IELTS Speaking Part 2: IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card.
Describe a story someone told you that you remember well.
You should say:
- who told you the story
- what it was about
- when it was
and explain whether you liked it or not.
[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:
Thank you so much for this nice topic. I’d love to describe a story someone told me that I still remember very clearly, because it honestly inspired me in a deep way. The story came from an elderly neighbour of mine, a man I’ve always respected for his calm personality and wise attitude.
He told me this story a few years ago when I was having a casual conversation with him one evening. I remember sitting near his house, and we were talking about studies and career plans. Out of nowhere, he smiled and said something like, “Let me tell you something about my life.” I was interested to listen to his story.
His story focused on how he became the first person in his entire family to go to university. He grew up in a family where education didn’t really get much importance. Most people around him believed that finishing school was enough, and after that, earning money mattered more than books. But he had a different mindset. He developed a strong love for knowledge, and he decided he wouldn’t stop learning just because the situation around him felt difficult.
He explained how he studied every day, even when he felt exhausted. He borrowed books, stayed up late, and prepared for admission tests with almost no support. He didn’t have fancy resources or private tutors, but he had determination. Eventually, he managed to get into a university and pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Science, which felt like a huge victory for him.
I definitely liked this story, and I still do. It gave me motivation because it showed me that background doesn’t control a person’s future. His journey proved that determination can break limitations. Even today, when I feel lazy or distracted, I think of his words and feel a little push to work harder and aim higher.
Model Answer 2:
This is a great topic to talk about, and before I tell you about such a story, I’d like to thank you. I remember the story really well because it shaped the way I think even today.
My uncle told me this story, and he’s actually a writer, so he has a special way of making words come alive. The story was “The Prophet”, written by Kahlil Gibran.
He told me about it when I was in grade 7. I still remember the setting clearly. One evening, I sat beside him while he was going through his bookshelf. He pulled out a small book and said, “This one will stay with you for a lifetime.” At that age, I didn’t really understand what he meant, but I listened anyway, as I liked him a lot.
The story is about a wise man named Almustafa who has lived in a city for many years. When he prepares to leave, the people gather around him and ask him to share his wisdom on different parts of life. He talks about love, friendship, work, freedom, happiness, pain, and even parenting. He doesn’t give strict rules or direct advice. Instead, he explains life in a gentle, poetic way that makes you reflect deeply.
I liked this story a lot, even though I didn’t understand every idea back then. My uncle told it with so much emotion and meaning that it felt different from normal stories. As I grew older, I started understanding it more. The messages felt timeless, and they taught me to stay calm, think deeper, and treat life with patience.
So yes, I genuinely loved the story. I enjoy it for its amusement and thoughtfulness, and I remembered it because it gave me life lessons in a beautiful and unforgettable way.
Idea Generation for this Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card topic:
This topic asks you to describe a story someone told you that you remember well. You should explain who told you the story, what the story was about, when you heard it, and whether you liked it or not. To make your answer great, try to describe the setting, the storyteller’s voice or style, and the lesson or emotion the story left behind. Here are a few ideas you can use to build your own response:
1. A bedtime story told by my mother:
The story I remember well was told by my mother when I was around six years old, usually right before I fell asleep. It was about a poor boy who stayed honest even when he had the chance to steal money, and in the end, he was rewarded for his integrity. I heard it during my early childhood when my mother wanted to teach me good values in a gentle way. I really liked it because it was comforting, and it made me feel that being honest is always worth it, even when life is unfair.
2. A ghost story told by my grandmother:
The story was told by my grandmother one winter night when we were sitting together during a power cut. It was about a mysterious woman in white who appeared near a pond at midnight and disappeared when someone looked directly at her. I heard it when I was about eight or nine, and I still remember her dramatic storytelling and serious facial expression. I liked it at the time because it felt thrilling, but honestly, it scared me so much that I avoided going near dark places for days.
3. A funny school story told by my best friend:
The story I remember was told by my best friend when we were in high school, and it happened during our lunch break. It was about how he accidentally called a teacher “mom” in front of the whole class, and everyone burst out laughing. He told me the story right after it happened, and his embarrassment made it even funnier. I liked it a lot because it was light-hearted, and even now it makes me smile whenever I remember it.
4. A life lesson story told by my father:
The story I remember well was told by my father when I was in my early teens, maybe around grade seven. It was about a man who kept blaming others for his failures, until he realised that progress only happens when you take responsibility. I heard it during a time when I was struggling with schoolwork, and my father wanted to motivate me without scolding me. I liked it because it felt realistic and mature, and it made me think about my own habits and excuses.
5. A story about war told by my grandfather:
The story I remember was told by my grandfather during a family gathering when I was about ten years old. It was about the difficult days of war, when people had to survive with limited food and constant fear, yet still supported each other. I heard it while sitting quietly with the adults, and I was surprised by how emotional his voice became. I liked the story because it felt meaningful and eye-opening, and it helped me value peace and stability much more.
6. A motivational story told by a teacher:
The story I remember well was told by my English teacher when I was in secondary school. It was about a student who failed many times but kept trying until he finally succeeded, simply because he refused to give up. I heard it right before an important exam season when everyone was anxious. I liked it because it gave me confidence and reminded me that effort matters more than instant results.
7. A childhood folktale told by my aunt:
The story I remember was told by my aunt when I visited her house during the summer holidays. It was a traditional folktale about a clever farmer who outsmarted a greedy landlord using intelligence instead of violence. I heard it in the afternoon when we had nothing else to do, and she told it with lots of expressions and humour. I liked it because it was entertaining and also taught me that smart thinking can defeat unfair power.
8. A story from a religious mentor:
The story I remember well was told by a religious mentor at a community gathering when I was around twelve. It was about a generous person who helped others secretly and was rewarded with happiness rather than money. I heard it at a time when I was learning about values and character. I liked it because it felt calm and meaningful, and it made me want to become more helpful without expecting praise.
9. A travel story told by my cousin:
The story I remember was told by my cousin after he returned from a trip abroad. It was about him getting lost in a foreign city and somehow making friends with strangers who helped him. I heard it last year during a family dinner, and everyone listened carefully because it sounded like a movie scene. I liked it because it was adventurous, funny, and it showed me that the world can be kind if you stay calm and respectful.
10. A story told by my older sibling about friendship:
The story I remember well was told by my older sibling when I was in primary school. It was about a friend who stood by him during a difficult time, even when others turned away. I heard it when I was learning how friendships work and what loyalty really means. I liked it because it felt emotional and real, and it taught me that a true friend is someone who supports you quietly, not just someone who laughs with you.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
When describing a story someone told you, using specific vocabulary can effectively convey the storyteller’s style, the emotional impact of the tale, and the lasting impression it left on you. These words will help you move beyond simple plot descriptions to explain the deeper meaning or the atmosphere of the moment you heard it. Here are some relevant words and phrases:
Vividly: In a way that produces very clear images in the mind.
Example: I can still vividly remember the fireplace crackling as my grandmother began the tale.
Narrate: To tell a story or give a full account of something.
Example: She had a wonderful way of narrating even the simplest events to make them sound like adventures.
Captivating: Capable of attracting and holding interest; charming.
Example: The plot was so captivating that none of us moved until he had finished speaking.
Moral of the story: A lesson, especially one concerning what is right or prudent, that can be derived from a story.
Example: The moral of the story was that honesty is always the best policy, regardless of the circumstances.
Anecdote: A short and amusing or interesting story about a real incident or person.
Example: My friend told us a hilarious anecdote about his first day at his new job.
Poignant: Evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret.
Example: It was a poignant story about a soldier returning home after many years away.
Folktale: A story originating in popular culture, typically passed on by word of mouth.
Example: Growing up, I heard many traditional folktales about clever animals outsmarting hunters.
Engrossing: Absorbing all one’s attention or interest.
Example: The story was so engrossing that I completely lost track of time while listening.
Etched in my memory: To be something that you will continue to remember clearly.
Example: The lesson my father taught me through that story is forever etched in my memory.
Plot twist: An unexpected development in a book, movie, or television show.
Example: There was a massive plot twist at the end that none of us saw coming.
Evocative: Bringing strong images, memories, or feelings to mind.
Example: His voice was very evocative, making it easy to imagine the cold, dark forest he was describing.
Thought-provoking: Stimulating careful consideration or relevant ideas.
Example: It was a thought-provoking tale that made me question my own perspectives on success.
Light-hearted: Amusing and entertaining; not serious.
Example: After a long day, his light-hearted stories were exactly what we needed to cheer up.
Thrilling: Causing a sudden feeling of excitement and pleasure.
Example: The ghost story was so thrilling that we all sat in silence, terrified but wanting to hear more.
Spine-tingling: Creating a feeling of fear; very exciting or frightening.
Example: The way she described the mysterious footsteps was truly spine-tingling.
Eloquent: Fluent or persuasive in speaking or writing.
Example: He was such an eloquent storyteller that he could make even the most boring subject sound fascinating.
If you prepare for the topic “Describe a story someone told you that you remember well”, you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe a story you heard in your childhood.
2) Describe an interesting story that you heard from a stranger.
3) Describe a story that you read in your childhood.
4) Describe a story you heard that was particularly interesting to you.
5) Describe a story that people in your county know well.
6) Describe a story that has a good moral lesson.