Describe an occasion when you got incorrect information IELTS Cue Card

IELTS CUE CARD TOPIC

Describe an occasion when you got incorrect information

You should say:

When you got it?
How you got it?
How you found it was incorrect?

And how you felt about it?

Sample 1

Introduction

In this modern era, there are plenty of platforms to get news. Due to this reason, it is tough to distinguish between real and fake news. Although I have received incorrect information umpteen times, one such instance is worth mentioning.

When you got it?

Two years back, there was a lockdown in my nation due to the corona pandemic. During that time, someone flashed the fake news that the administration had lifted the lockdown.

How you got it?

During that time, I joined several WhatsApp groups to gain information. In one of the groups, there was this fake news about lifting the lockdown.

How you found it was incorrect?

Upon getting the news, I immediately booked an appointment with a dentist because of an immense toothache. During that time, upon special permission from the local police station, you could go out for urgent tasks. However, as I believed in the news of lifting the lockdown, I did not bother to take permission. Instead, I immediately started my car and followed the path to the dentist’s clinic.

To my dismay, the traffic police stopped me from roaming during the lockdown. When I showed the WhatsApp message regarding the lifting of the lockdown, the concerned person showed me the video of the chief minister saying that the news of ease in lockdown was fake.

And how you felt about it?

I felt cheated because due to the wrong information from some miscreants, I wasted my time, money and energy, and on top of that, I made a fool of myself.

Sample 2

Introduction

Although we all try our best to check the information we get, in some cases, we have to deal with incorrect information. One such instance is worth mentioning.

When you got it?

It was the birthday of my bosom friend, and the invitation he sent had the date one day before the party.

How you got it?

He sent me a message with the wrong date on my mobile phone.

How you found it was incorrect?

As per the date mentioned in the message, I went to the venue, and to my surprise, nobody was there to welcome me. There was a party at the venue when I went there, I was shocked to see that the host was different. I immediately called my friend, and he told me that his birthday was on 10th June while his message had a date of 9th June.

After realizing his mistake, my friend apologized, and I forgave him. And to uplift my food, he invited me to his home, and I went there. Since we had plenty of time, we decided to have dinner at his home.

We both worked in tandem to cook certain mouth-watering delicacies, I cut and chopped the vegetables, and he did the rest of the tasks. When I tasted the meals we cooked, I was in euphoria because they tasted delicious.

And how you felt about it?

Initially, I was upset for a few minutes, but my friend’s idea of inviting me worked like a charm. It uplifted my meal, and the fantastic moments I had with him that day will remain etched in my memories.

Sample 3

Introduction

In this modern era, incorrect information has become a part of our lives because many platforms spread such news. A few years back, I got incorrect information which is worth mentioning.

When you got it?

I got in the year 2016

How you got it?

In November 2016, the government of India introduced demonetisation in which the currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 ceased to be legal tenders. Since these notes were of high denomination, the sudden move led to an acute cash shortage in the market. Millions of people used to stand in queues to withdraw cash from ATMs.

To ease the situation, the government of India introduced another note of the value of Rs 2,000. Before the launch of this new note, some new channels started flashing the news that the note would have a chip inside it, and due to that, it would be easy to track the location of the currency.

This news spread carried facts, and people across the country started discussing it. Those who were honest taxpayers were extremely happy. On the contrary, tax evaders had sleepless nights because their business and work thrived primarily on hoarding cash.

How you found it needed to be corrected?

I found it incorrect when the Reserve Bank of India issued a statement saying that the new note does not have any chip inside it and there is no way the government can track the location of the currency.

And how you felt about it?

The media should do proper research before flashing any news in front of the public because wrong information can create mass hysteria which is detrimental to society.

Sample 4

Introduction

Due to social media, we have a lot of incorrect information every day. A recent experience of bad news is worth mentioning.

When you got it?

I got it last month

How you got it?

I got a WhatsApp message that the administration made the new flyover operation. It was a moment of joy for me because I used to spend hours in traffic congestion every day to reach my office.

Upon receiving the information, I reset my timetable. I calculated and deciphered that I would save two hours every day, and to use them prudently, I included new activities like playing badminton and going to the library in my routine.

Moreover, I decided to go by my car to the office because, due to traffic congestion, I used to use a two-wheeler for commuting. To share the extra expenses spent on petrol car, I contacted my two office colleagues. Upon hearing the news of the new Flyover being operational, they were in a state of euphoria, and they immediately accepted my proposal.

How you found it needed to be corrected?

The next day after hearing the news, I left my home at 8;30 am with the view that I would reach my office at 9 a.m. using the new Flyover. I picked up my three colleagues on the way, and we all were delighted. However, we had a shortlived joy because when we reached the entry point of the Flyover, the construction company stopped us, and the concerned person told us that the news of the Flyover being operational was a hoax.

And how you felt about it?

I felt upset because I and my colleague’s time went to waste due to the incorrect information.

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 an occasion when you got incorrect information”.

1. What kind of professions are related to giving information to others?

As far as giving information is concerned, most professions have to provide some, but the primary professions which deal with it and are responsible for it are media and advertising. People working in these sectors thrive primarily on giving out information all the time.

2. What is the difference between giving information by phone and email?

The information given through the phone usually needs to be noticed. On the other hand, people listen to most of the information they get through phone calls. Moreover, the info through phone is usually concise, while emails can be short and lengthy. Moreover, it is easy to keep track of the information through email, whereas it is difficult in the case of phone calls.

3. How can people check whether a piece of information is correct?

In this modern era, there are plenty of platforms to check whether the information is correct. Of course, the topmost medium is the internet, where you can get plenty of content reading any product or service. Moreover, there are numerous website reviews of various products and services.

4. Do people trust information online?

Earlier, most people believed in the information available on the internet. Still, this percentage is declining because a lot of fake information is available because anyone sitting in any corner of the world can post details without substantial qualification.

5. What strategies can individuals employ to identify and combat incorrect information?

Recognizing and fighting incorrect information demands critical thinking and a wise approach. Firstly, individuals can fact-check by cross-referencing data from numerous trustworthy sources. They should confirm the certifications and expertise of the bases they depend on. Growing media literacy skills is necessary, including the mastery to assess the credibility and preference of sources. Awareness of standard techniques used to influence or misinterpret information, such as cherry-picking data or using emotional pleas, helps recognize misinformation. Additionally, encouraging open dialogue and respectful conversations can help manage misunderstandings and promote a culture of precision. Sharing trustworthy information with others and enabling them to analyze sources critically can also lead to fighting for inaccurate information.

6. How can we effectively identify and fight false information in the age of social media and widespread misinformation?

Social media and widespread misinformation have become integral parts of our lives in the contemporary epoch. In such a scenario, effectively recognizing and battling incorrect information needs a multi-faceted process. It involves encouraging media literacy, critical thinking, and fact-checking mastery among people. Enabling source validation, cross-referencing information, and depending on reputed sources are essential practices. Additionally, cooperation between technology platforms, administrations, and fact-checking organizations is critical to creating and enforcing measures to restrain the reach of misinformation. Creating awareness about the possible risks and effects of sharing false information can also help promote a more knowledgeable and trustworthy online community.

7. How do most people react to incorrect information.?

When confronted with inaccurate information, people’s responses can vary. Some individuals may instantly identify the mistake and seek out correct information, while others may take it without inquiry. Some may feel bewildered or undecided, pursuing clarification from trustworthy sources. Sometimes, wrong information can be deceptive or induce misinterpretations, leading to adverse outcomes. Crucial thinking, fact-checking, and readiness to repair misunderstandings are essential in steering the plenty of knowledge at our disposal.

8. What are some familiar sources or platforms where incorrect information tends to increase?

Firstly Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube act as mediums to spread incorrect information due to their broad reach and comfortable navigation.

Secondly, numerous online forums and discussion boards also support the spreading of false narratives.

Lastly, chatting applications like WhatsApp and Telegram are stellar in spreading fake propaganda.