Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
When you gave someone directions to a place - Cue Card # 740
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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 gave someone directions to a place/location.
You should say:
- when it was
- whom you gave the directions
- how you gave directions
and explain whether you think the person was happy 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:
Introduction:
One occasion that stands out in my memory is when I had the opportunity to give directions to someone who was new to the area. It was a pleasant experience that showcased the sense of community in our neighbourhood. For this topic, I will share this experience with you.
When it was:
This happened about six months ago on a sunny weekend afternoon. I was on my way to the local grocery store when a lost-looking individual approached me with a map in hand.
Whom you gave the directions:
The person seeking directions was a tourist, easily distinguishable by their camera and city guide. They seemed a bit perplexed, trying to match the landmarks on the map with the actual surroundings.
How you gave directions:
Being familiar with the area, I offered to guide them to their destination. I pulled out my phone and used a mapping app to provide step-by-step directions. Additionally, I pointed out some local landmarks and notable streets to make their journey smoother.
And explain if the person was happy about it:
The tourist was visibly relieved and expressed genuine gratitude. They mentioned how kind and helpful the locals had been during their visit. It was fulfilling to see a stranger turn into a delighted visitor, showcasing the warmth and friendliness of the community. This small interaction not only helped the tourist but also made me appreciate the sense of belonging in our neighbourhood.
Model Answer 2:
Technology has revolutionised the way we do things, including how we choose our holiday destinations, navigate on roads, book a hotel and even find a location. 'GPS' and 'Google Maps' types of technology make it absolutely easy to find a location, and yet I often find myself in situations where I end up giving directions to others or sometimes asking for directions.
So, it was about four months ago when I went out in one evening to walk in a park as part of my daily exercise. On my way to the park, a medium-built, thirty-something man, who was walking from the opposite direction of mine, suddenly stopped and asked me how he could go to the 'Vista Residential Area'. After I gave him directions to this place, he told me his name. Unfortunately, I no longer remember his name. But I clearly recall that he was nicely dressed, and didn't seem like a local resident to me.
When he asked for directions, I realised that he was heading to a different block than he was supposed to. I gave him the bad news, and I asked him to cross the road using the nearest foot-overbridge and walk along the right-side street for around 15 minutes before crossing two intersections to reach the block he was looking for. I finally mentioned that his desired place would be just 3/4 lanes away from the entrance gate where he could find a large supermall. I also told him about a few prominent landmarks on his way to the destination. I did not forget to advise him that instead of doing all these, he could call a taxi and just tell the driver his destination.
Well, from his facial expression, I felt that he was happy about the directions I gave, or at least that's what I assumed! But it is hard to tell if he had been able to find his destination easily or not. I hope it was easy for him as it seemed to me that he was eagerly looking to reach that place.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
Giving directions is a common way to help others, whether they’re lost or simply trying to find their way around. It often involves clear communication and a willingness to assist. Here are 10 ideas for describing a time when you gave someone directions to a place or location:
1. Helping a tourist find a famous landmark:
One time, I helped a tourist find a famous landmark in my city. It was last summer, and I was walking downtown when I noticed a tourist looking at a map, clearly lost. I approached them and offered to help. I gave them directions to the city’s main square, explaining which streets to take and landmarks to look for. I could tell they were happy because they thanked me profusely and seemed relieved to have a clear route. It was nice to help them explore the city.
2. Guiding a friend to a party:
Several months ago, I gave my friend directions to a party I was attending. She had just moved to the area and wasn’t familiar with the streets. I sent her a message with step-by-step directions on how to get to the venue from her location. I also gave her a phone call to make sure she was on track. She was really happy with the directions and arrived without any issues, thanking me for making it so easy for her.
3. Helping a delivery driver:
One afternoon, I gave a delivery driver directions to a nearby apartment building. I noticed he was having trouble finding the address, so I offered to help. I described the landmarks near the building and how to get there. He was grateful for the clear instructions and quickly found the place. I think he was happy because he thanked me several times before leaving.
4. Giving directions to a neighbour:
Last week, I helped my new neighbour find the community centre for a local event. They had just moved in and were unsure about the route. I gave them directions by describing the streets and key points along the way. I could tell they were happy because they smiled and thanked me, saying they felt more comfortable with their new surroundings. It felt good to be helpful and make them feel welcome.
5. Directing a colleague to a meeting location:
I once helped a colleague find a meeting room in a large office complex. They were attending a conference, and it was their first time at the location. I explained how to get to the meeting room from the main entrance, using familiar landmarks in the building. My colleague was very appreciative and said the directions made the walk much easier. I could tell they were happy because they thanked me with a big smile.
6. Giving directions to a lost driver:
While driving one day, I came across a car pulled over with someone asking for directions. They were trying to get to the highway, but they had taken the wrong exit. I gave them directions, explaining which roads to take and how to get back on track. They were relieved and thanked me for helping them avoid getting even more lost. It felt good to help someone who was clearly frustrated.
7. Helping a tourist find public transport:
I helped a tourist find the nearest metro station last winter. They were struggling to navigate the bus routes and asked me for directions. I gave them clear instructions on which buses to take and where to get off. I also mentioned nearby landmarks to make sure they wouldn’t get confused. They seemed very grateful and happy to have a clearer idea of where they needed to go.
8. Helping someone at the airport:
I helped a traveller find the check-in desk at the airport once. They were looking lost and asked me for directions. I guided them to the correct terminal and check-in area. They were very thankful and seemed relieved once they knew where to go. I felt happy knowing I made their travel experience a little easier and less stressful.
9. Giving directions to a lost hiker:
On a hiking trip, I gave directions to a fellow hiker who had lost their way. They were unsure of the trail, and I offered to help by describing the right path to take. They were very grateful and thanked me repeatedly for making them feel safe and not alone. I could see that they were relieved to be back on track, and I was happy to help them.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
When describing a time you gave directions, using precise and helpful vocabulary can effectively convey the clarity of your instructions, the situation, and the recipient's response. Thoughtful word choices will help you articulate the process of guiding someone and the outcome, making your response clear and engaging. Here are some relevant words and phrases:
Inquisitive: – Having or showing an interest in learning things; curious.
Example: An inquisitive tourist approached me, looking rather lost.
Navigational: – Relating to or used for the process of determining and controlling the course or position of a craft or vehicle.
Example: I had to provide very clear navigational instructions to help them find their way.
Lost their bearings: – Became confused about their position or direction.
Example: It was clear they had lost their bearings in the unfamiliar part of the city.
Provided clear landmarks: – Pointed out easily recognisable features that help someone locate themselves.
Example: I made sure to provide clear landmarks, like the old clock tower and the red building.
Used hand gestures: – Communicated using movements of the hands.
Example: I used hand gestures to emphasise the turns, pointing left and right.
Pinpointed the location: – Identified the exact position of a place.
Example: I even drew a quick map to pinpoint the exact location for them.
Expressed their gratitude: – Showed their thankfulness.
Example: They expressed their gratitude profusely before heading off.
Felt a sense of satisfaction: – Experienced pleasure or contentment from having done something well.
Example: I felt a sense of satisfaction knowing I had helped them out.
Put them at ease: – Made them feel relaxed and comfortable.
Example: My friendly approach seemed to put them at ease immediately.
On the right track: – Following a course of action that is likely to lead to success.
Example: I was confident they were now on the right track to their destination.
Walked them part of the way: – Accompanied them for a portion of their journey to ensure they didn't get lost.
Example: At one point, I even walked them part of the way to ensure they got past a tricky intersection.
If you prepare for the topic "Describe a time when you gave someone directions to a place/location", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe a time when you got lost.
2) Describe a time when you talked to a stranger.
3) Describe a piece of technology that you often use.
4) Describe a time when you talked to a foreign tourist.
5) Describe a time when you helped someone.
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