Ielts Writing Task 2
January 23, 2025
As your coach, I’ve prepared for you 4 model answers and follow-up questions on the IELTS Speaking Cue Card topic: “Describe a time when you made a promise to someone.” Use these to prepare and feel better with this cue card topic on test day!
The IELTS Speaking test is divided into three parts, each designed to assess your overall English skills in different ways. These include:
An introductory section where you’ll answer basic questions about yourself.
- A long-turn individual test, where you’ll speak about a given Cue Card topic for 1-2 minutes.
- A discussion-based section, where you’ll answer questions related to the Cue Card topic in more depth.
With these examples and subsequent questions, I will help build your confidence, build your responses accordingly, and prepare you overall for the speaking test.
Describe a Time You Made a Promise to Someone
You should say:
To whom did you make the promise?
What was the promise?
Why did you make the promise?
Was the promise easy to achieve?
#1 Sample Describe a Time You Made a Promise to Someone
Introduction
Well, it is easy to promise, but keeping them requires a good deal of time and effort. I believe fulfilling a promise explains much about a person’s reliability and commitment.
To whom did you make the promise?
Here, I would like to share an instance when I made a promise to one of my best friends.
What was the promise?
I vowed my friend that I would help him prepare for a marathon he wanted to run.
Why did you do it?
My friend decided to run the 10-kilometer marathon for the first time last year. Despite being motivated, he didn’t have proper practice sessions often getting discouraged. I realized how much it meant to him so promised to back him throughout his training to keep him motivated.
Was the promise easy to attain?
Honestly, it was so difficult. Waking up every morning at exactly an ungodly hour to train no matter what the weather was, was a harsh routine that we had to keep at bay each and every day. There were even days when both of us thought we wanted to stop, but I kept remembering the promise I had made. I also tagged along with him on his practice runs. This was making the process easier and less tasking for him.
Conclusion
Finally, all the efforts bore fruit. The friend ran the marathon successfully and was so happy, it made me very happy. The experience has taught me how important keeping promises is because they are the most effective way to get someone motivated to achieve something meaningful.
#2 Sample Describe a Time You Made a Promise to Someone
Introduction
Promises are an important part of our lives as they indicate that we are serious and committed to others. Today, I would like to tell you a story about a promise I made and how I kept it.
To whom did you make the promise?
I made this promise to my younger sister.
What was the promise?
I promised her that I would teach her how to ride a bicycle before her birthday.
Why did you make the promise?
My sister had always been fascinated by cycling but was afraid of falling. She had mentioned several times that she wanted to learn but lacked confidence. With her birthday approaching, I wanted to gift her this skill and see her enjoy her special day to the fullest. So, I made a promise to teach her how to cycle within a month.
Was the promise easy to achieve?
Not as I had thought. She was scared and would not even try at first. I had to be so patient and encouraging. I spent an hour every evening with her, holding the bicycle steady and motivating her to trust herself. Gradually she gained balance and confidence. At the end of the month, she was riding confidently without any help.
Conclusion
This promise made me extremely happy and taught me patience and persistence. The most satisfying moment was seeing my sister happily riding her bicycle.
#3 Sample Describe a Time You Made a Promise to Someone
Introduction
Promises make us step extra and satisfying that promise makes for satisfaction. I’d love to discuss a promise with my grandmother.
To whom do you owe the promise?
I made it with my grandmother, who’s precious to me.
What’s the promise?
I said to her that I was gonna prepare her favorite dish. Her dish happens to be lasagna for her birthday.
Why do you owe this promise?
My grandmother loved homemade food, especially lasagna. I had never cooked anything in my life. One time she jokingly mentioned that she would be glad if I could prepare it for her birthday. Even though I was not experienced in this regard, I wished to please her, so I told her that I would do it.
Was the promise easy to achieve?
No! I had to watch lots of cooking videos and try a few times before I got it just right. The first attempts did not go so well, but I did not stop trying. Finally, when it was her birthday, I managed to cook an absolutely perfect lasagna. She was overjoyed and even said it was the best birthday surprise she had ever received.
Conclusion
It really made me realize that it’s so fulfilling to keep one’s promise, especially if one is going to be very happy because of it. Also, it boosted my confidence to try new things.
#4 Sample Describe a Time You Made a Promise to Someone
Introduction
Making promises is easy but taking pains to keep them requires so much dedication and effort. I would like to share one time when I made a promise that turned out to be a life-changing experience for me.
To whom did you make the promise?
I made this promise to my best friend.
What was the promise?
I promised him that I would help him get fit by motivating him to exercise regularly and follow a healthy routine.
Why did you make the promise?
My friend was suffering from obesity and most of the time felt very low in energy. He wanted to be fit but was unable to initiate it. One day he shared how this was lowering his confidence. Seeing him so low, I promised him that I would support him in all his fitness-related activities.
Was the promise easy to achieve?
Not at all. At first, it was hard for both of us. I had to adjust my routine so that we could work out together in the morning. There were some days when he wanted to quit, but I kept encouraging him and even pushed myself to try new workouts to keep things fresh. Over a few months, we both saw massive improvements in his fitness levels and energy.
Conclusion
It made our bond stronger, and, it taught me how to keep promises and be consistent to help others. This is really a reminder that promises could really help if they’re fulfilled.
IELTS speaking part 3 – Describe a Time You Made a Promise to Someone- Follow-up questions
- Generally speaking, do Indian parents make promises to their children?
Absolutely. Indian parents often make promises to their children to help them build a strong character and stay focused on their studies. - How do you feel when others break their promises?
It is rather disappointing when someone does not keep their promise. People should avoid making promises that they cannot fulfill. - Do most people fulfill their promises?
Yes, most people do keep their promises. They do so to maintain trust and often to set a positive example for their children. - Do children also make promises to their parents?
Yes, children often promise their parents to behave well, respect their elders, and complete their schoolwork on time. They may also commit to reducing screen time and studying more. On the other hand, when parents occasionally fail to keep their promises, they usually explain the reasons, ensuring their children understand the situation. - Which promises are easy to fulfill?
Promises that require minimal physical or mental effort are the easiest to fulfill. For example, committing to buy a small treat like chocolate for children is usually simple to accomplish. - What do people do when they are not able to fulfill their promises?
Some people are honest and acknowledge their mistakes, making an effort to improve. Others might just forget about the commitment and walk away without much thought. - What are the reasons behind breaking someone’s promise?
There are several reasons. Firstly, if fulfilling the promise conflicts with their priorities, they may break it. Secondly, some promises are just too difficult or unrealistic to accomplish. - Why do some people feel happy after breaking a promise instead of feeling guilty?
If the promise was causing stress or involved something unethical or harmful, breaking it might bring relief. In such cases, people feel comforted rather than guilty for their decision.
