Describe A Time When You Lost Your Way IELTS Cue Card

IELTS CUE CARD TOPIC

Describe A Time When You Lost Your Way

You should say:

When and where did it happen?
How did you feel when you were lost?
How did you find your way out?

NOTE – The examiner gives you one minute to plan your answer, and to help you prepare for the topic, the examiner provides you with a pencil and a notepad. You’ll have to answer the questions given on the topic for one-to-two minutes.

Sample 1

Introduction

Although I have lost my way umpteen times, one instance is unique and worth mentioning.

When and where did it happen?

Two years back, I went on a trip to Goa with my friends. The primary purpose behind going on that trip was to spend quality time together because, due to the lockdown imposed during the corona pandemic, we all friends could not meet each other.

During the trip, we decided to do things beyond the conventional domain and visit the far-off beaches in Goa, where only a few people go.

While roaming one of the beaches, I boarded a boat to see an isolated island. To my dismay, one of my friends accompanied me because they were enjoying the swimming.

Although I enjoyed a lot on that remote island, I was in absolute disarray when I returned because I was absent from my friends. Moreover, my phone and hotel keys were with them, and I did not know the name of the place where I stayed.

So I was lost because I needed money and an idea of where to go.

How did you feel when you were lost?

I felt terrible. I worried greatly about my friends because I felt they were in trouble. Moreover, I have yet to have any further plan of action.

How did you find your way out?

Luckily one policeman came to my rescue. Seeing my plight, he decided to help me. He checked the nearby CCTV cameras and learned that my friends had gone to a nearby restaurant to have food. Immediately I rushed there, and after seeing them, I sighed in relief.

Follow-ups

Here are some examples of follow-up questions that the examiner might ask during your speaking part 3 related to the cue card “Describe A Time When You Lost Your Way”.

1. How do people feel when they get lost?

In this modern era, technology is available to handle conflicts adroitly. So when people feel lost, they use technology to reach their destination safely. Due to this, being lost is not significant, and people quickly take it using patronyms like Google Maps.

2. Are some people better at orienting themselves?

Yes, some people move according to the law of direction, and they make a mental image of the path traveled, and in case they are lost somewhere, they use the information stored in their brain to reach the destination.

3. Are young people more reliant on their phones than older people to find their way?

Although people from all walks of life use smartphones these days, youngsters are better at handling them. As far as maps are concerned for older people, it is a daunting task to use them. On the contrary, younger can use it with tremendous ease. Hence young people are more reliant on mobile phones to find their way.

4. Are young people gradually losing their ability to orient themselves?

No, it is not an inborn talent, and in the absence of smartphones, youngsters can use the knowledge they have to orient themselves.

5. With mobile phones and these electronic products with navigation, is it difficult for people to get lost?

Nowadays, technology tracks us everywhere, and it can tell your precise location at the drop of a hat. In such a case, it is challenging for people to get lost because their near and dear ones can track them with tremendous ease.

6. What problems do older adults have when they get lost?

The biggest problem older people face when they get lost is using technology to find the way because, for them, finding information through the maps on their devices is daunting.

7. Some people like to walk around without navigation; is there any problem?

It is prudent to walk around without navigation because the conventional approach to asking people for directions is always at our disposal.

8. What practical strategies prevent getting lost in unfamiliar surroundings?

It is daunting to come out of the shock of being lost somewhere. There are a few Practical strategies for averting getting lost in unknown surroundings:

Firstly it is worthwhile to plan by familiarizing yourself with the location, studying maps, and recognizing landmarks or critical points of reference.

Secondly, carrying a map or using a navigation app is worthwhile. Keeping a physical map or using a mobile app with offline abilities for uncomplicated reference is more prudent.

Thirdly staying aware of your surroundings is a prudent approach. We can do so by paying attention to street signs, milestones, and special features to keep our bearings.

Lastly, seeking local knowledge can work like a charm: Ask locals for advice or suggestions to confirm you’re on the right path.