Describe a Time when You were Cheated - IELTS Speaking Part 2 & 3

Being cheated is an unpleasant yet common human experience that tests our emotional strength and judgment. In the IELTS Speaking test, when asked to describe a time you were cheated, examiners expect you to narrate an incident clearly, explain the context, and share your feelings about it. As a result, this cue card topic ‘Describe a Time when You were Cheated’ helps you on how to answer IELTS Speaking Part 2, use of emotional vocabulary, and assess your capacity to express cause and effect. 

This blog includes two sample answers for ‘Describe a Time when You were Cheated’, some Part 3 questions and sample answers, and relevant vocabulary so that you will be ready for similar topics.

Describe a Time when You were Cheated – IELTS Speaking Part 2 Question & Sample Answers

In IELTS Speaking Part 2, you are allotted exactly one minute for preparation before speaking on the given cue card topic. So, explore the sample answers to ‘Describe an Achievement/Success that You are Proud of’ cue card that will help you score better and guide you on how to prepare a cue card for IELTS Speaking.

Describe a Time when You were Cheated - Sample Answer 1

• What was the occasion?

People often face situations where they are taken advantage of. During such circumstances, one often feels dejected and regretful. Unfortunately, many people in the world try to prey on the innocence and simplicity of others. Not long ago, I was also in a similar predicament, where my lack of knowledge and straightforward nature was used against me by someone for illicit gains. It happened to me when I went on a solo vacation to Darjeeling and could not find proper transportation from the central part of the city to the hotel where I was staying.

• Who was the person?
• What did he or she do?

I was searching for hours for a bus or any other form of public transportation. However, since it was late at night, all the public transportation services were terminated for the day. Finally, after an excruciating search for several hours, I came across a car driver who had his vehicle parked by the road. The vehicle’s looks suggest that it was a carpool for daily passengers. I approached the driver and told him about my plight, and he agreed to give me a ride till a certain point from where I could walk to my hotel. However, the price he quoted was extortionate at face value and I asked him to consider my situation and offer a discount.

He then proceeded to convince me that such a rate was quite reasonable, especially after hours. I did not try to negotiate anymore as I was already quite exhausted. After I reached my destination that night, I asked the receptionist about the late-night fares to double-check the claims of that driver. That’s when I came to know that the driver had charged me three times the typical carpool fare for that time of day.

• And describe how you felt after the event.

I felt morose at being taken advantage of and then proceeded to go to my hotel room. After that incident, I always made sure to ask more than one person before buying a product or availing of a service.

Describe a Time when You were Cheated - Sample Answer 2

• What was the occasion?
• Who was the person?

A few years ago, I experienced an unfortunate and emotionally draining incident when a close friend deceived me. It happened during my college days. One of my closest friends approached me with an earnest face, saying he was in dire need of money to pay his college fees. Out of empathy and trust, I didn’t think twice before lending him the amount. After all, I believed in helping people in their time of need, especially someone I considered almost like family.

• What did he or she do?

However, a month later, I came across some shocking information from a mutual friend that the money I had lent wasn’t used for college expenses at all. Instead, he had spent it on gambling, which was both illegal and unethical. Initially, I refused to believe it because it contradicted everything I thought I knew about him. But when I confronted him directly, he tried to deny it, and after some hesitation, finally admitted his wrongdoing.

• And describe how you felt after the event.

That moment was absolutely heartbreaking for me. The betrayal cut deeper than the financial loss itself. I felt dejected, disillusioned, and emotionally shattered. It was painful to realize that someone I trusted wholeheartedly could exploit my kindness for such a deceitful purpose. Nevertheless, that incident served as a turning point in my life. It taught me a valuable lesson about trust, boundaries, and human nature. I became more cautious when lending money or offering help, ensuring I have clear communication or even written assurance. Although the experience was bitter, it made me more emotionally resilient and wiser in handling relationships.

Vocabulary You Can Use For IELTS Speaking Part 2 Questions on Describe a Time when You were Cheated

Here is a list of the latest IELTS Speaking vocabulary to boost your score related to the topic, Describe a Time when You were Cheated.

Describe a Time when You were Cheated IELTS Speaking Part 3 Question & Sample Answers

In IELTS Speaking Part 3, you will discuss broader issues connected to dishonesty, trust, and ethics in society. This section tests your ability to analyze causes, effects, and moral implications using formal, opinion-based language. You should use complex structures, collocations, and transition words to sound analytical and fluent.

So, let us explore some Part 3 questions related to the cue card, Describe a Time when You were Cheated.

• What is the definition of cheating?

The definition of cheating can be complex and dependent on the situation or context being discussed. However, in simple terms, when an individual acts in a fraudulent manner to gain an advantage over others, it is called cheating. People are known to cheat in various aspects of life. The most common area where people cheat is during examinations.

• Have you ever cheated?

I regret to say this, but yes, I had cheated when I was in school. Although it was not a frequent occurrence for me, there was an instance where I resorted to unfair means during my half-yearly examinations. During my Mathematics exam, I was unable to answer a particularly tough question. Desperate for help, I turned to my friend sitting next to me for the answer. Later on, I realized that the answer he provided was also incorrect and I ended up learning a cutting yet valuable lesson.

• Do you feel everyone cheats in relationships?

Infidelity is more common in relationships now than ever before. That being said, it is not a universal issue. Some individuals believe that loyalty and faithfulness are pillars of a relationship. Such individuals unquestionably lead healthier and happier lives than those on the other side of the spectrum.

• Do you think if people stopped cheating the world would be a better place?

Yes, I most certainly support the fact that if people stopped cheating, there would be far fewer hardships around the world. It is our duty as human beings to understand the plight of others. We must be compassionate towards those who are less fortunate instead of trying to take advantage of such people for selfish gains. If every individual worked towards being principled and trustworthy, the world would be a better place.

Vocabulary You Can Use For IELTS Speaking Part 3 Questions Related to Describe a Time when You were Cheated

Listed below is a list of IELTS vocabulary that includes words used in the above Part 3 questions that will help you to frame your answers on similar topics.

To conclude, talking about a time when you were cheated might be emotionally difficult, but it gives examiners insight into your emotional intelligence, storytelling ability, and use of mature vocabulary. To score a Band 8 or higher, take up IELTS Speaking practice tests regularly, structure your response logically, describe your emotions vividly, and end with a reflection on what you learned from the experience. 

Useful Links:

• Describe a Rule that is Important in Your School or at Work - IELTS Speaking Part 2 & 3
• Describe How you Behaved in a Stressful Situation- IELTS Cue Card
• Describe a Good Service You Received from a Shop or Company - IELTS Speaking Actual Test
• Talk about a Book You Want to Read Again - IELTS Speaking Actual Test
• Self-Introduction for IELTS Speaking Test: A Complete Guide
• Common Mistakes to Avoid in the IELTS Speaking Test