IELTS Speaking Part 2: IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card.
Describe something you did for the first time and enjoyed.
You should say:
- what it was
- when it was
- what you did
and explain why it was something you enjoyed so much.
[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:
Something I have experienced for the first time and was fascinated by? Well, it happened to me so many times, and in fact, our life is exciting because it keeps surprising us. Thank you very much for the opportunity to let me talk about one such experience.
A few years ago, I was travelling to Spain alone, and this was my first time travelling out of my country and taking a flight. I am not a frequent traveller, and the take-off and landing of the plane gave me an uncomfortable feeling that I am yet not accustomed to. However, during my flight to Spain, I got a window seat, and the experience of flying above the clouds and seeing the whole city from almost 10 thousand feet above the ground was captivating and something quite new for me.
Since I was alone and the flight was at night, I spent most of my time reading a book on my ebook reader or looking outside through the window. As usual, I was a bit nervous when the plane started its journey and went high in the sky. But I soon forgot about my uncomfortable feelings when I looked outside and was thrilled to look at the distant city that I had just left.
From above, it looked like a small land filled with many lights, perhaps comparable to fireflies, and the experience of looking at it was something surreal. I felt the same when it was almost time to land at Madrid Airport, and I could see a range of illuminated areas which, to me, seemed like a lively picture that came to reality to its observer. Large buildings were nothing more than a few dots, and the whole city seemed like a great work of an artist who knew exactly how to place each piece!
I could hear the safety announcement by the cabin crew, but I was so busy perceiving and enjoying the view that hardly any words of the announcement reached my ear. I was, as if, turned into a small baby trying to figure out how a butterfly could fly, or a fish could swim. I was so overwhelmed with it that I returned to reality when people were rushing to the exit door, which meant the plane had safely landed, and I did not worry about the uncomfortable feelings of landing even for a second.
Sample Answer 2:
I am not a computer expert or a computer technician. But I have always been fascinated by this machine, which can do so many wonders within such a short period of time. I have even wanted to open this wonderful machine part by part, but never really dared to do it, until one fine morning about a few years ago. On that day, I decided to let go of my fear, and I finally opened it.
But after opening the desktop computer, I initially got overwhelmed by the sheer number of parts the computer contained inside it. Then I told myself to calm down and not to panic because that would be no help.
So, I took my time and kept looking at its different parts while matching their information with what I had learned about them earlier in a computer hardware book. Slowly and slowly, things started to become easier for me as I finally understood what each part of that computer was really for and what its functionalities were. A little later, when my nerves calmed down, I started to take each part out of that computer at a time until I was satisfied. Of course, when I was taking those computer parts out of their places, I tried really hard to remember their original state and position so that I could put them back in the right places just the way they were before being taken out.
Ahh…, not sure how long exactly I spent inspecting the parts of that computer, but when I finally managed to put all those computer parts back in the computer case, I felt like I had conquered Mount Everest!
In fact, it was something I really enjoyed, primarily because I managed to overcome my fear without the help of an expert or any other people. Besides, the experience of checking those computer parts with my own hands was something I had always wanted to do. Finally, I enjoyed it so much also because it made me feel more confident than ever about learning even more about computers.
Model Answer 3:
I’m delighted to share an experience that holds a special place in my memory – the first time I went scuba diving. It was an exhilarating adventure that left me with a newfound appreciation for the underwater world and a deep sense of joy. I feel lucky to have this topic.
The inaugural scuba diving expedition took place during a vacation to the picturesque island of Maui in Hawaii. It was a sunny morning, and the crystal-clear waters beckoned me to explore their depths. Accompanied by a certified diving instructor and a small group of fellow enthusiasts, I embarked on this thrilling journey into the unknown.
Equipped with the necessary gear and briefed on safety procedures, I descended into the mesmerising realm beneath the ocean’s surface. As I submerged deeper, an awe-inspiring panorama of vibrant coral reefs, darting fish, and exotic marine life unfolded before my eyes. Gliding effortlessly through the underwater landscape, I felt a profound sense of serenity and wonder, unlike anything I had experienced before.
The joy of scuba diving stemmed from the sheer sense of freedom and immersion in nature’s splendour. It was a surreal sensation to be weightless amidst the vast expanse of the ocean, surrounded by the beauty and tranquillity of the underwater world. Every moment was filled with discovery and excitement as I encountered colourful fish, graceful sea turtles, and intricate coral formations.
Moreover, the experience offered a unique perspective on the interconnectedness of marine ecosystems and the importance of preserving our oceans’ fragile biodiversity. As I emerged from the depths, exhilarated yet humbled by the experience, I knew that scuba diving had unlocked a lifelong passion for exploration and conservation. It ignited a newfound passion for underwater exploration and instilled in me a deep reverence for the wonders of the ocean.
Idea Generation for this Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card topic:
This cue card/candidate task card topic asks you to describe something you did for the first time and enjoyed. For it, you should explain what the activity was, when it happened, what exactly you did, and why it was so enjoyable. To make your answer more effective, include your initial feelings, any challenges you faced, and how the experience made you feel afterwards. Here are a few ideas to help you develop your own response:
1. Travelling alone for the first time:
The first-time experience I really enjoyed was travelling alone to another city, which I did last year during a short holiday. I planned the trip myself, booked tickets and explored the place independently. At first, I felt nervous because I had never travelled alone before, but gradually I became more confident. I enjoyed it because it gave me freedom, independence and a sense of personal achievement.
2. Giving a public speech:
The first thing I enjoyed doing was giving a speech in front of a large audience, which happened during a school event. I prepared my speech carefully and practised several times before presenting it. I was very nervous at the beginning, but once I started speaking, I felt more comfortable. I enjoyed it because it helped me overcome my fear and boosted my confidence.
3. Cooking a full meal:
The first time I really enjoyed something was when I cooked a full meal by myself at home. It happened a few months ago when I wanted to try something new. I followed a recipe step by step and prepared different dishes. I enjoyed it because the result was successful, and it felt satisfying to create something on my own.
4. Riding a bicycle or motorbike:
The first activity I enjoyed was learning to ride a bicycle or motorbike, which I did when I was younger. I practised several times until I could balance properly and ride confidently. Initially, I struggled and even fell a few times. I enjoyed it because once I learned it, I felt a great sense of freedom and achievement.
5. Watching a movie alone in a cinema:
The first time I enjoyed something unusual was watching a movie alone at a cinema. It happened last year when my friends were busy, but I still wanted to watch the film. I bought a ticket, sat alone and focused fully on the movie. I enjoyed it because it was peaceful and allowed me to experience the film without distractions.
6. Participating in a competition:
The first experience I enjoyed was taking part in a competition, such as a quiz or debate. It happened during my school or college years. I prepared with my teammates and competed against others. I enjoyed it because it was exciting, and I felt proud to challenge myself in a competitive environment.
7. Trying a new sport:
The first time I enjoyed something was when I tried a new sport, such as badminton or swimming. It happened during a school activity or with friends. I learned basic techniques and practised regularly. I enjoyed it because it was fun, energetic and different from my usual routine.
8. Volunteering for an event:
The first experience I enjoyed was volunteering at an event, which I did a few months ago. I helped organise activities and assist participants. I interacted with many people and learned how events are managed. I enjoyed it because it made me feel useful and gave me a sense of responsibility.
9. Learning to swim:
The first thing I enjoyed was learning how to swim, which I did during a summer holiday. I practised in a pool with guidance from an instructor. At first, I was afraid of water, but gradually I became comfortable. I enjoyed it because it was both refreshing and gave me a new life skill.
10. Attending a live concert:
The first experience I enjoyed was attending a live concert, which happened last year. I went with friends and listened to live music in a large crowd. The atmosphere was energetic and exciting. I enjoyed it because it was very different from listening to music at home, and the live performance made it unforgettable.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
When describing a first-time experience, using vocabulary that highlights the contrast between your initial hesitation and your eventual enjoyment is key. The following words and phrases will help you articulate the novelty of the situation and the personal growth that resulted from it. Here are some relevant words and phrases:
Novelty: The quality of being new, original, or unusual.
Example: The sheer novelty of the experience kept me engaged from start to finish.
Apprehensive: Anxious or fearful that something bad or unpleasant will happen.
Example: I was a bit apprehensive before the first lesson, but my instructor quickly put me at ease.
Step out of my comfort zone: To do something that you do not feel comfortable with or that you have not done before.
Example: Deciding to perform at the open mic night was a huge step out of my comfort zone.
Exhilarating: Making one feel very happy, animated, or elated; thrilling.
Example: My first time white-water rafting was absolutely exhilarating.
Steep learning curve: A situation where you have to learn a lot of new information or skills in a short amount of time.
Example: There was a steep learning curve involved in coding my first app, but it was worth the effort.
Sense of accomplishment: A proud feeling of having done something difficult and worthwhile.
Example: When I finally finished the 10-kilometre run, I felt a massive sense of accomplishment.
Memorable: Worth remembering or easily remembered, especially because of being special or unusual.
Example: It was a truly memorable day that I will cherish for years to come.
Initial: Existing or occurring at the beginning.
Example: My initial reaction was one of confusion, but I soon began to enjoy the rhythm of the dance.
Fulfilling: Making someone satisfied or happy because of fully developing their character or abilities.
Example: Volunteering for the first time was a deeply fulfilling experience.
Immersive: Providing an experience that completely surrounds and involves the person.
Example: The VR exhibit was so immersive that I completely forgot I was standing in a museum.
Trial and error: The process of experimenting with various methods of doing something until one finds the most successful.
Example: It took some trial and error to get the seasoning right, but my first homemade pasta was a success.
Breakthrough: A sudden, dramatic, and important discovery or development.
Example: After struggling for an hour, I finally had a breakthrough and understood how the mechanism worked.
Gratifying: Giving pleasure or satisfaction.
Example: It was incredibly gratifying to see the audience applaud after my first public speech.
Nerve-wracking: Causing a lot of worry or anxiety.
Example: The moments leading up to the interview were nerve-wracking, but I felt better once we started talking.
Embark on: To start a new project or activity, usually one that is important or difficult.
Example: I decided to embark on a journey to learn a new language during my summer break.
Proficiency: A high degree of skill; expertise.
Example: Although I was a beginner, I hoped to reach a basic level of proficiency by the end of the week.
If you prepare for the topic “Describe something you did for the first time and enjoyed”, you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe something you did that was new or exciting.
2) Describe an outdoor activity you would like to try.
3) Describe an exciting experience in your life.
4) Describe something you did that made you feel proud of yourself.
5) Describe a memorable childhood event/experience you can remember.
6) Describe a trip with your friends that you enjoyed.
7) Describe an unusual or interesting thing you did recently.
8) Describe a memorable event in your life.