Describe the Time when Someone Took a Good Photograph of You – IELTS Speaking Part 2 & 3

In the age of social media, capturing a good photograph has become incredibly important. That’s why we all need people who can click amazing pictures of us, and we should be grateful for those times when someone clicks good pictures of us. Therefore, practising topics related to photography, like ‘Describe the Time when Someone took a Good Photograph of You’ is also important for IELTS Speaking preparation.

So, let us have a look at 3 sample answers on the cue card topic, ‘Describe the Time when Someone took a Good Photograph of You’ as well as some Part 3 questions related to it to brush up your speaking skills.

Describe the Time Someone took a Good Photograph of You – IELTS Cue Card Sample Answer 1

• When was the photo taken?

This photo was captured on my 23rd birthday. I wasn’t expecting any party or gathering; the happiness captured in the photograph was memorable.

• Where was the photo taken?

It was a regular day, and I thought I would cut a cake at home, but my mother surprised me by booking a restaurant for a birthday celebration, and that was the place where I got that imperishable picture.

• Who took the Photograph?

As I was cutting the cake, my mother took out her phone and clicked that picture for me. I was quite emotional at that moment, overwhelmed by the unexpected and thoughtful gesture. It truly showed how much she cares, like a best friend would. Though not very tech-savvy, Mom captured a remarkable picture. It was special not just because of the celebration, but also because the photo was very clear and the lighting was so perfect.

• How did you feel about it?

I used to live in a hostel, so birthday celebrations with friends were a constant thing. On my 23rd birthday, I was back in my hometown after a long time, being with family made me happy, but deep down, I wasn’t expecting any celebration since my hometown friends were all working out of town. But Mom surprised me. She called my cousins and arranged a decorated corner at a restaurant for a family-only birthday gathering. It was beautiful. Surrounded by loved ones, I felt incredibly special and grateful. No matter what I do for them, I’ll always be indebted to my family. That picture is so special because it captured the moment I truly re-realized the value of family and how happiness can surprise you at any turn.

Describe the Time when Someone took a Good Photograph of You – IELTS Cue Card Sample Answer 2

• When was the photo taken?

The photo was taken on my solo trip to the mountains. It captures a clear and beautiful day, after many days of constant rain. The person who clicked the picture had a good-quality camera, so the picture turned out very well.

• Where was the photo taken?

This picture was taken on the terrace of my stay. The background was breathtaking: a clear sky with mighty mountains in the distance. Sunlight bathed my face, making it a truly special moment.

• Who took the Photograph?

The photograph was captured by the owner of my stay at the Mountains, she was also a solo female traveler and free spirit who loved capturing surreal moments on camera. She not only had a high-quality DSLR camera, but her skills were also quite remarkable. I wasn’t expecting the picture since I was just sunbathing on the terrace, so the candid shot was a wonderful surprise.

• How did you feel about it?

While Traveling solo, it’s hard to get a good picture of yourself. You usually need to ask strangers, and the picture might not turn out well. So, I was very overwhelmed with emotions and grateful when the owner showed me this photo. It was such a kind act by her. Not only did I get a good picture, also a good friend for life. The best part was It turned out to be a great picture, and I didn’t even have to ask for it.

Describe the Time when Someone took a Good Photograph of You – IELTS Cue Card Sample Answer 3

• When was the photo taken?

The photograph was taken on the last day of my 12th grade, it was a group photograph but one of my favorites that captured a bittersweet moment from my school days.

• Where was the photo taken?

The photograph was taken in our familiar classroom, with the whiteboard in the background and the old fan (the one we used to curse in the summer heat) still hanging there. We’re all wearing our school uniforms, adding to the nostalgic feel.

• Who took the Photograph?

It was taken by our principal sir (the person we were most afraid of). But that day, everyone was smiling with tears in their eyes, even our principal sir who barely smiled in our whole year. We didn’t care how that picture would turn out; we were happy cherishing the moment that our principal sir was clicking the picture.

• How did you feel about it?

While I never loved my school or the uniform, on that last day, it felt strangely special. We were a mix of happy and sad as we clicked one last picture in those outfits. Memories flooded back of all the fun we had in that classroom – the shenanigans in the corridors, how we sometimes irritated our teacher. Our teacher, who despite being constantly exasperated with us, always protected us. I think she was the most emotional out of all of us that day. Everyone’s face, even mine, reflected a mixture of love and hate – the bittersweetness of ending one chapter and starting a new one.

Vocabulary You Can Use to Answer IELTS Speaking Part 2 Questions on Describe the Time when Someone took a Good Photograph of You

• Imperishable
  Meaning:  Something that will last indefinitely and never disappear.
  Example: The imperishable bond between a mother and child lasts a lifetime.

• Overwhelmed
  Meaning: It means to be overcome by something, often a feeling or situation. It can be used for both positive and negative emotions, but it typically implies a feeling of being unable to cope with the intensity or amount of something.
  Example: She was overwhelmed when she cleared her exam.

• Incredible
  Meaning: Incredible means extraordinarily good or impressive.
  Example: The view from the mountain was incredible.

• Indebted
  Meaning: It means owing something to someone. It can refer to either financial debt or gratitude.
  Example: The company is heavily indebted.
  I am forever indebted to my parents.

• Remarkable
  Meaning: Remarkable means something is extraordinary, unusual, or very impressive.
  Example: She has a remarkable talent for playing the guitar.

• Bittersweet
  Meaning: Bittersweet describes something that evokes mixed emotions, typically a combination of happiness and sadness.
  Example: The movie had a bittersweet ending.

• Shenanigans
  Meaning: It means silly tricks, goofy antics, or a bit of mischief, but all in good fun. It’s not meant to be mean or cause any harm.
  Example: The school kids were up to their usual shenanigans, playing in the playground again.

Describe the Time when Someone took a Good Photograph of You – IELTS Part 3 Follow-Up Questions

• Do you like to get your photographs clicked?

Typically, I only take photographs for memories. I consider myself quite camera-shy, and whenever someone asks me to pose, I get anxious, which always results in bad photography.

• Is it good to take a lot of photographs?

I believe every photograph captures a memory.  Just looking at a picture later can instantly whisk you back to that moment.  That’s why I think taking lots of photos is a good idea.  Especially when you’re far from loved ones and feeling down, those photos can be treasured keepsakes, reminding you to cherish the memories you share.

• There are a lot of additions made to photographs these days. What attitude of people does this show?

Some people use these additions to improve their appearance in photographs. After all, most pictures taken nowadays are intended for social media, where unrealistic beauty standards often prevail. There was a time when photographs were primarily taken to preserve memories, and this practice continues with some people today. However, the pressure to conform to these strange beauty standards has unfortunately led many to rely on additional editing tools.

• Is it going to affect the photographers and their working style?

Yes, it will have an impact to some extent.  Everyone wants to look their best now, and this shift in preference may cause traditional photographers to lose business. People are increasingly drawn to photographers who specialize in photo editing for social media platforms.

• Do people like digital photographs or printed photographs?

It depends on the individual and their preferences.  On social media platforms, digital photos are more convenient nowadays. People often want to upload pictures quickly, and digital storage offers a readily accessible solution.  However, for special events, many people still choose to print copies of photos to add a sense of tangibility and significance to the memory.

• How will this change in the future?

Time is changing, and our generation’s shift towards the digital era is impacting many things, including traditional printed photographs.  Digital photos are undeniably more convenient, especially for our increasingly busy lives. Sharing pictures online is quick and effortless, making it the preferred method for most people.  While printed albums might see a decrease in popularity, I believe they will still hold value in the future, particularly for capturing special events and milestones.

• Will photographs replace paintings in the future?

Many people still hold a deep respect for art and are passionate about paintings. Many people decorate their homes with paintings. Paintings are considered works of art, and many people value them as a way to preserve cultural heritage. So, I believe it is quite difficult to replace paintings with anything as it has its charm and value.

• Would you like to take photos with strangers?

Yes, I love making new friends. On trips or at office gatherings, starting a conversation and asking strangers for a photo can be a great way to connect. It’s a fun way to share a smile and create a new memory, all while potentially making a new friend.

Vocabulary You Can Use to Answer IELTS Speaking Part 3 Questions on Describe the Time when Someone took a Good Photograph of You

• Whisk you back
  Meaning: To transport you back in time or memory very quickly and vividly.
  Example: Listening to that old song whisked me back to childhood times.

• Treasured keepsakes
  Meaning: Objects that are both valuable and serve as a reminder of something special.
  Example: My Mother’s locket, engraved with her birthdate, is one of my most treasured keepsakes.

• Preserve
  Meaning:  Keep something safe from harm or destruction or to keep it safe.
  Example: We need to take steps to preserve the rainforests before they disappear forever.

• Readily accessible
  Meaning: Something that is easily and quickly reachable or obtainable when needed.
  Example: First-aid kits should be readily accessible in case of an emergency.

• Tangibility
  Meaning:  Something that has physical and material presence.
  Example: After years of planning, their dream house was finally taking shape, bringing a sense of tangible progress.

• Heritage
  Meaning: This refers to something you acquire from a predecessor, such as a parent, ancestor, or previous generation.
  Example: My favorite doll is a piece of my childhood heritage.

• Potentially
  Meaning: It refers to something that can happen or exist, but hasn’t yet.
  Example: She has a lot of potential to be an artist.

We believe the IELTS cue card topic ‘Describe a Time when Someone took a Good Photograph of You,’ along with the sample answers, would be immensely valuable in your preparation for the Speaking test. Refine your vocabulary and speaking style to align with examiner expectations and achieve a Band 8+ score in the IELTS Speaking test.

Also Check:

• Describe an activity you enjoy doing in your free time
• Describe an Expensive Activity that You Enjoy Doing Occasionally
• 151 IELTS Speaking Topics Part 2 & 3 with Model Answers
• Common English Words Used in IELTS Speaking Test
• IELTS Speaking Tips