Describe an Interesting Story you Have Read or Heard – IELTS Cue Card

Stories have been an integral part of human culture for centuries, serving as a means of entertainment, education, and inspiration. As a result, IELTS Speaking presents candidates with the chance to demonstrate their language skills and communicative abilities through topics like ‘describe an interesting story that you heard or read about in the news’ or related ones.

In this blog, we delve into 3 sample answers on the IELTS cue card topic, Describe an Interesting Story you Have Read or Heard’ and present sample answers for IELTS Speaking Part 3, offering insights and tips to help candidates excel in their speaking test.

Before you begin, enhance your IELTS Speaking test skills and fluency using the guide provided below!

Describe an interesting story you have read or heard - IELTS Cue Card Sample Answer 1

Here is the IELTS Speaking Part 2 sample for 'Describe an interesting story you have read or heard' topic.

• When you read or heard it?

In India, telling stories to children is a popular practice. Since the dawn of time, folklore and folktales have been an inextricable part of every civilization. When it comes to Indian folk tales, the land of many religions, languages, and civilizations has a wide variety of stories and short stories to offer. My grandmother used to tell me stories when I was a kid. The monkey and the crocodile story has stuck with me. Although I recall many other stories from my youth, this was the first one I remembered, and I still get inspired by the message it bestows upon me.

• What was it?

Many children, I’m sure, have heard this tale from their elders. One day, a crocodile came out of the river. He swam up to the tree and told the monkey that he had traveled a long distance and was in search of food as he was very hungry. The kind monkey offered him a few apples. The crocodile expressed gratitude and requested if he may return to see the monkey. He befriends a monkey that lives in a tree along the river’s edge. Consequently, the monkey shares the tree’s fruits with his friend, the crocodile. Further, the crocodile takes a share of fruit for his wife. However, he has a greedy wife who is not after the sweetness of the fruit but that of the monkey’s heart.

• From whom/ where did you learn it?

It had a moral, which my grandmother taught me at the end of the story, which was to choose your friends wisely. Although I remembered the story, I could not grasp the moral at that age. I, rather, found the story amusing and intriguing, particularly the fact that the crocodile was able to converse with the monkey.

Describe an interesting story you have read or heard - IELTS Cue Card Sample Answer 2

Check out another sample answer on the cue card related to stories and learn how to frame your answer for a better IELTS band score.

• What was it?

Due to work, I don’t get enough time to read stories. However, recently I read a novel on my sister’s recommendation. Though the novel is quite famous and many people know the story, I thought I should read it. I wanted to read something to keep myself occupied throughout the lengthy 10-hour flight as I was going on a family holiday. My sister was also accompanying me, so she suggested that I read Pride and Prejudice. It is quite popular and interesting and almost easily available in every bookstore. I followed her advice and purchased one because she is a literature enthusiast and has read almost all classical literature novels.

• When you read or heard it?

The characters are the historical creation of Jane Austen, a British novelist. It has an entertaining narrative of love and life in class-conscious late-eighteenth-century England. The novel’s plot revolves around Elizabeth Bennet, the daughter of a country gentleman, and Fitzwilliam Darcy, a wealthy aristocratic landowner, and their tumultuous relationship. To fall in love and get married, they had to overcome the titular sins of pride and prejudice.

• From whom/ where did you learn it?

Although I could not finish the story during my journey, I developed the internet, so I decided to complete the novel during my vacation, and eventually, I did. When I was in college, I heard about the narrative from a lot of people, but I was not interested in reading it at the time. However, after finishing the novel, I resolved to read as many books or stories as I could in my spare time.

Describe an interesting story that you heard or read about in the news - IELTS Cue Card Sample Answer 1

• When you heard or read about the story?

Lately, I came across a story that shocked me to the core. It was about an iPhone variant – iPhone 7 Plus – catching fire. Being an iPhone lover, this was heartbreaking news for me as this was the first such incident that the brand experienced.

• What was the story about?

I got to know about this accident through the newspaper. In the morning, after my brisk walk and breakfast, I sat to read my newspaper. At first, I was just lost in my thoughts, fiddling through the pages. However, the moment I turned to the Technology page, this news caught my attention. The story was about the disadvantages of lithium-ion batteries and how they can catch fire easily. I emerged in the report and got familiar with a variety of aspects. Somewhere in the middle, the writer had given examples to make the report more relevant.

• Why was the story in the news?

Earlier, it was noted that Samsung’s devices caught fire. And now, it is happening with Apple Inc. as well. Keeping in mind that the Apple devices are no less than a symbol of status, the brand doesn’t leave any stone unturned in offering the best services and value to its customers. However, the video of that iPhone catching fire and getting damaged while it was on charge spread across social media in no time. People went berserk on this news. At last, the authorities of Apple Inc. got in touch with the owner of the phone and gave her a brand new replacement. Also, they took to Twitter and assured us that they would look into this matter deeply.

• And explain why you thought the story was interesting.

I think there were a few reasons for the story to be in the news. First of all, the incident could have resulted in detrimental impacts. Fortunately, the girl was saved as she was away from the charging point. God forbid, if she was nearby, anything could have happened. Second, this is an alarming incident for all the smartphone manufacturers. They should not take defects lightly.

Vocabulary You Can Use to Answer IELTS Speaking Part 2 Questions on Describe an Interesting Story you Have Read or Heard

Here is the IELTS Vocabulary for 'Describe an Interesting Story you Have Read or Heard' with examples.

• Aristocratic

Meaning: of, belonging to, or typical of the upper class

Example: Charlotte’s aristocratic background caused her to crave fine dining and lavish parties.

• Tumultuous

Meaning: excited, confused, or disorderly

Example: William could easily see the tumultuous reactions on Tina’s face.

• Accompanying

Meaning: provided or occurring at the same time as something else.

Example: Simran accompanied Jasleen to Japan.

• Enthusiast

Meaning: a person who is very interested in a particular activity or subject

Example: Chetan is a great sports enthusiast.

• Titular

Meaning: bearing a title

Example: Richard is a titular prince without any power.

• Inextricable

Meaning: unable to be separated or disentangled from something; closely intertwined or interconnected

Example: Every mother shares an inextricable bond with her child.

• Bestows

Meaning: to give something as a gift or honor; to confer or grant

Example: The country is bestowed with a variety of natural resources.

• Shocked to the core

Meaning: extremely shocked or surprised, to the point of feeling it deeply in one's innermost being

Example: He was shocked to the core at hearing the death of his child.

• Leave stone unturned

Meaning: to make every possible effort; to search or investigate thoroughly and exhaustively

Example: Mr. Ron left no stone unturned to find his lost suitcase.

Describe an Interesting Story you Have Read or Heard - IELTS Part 3 Follow-up Questions

Now it is time to go through the IELTS Speaking Part 3 related to the above cue cards on interesting stories.

• How do you think storytelling contributes to the preservation and transmission of cultural heritage?

In my opinion, storytelling plays a crucial role in preserving and transmitting cultural heritage from one generation to the next. Through oral tradition, folklore, and literature, cultural narratives are passed down, preserving traditions, values, and historical knowledge. By sharing stories, communities maintain a connection to their roots and identity, ensuring that cultural legacy remains alive and relevant.

• What kinds of novels are suitable for film adaptation?

I think there are several factors that make a novel suitable for film adaptation. Firstly, it needs to have the right amount of time, that is, not too lengthy, but not too short. Secondly, the plot should be intriguing, and some novels have a lot of plot holes that may make for fantastic film adaptations. In addition, the characters should be vibrant and the stories should be tight and engaging. These days, when people watch movies, they pay close attention to the stories in order to notice the amazing effects and even the performing abilities. As a result, the stories and characters can't be any worse than in the original work.

• In what ways do you think modern storytelling, such as through films and television, differs from traditional forms of storytelling?

I believe modern storytelling through films and television often utilizes advanced technology and multimedia techniques to enhance the narrative experience. Unlike traditional forms of storytelling, which rely primarily on oral or written communication, modern media allows for immersive visuals, sound effects, and special effects that can bring stories to life in vivid detail. Additionally, modern storytelling may cater to diverse audience preferences and cultural sensibilities, incorporating elements of genre-blending and global perspectives to appeal to a broader audience.

• How does technology help people tell stories?

The important thing to remember is that technology enhances our emotions and makes narrative presentations more dynamic. The word of the day in technology-assisted storytelling is ‘experience’, and the more thrilling the better—ideally engaging all of our senses. For instance, the movie theaters will use virtual reality to show the story over a number of time periods, allowing visitors to even participate in the narrative.

• Which is the most preferred medium for reading news in your country?

In my country, the most preferred medium for reading news varies among individuals. But traditionally, newspapers have held a significant sway. Many still enjoy flipping through pages, scanning headlines, and delving into in-depth articles. Television news broadcasts also remain popular, especially for those who prefer visual updates and real-time coverage. However, with the rise of digital technology, online platforms such as news websites and mobile applications have gained momentum, particularly among younger demographics and urban populations. Ultimately, the diversity of available mediums ensures that people can choose the channels that align best with their preferences and lifestyle.

Vocabulary You Can Use to Answer IELTS Speaking Part 3 Questions on Describe an Interesting Story you Have Read or Heard

A rich vocabulary allows you to communicate more effectively and demonstrate a higher level of language proficiency. Here are some IELTS Speaking vocabulary words used in the sample answers for the Part 3 questions given above.

• Passed down

Meaning: to transfer something, such as knowledge, traditions, or possessions, from one generation to the next

Example: Values are passed down from one generation to the next through family traditions.

• Legacy

Meaning: something handed down from the past, often in the form of traditions, values, or cultural heritage, that continues to have an impact on the present

Example: The artist left behind a rich legacy of masterful paintings that continue to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.

• Intriguing

Meaning: arousing curiosity or interest; fascinating or captivating

Example: The plot twist at the end was very intriguing.

• Immersive

Meaning: providing deep involvement or absorption in an activity or environment, often to the point of complete engrossment

Example: Nowadays, movies are immersive due to the various kinds of cinematic effects.

• Vivid

Meaning: clear, detailed, and lifelike; producing a strong impression or mental image

Example: The vivid description of the person gave the police enough clue to catch the person.

• Virtual reality

Meaning: computer-generated simulation of an environment or experience that allows users to interact with and explore virtual surroundings in a realistic way

Example: Children are so immersed in virtual reality that they don’t know what is going on around them.

• Flipping through

Meaning: quickly browsing or scanning through the pages of a book, magazine, or other printed material

Example: The lady at the parlor was flipping through an international magazine.

• Demographics

Meaning: statistical data relating to the population and particular groups within it, such as age, gender, income, education, and location

Example: The team conducted research on the demographics of this area before launching the product.

Tips for Answering Describe an Interesting Story you Have Read or Heard

You know your reading preferences better than anyone else. So, this cue card is an easy one to answer. Just ensure that your focus is on the prompt question provided with the cue card. Let’s check out some quick IELTS Speaking tips specific for answering the cue card - Describe an Interesting Story you Have Read or Heard - that can make your answer a Band 8+ one.

• Before you begin discussing this cue card, think of a story suitable for children or maybe a true story you heard as a child. This will help you prepare for the brief notes you need to take.
• Next, pay attention to the cue card question and make brief notes about it. For example, from whom/where you have heard/read the story, what is the story about, how many times did you read the story, how you felt about it or what you learnt from it, etc.
• It's time to expand on this after you've taken brief notes on each question. Here's an example of how to expand on each of the previously noted points.
• Give your speech a concluding statement once you have finished the story and addressed the question. This will make your speaking response excellent.

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The qualities of a good speaker go beyond fluency and confidence. You also have to express your ideas concisely, use a variety of language, and proper IELTS grammar. Achieving all these on your own through just practicing IELTS Speaking practice test might be a little challenging.

So, you can connect with our IELTS experts to practice similar cue cards like ‘Describe a news story you read/saw’, ‘Describe the last news story you read or heard from any source’, ‘Describe an interesting story that you heard’, ‘Narrate a story you have read’, etc.. Additionally, you can be a part of our free webinars for tips to take your IELTS Speaking preparation to the next level!

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