Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
Describe a time when you were afraid of something - Cue Card # 742
- Details
- Last Updated: Sunday, 25 May 2025 11:25
- Written by IELTS Mentor
- Hits: 72357
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 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.
[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:
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 realisation 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 realised 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.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
Fear is a natural human emotion, and it can arise in many situations. Whether it’s fear of the unknown, fear for our safety, or fear of failure, the experience can have a significant impact on how we handle challenges. This cue card asks you to describe a time when you were afraid of something. To make your answer great, be sure to clearly explain the situation, the cause of your fear, and how it made you feel. Here are 10 ideas to help you structure your response:
1. Fear of heights:
One time I was afraid of something was when I went hiking on a steep mountain trail. The trail was narrow, with sheer drops on both sides, and I was terrified of slipping or losing my balance. I was afraid because I have always had a fear of heights, and the thought of falling made my heart race. Despite feeling scared, I pushed through with the support of my friends, and when I reached the top, I felt a sense of accomplishment. It was a thrilling yet challenging experience.
2. Fear of public speaking:
I once had to give a speech at my graduation ceremony, and I was extremely afraid of speaking in front of a large crowd. I was afraid because I feared making mistakes or being judged. The thought of all eyes on me made me nervous, and my heart raced. However, after a few minutes of speaking, I began to calm down, and by the end of the speech, I felt proud of myself for overcoming my fear. It was a valuable experience that helped me grow.
3. Fear of an animal:
When I was younger, I had a fear of dogs, especially large breeds. One time, I was walking in the park, and a dog approached me, barking loudly. I was afraid because I had heard many stories about aggressive dogs and feared being bitten. I froze in fear, but the dog’s owner quickly called it back. After that experience, I realised that my fear was mostly based on misconceptions, and over time, I learned to overcome it by gradually getting more comfortable around dogs.
4. Fear of failure:
I was once afraid of failing an important exam, as it was crucial for my future academic career. The fear of disappointing my family and myself was overwhelming. I was afraid because I had not studied as much as I should have, and I feared that I wouldn’t be able to perform well. I felt anxious every day leading up to the exam, but when I finally sat down to take it, I focused on doing my best rather than on the fear of failure. It taught me the importance of preparation and the value of managing fear.
5. Fear of losing a loved one:
One of the most terrifying experiences I had was when my loved one was seriously ill. I was afraid because I didn’t know whether they would recover. The fear of losing someone close to me filled me with anxiety and worry. I was constantly on edge, unable to focus on anything else. Thankfully, they recovered, but the experience made me appreciate the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing the time we have with those we love.
6. Fear of darkness:
I was afraid of the dark when I was a child. One night, I had to walk home through a dark alley, and I was terrified of what might be lurking in the shadows. I was afraid because my imagination ran wild, thinking of monsters or people hiding. I remember feeling helpless and anxious, but I eventually made it home. As I grew older, I realised that my fear was irrational, but it was a powerful experience that made me appreciate the comfort of light and safety.
7. Fear of a natural disaster:
I once experienced a fear of a natural disaster when I was caught in a thunderstorm during a camping trip. The storm was so intense that the wind shook the tent, and the thunder was deafening. I was afraid because the situation felt uncontrollable, and I worried that the storm could turn into something more dangerous. I felt vulnerable and anxious, but the experience taught me how important it is to stay prepared and be aware of nature’s unpredictability.
8. Fear of being lost:
One time, I got separated from my group while hiking in a dense forest, and I was afraid of being lost. I was afraid because I didn’t know the way back, and the isolation made me feel helpless. My heart raced as I tried to retrace my steps, but after a while, I found my group again. The experience made me realise the importance of staying calm in difficult situations and the value of preparation when going on outdoor adventures.
9. Fear of an unfamiliar situation:
I had to attend a formal business event once, and I was afraid of being in such an unfamiliar and high-pressure environment. I was afraid because I didn’t know anyone, and I wasn’t sure how to interact in a professional setting. I felt nervous about making a good impression. But once I started talking to people and participating in discussions, I became more comfortable. It was a learning experience that helped me grow in confidence and professionalism.
10. Fear of judgment:
I once felt afraid of being judged when I had to present a personal project at a meeting. I was afraid because I worried that my ideas weren’t good enough and that others would criticize me. I felt insecure and anxious leading up to the presentation. However, once I delivered it and received positive feedback, I realised that my fear was unfounded. It helped me understand the importance of self-confidence and not being afraid to express my ideas.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
When describing a time you experienced fear, using expressive vocabulary can effectively convey the intensity of the emotion, the circumstances of the event, and your reactions. Thoughtful word choices will help you articulate the psychological and physical sensations of fear, making your response more impactful and relatable. Here are some relevant words and phrases:
Trepidation: – A feeling of fear or anxiety about something that may happen.
Example: I felt a sudden trepidation as I realised the gravity of the situation.
Vulnerable: – Exposed to the possibility of being attacked or harmed, either physically or emotionally.
Example: I felt incredibly vulnerable and exposed in that moment.
Heart pounding: – When your heart beats very fast and hard due to fear or excitement.
Example: My heart was pounding, making it hard to think clearly.
Chills ran down my spine: – A feeling of coldness and fear.
Example: As I heard the strange noise, chills ran down my spine.
Paralyzed with fear: – So frightened that one cannot move or act.
Example: For a few seconds, I was completely paralyzed with fear.
A sense of dread: – A feeling of great fear or apprehension.
Example: A deep sense of dread washed over me as I saw what was happening.
Fight-or-flight response: – The physiological reaction that occurs in response to a perceived harmful event, attack, or threat to survival.
Example: My body immediately went into a fight-or-flight response.
Felt a knot in my stomach: – Experienced a tight, uncomfortable feeling in the stomach due to nervousness or fear.
Example: I felt a knot in my stomach as we approached the critical point.
Overwhelming anxiety: – A very strong and powerful feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease.
Example: The situation filled me with an overwhelming anxiety I hadn't felt before.
A heightened state of alert: – A condition of increased watchfulness and readiness for danger.
Example: I remained in a heightened state of alert until the threat passed.
Lost my composure: – Lost my self-control or calm demeanour.
Example: For a moment, I completely lost my composure and panicked.
Shivering uncontrollably: – Trembling involuntarily, often due to cold or fear, and unable to stop.
Example: Despite the warm weather, I found myself shivering uncontrollably.
A sense of helplessness: – A feeling of being unable to do anything to improve a situation.
Example: There was a profound sense of helplessness as I couldn't change the outcome.
If you prepare for the topic "Describe a time when you were afraid of something", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe a bad or negative experience in your life.
2) Describe something you recently did that you did not like much.
3) Describe something you did that was new or exciting.
4) Describe someone you know who likes to take risks.
5) Describe something difficult you succeeded in doing.
Report