IELTS Speaking Part 2 Candidate Task Card
Describe a time when you had to lend something to a person you know
You should say:- What you lent
- Who you lent it to
- Why they needed to borrow it
How to Answer IELTS Speaking Part Questions
Handling an IELTS Speaking Part 2 cue card effectively can significantly impact your overall band score.
Here’s a comprehensive step-by-step guide to help you come up with a well-structured and engaging response to the IELTS Candidate Task Card, "Describe a time when you had to lend something to a person you know."
Step-by-Step Strategy
1. Understand the Prompt
Break down the cue card into its components. Identify what you need to talk about - in this case, “What you lent,” “Who you lent it to,” “Why they needed to borrow it,” and "How you felt about lending it."
2. Brainstorm and Plan
Spend 1 minute thinking and jotting down brief notes. Outline your answer in a logical sequence. For example:
Introduction- Briefly introduce the scenario.
- What you lent
- Who you lent it to
- Why they needed to borrow it
- Explain your feelings about lending the item.
3. Develop Each Point
Elaborate (expand) on each point with sufficient detail. Use specific examples and try to cover all aspects of the prompt. This demonstrates your ability to speak fluently and coherently.
4. Use Rich Vocabulary and Varied Sentence Structures
Incorporate a range of vocabulary and complex sentences to show off your language proficiency. Remember to speak clearly and coherently.
5. Maintain Fluency
Practice speaking for 2 minutes without stopping. Oral fluency and confidence are vital.
Expert Insights
- Be Authentic: Talk about a real experience or create a realistic scenario. Authenticity can make your response more engaging.
- Emphasize Feelings and Reactions: Don’t just describe the event; explain your emotions and thoughts.
- Practice Regularly: Familiarize yourself with potential candidate task cards and practice your responses to improve your speaking skills.
Sample Answer
Here is a full 2-minute sample answer for the cue card "Describe a time when you had to lend something to a person you know"
One instance that comes to mind is when I lent my laptop to my close friend, Maria. It was about six months ago, during the final exam period at university. Maria’s laptop suddenly stopped working, and she was in a panic because she needed to complete a significant project that was due the next day.
Seeing her distress, I immediately offered to lend her my laptop. My laptop is a reliable device, and I wasn’t in the middle of any critical work at that moment, so it seemed like the right thing to do. Maria was incredibly grateful, and it was a small gesture that meant a lot to her during that stressful time.
She borrowed it for the entire day and returned it promptly after finishing her project. During that period without my laptop, I felt a bit anxious since I usually rely on it for daily tasks. However, knowing that I was able to help a friend in need gave me a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment. It strengthened our bond, and I felt proud to have supported her during a critical time.
In short, lending my laptop to Maria was a brief inconvenience for me, but it had a significantly positive impact on her. This experience underscored the importance of being there for friends and highlighted how a small act of kindness can make a big difference.
Summary
Follow this 5-step approach and you'll be able to provide a comprehensive and engaging response to any IELTS Speaking Part 2 candidate task card. Practice makes perfect, so regularly rehearse with a variety of prompts to enhance your confidence and fluency.