Describe a time when you first met someone – IELTS Cue Card Sample Answers

The IELTS Speaking requires you to answer with fluency and coherence in expressing your thoughts and ideas. While doing so, remember to focus on constructing your answers for topics such as "Describe a time when you first met someone - IELTS Cue Card Sample Answers". It is necessary to identify the most suitable areas for improvement and learn how to communicate clearly and successfully to score a band 8+in the IELTS exam.

In the Cue Card section, you will be given exactly a minute to prepare and two minutes to speak. The IELTS Speaking Part 2 topic about the time you met someone who eventually became a good friend requires you to talk about one part of your memory. You can practise answering with precision by reviewing sample answers of the Cue Card topic and note your areas of improvement. 

So what are you waiting for? Let's get started on the path to success!

Tips to Describe a time when you first met someone – IELTS Cue Card Sample Answers for a Band 8+

In the preparation of the IELTS Speaking Section, it is very important to become familiar with strategies by practising with the IELTS Speaking Practice Test. With consistency in your preparation, you could receive a higher band of 8+. Some of the tips you can implement while trying to attempt the cue card are given below as you describe a time when you met someone who you become good friends with.

• Keep in mind that Cue Cards have a time limit and therefore, time management is very important in IELTS Speaking. It is a good idea to practice with the timer on in order to improve your speaking skills.
• The way you talk should sound natural for which you must remember not to rush through your speech but at the same time, do not pause as you speak. Therefore, understand What is the Correct Tone in IELTS Speaking Test as you prepare for the IELTS Speaking Cue Card Section.
• Understand the exam format so that you prepare well and build confidence. It is vital that you practice using different topics, such as describing a time when you met someone who you become good friends with.
• Look at the Latest IELTS Speaking Vocabulary to Boost Your Score while using relevant words as well as phrases. This will help you ace the IELTS exam with a band 8+ as it showcases your ability to use synonyms and contextual language.
• The IELTS Grammar concentrates on the different sentence types that you need to use in order to exhibit your language capability. However, refrain from using too complex sentence structures that may end up negatively affecting your response. 

Question - Describe a time when you first met someone – IELTS Cue Card Sample Answers

Before you speak on the Cue Card topic Describe a time when you first met someone, you must always consider practising IELTS Speaking Part 1. Since you are doing three sections together, understanding all parts is recommended for being self-assured on the test day. Remember to record yourself speaking so you can listen to the recording and analyze the answer by reviewing some of the sample answers provided below. 

So, shall we start now? Let us aim high and go for a band 8 +!

Sample Answer 1 - Describe a time when you first met someone

• who it was

The world is so tiny, and it is not surprising that sometimes we meet others unexpectedly. It so happened that last Saturday, I was at a shopping mall. While I was at the Nike store, I heard a familiar voice. I turned around and found a familiar face in the voice. It was my schoolmate – Abhishek. I called him out excitedly. He looked shocked to see me there as well.

• where you met this person
• what you did when you met
• and explain why you were surprised to meet this person.

We were both astonished and joyful at the same time to meet after such a long period. We hugged each other tightly and decided to spend some quality time together, just to reminisce about the good old days. We went to a cafeteria and ordered coffee along with some scrumptious snacks.

Over the next hour, we recollected the remembrances of our school days, especially the exceptional time we had with our friends, playing games, making fun of our teachers, and making other mischief. Abhishek told me how difficult it was for him to adjust to Canada initially. It took him a while, but he made many friends there after that, and now he loves Canada.

He also suggested I take the IELTS exam and move to Canada for my further study as Canadian Institutes are recognized worldwide for quality education. Lastly, before saying goodbye, we clicked a few photographs to keep the memories of this surprise meeting and shared them on our social media accounts to surprise our other friends as well.

I also shared my contact with my friend so that we could remain in touch afterwards as well. Overall, the meeting was unexpected and fun.

Sample Answer 2 - Describe a time when you first met someone

• who it was

Well, it doesn’t happen a lot when you unexpectedly meet someone you know. But a couple of days ago when I was out for lunch, I bumped into a high school classmate whom I haven’t seen since we graduated.

• where you met this person
• what you did when you met

I was walking along the street when I saw him standing in front of a restaurant. He hasn’t changed a bit, so I recognized him right away. I approached him and said hi; however, it took him a while to realize that I was his high school classmate. At that moment, I felt very awkward. Luckily, it didn’t last long and we started to give each other a quick update about our lives recently, such as where we are working currently, our families and, of course, we swapped phone numbers and promised to keep in touch in future.

• and explain why you were surprised to meet this person.

Since we were both in a hurry, we didn’t spend much time chatting with each other. However, it always feels good when you unexpectedly meet a long-lost friend. If we had had more time, we’d probably have reminisced about our high school memories with all the crazy things that we did back then.

Vocabulary - Describe a time when you first met someone

• Bump into: To meet unexpectedly by accident.
  Eg: To my surprise, I bumped into my English teacher in the supermarket.

• He hasn’t changed a bit: He looks or acts exactly the same.
  Eg: My uncle looks the same as in the photos of him 20 years ago. It’s amazing, he hasn’t changed a bit.

• Right away: Immediately
  Eg: This message is very urgent, so please send it right away.

• Awkward: Making you feel embarrassed.
  Eg: At the restaurant, my friend had to pay for our meal. It was an awkward situation because I had forgotten to bring any money!

• Update: A report containing the most recent information.
  Eg: I planned to go to the beach, so I checked on the Internet for an update on the weather forecast.

• Swap: To give something to somebody and receive something in exchange.
  Eg: I swapped places with a man on the bus so that I could sit near the front.

• Keep in touch: To communicate with somebody, especially by writing or telephoning.
  Eg: Most young people nowadays keep in touch by e-mailing or texting their friends.

• Chat:  To talk in a friendly, informal way to somebody
  Eg: I decided to invite my friend for a coffee, so we could chat about our recent holidays

• A long-lost friend: A friend that you have not seen for a long time.
  Eg: At the bus station, I bumped into a long-lost friend that I had not seen since my school days.

• Reminisce: To think, talk or write about a happy time in your past.
  Eg: My father often reminisces about his years at university.

• Back then: At a particular time in the past.
  Eg: I remember when I visited Thailand many years ago. Back then, there were very few tourists.

Great work! Have you successfully completed this Cue Card? Well, the Speaking Section consists of three parts in which the last section will include follow-up questions based on the Cue Card topic. You can continue practicing with the other topics and tackle questions for the IELTS Speaking Part 3. Remember, these tests will all contribute to an overall band score of 8 or higher on the IELTS exam.

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