Last Updated on September 16, 2025
A cue card for the question Describe a time when you needed to use your imagination can be found in this IELTS speaking blog. The three sections of the IELTS Exam speaking test are the introduction, the cue card round, and the follow-up discussion round. You will have 11 to 15 minutes to showcase your communication abilities to the examiner.
We’ve included three model responses for this IELTS Speaking Cue Card along with follow-up questions, related vocabulary, and a conclusion to help you prepare effectively for common IELTS Cue Card topics.
IELTS Speaking Part 2 – IELTS Cue Card
In IELTS Speaking Task 2 (Part 2), you must prepare a cue card that will be provided by your examiner. Your topic will be “Describe A Time When You Needed To Use Your Imagination”, along with some sub-questions. You’ll be given 1 minute to prepare and then speak for 1–2 minutes.
The examiner will stop you once you cover all the given questions. Later, in IELTS Speaking Part 3, you’ll have a discussion round based on the same cue card. Preparing for such IELTS Speaking Cue Card tasks improves fluency, vocabulary, and confidence for the IELTS Exam.
Cue Card Topic – “Describe A Time When You Needed To Use Your Imagination”
You should say:
- When it was?
- Why you needed to use imagination?
- What you imagined?
- And explain how you felt about it?
Describe A Time When You Needed To Use Your Imagination – Model answer and Follow-up questions
The model cue card answers for the “Describe A Time When You Needed To Use Your Imagination” topic are given below. These examples will help you confidently tackle this IELTS Speaking Cue Card in the exam.
Model Answer 1 – Describe A Time When You Needed To Use Your Imagination
Introduction
An occasion on which I needed to be creative was at a school storytelling contest.
When it was
This occurred when I was in high school, which was around 15 years of age.
Why you needed imagination
The contest had us doing a on the spot story based on a random photograph.
What you imagined
I saw a picture of an abandoned island and I thought of a shipwreck and survival.
How you felt
Initially, I felt scared but as my brain got going I enjoyed it and even got the second place.
Conclusion
This experience demonstrated to me how effective creativity and creativity is and is a great IELTS Speaking Cue Card example.
Model Answer 2 – Describe A Time When You Needed To Use Your Imagination
Introduction
The other time I was required to apply imagination was during the design of a project in college.
When it was
This was in my last year whereby we were required to present a new product concept.
Why you needed imagination
Our group had no specific idea initially thus I was required to think outside the box to come up with something unique.
What you imagined
I envisioned a smart water bottle with the ability to monitor the levels of hydration and we designed on this concept.
How you felt
I was proud that my imagination became the practical solution and made an impression on the judges.
Conclusion
This experience emphasizes the way imagination can be able to resolve real-life problems and it would best fit an IELTS Speaking Cue Card answer.
Model Answer 3: Describe A Time When You Needed To Use Your Imagination
Introduction
The first occasion that I remembered when I applied imagination was in one of my drama practices at college.
When it was
This was two years ago, just before our cultural festival of the year.
Why you needed imagination
I needed to perform a character of the 18 th century and I did not have any source but books and documentaries.
What you imagined
I also envisioned myself in that historical era, attired in the traditional costumes and with an old-fashioned style of speech.
How you felt
It was not an easy task but it was fun and my performance was highly appreciated.
Conclusion
The drama practice was an enjoyable experience in terms of practicing creativity, and a valuable memory to tell during an IELTS Speaking Cue Card.
IELTS Speaking Part 3 – Describe A Time When You Needed To Use Your Imagination Follow-up Questions
Follow-up questions for “Describe a time when you needed to use your imagination” are given below. In the actual exam, this session lasts around 4–5 minutes. Preparing such answers will help you handle multiple IELTS Speaking Cue Card topics in the IELTS Exam.
- Is imagination important to you?
Yes imagination is significant as it enables people to think creatively and resolve issues.
- Does imagination have an application in everyday life?
Indeed, imagination is used by people in planning, decision making, and even in entertainment.
- Do children use imagination more than adults?
Of course, children are more imaginative per se, and adults usually think more practically.
- How can imagination help people at work?
It gives personnel the opportunity to be innovative and develop new solutions and enhance efficiency.
- Do you think schools should encourage imagination?
Yes, since imagination improves creativity, critical thinking and communication skills.
Read more: Describe Something Important That You Lost
Related Vocabulary: Describe A Time When You Needed To Use Your Imagination
| Word/Phrase | Meaning | Example Sentence |
| Creativity | Ability to produce original and unusual ideas | Creativity and imagination are linked closely. |
| Innovation | A new idea, method, or invention | Imagination leads to innovation in technology. |
| Visualization | Forming mental images of something | Visualization helps actors prepare for roles. |
| Brainstorming | Group discussion to generate ideas | We used brainstorming to fuel our imagination. |
| Inventive | Showing creativity and originality | His inventive story amazed the audience. |
| Storytelling | Act of narrating stories creatively | Storytelling competitions improve imagination. |
| Daydreaming | Imagining things when awake | Daydreaming sometimes sparks brilliant ideas. |
| Artistic | Creative or imaginative in the arts | Painting is one of the most artistic uses of imagination. |
Conclusion
Imagination is a powerful tool that helps us think creatively and solve problems. Preparing for the IELTS Speaking Cue Card “Describe A Time When You Needed To Use Your Imagination” allows candidates to share real experiences and showcase descriptive vocabulary. Such IELTS Cue Card topics are frequent in the IELTS Exam, and practicing them ensures fluency, confidence, and structured answers.
Read more: Describe A Resolution You Made In The New Year
FAQs
In the IELTS Speaking Part 2, cue cards are task cards containing a topic and prompts that the candidates have to talk about within 1-2 minutes.
Learning to be fluent, to have a good vocabulary, to provide structured responses and practicing by using common IELTS Speaking Cue Cards will help you make a score of 8.5.
Start with an introductory sentence, say: one of the occasions when my imagination was required was at a school competition.
As a dynamic social media content strategist and storyteller, Bhaskarjyoti blends creativity with data-driven precision to turn aspirations into action. With a keen understanding of what today’s students seek, he has redefined how study-abroad dreams are communicated, combining global trends with grounded Indian values. He also works across student guides, scholarship explainers, university deep-dives, and thought pieces, making study-abroad content both insightful and accessible. Always curious, always evolving – he believes that great content is not just about reach, but about impact. And that the right story, told the right way, can change a life.
