Describe A Time When You Needed To Use Your Imagination - IELTS Speaking Cue Card Samples

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Aarushi Jain
Updated on May 18, 2023 12:52 PM IST

IELTS cue card topics are unique in themselves and one needs to be extremely prompt with their responses. One of the most common cue card topics is “Describe a Time When You Needed to Use Your Imagination”. The topic itself is enticing where students have to describe a realistic situation where they used imagination for creative solutions. Imagination means creating mental pictures or ideas and is a very important aspect of human nature. An optimistic and creative imagination is advantageous while pessimistic imagination can be detrimental for the person as well as others. 

IELTS speaking task 2 not only assesses the candidate’s fluency. They test pronunciation, grammatical structure, vocabulary use, ability to form arguments with examples, voice modulation, structuring of the speech etc. For students who can use their knowledge and imaginative skills, this topic will not pose any difficulty. Get insights on how to craft the perfect answer for this speaking cue card topic. 
 

Describe A Time When You Needed To Use Your Imagination - IELTS Speaking Cue Card

Gloria Steinem quoted that “ Without leaps of imagination, or dreaming, we lose the excitement of possibilities. Dreaming, after all, is a form of planning “. The quote truly depicts the power of imagination and in this speaking cue card topic you will have to use your creative power to weave a story where you have used your imagination to get desired results. The answers to your IELTS speaking test questions should seem like a personal experience and hence your narrating tone should testify that the incident happened to you. 

One minute preparation time will be provided to you and then you need to speak for 2 to 3 minutes till the examiner interrupts you. Your speaking prowess and the ability to comprehend the topic is assessed through this task. 

If you are not an imaginative person, you might state the fact straightaway in the beginning. However, that does not hinder you from narrating one or two instances where you used your imagination. You can highlight a situation where you have used creative insight to produce a solution. 
Your answer should contain the following points:

  • When did you use your imagination?
  • What did you imagine at that moment?
  • Whether it was easy or difficult to find a creative solution?
  • Explain how you felt about the way the solution turned out to be. 

IELTS Cue Card Speaking Topic Answer Structure

You may be wondering how to should start writing the answer. Most test takers of the IELTS exam face this question as well: How should I start with the introduction that impresses the IELTS examiner? Here is how you should structure your answer briefly in pointers:

Introduction:

You may use the following pointers to kick-start your introduction:

  • I have the unfortunate habit of using my imagination practically constantly.

  • An inventive mind is really beneficial.

  • I will share an instance where I used my imagination.

  • You can always find a way to include a picture in a description.

  • Being creative, I typically use my ability to imagine to complete various tasks.

When was it?

You may use the following pointers to start writing this section:

  • I used this ability of imagination to the fullest in sixth grade.

  • We were broken into groups by our teacher when I was a college student.

  • A painting contest with a theme was organised by our school.

  • And requested that we write an essay.

  • English was a key subject I studied.

What did you imagine?

Here are some pointers you may use in this section:

  • It implied that we had to conjure up a tale using our imaginations.

  • I had no choice but to rely on my ability to imagine in order to finish this work.

  • Are made up of just shards of someone's imagination, and are therefore fictional.

  • He insisted that it must be made up.

  • Due to the fact that most novels we read

  • And to do that, a story had to be created from scratch.

  • I was asked to create a painting of life on Mars in the year 2100, assuming that people will already be residing there by then.

How difficult or easy was it?

You may use the following pointers to start writing this section:

  • I started using my imagination because the concept was speculative to move forward.

  • Although it seemed a little challenging at first, the results were fascinating.

  • Because readers of some kind made up every single person in my group.

  • So we came together and chose the storyline.

  • I felt a lot of anxiety within the initial few minutes.

  • Our task was simple.

  • Everyone contributed unique thoughts.

How did you feel about it? (explain)

Here are some pointers you may use in this section:

  • I never imagined that my artistic endeavours would inspire others.

  • I started exercising my imagination to the fullest.

  • It was wonderful to be able to write something using my creativity.

  • I was ecstatic and jubilant.

  • I was shocked when the school's principal announced the verdict.

  • When I have a challenging task to complete, I use this experience as motivation.

  • That day changed the course of my life because it caused a paradigm shift in the way I thought.

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IELTS Speaking Cue Card Sample 1 - Describe A Time When You Needed To Use Your Imagination

The following is a model answer which students can use for their reference to answer the IELTS describe a time when you needed to use your imagination topic:

Before I recount a case in which my imagination saved the day, let me say a quick word of gratitude. I had to venture outside of my comfort zone to succeed in the international Innovation Solution Competition around a year ago. Initially, it was group content, but as we advanced to the semifinal stage, we were required to demonstrate our unique solutions to issues from real-world situations that the authorities had chosen for us.

Every year, this competition is available to undergraduates all around the world, and during the first round of selection, we had to compete against more than 30 teams. It was exhilarating and difficult to get to the semifinal round. Due to this, when I was given a task to solve on my own, I entirely relied on my imagination. As a result, winning the tournament as the third-best team in the international competition in Australia was deliriously fortunate and incredibly thrilling.

It was my responsibility to make a workable solution to the world's waste management issue. I knew I would have to be incredibly imaginative but innovative to give a solid answer as soon as I glanced at the topic and realised I had only two hours to produce my article of 600 words.

To encourage creativity and awareness, the Innovation Solution Competition honours people and groups who offer workable solutions to urgent global issues. This competition aims to unite university students from all across the world and asks them to use their innovative thinking to provide answers to issues the world is currently grappling with.

So it was not a straightforward competition where I might have won by suggesting anything commonplace. This was a significant challenge because the other contenders were already working independently to guarantee their place in the following round. On top of that, I was unfamiliar with the challenge I was given.

I had to put some serious effort into coming up with solutions to the problem until I had something I could stand by. For the first few minutes, I was preoccupied with my thoughts as the clock was running. I was aware that I had to think of something that would work in the big picture. Fortunately, a compelling notion came to light that I suggested in my piece, and the following day I was both relieved and perplexed to learn that I had come in second place at this point. We were ranked third in the world tournament in the last round, and I was incredibly pleased with myself and my team for the fantastic accomplishment.

IELTS Speaking Cue Card Sample 2 - Describe A Time When You Needed To Use Your Imagination

The following is another model answer which students can use for their reference to answer IELTS describe a time when you needed to use your imagination topic:

When it came to conjuring up a narrative or an excuse, I was never very imaginative. However, during my time in school, everything changed when I was unexpectedly selected to speak in a discussion on a topic I was unfamiliar with as a result of an urgent issue rather than another individual.

The question we intended to discuss was whether or not the wealthy nations of the globe should exclusively be responsible for the greenhouse effects and subsequent environmental pollution brought on by their industrial emissions. Naturally, the issue was that I had no clear knowledge of environmental degradation, and as a result, I was unable to determine who was responsible for the harm.

However, I had to present my argument regardless of how much I knew about the subject. Thus, I began to envision the extreme natural occurrences that might occur in my nation, such as drought, longer summers, and shorter winters. Then, I also began to consider the actions taken by developed nations like the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Japan but not by developing nations, resulting in a list of potential justifications for why wealthy nations should have been held responsible for the environmental harms.

I never bothered to study any form of environmental pollution and destruction, whether they were natural or man-made, so I felt like I was lost in the middle of nowhere without a compass to give me any direction. Additionally, I thought that if my team lost the discussion, it would probably be my fault.

On the plus side, though, I thought I could at least assist my fellow debate partners by applying common sense. In fact, the idea that my school administration may depend on me to participate in the debate was reassuring to me. We lost the discussion, of course, but I did not lose because I accepted the challenge when my team was in trouble.

Vocabulary for IELTS Speaking Topic - Describe A Time When You Needed To Use Your Imagination

Here are some words you learn to use in the IELTS speaking test for the cue card topic - Describe a time when you needed to use your imagination:

Gratitude: The nature to express gratitude and to return kindness; thankfulness.

Comfort Zone: A situation in which one feels secure or comfortable.

Real-world situations: Refers to the world and life in general, as opposed to a specific person's life, experience, and ideals, which may seem out of the ordinary and idealistic.

Exhilarating: Exciting; making one feel extremely pleased, or lively.

Innovation: A novel approach, notion, item, etc.

Emissions: The act of producing and releasing anything, particularly gas or radiation.

Envision: Visualise as a potential future state.

The middle of nowhere: An extremely remote location.

Follow-Up Questions for Describe A Time When You Needed To Use Your Imagination

Below are follow-up questions on creativity, imagination in the workplace, and its advantages and disadvantages:

1. Can you describe the types of jobs that require you to be creative? And Why?

Every work requires creativity in some capacity. Certain vocations, in my opinion, do require a higher level of imagination than others. Some prominent occupations that require this skill are marketing, design, advertising, and education. The primary reason is that the work involved in these sectors cannot be monotonous and must be appropriate for the moment. For instance, an advertiser must focus on his target audience's wants, which can be variable, time-sensitive, and have specific demand-supply chain reactions. Similarly, a teacher must be creative while dealing with students. A 'one size fits all' strategy is not possible, as each child's or classroom's needs are different and must be addressed accordingly.

2. Which group of people do you think has a better imagination, youngsters or children?

I believe that children have more imagination than young people. They usually inquire about topics that we would not have ever considered. In contrast to young children, I believe that teenagers have a wider range of opportunities to experiment with their imaginative or creative abilities. They can invest more time into it, and they can even profit from it. Young people can now capitalise on their innovative and ergonomic abilities thanks to the emergence of quick streaming and YouTubing culture.

3. To develop a child's imagination, what subjects are helpful?

I believe that visual learning in the classroom may impart a lot to kids. They remember things more vividly than by memorising facts by heart if the curriculum is supplemented with illustrations, creative writing exercises, and storytelling. To become more involved in what they do, students can submit items they made with basic materials like clay or food colouring. Additionally, it is important to encourage them to ask plenty of questions because this will help them understand things better. I have no doubt that using these strategies will greatly enhance their creative abilities.

4. What is your opinion on the idea that people should have a sense of creativity in general?

This should go without saying. If not, then each home, each kitchen, and each garden would have had a similar appearance. The best method to establish each person's uniqueness and preferences are for them to attempt and invest in their creative and imaginative sense. This creative flair is typically seen in city streets, stores, and neighbourhoods. As technology allows us to peek into home décor concepts, interior design trends, and colour schemes, I believe that individuals nowadays want to learn more and advance these talents.

5. What are the advantages of having imaginative employees in the workplace? Why?

In an organisation, creative individuals are like a silver lining. They encourage other team members to participate and brighten the workplace. Overall, a company can gain a lot from its employees coming up with creative solutions that meet the current requirement. The majority of team meetings or brainstorming sessions held in businesses focus on finding original solutions. Therefore, creativity might be viewed as a benefit in the workplace.

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FAQs on IELTS Describe A Time When You Needed To Use Your Imagination

Is the IELTS cue card topic ‘Describe A Time When You Needed To Use Your Imagination’ difficult?

It depends on an applicant whether they find the IELTS cue card topic ‘Describe A Time When You Needed To Use Your Imagination’ difficult or not. In this section, all you simply have to do is to impress your examiner with your intellect and imagination. If you are not an imaginative person, you might start your description by stating that you are not. If you want to get more precise, you can outline the scenario where you have some creative freedom.

For how much time will I speak about the topic ‘Describe A Time When You Needed To Use Your Imagination’?

For this task, applicants will get one minute to use their imagination and prepare notes, and the IELTS examiner will ask them to talk for nearly one to two minutes. Overall, this section lasts for approximately three to four minutes and is meant to gauge your level of understanding of the subject and your speaking prowess.

How can I start writing the introduction part of the ‘Describe A Time When You Needed To Use Your Imagination’ topic?

You can start writing the introduction part of the ‘Describe A Time When You Needed To Use Your Imagination’ topic with the help of the following pointers:

  • I have the unfortunate habit of using my imagination practically constantly.

  • An inventive mind is really beneficial.

  • I will share an instance where I used my imagination.

  • You can always find a way to include a picture in a description.

Which questions should I answer while writing my answer about the ‘Describe A Time When You Needed To Use Your Imagination’ topic?

You should answer the following questions while writing my answer about the ‘Describe A Time When You Needed To Use Your Imagination’ topic:

  • When was it?

  • What did you imagine?

  • How difficult or easy was it?

  • How did you feel about it? 

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