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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 an experience when you were disappointed.

You should say:

• when it was
• what exactly happened
• why it was disappointing to 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 not exactly one of those people who get disappointed easily over anything. But, I guess that it is all right to be frustrated once in a while when there is a huge difference between what one expects to receive and what is being offered just as happened to me about a couple of years ago.

It was in 2023 when the capital city of my country organized an International Trade Fair just like every other year. In fact, this tradition of organizing the International Trade Fair has been a regular feature among many other international events in my country for the last 25 years or so except, of course, I never really cared to attend it. However, I decided to attend the trade fair about a couple of years ago because a couple of my friends told me some top-rated brands and prestigious companies from around the world would participate in the fair.

The fair authority even advertised that if we spent a certain amount of money buying any products from the trade fair, the companies would offer up to 30% discounts on all of their products. So, after hearing these lucrative offers and exciting news, I finally decided to head to the trade fair along with my friends. But, when I actually arrived there, I could easily find out that mostly “very mediocre” products and merchandise were being sold at that fair. I even felt that those “popular and prestigious” companies from different countries attended the fair to sell us only those products that they couldn’t sell in their own countries. Besides, the prices of most of the products there were very high. So, indeed, it was a truly disappointing experience.

Anyway, after going to the fair, I felt like it was a total waste of time because I couldn’t really find a product, which I liked, at a reasonable price. Besides, I also felt that the trade fair authority duped us by advertising false promises in order to bring more and more customers to the fair.

Model Answer 2:
One of the most disheartening experiences for me in recent memory was when I eagerly anticipated the results of a job interview only to be met with unexpected disappointment. For this topic, I will share this experience with you.

This incident unfolded last summer when I applied for a position in a prestigious marketing firm in our country.

The interview process seemed promising, with positive interactions and an optimistic atmosphere during the discussion. My qualifications aligned with the role, and I left the interview room with a sense of confidence that I might secure the position.

The disappointment struck when the email arrived, bearing the news that I had not been selected for the role. The expectations built during the interview phase clashed sharply with the reality of the outcome, creating a profound sense of letdown. The job was not just a career opportunity; it represented a significant stride in my professional aspirations.

The initial reaction was a blend of shock and disbelief. The anticipation of good news had set the bar high, making the rejection a particularly bitter pill to swallow. Feelings of self-doubt and contemplation about what might have gone wrong added to the emotional weight. It was a sombre period marked by a sense of failure and the need to reassess future endeavours.

Sample Answer 3: 
Oh, thank you so much for the time you have allowed me to talk about this interesting topic. Here, I’d like to share a disappointing experience I had during a flight I took a couple of years ago while travelling from Toronto to my hometown for Thanksgiving.

It was the weekend before Thanksgiving, and I had been eagerly looking forward to spending the holiday with my family back home. As someone who had been living in Canada for a while, this would be one of the few times in the year I could get together with my loved ones, share a meal, and celebrate the season. I had everything planned: I packed my bags, arranged my transport, and even made sure I had time to catch up on some work before I left. I was excited to go home and reconnect with my family.

However, when I got to the airport, I was told that my flight from Toronto to my hometown was delayed. At first, the delay was only 45 minutes, so I wasn’t too worried. But as time went on, I received multiple updates, and the delay kept getting longer and longer. Before I knew it, my flight was delayed by a total of four hours.

The delay was particularly disappointing to me because Thanksgiving is such an important time for me. It’s a chance to bond with my family, enjoy home-cooked meals, and celebrate the things we’re grateful for. Being stuck at the airport, watching the minutes slip by as my holiday plans slipped away, left me feeling helpless and deflated. I couldn’t help but feel like I was losing the opportunity to fully enjoy the holiday.

While I tried to stay positive and pass the time by reading or watching something on my phone, the disappointment lingered. I could hear other travellers venting their frustrations as well, which only added to the overall sense of irritation. As much as I tried to distract myself, I kept thinking about what I was missing back home.

Model Answer 4:
Getting disappointed when we don’t like or expect something is a fact of life, and I am not immune to this rather troubling “fact of life” either. In fact, I have been disappointed in life, even in situations when I didn’t need to be. But today, I would like to talk about something which I was genuinely disappointed with.

It was at a time when we were going to celebrate the 5th birthday of my handsome nephew about a couple of years ago. This particular birthday was very special for my little nephew because he couldn’t get his favourite uncle, who was me, by his side when he celebrated his last birthday. In fact, he was very sad because of the fact that I couldn’t attend his birthday last year. But his 5th birthday was going to be special, and he was excited to have me around him.

So, anyway, we arranged everything, including decorating the house, inviting friends of the birthday boy, buying all kinds of birthday gifts and choosing the perfect birthday dress, to have a perfect birthday. As for the birthday cake, we went to one of the best and most popular bakery shops in our town, apparently in an effort to order the best cake. We provided all kinds of specifications and instructions to the manager of the shop as to how the cake should have been prepared. By the way, it was going to be a German Chocolate cake with coconut in it and cherry slices on top. We also paid an extra amount of money to have the cake delivered in its original shape. And the birthday finally arrived, and so did the birthday cake, except, of course, it was broken. Needless to say, I felt very disappointed after seeing the cake in such a mess.  

After seeing the cake broken, I felt like the bakery shop was not serious enough about delivering the cake in a careful manner. Besides, the unfortunate incident made me feel a bit embarrassed in front of all the guests. In fact, I felt like it was the worst thing that could ever happen on my nephew’s birthday.

Sample Answer 5:
Thank you for this topic and the time to talk about it. It, in fact, reminds me of an unpleasant event when I was utterly disappointed and kind of sad as well. I am going to share the event and my experience with you.

A few months ago, my physics teacher refused to let me attend the class at my college. Unfortunately, I was late that day, and we had a class test that carried 10 marks into the final result. The teacher, Victor Douglas, did not allow me into his class or take the test, though I tried to persuade him about the reasons for my delay. It was not his fault, and he warned his students about the consequences of being late in the classroom prior to that event.

I was late by around 15 minutes owing to severe traffic congestion on the streets of Manaus, located in the north region of Brazil. I left home earlier but could not reach my college on time despite my best efforts.

I was disappointed because I missed the class and could not take the class test. Mr Victor is very punctual and always maintains a rigid timetable. So, it was natural that he denied my late entry to his class. I was not angry with him; rather, I felt ashamed and then angry for being late. I had to spend the entire hour in our cafeteria, and that made me depressed.

To be honest, it was a terrible experience. But, I took it as a lesson, and I am never late to attend my classes and exams from that time. It was an event when I felt so downhearted, to say the least. But in a sense, it taught me a valuable lesson.

Model Answer 6:
This is an interesting topic to talk about, and I'd like to thank you for the opportunity to let me share my experience of an event when I felt disappointed.

Well, it reminds me of a day when I missed a train and had to cancel a much-desired tour to Penang in Malaysia. I was supposed to catch the train that leaves from Kuala Lumpur's KL Sentral Railway Station and arrive at Penang's Butterworth Railway Station on the mainland, just 15 minutes away by ferry to George Town on Penang Island.

It was Friday in early January 2023, and I left home to reach the KL Sentral Railway Station that day as planned. My train schedule was at 8.30 in the morning, and I left home before 6.00 am, which should have given me enough time to reach the station, considering the distance and usual traffic. However, I was utterly unfortunate that day. My taxi to the station malfunctioned at a deserted area on the route, and I had to wait for 40 minutes or so to get another taxi. To add more woe, the road near the station was unusually congested due to an accident.

I was very anxious and looked at my watch every five minutes or so, and the taxi driver was trying his best to reach the station fast. But, all efforts and prayers went in vain, as I reached the station when it was already 8.45 am. To my dismay, the train had already left!

I felt pathetic and blamed myself for the misfortune. I was supposed to join two of my friends in Penang and have a great time together during our semester break. I said to myself: "Now that I have missed my train, I will have to wait another 8 hours to get another train to Penang, or maybe I should discard the whole idea and return home". My disappointment grasped me, and I became discouraged. I called my friends, who were already in Penang, from a payphone at the station and despite their effort to persuade me to take the next train, I returned home with a broken heart.

Idea generation for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:

This topic asks you to describe a disappointing experience you have had. You should explain when it occurred, what the situation was, why it felt disappointing, and how it affected you emotionally. A strong response will describe the expectations you had, how those expectations were not met, and what impact the experience had on you. Here are a few ideas to help you develop your own response. We hope this helps you prepare your answer effectively.

1. Cancelled job interview after long preparation:
A few years ago, I was scheduled for a job interview that I had prepared for intensively. I had spent over two weeks revising my resume, practising answers, and even purchasing new formal wear. However, just one day before the interview, I received an email informing me that the position had been filled internally, and the interview was cancelled. I was extremely disappointed because I had invested so much time and energy, and it felt like all my efforts had been in vain. The emotional letdown was heavy, especially because I was unemployed at the time and really needed the opportunity.

2. Missed a school field trip due to illness:
When I was in high school, there was a highly anticipated field trip to a historical site that I had been looking forward to for months. I had made plans with my friends, prepared my camera, and even packed snacks. Unfortunately, I came down with the flu the night before and couldn’t attend. I was crushed not only because I missed out on a fun experience, but also because it was a bonding opportunity with my classmates. I stayed home in bed while seeing pictures and stories from the trip on social media, which made it even harder to deal with.

3. Poor grade despite hard work:
During my college years, I worked extremely hard on a group project that counted for a significant portion of our final grade. I took a leadership role and contributed extra time to ensure we met all the guidelines. However, one team member failed to complete their part properly, and we ended up with a much lower grade than expected. I was deeply disappointed, not just with the grade, but with the feeling that my efforts had been undermined by someone else’s negligence. It taught me a lesson about teamwork, but the disappointment lingered for a long time.

4. Cancelled family reunion due to travel restrictions:
Our extended family had planned a large reunion after many years of being apart, and I was particularly excited because I was going to meet some cousins I hadn’t seen since childhood. But just a week before the event, new travel restrictions were imposed due to a pandemic, and the whole gathering had to be postponed indefinitely. It was a big emotional blow because I had been counting down the days. The disappointment came from the sudden loss of an event that meant reconnecting with loved ones and creating happy memories.

5. Being stood up by a close friend:
Once, I arranged to meet a very close friend for dinner after months of not seeing each other. We made plans, booked a restaurant, and I was genuinely looking forward to catching up. I waited at the venue for over an hour, only to receive a last-minute text saying they forgot about the dinner due to another commitment. I felt extremely hurt and unimportant. The disappointment wasn't just about the missed dinner - it was about feeling neglected and taken for granted by someone I cared about.

6. Unsuccessful scholarship application:
I applied for an international scholarship with high hopes. I had carefully filled out the application, submitted strong recommendation letters, and even rehearsed a potential interview. I was confident because I met all the criteria. However, when the results were released, my name wasn’t on the list. I was disappointed not only because of the rejection but also because I had envisioned my future changing because of that opportunity. It was a setback that took me a while to emotionally recover from.

7. Unfulfilled birthday surprise:
On my birthday a couple of years ago, my friends hinted that they had planned something really exciting. I built up my expectations and imagined a surprise party or a fun outing. However, on the day, it turned out to be a small dinner at a noisy restaurant, and most of the friends I expected didn’t even show up. I appreciated the effort, but I couldn’t help feeling let down because it didn’t match the build-up or my expectations. It made the day feel less special than I had hoped.

8. Technical failure during a presentation:
During an important business presentation, I had a technical failure where my slides wouldn't load and the backup USB failed as well. I had rehearsed everything, and the presentation was a key part of securing a new client. Despite trying to explain verbally, the client seemed unimpressed. I was deeply disappointed because I had put so much effort into preparing, only to be undone by technology. It felt unfair, and I replayed the moment in my head for days.

9. Long-awaited event cancelled due to bad weather:
There was a major outdoor music festival I had been saving up for and eagerly anticipating. My friends and I had tickets, travel arrangements, and even themed outfits. Sadly, a sudden storm warning led to the event’s cancellation just hours before it was due to start. I was gutted because it was not just about the music - it was about the whole experience. The disappointment was amplified by the buildup of excitement that was suddenly deflated.

10. Being overlooked for a promotion:
At work, I had been taking extra responsibilities and consistently performing well, hoping to be considered for a promotion. When the time came, someone with less experience but closer ties to the manager was chosen. I felt extremely disappointed and undervalued. It shook my motivation for a while, and I had to remind myself of my worth beyond external recognition. The experience was frustrating, and it stayed with me for a long time.

11. A delayed online order:
I had ordered a special gift online for a close friend’s birthday. I placed the order well in advance and chose express delivery. However, the package was delayed due to a logistical issue and didn’t arrive in time. I was disappointed because I had hoped to surprise my friend and make their day special. I felt helpless and frustrated, especially since I had no control over the situation.

12. A movie that didn’t meet expectations:
I was really looking forward to watching a new film that had received a lot of hype. I went to the theatre with high hopes, expecting great acting and an engaging plot. Unfortunately, the movie turned out to be slow-paced and predictable. I was disappointed because the trailer had been so exciting. It felt like a waste of time and money, and I left the cinema feeling underwhelmed.

13. Not being selected for a team or position:
I once applied for a leadership role in a student organisation and went through the entire selection process. I believed I had a good chance based on my experience and enthusiasm. But when the final list was announced, my name wasn’t on it. I felt disappointed and slightly embarrassed, especially because I had told others about my hopes. It was hard to accept, even though I tried to stay positive and supportive of those who were chosen.

14. A poorly organised event:
I attended a seminar that I thought would be informative and exciting, especially since it featured a speaker I admired. But the event was poorly managed - it started late, the sound system failed, and the topics covered were vague and rushed. I was disappointed because I had travelled a long distance and paid for the ticket. It felt like my expectations were completely unmet, and the whole experience lacked professionalism.

15. A failed recipe attempt:
I once tried to bake a cake for a family occasion. I followed the instructions carefully and spent hours preparing. But something went wrong during baking, and the cake didn’t rise properly. It looked flat and tasted bland. I was very disappointed because I wanted to contribute something nice to the celebration. It felt like my effort went to waste, and I was a bit embarrassed to present it.

16. An online class that didn’t meet expectations:
I enrolled in an online course that promised advanced learning and practical skills. The course description was impressive, and the reviews were mostly positive. However, once it began, the content was basic, and the sessions were pre-recorded without any interaction. I was disappointed because I had paid for something that didn’t deliver on its promises. It felt like I had wasted both my time and money on something that didn’t help me grow.

Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:

When describing an experience of disappointment, using precise vocabulary can effectively convey the situation, the reasons for your letdown, and your emotional response. Thoughtful word choices will help you articulate the depth of your feelings and the impact of the experience, making your response both honest and relatable. Here are some relevant words and phrases:

Disheartening: – Causing someone to lose determination or confidence; discouraging.
Example: The news was incredibly disheartening, leaving me feeling quite low.

Frustrating: – Causing one to feel annoyed or less confident because one cannot achieve something.
Example: The constant delays made the entire situation very frustrating.

Shattered my expectations: – Completely destroyed my hopes or beliefs about how something would turn out.
Example: The sudden cancellation shattered my expectations for the long-awaited trip.

A bitter pill to swallow: – An unpleasant or painful fact or situation that is difficult to accept.
Example: Realizing the project wouldn't proceed was a bitter pill to swallow.

Felt a profound sense of letdown: – Experienced a deep feeling of disappointment.
Example: I felt a profound sense of letdown after all my hard work yielded no results.

Left me deflated: – Caused me to lose confidence or hope.
Example: The rejection letter left me deflated and questioning my abilities.

Crushing disappointment: – A very intense and overwhelming feeling of being let down.
Example: Missing the deadline resulted in a crushing disappointment for the whole team.

Failed to live up to: – Did not meet or fulfill expectations.
Example: The event simply failed to live up to the hype, which was disappointing.

A blow to my morale: – Something that has a damaging effect on one's confidence or enthusiasm.
Example: The negative feedback was a significant blow to my morale.

Lingering sadness: – A feeling of unhappiness that continues for a long time.
Example: There was a lingering sadness after the outcome, even days later.

Felt utterly disheartened: – Experienced a complete loss of confidence or enthusiasm.
Example: After hearing the news, I felt utterly disheartened about the future.

Hopes were dashed: – Hopes were destroyed or made impossible.
Example: All my hopes were dashed when the competition results were announced.

A reality check: – An occasion when one is reminded of the harsh realities of life.
Example: The experience served as a tough reality check, but also a learning opportunity.

Letdown: – A sudden feeling of disappointment.
Example: The movie turned out to be a complete letdown after all the hype.

Setback: – A reversal or check in progress.
Example: It was a significant setback for my plans, leading to great disappointment.

Fiasco: – A complete failure, especially a humiliating or ludicrous one.
Example: The entire project turned into a fiasco, which was incredibly disappointing.

Bittersweet: – Arousing pleasure and sadness; sweet and painful at the same time.
Example: The experience left me with a bittersweet feeling.

Dismayed: – Caused (someone) to feel consternation and distress.
Example: I was dismayed by the lack of progress despite all our efforts.

Let down: – Failed to provide the expected help or support to someone; disappointed someone.
Example: I felt let down by the organizing committee's poor communication.

Bummer: – (Informal) A disappointing or unpleasant thing or experience.
Example: It was a real bummer when the concert got postponed.

Resigned: – Having accepted something undesirable that one cannot do anything about.
Example: After the initial shock, I became resigned to the situation.

Vexed: – (Of a problem or issue) difficult and much debated; problematic.
Example: The whole situation left me feeling quite vexed and irritated.

If you prepare for the topic "Describe an experience when you were disappointed", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:

1) Describe something you were disappointed about.
2) Describe something you tried to do but were not very successful
3) Describe a time when you had a bad experience.
4) Describe a time when you visited a place but did not like it.
5) Describe a time when you were in a public place and someone was speaking loudly. 
6) Describe a time when you got angry.
7) Describe something you bought that did not work properly.
8) Describe an event when something irritated you.
9) Describe a time when you felt sad.
 

• IELTS Cue Card
• IELTS Speaking
• Candidate Task Card
• Speaking Part 2

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