The IELTS exam is the main exam that is required by students to appear for universities abroad. The exam is divided into four sections: writing, reading, listening, and speaking. As you approach the IELTS exam, you will also appear for the speaking section of the exam. In the speaking section of the IELTS exam, you will be required to speak on a cue card for a few minutes.
In this article, we will be discussing the cue card Describe a time when you were sleepy but had to stay awake. The model answers will help you frame your answers or you can use these answers in the exam to perform well.
Model answer 1: Describe a time when you were sleepy but had to stay awake
When was it And Where You Were
This is about when I was in 5th grade when my elder brother decided to travel to our home during vacations. He lives in a foreign country for higher studies and I always wonder when he will come to our place, as we share a really special bond.
Why You Were Sleepy
I had school in the morning and a lot of homework to do, so I was tired and sleepy. With a lot of excitement about him coming home after so many days, I decided to complete all the work in the evening. By the end of the day, I was sleepy; this was the time when I decided to stay awake.
Why You Had To Stay Awake
His flight was timed to land at 2 am. He had to reach home by 4 am, so I decided to keep myself awake. I was excited to meet him after so many days.
Model answer 2: Describe a time when you were sleepy but had to stay awake
When It Was And Where You Were
It was the time when I was in the final year of my graduation. It was the exam for the most unwanted subject that was difficult for me. I was worried all the time and always wanted someone to help with the questions. I was at home, preparing myself for the exam.
Why You Were Sleepy
I was sleepy during the whole preparation for the exam, as I had another exam one day before this one. Preparing for the exam exhausted me and I was really worried if I would have a chance to get a nap.
Why You Had To Stay Awake
I had to stay awake to prepare myself for that exam. If I had not prepared myself, then I would have scored bad marks my graduation, which was supposed to be disappointing for me.
Model answer 3: Describe a time when you were sleepy but had to stay awake
When It Was And Where You Were
My mother underwent lower abdominal surgery a few years ago because she was experiencing throbbing pain and the doctor recommended that she be operated on. That night, after the surgery in the hospital, when the doctors moved her to a room, the nurse asked me to monitor the drips.
Why You Were Sleepy
That night, I was very scared and exhausted. My eyes wandered to take a nap, but my mind and heart refused, and the eternal love for my mother provided me with a lot of energy to stay awake. You know, I have had so many ups and downs in my life, and no matter what, she was always there for me. And in her agony, I have to be there for her.
Why You Had To Stay Awake
The nurse explained that those drips are necessary to allow the body to adjust to the changes that occur after surgery. I was told to inform her before that packet went empty so that she could fill it again. Furthermore, she stated that it should not become empty because it will fill the body with unwanted air, which may result in blood clotting.
Follow-up questions: Describe a time when you were sleepy but had to stay awake
When did you have to stay awake?
Once, during an overnight train journey, I struggled to stay awake as the rhythmic clatter of the tracks lulled me into drowsiness.
How do you manage your sleep?
Whenever I feel sleepy, I tend to give some time to other activities like walking and gardening. So that I can feel better and even be more productive at work.
Are there any moments when you sleep, leave the moment, and sleep?
Yes, there were a lot of moments when I was happy about my brother’s arrival and I was wondering how to keep myself awake but unfortunately, I slept.
How do you keep yourself awake?
I tend to keep myself awake with the little things, just like I keep drinking water or eating small snacks. If I want to stay awake for my studies, I tend to involve myself in an interesting topic or mathematical problem.
Other Cue Card:
Describe Some Technology That You Decided To Stop Using: IELTS Cue Card
Describe a Library you have Visited Cue Card
Describe a female leader you like: IELTS cue card
Describe a Job You Would Not Like to Do: IELTS Cue Card
Describe an art exhibition that you have visited: IELTS Cue Card
Neha Sharma is an IELTS faculty with a decade of experience in teaching IELTS. She holds a PhD in English from Stanford University, USA. Excelling in tailoring her teaching to individual student needs, she has helped over 50,000 students achieve their target scores. Actively involved in research, she ensures that her methods remain effective and innovative.
