Describe an event when someone denied your request - IELTS Cue Card Sample Answers

The cue card ‘Describe an event when someone denied your request’ focuses on emotional awareness, communication, and personal reflection, which are essential skills assessed in the speaking test. In order to help you on how to prepare a cue card for IELTS Speaking and get ready for similar topics, this blog provides three sample answers on the topic, ‘Describe an event when someone denied your request’, along with relevant vocabulary.

Before you start, learn useful IELTS Speaking test vocabulary with the guide below!

Describe an event when someone denied your request IELTS Speaking Part 2 Question & Sample Answers

The topic ‘Describe an event when someone denied your request’ requires you to recall a situation where someone refused or rejected something you asked for. The key is not just describing the denial but explaining your emotional response and what the experience meant to you.

So, explore the sample answers to ‘Describe an event when someone denied your request’ cue card that will help you score better in IELTS Speaking Part 2.

Describe an event when someone denied your request - Sample Answer 1

• when it was
• what the request was about

I have faced many situations in life where I have been denied something or my earnest request has been turned down. One such event which affected me was when I missed my flight as one of the attendants at the airport denied my plea to check in my luggage and give me the boarding pass.

As far as I could recall, I had gone to Chennai to attend a conference and had to return to Pune on the same day for an urgent meeting. Unfortunately, on the way back to the airport, there was a huge traffic blockage due to a road diversion. Although I had left the hotel quite early, I was stuck in the traffic for around three hours. I desperately called the airline’s support to inform them about my predicament but could not reach them.

• whom you requested

When I arrived at my destination, I was already half an hour late. So, I scurried to the stated gate number to be thwarted by the long queue. I knew if I waited, I would miss my flight. As a result, I requested the attendant to check me in as most of the passengers in line were for another flight and had time on their hands. Even though I explained my situation to him, he refused to listen to me and adamantly denied my appeal. 

• and explain how you felt about being denied.

At that moment, a range of emotions revolved in my mind and I was terribly upset. In the end, even though I had missed my flight, to my relief, I did not lose one of the most vital deals of my life as the meeting was postponed.

Describe an event when someone denied your request - Sample Answer 2

• when it was
• what the request was about

I am now racking my brain to think of the time when someone turned down my request. The only incident I remember is when a commercial bank rejected my loan application 1 year ago. Last year, I needed an amount of money to invest on a business I was interested in. That business was related to an agricultural field, which was very attractive and potential. However, at that time, I didn’t have enough money so I had to apply for a loan from a commercial bank.

• whom you requested

When I went to meet a bank officer for advice, I had to go through the requirements for a loan. I found that I was quite eligible for the loan I applied for. I talked to the loan officer, and he asked me to fill up the loan application and provide necessary documents. After finishing those forms, I submitted the signed application along with required documents. Then, the staff told me to wait for 2 weeks.

• and explain how you felt about being denied.

However, 2 weeks passed and I didn’t receive any news from the bank. The branch manager told me that I had to be in my current company for more than 3 months as an official employee to be able to meet the requirement for the loan. I got angry as the loan officer had not mentioned this before. I had wasted a lot of time and energy on this loan application. Fortunately, the branch manager who named Hung was professional. He immediately called up the loan officer to make things clear, and after considering carefully, he explained to me the loan requirements for financial safety reasons. Besides, he assured me that my loan application would be considered immediately after I meet the requirements. Though I understood the situation, the rejection of a loan application was a bit disappointing experience for me.

Describe an event when someone denied your request - Sample Answer 3

• when it was
• what the request was about
• whom you requested

An event that stands out vividly in my memory occurred when I was in school preparing for an interschool competition. At that time, I requested my parents to allow me to travel with my friends for an overnight trip connected to the event. For me, it wasn’t just a trip; it felt like an opportunity to spread my wings and experience a sense of independence for the very first time.

I had been eagerly counting down the days, imagining the fun, the bonding, and the freedom that came with travelling without parental supervision. However, my parents denied my request, explaining that they were deeply concerned about my safety and believed I was still too young to handle such responsibility. Their decision came as a bolt from the blue, leaving me feeling disheartened and disappointed.

• and explain how you felt about being denied.

At first, I struggled to accept their refusal. I felt genuinely upset and even somewhat resentful because it seemed as though they didn’t trust my judgement. I remember feeling emotionally overwhelmed, as if my expectations had come crashing down, and I found it difficult to see their reasoning at that moment. However, as time passed, my perspective gradually shifted. With greater emotional awareness and maturity, I began to see the situation through a more balanced and rational lens. I realised that their decision was not an attempt to restrict my freedom but rather a reflection of their protective instincts and genuine concern for my well-being. 

Vocabulary You Can Use For IELTS Speaking Part 2 Questions on Describe an event when someone denied your request

Here is a list of words and the best phrases to use in IELTS Speaking related to the topic, Describe an event when someone denied your request (IELTS cue card) that will expand your vocabulary to boost your score.

To conclude, this cue card is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate emotional intelligence and reflective thinking. If you present the situation clearly and explain your emotional journey convincingly, you can easily achieve a high band score. So, to master your speaking skills and boost your confidence, start practicing recent IELTS topics in IELTS Speaking tests and get IELTS-ready.

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