Describe a time when you were appreciated for something you did – Cue card

Sample Answer 1

I was not a popular face in college, as I spent most of my time in the library, playing sports or attending lectures. But, after the celebration of the third-year freshers’ welcome, I became a well-known person among the students and teachers.

As aforementioned, I was not interested in participating in cultural activities or managing one. But, being the senior batch in our department, we were given the opportunity to host the freshers’ welcome for the first years. Unfortunately, I was chosen to be the head of the managing committee. In the beginning, I was appalled at the responsibility given to me as I didn’t have prior experience. Gradually, I took up the challenge and prepared the plan, divided the responsibilities among the other members, and kept continual scrutiny of the ongoing task. Apart from that, I participated in decorating the auditorium as some of our batch mates were creating a nuisance rather than working.

After working tirelessly for a week, everything went smoothly according to plan. The performances, along with the food and discipline, were an instant success and the newcomers were thrilled. As a result, our Principal gave a special mention to all our efforts in her speech at the end and we were applauded by all.

To show my appreciation for the team effort everyone has put in, I commended every member with their favourite treat of panipuri. This incident not only motivated me to take up new paths that I was sceptical about but also made me a popular face in the institution.

Sample Answer 2

(when it was) I’m generally an amiable person. So I gel well with people. I don’t expect any favour in return for my help. So I’m never disappointed. But there was a time when an older man appreciated me in writing, which I treasure until this day. It happened a few years ago when I was working busily in the UK.

(What you did) (who appreciated you). My sister was in India, and we usually talked to each other on weekends. One such weekend, she spoke about so many things and casually told me that her maid did not turn up for work. Instead, she had sent her 10-year old daughter to do the household chores. On further enquiry, I got to know that her husband, who was a carpenter, was suffering from cancer and was about to die. She had spent all her hard-earned money for his treatment and ran short of funds to pay for her daughter’s schooling. Now that the husband was about to die, she had asked her daughter to quit school and join her. This was shocking to me. So I immediately told my sister that I would fund her schooling. She conveyed the news to her maid, and everyone agreed. From then on, I paid the fee. An older man who was the maid’s neighbour and the area’s social worker learnt about this and wrote a long email appreciating me.

(explain how you felt when you were appreciated for the thing you did) It was a pleasant surprise for me. I read the email over and over again and felt happy. He had mentioned that I had saved a little girl from the clutches of poverty and opened her doors to the world by paying for her education. It took me a long time to reply. It motivated me to help more people. I have starred that email in my inbox and marked it important too.

Sample Audio

Click on the audio to listen to the sample answer above. Pay attention to the intonation and pronunciation of the words

Vocabulary

in all seriousness = very serious

Eg: In all seriousness, I don’t take it well when people give rude comments without a sound reason.

barely = rarely: almost not

Eg: Jim barely knows anyone when first moving to the new city.

cease (+to): bring to an end:

Eg: Those talented artists never ceased to amaze the world with their masterpieces.

take something/ someone seriously: regard someone or something as important and worthy of attention

Eg: Nowadays, people are taking environmental issue more and more seriously.

manage to do something: succeed in doing something, especially something difficult

Eg: Alex managed to close the deal with XYZ company after several times of rejection.

indulge in: allow yourself to have or do something that you like, especially something that is considered bad for you

Eg: She got herself indulged in some serious unhealthy diet after her latest breakup.

secluded = deserted: quiet and private; not used or disturbed by other people

Eg: That secluded island is suitable for those who need to get away from busy life in big city.

(little) exposure to: the state of being in a place or situation where there is no protection from something harmful or unpleasant

Eg: Local tribes in that mountainous area have little exposure to civilization.