Describe a time when you felt bored

‘Describe a time when you felt bored’ - Cue card (IELTS Speaking) in Part 2 requires you to use vocabulary related to different situations, the type of persons with whom you spent time, etc., to elaborate on the time when you felt really bored. 

You should say

When was it?
Who you were with?
What were you doing?
Why did you feel bored?

Since the examiner will give a minute or two to prepare your speech, you can take a note if it helps you in the IELTS Speaking Part 2.

Describe a time when you felt bored IELTS cue card: Model answers and follow up questions

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Here, you will find three model answers and follow up questions pertaining to ‘describe a time when you felt bored cue card’. 

Model Answer 1:

Introduction:
There are various instances where we would feel bored, whether being alone or with someone else. Now, I would like to talk about one such instance where I was waiting alone for my friend for 2 hours near Anna Nagar, Chennai and how I felt bored.

When was it? 

It was 5 years ago when I was pursuing my undergraduate degree. I was at my uncle’s house, watching a movie. Suddenly, my friend called and asked me to wait at the Anna Nagar bus stop 30 minutes from now. Since he bought a new bike, he wanted to take me for a ride. Meanwhile, I got excited and left the house immediately. 

Who were with you?

I was alone, waiting for him at the bus stop for 2 hours. 

What were you doing?

I was literally thinking about his new bike and its specs. The bike's name is Yamaha Fazer (blue), which has a good road presence. After some time, I started imagining my dream bike, and how and when to buy it. 

Why did you feel bored?

I felt bored because I was all alone. No one to give company to me. Moreover, there was heavy rain and poor signal, so I couldn’t reach my other friends on the phone to have an interesting conversation. I had to wait till my friend arrived. 

Model Answer 2:

Introduction:

Recently, I attended an interview in Bangalore for a Data Analyst job. After the interview, I left the building and had no other work to do. I was waiting for the bus and started to feel bored. 

When was it? 

• It was in February last year. 
• After completing my graduation, I was looking for job opportunities in Bangalore.
• Since I studied Commerce and a diploma course in Data Analysis, I found many jobs in Bangalore with a better salary.
• Initially, I got a phone call from iServiceTechnologies company. The HR asked a couple of questions related to my professional experience.
• Since they were satisfied with the screening process, they called me for a face-to-face interview. 
• When I got this interview, I travelled to Bangalore and attended the first round. 

Who were with you?

• I travelled to Bangalore alone and made friends there quickly. 
• However, after the interview, I was standing alone. Whereas, others left immediately for their work.
• I called one of my friends in Chennai and walked towards the nearby bus stop.
• After 5 minutes, I cut the call as there was nothing much to talk about. 

What were you doing?

• I started walking towards my room at Domlur. 
• Since it is 5 km from the company, I walked for almost one hour to reach my destination.
• While walking, I encountered many places like a historical monument, a defence academy, a play school, etc.
• Strangely, a stray dog was following me for 2 km and suddenly disappeared.

Why did you feel bored?

• I felt bored because I had no work to do after the interview.
• Since it was a working day, I couldn’t call or meet anybody as they were busy working. 
• Moreover, I am not fond of movies or other entertainment. 

Model Answer 3:

Introduction:
During the Covid-19 pandemic, everyone must have witnessed life-threatening situations. Fortunately, I didn’t encounter any such experience. However, I felt bored during the national lockdown as time passed inch by inch. 

When was it?
It was in March 2020 when the Central government announced a nationwide lockdown to curb the spread of Coronavirus. Without any prior notice or information, the government imposed the lockdown overnight. Nobody could buy enough groceries, food items, etc., to meet their daily needs.  

Who you were with?
During the lockdown, my entire family was staying at home. Since it was a weekend, all my uncles and aunts came for a one-day visit. Then they stayed with us for more than six months. 

What were you doing?
Majority of the time, I was doing work from home, attending meetings, talking to various people and writing reports. Then I was chit-chatting with my cousins, pulling their legs, experimenting with new food recipes, and so on. Later, I started a new hobby of reading books. Surprisingly, I could finish one book called ‘The Immortals of Meluha’. 

Why did you feel bored?
I felt bored because I could spend time only on work, talking with friends and family, and reading books. Apart from that, I couldn’t go out. Everything became online. There’s no need to go out and buy anything. On the other hand, most of my family members were here for more than 4 - 5 months, so I had nothing more to do with them. 

IELTS Speaking Test Part 3: Follow up Questions

Depending on your reply to the cue card - ‘describe a time when you felt bored’ the IELTS examiner will ask follow-up questions in IELTS Speaking Test part 3. They are as follows:

Q1. When do people feel bored?
People feel bored when they lack interest in an activity or if there is no one to talk to. Some get bored when they have no place to go. It's obvious that people need something interesting to keep their mind occupied.

Q2. What can people do when they feel bored?
Nowadays, people mostly end-up watching movies and series on Amazon Prime, NETFLIX, Disney Hotstar, etc. Whereas, some go for a long drive or a short trip to hill stations. Sadly, people have lost the habit of reading books. Back in the days when there were no smartphones, computers and the internet, people invested their time in self-improvement and learning new skills.    

Q3. Do people get bored with their daily routines?
Yes. Since people work in a stressful environment, it makes them bored with their daily routine. They started searching for a place filled with serenity and peace. Moreover, daily routines decrease enthusiasm for doing and eventually create boredom.  

Q4. Is it easier for younger people to feel bored than older people?
Absolutely! Since younger people want excitement in everything they do, they feel bored easier than older people if they don’t get it. Younger people want to enjoy every moment of their life, if they can’t do it, they feel bored.  

Q5. What can people possibly do when they are bored?
When people are bored, they must follow their passion. It is not necessarily useful like doing social services. But, it can be learning a new skill like a musical instrument, singing, dance, sports, etc.   

Related IELTS cue card topics

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Conclusion

The IELTS Speaking cue card - Describe a time when you felt bored is one of the commonly-asked sample questions in speaking mock tests. If you practice more sample questions similar to this, you can improve your speaking skills significantly.