[The topic for your talk will be written on a card which the examiner will hand over to you. Read it carefully and then make some brief notes.]
Describe a time when you made a promise to someone.
You should say:
- when it was
- who you made the promise to
- why you made this promise
and explain how you felt about it.
[You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you are going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.]
Model Answer 1:
They say "Keep your promises if you make any". And the fear of breaking promises often deters me from ever making it - from when I started understanding its gravity. But there are still times when I did make vows, and to my dismay, to find out later that I hadn't been able to keep them all! Today, for this topic, I'd like to talk about a promise that I made to myself, and that I also broke just a couple of weeks later.
It was 2022 when I'd just finished university studies, and was looking for a job. The shift from a comparatively relaxed student life, the pressure to land a job, my financial condition and large debt - all mounted an invisible pressure on my shoulders. Moreover, disrupting sleep patterns and a change in weather affected my mood to a great extent. I found myself in a situation where I was losing my temper pretty quickly, which is contrary to my usual self. In fact, I was known to have great composure and nerve.
So, one day, after losing my temper and getting angry for no apparent reason and shouting at a taxi driver, who I thought was arguing unnecessarily, I realised something had changed in me which I did not expect and like at all. On that very day, I made a promise to myself that I would behave more prudently and never let my temper take control of me.
I made this promise to myself because I never liked hot-tempered people who get angry without valid reasons. I always believed such people could do a little better by being a bit wiser and less bitter. So naturally, I didn't want to become one of those people.
When I made the promise, I felt great. It was like re-inventing myself and being able to erase something bad from my life. But it was equally disappointing when I got angry with my little sister a couple of weeks later forgetting my promise. Some say promises are made to break, but it's a good thing that I constantly remind myself that I need to keep my promises, and even if I break them once or twice, there is no reason why I should not try harder.
Sample Answer 2:
Introduction:
Thank you very much for this interesting topic. Reflecting on instances when promises carry significant weight, a particular memory comes to mind when I made a promise to a close friend. This commitment was not only a testament to our friendship but also a pivotal moment that strengthened our bond.
When it was:
This occurred around two years ago during a period when my friend was facing a challenging phase in their life. It was a time when emotional support and reassurance were paramount.
Who you made the promise to:
The promise was made directly to my friend, who was grappling with personal and professional challenges. Seeing them in such a vulnerable state triggered a deep sense of empathy, prompting me to offer a commitment of unwavering support.
Why you made this promise:
The promise was a response to the turbulent circumstances my friend was experiencing. Understanding the gravity of their situation, I wanted to assure them that, no matter what, I would be there as a steadfast pillar of support. The promise encompassed not just words but a genuine commitment to stand by them during thick and thin.
And explain how you felt about it:
Making this promise was a mix of emotions. On the one hand, I felt a sense of responsibility and determination to be there for my friend. On the other hand, there was a recognition that circumstances might challenge the fulfillment of this promise. However, the act of making such a commitment instilled a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment, as it symbolized the strength of our friendship and the willingness to navigate challenges together.
Model Answer 3:
Introduction:
One of the promises etched vividly in my memory is the commitment I made to my mother after a lacklustre performance during my second semester at university. This promise was not just a personal commitment but a reassurance to my mother, who had high hopes for my academic endeavours.
When it was:
I made this promise about a year ago, following the revelation of my less-than-satisfactory grades in the second semester at university. The disappointment in my mother's eyes served as a wake-up call, prompting me to take immediate action.
Who you made the promise to:
The promise was explicitly made to my mother. As a single parent who had made significant sacrifices to facilitate my education, her expectations were reasonable, and my underwhelming academic performance was a source of concern for her.
Why you made this promise:
The promise emerged from a profound realization of the need for improvement and a desire to live up to my mother's expectations. Witnessing her disappointment was a poignant moment, motivating me to pledge a more diligent and focused approach to my studies.
And explain how you felt about it:
The emotions surrounding this promise were a mix of regret, determination, and a deep sense of responsibility. Regret stemmed from acknowledging the impact of my previous lack of commitment, determination fueled the pledge to rectify my academic path, and responsibility anchored the promise in recognizing the sacrifices my mother had made. This commitment became a driving force, pushing me to study more attentively and, ultimately, achieve a marked improvement in my academic performance.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card / Cue card topic:
Making a promise is often more than just giving your word — it’s a reflection of your values, sense of responsibility, and emotional connection with someone. Whether it’s a small gesture to comfort a loved one or a serious commitment to yourself or others, promises carry weight. This topic allows you to reflect on a personal experience where your intention and actions truly mattered. Below are some examples that may help you generate ideas and confidently respond to this cue card.
1. I promised my younger sister I would help her with her exam preparation:
This happened last year during her final school exams. She was very nervous, and I made a promise to tutor her every evening. I did it because I wanted her to feel confident and supported. I felt proud and responsible because she improved a lot and scored well.
2. I made a promise to my best friend that I would attend her wedding:
It was during a phone call while I was studying abroad. She was worried I wouldn’t make it, but I promised I’d be there. I made this promise because our friendship meant so much to me. Keeping the promise made me feel incredibly happy and connected.
3. I once promised my mother that I would stop staying up too late:
This was during my final year of college. She was worried about my health and academic stress. I promised to manage my time better and sleep earlier. I felt good about this promise because it helped me adopt better habits.
4. I made a promise to donate blood with a friend:
It was a university campaign event last summer. My friend and I agreed to do it together, and I promised I wouldn’t back out. I made the promise because I believed it was a meaningful cause. I felt proud and useful after keeping that promise.
5. I promised my little cousin I would take her to the zoo:
This was during a family gathering. She really wanted to go but no one was free, so I made the promise. I wanted to make her happy. I felt delighted afterward because her joy made it all worth it.
6. I made a promise to myself to avoid social media for a month:
I made this decision at the start of the year to improve my focus. Even though it wasn’t easy, I kept my word. I felt proud and disciplined because I stuck to it and saw positive results in my studies.
7. I once promised a teacher to submit an assignment early:
It happened when I missed a class and asked for an extension. I promised to send the assignment two days early instead. I made that promise because I didn’t want to break her trust. I felt responsible and respected when I fulfilled it.
8. I promised a friend I would keep her secret:
She confided something personal during a difficult time. I promised her I wouldn’t tell anyone. I made the promise because she needed someone to trust. I felt honoured to be that person and was careful not to break her trust.
Vocabulary for this Candidate Task Card / Cue Card topic:
Talking about promises involves expressing intention, trust, commitment, and emotion. Using the right vocabulary can help you explain the situation clearly and reflect on how you felt about keeping or breaking a promise. Here are some very useful words and expressions you can use while discussing this topic:
Make a commitment – To officially or seriously agree to do something.
Keep one’s word – To do what you promised to do.
Break a promise – To fail to do what you said you would do.
Sincere – Genuine or honest in feelings or intentions.
Accountable – Responsible for actions and decisions.
Trustworthy – Deserving of trust; reliable.
Obligation – Something you are morally or legally bound to do.
Commitment – A promise or firm decision to do something.
Reassure – To comfort or restore someone’s confidence.
Follow through – To complete an action that one has promised to do.
Uphold a promise – To maintain or fulfil a commitment made to someone.
Honour (a promise) – To do what you said you would do; to keep your word.
Emotional bond – A close connection between people based on feelings and trust.
Reliability – The quality of being dependable or consistent.
Sense of duty – A feeling of moral or legal obligation to act in a certain way.
Emotional weight – The strong feelings or impact associated with a decision or action.
Proud – Feeling pleased about doing something honourable or worthwhile.
Anxious – Worried or uneasy, especially about the outcome of your promise.
Guilt-ridden – Feeling deeply regretful or sorry, especially after breaking a promise.
Relieved – Feeling relaxed or glad because a stressful situation has ended positively.
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