Describe Something That You Did With Someone

Introduction: Describe Cue Card Questions

If you’re preparing for IELTS speaking test, you’ve probably faced the cue card questions in Part 2. These prompts like “describe something that you did with someone” are more than just conversation starters. They’re an opportunity to shine. Given a minute to prepare, you then speak for 1 to 2 minutes, showcasing fluency, coherence, vocabulary and grammar. These are the skills that make up your band score. For many, this section is a source of anxiety but it’s a chance to show off your English skills with finesse.

Why does this matter? IELTS speaking test values communication over perfection. A question like “describe something that you did with someone” is asking you to share a personal experience, linking your life to the examiner’s criteria. With over 3 million IELTS tests taken every year, according to the British Council, mastering this part can set you apart. This blog will show you how to tackle this cue card, with a clear approach, a solid structure, a sample answer and practice tips. Ready to turn your nerves into a 7+ band score? Let’s get started!

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How to Approach “Describe Something That You Did With Someone”

Meeting a cue card can be daunting but a thoughtful approach turns it into an advantage. “Describe something that you did with someone” requires a specific memory involving another person, perhaps a friend, family member or colleague. The trick is to choose an experience that’s vivid, relevant and rich with details to talk about. Here’s how:

Start by brainstorming quickly. Use your prep minute to list 2 or 3 ideas, maybe a team project, a party or a journey. Pick one that has depth: who was with you, what happened, why it mattered. Avoid vague moments; clarity is key to fluency. Next, recall the sensory details, sights, sounds, or emotions. This will add layers to your story and impress the examiners with your varied language. Finally, think about its significance. Did you learn something or deepen a connection? This adds reflection and boosts your score .Not for IELTS candidates, just storytelling. It’s a strategy. A good topic allows you to use past tenses, descriptive words and connectors, all essential for a high score. Don’t overcomplicate; choose something you can talk about easily. Want to get this? Here’s the next section.

How to Structure Your Answer: “Describe Something That You Did With Someone”

A clear structure helps you stay focused in IELTS speaking Part 2, and coherence for the examiner. For “describe something that you did with someone”, a 7-part format ensures you cover everything without wandering. Here’s the plan:

1. Opening Statement: Introduce the topic briefly. For example, “I’d like to talk about a time I cooked a meal with my best friend.”
2. What You Did: Explain the activity clearly. “We decided to cook a three-course dinner from scratch.”
3. Who You Did It With: Present the person and your relationship. “My friend is someone I’ve known for years and we like to try new things together.”
4. Context and Background: Share why or when it happened. “It was a weekend evening and we wanted to relax after a busy month.”
5. The Experience: Describe what happened. “We laughed a lot especially when the sauce spilled everywhere!”
6. Why It Mattered: Highlight its importance. “It strengthened our friendship and showed me how much fun teamwork can be.”
7. Closing Reflection: End with a conclusion. “Looking back it’s a memory I treasure for its simplicity and joy.”

This format, takes around 1.5 to 2 minutes when spoken, meets IELTS scoring needs: fluency through smooth delivery, coherence through logical flow, vocabulary with varied words, and grammar with different tenses. Practice this and your answer will feel polished every time. Want to see how it works? Let’s get to a sample answer next.

Example Answer: A Model Response for “Describe Something That You Did With Someone”

Here’s a model answer to help you with your IELTS preparation. It follows the structure, uses natural language and balances detail with brevity, aiming for a 7+ band score.

“I’d like to talk about a time I planned a surprise birthday party with my younger brother. We decided to do it for our cousin who was turning 21 and loves surprises. My brother and I are close and like to work on fun projects together so this felt like a perfect fit. It was a few months ago when our cousin was out for the day so we had a window of opportunity to prepare.”We split the work: I took care of the decorations, blowing up balloons and hanging streamers, and my brother baked a chocolate cake, his specialty. The day was buzzing. We rushed around, laughing nervously as we hid the supplies and welcomed a few close friends. When our cousin arrived, their shocked and happy face made it all worth it.

What I liked was that we did it together. Our teamwork turned a crazy plan into something beautiful. Looking back it’s a memory I treasure, it shows how shared efforts create lasting bonds.

This 180-word answer, takes about 1.5 minutes to speak, uses past tenses (“decided”, “hurried”), descriptive words (“stunned”, “special”) and linking words (“while”, “when”), meets IELTS bands. It’s relatable so candidates can adapt it to their own stories. Ready to build yours? Next section has practice tips to help you get there.

Tips for Practicing and Preparing for the Describe Cue Cards

Master “describe something that you did with someone” requires practice but smart techniques can get you higher IELTS score. Here are 8 practical tips to build your confidence and fluency:

1. Brainstorm Daily: Spend 5 minutes daily listing experiences like cooking, traveling or working with someone. Create a mental bank of topics.
2. Follow the Structure: Use the 7 part format for every practice response. Repetition is key under pressure.
3. Record Yourself: Use your phone to record yourself then review. Identify pauses, filler words like “um” or grammar errors to correct.
4. Expand Vocabulary: Learn alternatives, swap “nice” for “pleasant” or “thrilling”. Examiners love lexical range.
5. Practice Past Tense: Cue cards often require past narration (“did”, “was”). Blend simple past and past perfect (“had done”) for grammar variety.
6. Time Your Responses: Aim for 1.5 to 2 minutes. Use a timer to simulate test conditions, don’t rush or drag.
7. Get Feedback: Share with a study partner or tutor. External input catches things you might miss.
8. Simulate Pressure: Use random cue card prompts from online sources and practice with a 1 minute preparation, test day stress.

Why bother? IELTS rewards effort. Cambridge studies show daily speaking practice can take a candidate from Band 5 to 7. Start simple: describe a meal with a friend today, a task tomorrow. The more you practice the more instinctive it becomes. Imagine yourself in the exam, cue card in hand, full of confidence. Let’s end with a final nudge!

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Conclusion

The “describe something that you did with someone” cue card isn’t just a question. It’s your opportunity to dazzle. For IELTS candidates, Part 2 is fluency and storytelling, and a good response can take your speaking score from average to exceptional. This blog has got you covered: an approach to choose your experiences, a structure to stand out, a model to follow and tips to practice effectively. Don’t let nerves wash you out. Just as disciplined investment grows wealth in India’s economy, consistent practice grows your skills here. Define your story, craft your delivery and walk into the exam shining. Millions aim for IELTS success every year; your edge is in preparation. Start today, describe tonight, perfect tomorrow, and soon Band 7+ won’t be a dream. It’ll be a reality. You have the tools; now use them!