Describe a Story Someone Told You: IELTS Cue Card

Looking for the best IELTS Cue Card sample answer for “Describe a Story Someone Told You”? This IELTS Speaking Part 2 topic tests your ability to narrate a memorable story clearly and confidently. In this guide, you’ll find Band 7+ sample answers, follow-up questions, vocabulary, and expert tips to improve your IELTS Speaking score.
- 1.IELTS Speaking Part 2 – IELTS Cue Card
- 2.Cue Card – Describe a Story Someone Told You
- 3.Describe a Story Someone Told You – Model Answer 1
- 4.Describe a Story Someone Told You – Model Answer 2
- 5.Describe a Story Someone Told You – Model Answer 3
- 6.IELTS Speaking Part 3 – Follow-Up Questions
- 7.Vocabulary for IELTS Cue Card: Describe a Story Someone Told You
- 8.Conclusion
- 9.FAQs
In this IELTS Speaking Cue Card, you need to describe a memorable story someone shared with you, explain who told it, what it was about, when you heard it, and why it stayed in your memory.
IELTS Speaking Part 2 – IELTS Cue Card
For IELTS Speaking Task 2 (Part 2), the examiner will give you an IELTS Cue Card with a specific topic. You will have one minute to prepare your answer and then speak for about 1–2 minutes.
For this topic, you will need to talk about “describe a story someone told you.” Once you finish speaking, the examiner will continue with Part 3, which involves a deeper discussion related to the topic.
Book Free Counselling Session
Cue Card – Describe a Story Someone Told You
You should say:
- Who told you the story
- What the story was about
- When you heard it
- And explain why you remember the story
Describe a Story Someone Told You – Model Answer 1
Introduction
We can all remember stories that are told to us, particularly those with a lesson. A story that sticks in my mind was one my grandfather told me.
Who told you the story
I heard a lot of stories from my grandfather but one left a mark on me.
What the story was about
It was about a farmer who worked very hard and yet faced many obstacles.
When you heard it
I heard this story when I was a child, and used to spend time with my grandparents.
Why you remember the story
It taught me to be patient and never to be disheartened. I still remember the story and it inspires me when I am facing challenges.
Conclusion
I still recall that story as it taught me a lesson in perseverance.
Describe a Story Someone Told You – Model Answer 2
Introduction
We hear stories from many people that motivate or delight us. A story I have heard was by my teacher.
Who told you the story
This story was told to me by my English teacher in the classroom.
What the story was about
It was about a great inventor who tried numerous times before he succeeded.
When you heard it
I heard it when I was in high school and we were talking about goal setting and determination.
Why you remember the story
The teacher told us how failure is a part of success. I remembered this and kept a positive attitude.
Conclusion
I remember this story because it taught me about failure and success.
Describe a Story Someone Told You – Model Answer 3
Introduction
There are few better ways of getting our attention than through the stories we’re hearing.
Who told you the story
A favourite story was shared with me by my elder cousin.
What the story was about
It involved his first time travelling alone to a foreign country.
When you heard it
He told it to our family one New Year’s Day.
Why you remember the story
I recall it because it was exciting and inspiring. It sparked my interest in travel and visiting other cultures.
Conclusion
This story stood out to me and sparked my curiosity for travelling.
IELTS Speaking Part 3 – Follow-Up Questions
The following are some of the follow-up questions for describe a story someone told you. During the IELTS exam, this discussion takes place for 4-5 minutes and includes more general questions about storytelling.
1. Why do we like to listen to stories?
Stories are enjoyable because they are fun and can teach us something.
2. Do all people enjoy the same stories?
Not necessarily because children might like fantasy stories, whereas adults might like realistic or motivating stories.
3. Do stories help us learn?
Yes, stories can help explain complex topics and make learning more interesting.
4. Have stories changed over time?
Now, we can share stories through films, podcasts and social media as well as by telling them verbally.
5. Do you think it’s important to be a good storyteller?
Yes, stories are useful to share ideas and connect with others.
Vocabulary for IELTS Cue Card: Describe a Story Someone Told You
| Word/Phrase | Meaning | Example Sentence |
| Inspiring | Motivating or encouraging | The story was inspiring and memorable. |
| Moral | Lesson learned from a story | The story had an important moral. |
| Memorable | Worth remembering | It was a memorable story from my childhood. |
| Narrate | To tell a story | My grandfather used to narrate interesting stories. |
| Perseverance | Continuing despite difficulty | The story highlighted perseverance. |
| Imaginative | Creative and full of ideas | Children enjoy imaginative stories. |
| Motivating | Encouraging action or confidence | The story was motivating. |
| Lesson | Something learned from experience | The story taught an important lesson. |
Read Also:
- Describe an Advertisement that You Don’t Like
- Dеscribе a Situation Whеn You Wеrе Latе
- Describe a course that you want to learn
- Describe a Photo That You are Proud of
Conclusion
IELTS Speaking cue card “Describe a Story Someone Told You” is an opportunity for the candidate to talk about his/her own experiences while showing their fluency and organisation. By describing who the storyteller was, what the story was about and why it was interesting, candidates can give a coherent answer and succeed in the IELTS Speaking test.
FAQs
You can describe a personal, motivational, fictional, or real-life story as long as you explain it clearly and make it memorable.
No, you just need to write a summary of the story and why it was memorable.
Yes, it can be made up, but you should explain how you heard it.
It should be around 1-2 minutes speaking and include all the points mentioned on the cue card.
Niladri Moitra
Niladri Moitra is an accomplished author, published writer, and senior verbal mentor with extensive experience in competitive and international exams, including IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, CAT, CLAT, GMAT, GRE, and SAT. With years of expertise in essay writing, ethics, CSAT, and SOP guidance, he has helped countless students secure admissions and career opportunities in India and abroad. As Managing Editor at Eternal Solutions, he combines academic insight with practical exam strategies to guide aspirants toward success.

