IELTS Cue Card Sample Question – Describe an Incident When You Got Scared

Sample Response 1:

“I’d like to tell you about a time in my life that utterly terrified me. We were invited to a wedding reception around a decade ago. However, I had made the decision to spend the night at home, and my parents had left for the party later that evening. I was exhausted and suffering from a throbbing headache. The first thing on my mind was to get some sleep in my own bed.

I didn’t lock the door since it kept jamming, and I wasn’t in the mood to deal with it, so I simply attempted to shut it as best I could. After that, I took some medicine and went to sleep in my bed. I was awakened when I heard a knock at the door about a half-hour later. I just ignored whoever it was because I wasn’t feeling well and hoped they would leave and return later… Well, I was mistaken. I heard a booming sound on the door, footsteps up the stairs into the kitchen, and a strange voice of a man I had never seen before yelling out a name I didn’t recognize. I worked up my courage and got up to address that individual.

I went straight into the kitchen and observed a strange tall man standing near the refrigerator wearing a big coat and a hat. He seemed like he was in his late forties. He then noticed me and inquired as to if the person whose name he was crying out for lived nearby. I bravely informed him that I was unfamiliar with the individual. I breathed a sigh of relief when he simply apologized and departed. When he was gone, the first thing I did was lock the door.”

Follow-up Question 1: 

What should people do when they are scared? 

Response:

“Well, I think it depends. We get scared of different things. If we’re scared for our safety, then practicing and training for self-defense is something we can do. On the other hand, if we are scared of doing something, like extreme activities, I believe there’s really not much to do but face those fears by doing it.” 

Follow-up Question 2: 

Some people say that we aren’t safe even in our own homes. What can you say about this? 

Response:

“That is absolutely true. We’ll really never know what other people are thinking. Imagine if that man who barged into our house was a criminal and was planning to do something? It is sad, but it’s just the reality. We are not safe even in the comfort of our homes. That is why I recommend that everyone should train for self-defense.”

Sample Response 2: 

“Everyone’s life is filled with frightening events. One such incident occurred throughout my childhood, and I recall it vividly. I was a very enthusiastic and active kid when I was ten or twelve years old, always wanting to participate in some sort of activity. 

I still remember that day from back when I was in school. It was the parade that I took part in as part of an Independence Day event. Every year on that day, we start with a procession wearing spotless white clothes and playing the national anthem, with some of the youngsters dressed as well-known characters. When a sudden yelling sound erupted from the front side of the building, a flag hoisting ceremony was about to commence. It was one of the teachers in school, Mr. Yu. The supporting personnel arrived quickly and advised all children to remain calm and safe on the ground. Yes, there was an earthquake, and it was a huge one. 

Suddenly, a joyous moment of celebration in my life changes into a frightening and terrible incident. While standing on the school grounds, we noticed that some buildings were trembling and that some live things were falling from balconies. In this dangerous circumstance, people were fleeing here and there. I believed that no one should ever have to go through such a terrifying situation in their lives. I’d like to erase such recollections from my mind. I tend to disperse them when I recall them.”

Follow-up Question 1: 

How important do you think are earthquake and fire drills? 

Response: 

“Oh, I think they are extremely vital and crucial. I think they can be the difference between saving and losing lives. These are the kind of things that should be taught to everyone; what to do in case of fire and earthquake. However, another thing that people should learn is reacting to such panicky situations. Because even if you are aware of what to do, if you are in a state of panic, you get lost in your own senses.” 

Follow-up Question 2:

Do you get scared easily? 

Response: 

“I’m not usually the kind of person who gets frightened easily. In fact, my family and friends would always prank me and do things that they think would scare me, but they fail most of the time. One thing I’m scared of, however, is spiders and it’s not because of how they look. They’re just small creatures. I’m scared of them because they might be deadly or poisonous.”