Cue Card Sample
Describe a time when you were afraid of something - Cue Card # 742
- Details
- Written by IELTS Mentor
IELTS Speaking Part 2: IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card.
Describe a time when you were afraid of something.
You should say:
- when it was
- what you were afraid of
- why you were afraid
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:
Being afraid of something, I believe, is a natural response of a human being to avoid danger. We are fearful of different things as our ancestors were fearful in the time immemorial, or even in the time when we thought we had conquered darkness and lurking dangers just around the corner. But, we, as humans, are always frightened of the unknown, just the way I was, like billions of others around the world, during the rigid and unprecedented lockdown period when Covid-19 was declared a global pandemic.
It was around March 2020 when the lockdown, which was pretty much like a curfew, was imposed nationwide to stop the spread of the Coronavirus which was responsible for the death of thousands of people around the world.
The first two weeks were tough but doable considering the changing circumstances and our perceptions of new normalcy. But after a couple of weeks, when the number of people who tested positive soared rapidly, and the death toll kept on increasing, I felt very intimidated and afraid. The news of some neighbours being infected by this yet incurable virus that can often be fatal made the situation worse. I panicked, and the psychological pressure was just too much to bear.
I was anxious about the uncertainty of the situation, about my parents who were both over 60, about the fear of being contacted and then infected by the Coronavirus and the tough economic pressure that was mounting on me. This was perhaps the only time when I felt completely trapped and clueless for so many weeks and was able to do nothing about it. It was such a situation that is comparable only to our worst nightmares.
Model Answer 2:
Introduction:
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to talk about an experience when I was afraid of something. The memory I'd like to share revolves around a time when fear gripped me profoundly. I believe that "fear" is a powerful emotion that we all encounter at various points in our lives. This particular incident took place a few years ago during a camping trip with friends.
When it was:
It was during the night, deep in the woods, far away from the city lights. We had decided to go camping in a remote area to experience the thrill of nature. Little did I know that nature had more in store for me than I had bargained for!
What you were afraid of:
As we gathered around the campfire, sharing stories and laughter, a sudden rustling sound in the bushes startled us. The darkness of the forest intensified the mystery of the unseen creature. The fear of the unknown enveloped the entire group, myself included.
Why you were afraid:
At that moment, fear rooted itself in my mind. My imagination raced with thoughts of wild animals lurking in the shadows. The unfamiliar sounds of the forest became haunting whispers, and every crackle of a twig seemed like an approaching danger. The fear was not just about the wildlife; it was the realization of how vulnerable and exposed we were in the wilderness.
And explain how you felt about it:
The fear was palpable, yet strangely exhilarating. The adrenaline rush, the heightened senses, and the shared fear among the group created a unique bonding experience. Reflecting on that night, I realized that fear, when faced and conquered, can lead to profound personal growth. Although afraid at the moment, the experience became a cherished memory, reminding me of the intricate balance between the serenity and unpredictability of nature.
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