Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
Something kind that someone did for you - Cue Card # 630
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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 something kind that someone did for you.
You should say:
- who this person was
- where and when it happened
- what he/she did for you
and explain how you felt about it.
[Instruction: 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:
I am glad to have such a nice topic to talk about, and I would like to thank you for the opportunity.
In our lives, we often face challenges and obstacles that are tough to overcome all by ourselves. A little help from others can save the day, and no matter how much we criticise the human race for being self-centred, we can't deny the selfless acts that we are often offered by others, even sometimes by complete strangers. Thus, a few months ago, someone named Khalif Ashraf did something truly kind for which I will always remember this benevolent soul.
I was in Penang island in Malaysia last year on holiday with my wife and my four-year-old daughter. As soon as we arrived on the island from the Muscat International Airport, we realised that the island was getting ready for the Chinese New Year. Due to this, it was packed with tourists. We hired a taxi, and the driver was a local resident who introduced himself as Khalif Ashraf. He was in his mid-thirties. We realised his friendly attitude as soon as we got in his car. It was already 10.00 pm and my daughter and wife were very tired. I had a list of a few hotels to stay in and told the driver to take us to these hotels. Unfortunately, none of the hotels had any rooms that they could offer us. Things were getting a little chaotic, and we were hoping to get a room by any means!
Mr Ashraf, our taxi driver, understood our dilemma and offered to take us to a few hotels he knew personally. Initially, I was confused as my previous experience taught me that taxi drivers often get commissions by bringing guests to below-standard hotels which charge a hefty amount. However, I agreed to his proposition and he did a remarkable job by finding a nice hotel for us at a comparatively cheaper price. I was taken aback when he told the hotel manager to give us a 20% discount, for which he used one of his identification cards. It was completely unexpected and so kind an act that I will never forget it.
I felt more perplexed when he denied taking the taxi rent for the extra distance he drove us to this hotel. It was a great example of kindness and empathy. He even called me the next day and met us with a few gifts for my daughter. This event was an acute reminder for me to trust humanity all the time.
Model Answer 2:
Getting stranded in the middle of a night out of nowhere is certainly not a good feeling when you are alone. But, that’s exactly what happened to me about a couple of years ago when I was coming back to my home on a late evening after finishing some important work at my company factory. On that day, when I decided to hit the road after finishing my work, it was already 10:00 pm.
I felt tired after finishing my work. So, I decided to take a little rest on the roadside in my old car which, as I think of it now, wasn’t exactly a very good idea as I fell asleep. Not sure how long I had slept, but when I woke up, it was about 12:20 pm and I needed to drive at least another hour or so to reach my home. However, after driving for probably about 20 minutes, the car started to act up on me and then eventually came to a complete stop.
I tried to fix it without any success. Then I called my car “towing” company, but what they told me wasn’t very encouraging as it would have taken them at least 50 minutes to reach me. So, anyway, I just decided to wait inside my car while asking for a ride occasionally, but nobody was in the mood to help me out! Then, suddenly, came my 'saviour' just when I was getting ready to spend the rest of the night inside my “dead” car.
Introducing himself as Mr Raymond, he was kind enough to ask me whether I needed him to help fix my car or give me a ride. I requested him to give me a ride after explaining to him about my dead car engine. He gladly obliged. Not knowing where he was from, or what kind of person he was (I guess, it was the fear of the “unknown”), I decided to accept his help. Anyway, as if he could read what was going on in my mind, he decided to ease my tension by providing me with a bit more details about him and his family. When we arrived at my home, it was about 1:00 at night.
I didn’t really know much about Mr Raymond as we didn’t talk much during our little “journey”. But whatever I knew about him after that little chit-chat, it was enough for me to conclude that he was ready to help a person in distress any time of the day or night. I felt like I just couldn’t thank him enough for helping me on a night when nobody was willing to do so. In fact, I thought, it was because of people like Raymond that this world was still a safer place for us to live. In the end, when he was ready to hit the road, I requested him to let me know if he ever needed any help not because of what he did for me, but because without some “kind” people like Raymond among us, the entire “human race” probably would have been “lost” in its complicated journey.
Model Answer 3:
Thank you for this excellent topic, and here I'd like to share a heartwarming experience when someone showed me an incredible act of kindness. The person was my colleague, Sarah, and the incident occurred last year during a particularly challenging time in my life.
It was a busy Friday afternoon at work, and I was feeling overwhelmed with deadlines and personal responsibilities. Amidst the chaos, I received a message from Sarah, asking if I could meet her in the break room for a quick chat. Wondering what it could be about, I made my way to the break room, where I found Sarah waiting with a small package in her hands.
With a warm smile, Sarah handed me the package and explained that she had noticed I seemed stressed lately and wanted to do something to brighten my day. Inside the package was a thoughtful assortment of my favourite snacks, along with a heartfelt note expressing her support and encouragement during this challenging time.
I was deeply touched by Sarah's thoughtful gesture of kindness. In the midst of my stress and worries, her act of compassion and thoughtfulness served as a powerful reminder that I was not alone and that there were people around me who cared about my well-being.
Sarah's kindness not only lifted my spirits but also served as a source of strength and motivation during a difficult period. Her gesture inspired me to pay it forward and to be more attentive to the needs of others, fostering a sense of compassion and community within our workplace.
Overall, Sarah's act of kindness left a lasting impression on me, reminding me of the profound impact that small acts of kindness can have on someone's life. I will always be grateful to her for her thoughtfulness and support during that challenging time.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
This Candidate Task Card topic invites you to talk about a situation in which someone did something kind for you. You should describe who the person was, where and when this kind act took place, and what exactly this person did to help or support you. It’s also important to explain how this made you feel - whether it surprised you, lifted your mood, or changed your perspective. Try to give a real-life example that shows the generosity or kindness of others, and how meaningful that moment was to you personally. Here are a few ideas to help you develop your own answer:
1. My classmate sharing his umbrella during a sudden downpour:
One day after class, it started raining heavily and I had no umbrella. A classmate I barely knew at the time saw me struggling and offered to walk me home under his umbrella. It was a small act, but I never forgot it because it showed how caring someone can be, even without a close bond.
2. A neighbour bringing food during my illness:
When I had the flu and was living alone in my apartment, my elderly neighbour noticed I hadn't stepped out in days. She made homemade soup and brought it to me. That simple gesture meant a lot because I was feeling weak and lonely. Her kindness warmed my heart.
3. A stranger helping me when I lost my wallet:
While travelling, I lost my wallet in a crowded metro station. A stranger noticed my distress and offered me some money to get back to my hotel. It was unexpected and deeply generous. I was incredibly moved and promised myself to return the favour to someone else in need one day.
4. A teacher staying after class to help me understand a difficult topic:
Back in high school, I was struggling with a complex math problem before an important test. My teacher noticed my confusion and spent nearly an hour after class explaining it patiently. That moment of extra care helped me pass the test and boosted my confidence.
5. My best friend cancelling her plans to support me during a family emergency:
When I got a call that a family member had been hospitalised, I was shaken and couldn’t think clearly. My best friend immediately cancelled all her plans, stayed with me the entire evening, and even accompanied me to the hospital. Her emotional support meant everything to me.
6. A co-worker covering my shift when I had a personal emergency:
During my part-time job at a bookstore, I once had an urgent family matter and couldn’t make it to work. A colleague who had just finished a long shift volunteered to stay and cover for me. It was incredibly helpful and showed real team spirit.
7. My cousin helping me prepare for a job interview:
I had a major job interview coming up and was nervous. My cousin, who’s a working professional, spent two evenings coaching me on mock questions and helping me revise my resume. Thanks to her help, I performed well and got selected. I was truly grateful.
8. A school friend lending me his textbook when mine was lost:
In high school, I lost my biology textbook a week before finals. A classmate, even though he needed his own copy, lent it to me for a few days without hesitation. It helped me prepare and made me appreciate how selfless friends can be.
9. A relative supporting my college admission process financially:
When I got admitted to college, my parents were facing financial difficulties. My uncle stepped in and offered to cover my admission fees. That act of kindness changed my life, and I still consider it one of the biggest reasons behind my academic journey.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
When describing a kind act, using specific vocabulary can effectively convey who performed the act, the context, the details of what they did, and your emotional response. Thoughtful word choices will help you articulate the impact of their generosity and make your appreciation clear, resulting in a heartfelt and memorable response. Here are some relevant words and phrases:
Act of kindness: – A benevolent deed or gesture.
Example: It was a simple act of kindness, but it meant the world to me.
Generosity: – The quality of being kind and understanding, and not selfish.
Example: Their generosity during my difficult time was truly overwhelming.
Compassion: – Sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others.
Example: Her compassion was evident in the way she immediately offered help.
Selfless: – Concerned more with the needs and wishes of others than with one's own; unselfish.
Example: It was a completely selfless gesture, expecting nothing in return.
Benevolent: – Well-meaning and kindly.
Example: He has always been a benevolent presence in my life.
Timely assistance: – Help or support given at an opportune or critical moment.
Example: Her timely assistance prevented a much worse situation.
Unexpected help: – Aid or support that was not anticipated.
Example: The most impactful help often comes as unexpected help from strangers.
Going out of their way: – Making a special effort to do something.
Example: They really went out of their way to make sure I was comfortable.
Lifted my spirits: – Made one feel more cheerful.
Example: Her kind words genuinely lifted my spirits when I was feeling down.
Emotional support: – Comfort, reassurance, and a sense of belonging to someone who is experiencing emotional distress.
Example: Beyond practical help, she offered invaluable emotional support.
Touched: – Affected emotionally.
Example: I was deeply touched by their thoughtfulness.
Grateful: – Feeling or showing an appreciation of kindness; thankful.
Example: I felt incredibly grateful for their immediate response.
Relieved: – No longer feeling distressed or anxious; reassured.
Example: The help I received made me feel immensely relieved.
Overwhelmed (by kindness): – Completely overcome or overpowered by emotion or a feeling, in this case, by positive emotions due to kindness.
Example: I was truly overwhelmed by the outpouring of support.
Indebted: – Owing gratitude for service or favour.
Example: I will forever be indebted to him for his assistance.
Heartwarming: – (Of an event, action, or story) appearing to be kind, sympathetic, or reassuring.
Example: It was a truly heartwarming experience that I'll never forget.
If you prepare for the topic "Describe something kind that someone did for you", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe a person you know who is very kind.
2) Describe a time when someone helped you.
3) Describe a time when you were surprised.
4) Describe a time when you talked to a stranger.
5) Describe a time when you helped someone.
6) Describe a time when you received something for free.
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