Scorify.uzThe cue card
Describe a memorable event in your life.
You should say:
- what the event was
- when and where it happened
- who was involved
- and explain why it was memorable
Band 7 sample answer
One of the most memorable events in my life was my graduation from high school three years ago. It took place in the main hall of my school on a warm June afternoon, and my parents, grandparents and best friends were all there.
I remember feeling nervous and excited at the same time. When my name was called, I walked across the stage to receive my certificate, and the whole audience applauded. Afterwards we took lots of photos in the garden, and the teachers who had helped me for years congratulated me personally.
It was memorable because it marked the end of one stage of my life and the beginning of another. I felt proud that my hard work had paid off, and I was also a little sad to say goodbye to my classmates. Even now, looking at those photos makes me smile.
Later that evening, we had a big family dinner at my favourite restaurant, and my father made a short speech about how quickly the years had passed. I could see tears in his eyes, which surprised me because he rarely shows his emotions in public.
About 189 words, roughly 1 minutes of natural speech.
Key vocabulary
- a milestone — an important stage
- pay off — bring good results
- bittersweet — happy and sad at the same time
- cherish — value deeply
- a turning point — a moment of important change
- overwhelmed — feeling too much emotion
- vivid memory — a very clear memory
Tips for this cue card
- Tell the story in order: before, during, after.
- Describe feelings with varied adjectives, not only “happy”.
- Use past continuous for background: “people were applauding”.
Part 3 follow-up questions
Why do people celebrate important events?
Idea: Celebrations strengthen family bonds, mark achievements and create shared memories.
Are traditional celebrations changing?
Idea: Yes, many are becoming shorter or more commercial, but family elements usually remain.
Do you think photos are important for memories?
Idea: They help us remember details, though being too busy taking photos can stop us enjoying the moment.
More discussion questions with full answers: IELTS Speaking Part 3 topics.
Study guides
How Is IELTS Scored in Speaking and Writing? Criteria, Weighting and Rounding
The short answer first, then the Speaking and Writing criteria tables, how Task 1 and Task 2 combine and how the overall band is rounded.
IELTS Speaking Band Descriptors Explained in Plain English
The IELTS Speaking test is marked on four criteria. Here is what each one means at bands 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, with short examples you can compare with your own answers.
IELTS Speaking Part 2: How Many Minutes to Speak (With a Practice Timer)
How long Part 2 lasts (1 minute to prepare, 1–2 minutes to speak), a practice timer, a four-step structure and a model answer.