Describe a Time You Were Sleepy But Had to Stay Awake - IELTS Cue Card

"Describe a time you were sleepy but had to stay awake" is a sample cue card topic given in this article for your IELTS speaking cue card test. There are three sections of the IELTS speaking test: the introduction, the cue card round, and the follow-up discussion round. You will have 11 to 15 minutes to present your ideas and communication abilities to the examiner. We've included four model responses for this IELTS speaking cue card, along with follow-up questions, to help you improve your skills and help you come up with ideas.

Describe a Time You Were Sleepy But Had to Stay Awake - IELTS Speaking Part 2 Cue Card

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For IELTS Speaking Task 2 (Part 2), the examiner will give you a cue card prompt similar to the topic "Describe a time you were sleepy but had to stay awake ". After you speak about the topic , the examiner will also ask some sub questions to talk about the cue card for a minute or two. You have to keep talking and the examiner will stop you once you cover all the given questions. The IELTS speaking part 3 will have a follow-up section, which will be a discussion around, based on the topic on your cue card.

Describe a time you were sleepy but had to stay awake

You should say

• When it was and where you were?
• Why were you sleepy?
• Why do you have to stay awake?
• And how did you stay awake at that moment? 

Describe a Time You Were Sleepy But Had to Stay Awake - Model answer 1

Introduction

I can always stay awake if I have my exams. But, apart from that it is not my cup of tea to stay awake when I am drowsy. There have been several instances of this, but I'd like to focus on the time I was travelling for a wedding in Jaipur.

When it was and where you were?

I was in Mumbai and wanted to board a flight to Jaipur for my cousin's wedding. My flight was at 11pm from Chatrapati Shivaji Airport. I started from my office by 7pm and reached the airport before 9pm. 

Why were you sleepy?

I was already having a hectic day at the office and due to all the rush and sleeplessness the previous day, made me feel dizzy and sleepy. I cannot sleep as I have to board the flight and was waiting for my boarding call. I cannot miss my flight as the next morning I have to be in Jaipur to attend the wedding. 

Why do you have to stay awake?

I had to be awake and mentally present as I shouldn’t miss the boarding call. After boarding the flight too, I didn't get any sleep. It was 4 early in the morning when I reached Jaipur the next day. Immediately I got freshed up and got ready for the wedding. 

How did you stay awake at that moment?

I was only consuming tea and coffee to stay awake.

Conclusion

In conclusion, having a sleepy head always makes it hard to stay awake.

Describe a Time You Were Sleepy But Had to Stay Awake - Model answer 2

Introduction
Everyone focuses on their work and studies, I suppose. But occasionally, instead of focusing on a crucial conversation or other important task, we become sleepy. Sleeplessness is the cause of this situation. And now I'd like to talk about a time when I needed to stay awake despite being sleepy. I will give a brief explanation.

when it was and where you were?
When I was in school, the principal of my school organised a seminar for the students to educate them on junk food. Preeti, a well-known dietician, was invited to this seminar by the principal teacher. At ten in the morning, the seminar began. in my school's examination room. There were teachers and every student in the school. Preet, a dietitian, began his presentation.

Why were you sleepy?
She had everyone's attention, but I was sound asleep. Actually, I was finishing up my presentation that night, which I had to turn in within three days. I consequently didn't get the sleep I needed that night. I therefore felt sleepy during Dietitian Preet's lecture but I had to stay awake. Since I was exhausted, I'm not sure what dietitian Preet taught the students.

Why do you have to stay awake?
He began asking students questions about what he had said after the lecture. I was afraid because I had no idea and as a result of it I had to stay awake. By God's grace, however, he refrained from quizzing me about his lecture.

And how did you stay awake at that moment?
I simply sat and stared, which helped me to shake off my sleep.

Conclusion
To recapitulate, I took away from this that I should finish tasks on time and that getting enough sleep can keep us active all day without getting any sleep and improve our ability to focus and learn.

Describe a Time You Were Sleepy But Had to Stay Awake - Model answer 3

Introduction
Since I suffer from insomnia, staying awake is not a challenge for me, even when I feel sleepy.

when it was and where you were?
I like to stay up late, so I don't think having a white night is unusual for me. Specifically, I'd like to talk about a night when I had to stay up all night to prepare a 2 kgs of Chung Cake for the New Year at my cousin’s place.

Why were you sleepy?
But this time while baking for so long I got tired and felt sleepy and this has never happened in months.

Why do you have to stay awake?
You probably already know that one of the biggest festivals in Vietnam is Tet, or Lunar New Year. Making Chung Cake is one of the many events taking place before the Lunar New Year that I am most looking forward to. Chung cake is time-consuming to make, however, and requires the assistance of several people. The cake can be cooked for up to 12 hours. I was forced to spend the entire night baking the cake with my cousins.

And how did you stay awake at that moment?
I actually drank a cup of Vietnamese black-iced coffee to keep awake while I waited for the Chung Cake to be cooked; this was a lifesaver that kept me awake the entire night. In addition, my cousins joined me for a white night, and we talked until dawn.

Conclusion
In summary, I am able to function without sleeping the entire day; however, when my mind and body grow tired, I drink a cup of coffee as previously mentioned to counteract the sleep. It is also true that coffee, which contains caffeine, prevents the brain's adenosine receptors from working to promote sleep.

Describe a Time You Were Sleepy But Had to Stay Awake - Model answer 4

Introduction
There were numerous occasions when I wanted to sleep but was forced to stay awake.

when it was and where you were?
It was the day of my NEET exam and I was in the middle of my preparations. I usually get up around 4 or 5 in the morning to study in my room.

Why were you sleepy?
Therefore, on the day of exam I woke up at the same time and while I was appearing for my exam I was continuously yawning and my mind was tire. I was feeling dull and I was barely able to concentrate.

Why do you have to stay awake?
As I previously stated, I was taking my exam, but fortunately I did well on it and was accepted into one of my city's top government medical colleges.

And how did you stay awake at that moment?
I maintained mental stability to prevent daydreaming, and I gave my exam my full attention and concentration.

Conclusion
In conclusion, having a sleepy head always makes it hard to stay awake.

IELTS speaking part 3 - Describe a time you were sleepy but had to stay awake  follow up questions

Follow-up questions for “Describe a time you were sleepy but had to stay awake ” are given below. In the actual exam, The IELTS speaking part 3 - follow up question session is conducted for 4-5 minutes where you have to discuss questions about a general topic or question on your cue card.

1. On what occasions do people need to stay awake even when they are tired?
   When a person has to study for an exam, when there is a function at home, when a sick person is at home, or when they are travelling, they need to stay awake.
2. How do they keep awake when they are tired?
   They drink some coffee or tea, which keeps them awake. They might also stretch and take a few steps to reenergize themselves. To stay awake, they might wash their faces or even take a bath.
3. Why do people feel tired a lot nowadays?
   Most people lack adequate sleep. That is why they are worn out. People don't get enough sleep because they are glued to their gadgets. Work overload is the second factor. People have developed work addictions. Additionally, they might experience nutritional deficiencies that result in anaemia, which can fatigue people.
4. What kind of people lack sleep?
   People of all ages lack sleep, but children are the most severely affected. Distractions like smartphones and tablets are all around them. They disregard getting sleep as they continue chatting or playing online games.

Check out the other IELTS cue card topics to practice

• Describe an achievement that you are proud of
• Describe a village near hometown
• Describe a conversation topic you were not interested
• Describe a country you would like to visit