Cue Card Sample

When you made a promise to someone - Cue Card # 739

IELTS Speaking Part 2: IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card.

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 2018 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 it 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.

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Hossain Bakshi
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