Describe an occasion that you found something that someone else lost
You should say:
– What it was and to whom it belonged
– How you found it
– How you felt about it
(What it was and to whom it belonged)
MODEL ANSWER
It was about 10 years ago but I still remember the occasion vividly. At the time, I was running some errands for my mother, and stopped by a coffee shop to grab a cup of mocha on my way home. As I walked out the door and to my bike, I noticed a big fat wallet lying on the ground just off the curb. I picked it up, gave a quick look around to see if there was anyone nearby who might have dropped it, and then pondered what to do next.
(How you found it)
As I put it, the way I came across the wallet was so incidental. Young and inexperienced as I was at that time, I felt really nervous in handling this situation appropriately. More unfortunately, there was no information card or any details about the owner inside the wallet. After waiting for 20 minutes for the owner to come back for the wallet, I decided to take it to the police station staff and told them where I found it. I really hope the owner was reunited with it after calling the station’s lost and found center.
(How you felt about it)
It felt good to return someone’s missing possession, because I can understand that helpless feeling when you drop your wallet. After all, they’ve just lost something very important, and the consequences for them can range from aggravating to downright terrible. Returning their property to them in a safe place to trace made me feel utterly relieved. I would hope that we would all have the honesty and compassion to do the right thing, and to suitably recognize the generosity of those who do.
Vocabulary for IELTS Speaking Part 2
1. vividly [adv]: in a way that is very clear, powerful, and detailed in your mind
Eg: Research suggested that people can vividly recall events that never happened.
2. run errands [expression]: to go out to buy or do something
Eg: After school he runs errands for his father.
3. ponder [v]: to think carefully about something, especially for a noticeable length of time
Eg: She sat back for a minute to ponder her next move in the game.
4. incidental [adj]: less important than the thing something is connected with or part of
Eg: Try not to be distracted by incidental details.
5. handle [v]: to deal with, have responsibility for, or be in charge of
Eg: I thought he handled the situation very well.
6. reunite [v]: to bring people together again
Eg: Sarah was finally reunited with her children at the airport.
7. possession [n]: something that you own or that you are carrying with you at a particular time
Eg: Please remember to take all your personal possessions with you when you leave the aircraft.
8. aggravating [adj]: annoying
Eg: Aggravating factors can affect the sentence set by the court.
9. downright [adv]: actually or completely
Eg: Their working conditions were downright unhealthy.
10. compassion [n]: a strong feeling of sympathy and sadness for the suffering or bad luck of others and a wish to help them
Eg: I was hoping she might show a little compassion