A couple of months ago, I visited a boutique café called The Gilded Bean in the heart of the city. I had popped in on a rainy Tuesday afternoon, desperate for a quiet corner to finish a pressing work project. The place was bustling, but I was immediately greeted by a barista named Elias, who had an incredibly welcoming demeanour. Despite the rush, he didn't just point me to a table; he actually took the time to suggest a window seat that had a power outlet, which I hadn't even thought to ask for. What really stood out was his attention to detail. When I ordered a flat white, he noticed I was buried in paperwork and asked if I wanted a pastry to go with it, not in an upsell way, but genuinely concerned that I looked like I was skipping lunch. He eventually brought over a complimentary ginger biscuit, saying it would help me power through the afternoon. I found the service exceptional because it felt completely authentic rather than scripted. Elias managed to balance efficiency with a personal touch that is increasingly rare in fast-paced city environments. He made me feel like a valued guest rather than just another transaction. By the time I left, I felt significantly more productive and in a much better mood. It is that kind of proactive approach—anticipating a customer's needs before they even voice them—that turns a standard coffee break into a memorable experience. I have since recommended the place to all my colleagues, largely because of that initial interaction.
The cue card
Describe a time when you received good service in a shop or restaurant
You should say:
- →What the shop or restaurant was
- →When you went there
- →Who served you
- →And explain why you thought the service was good
One minute to prepare, then speak for one to two minutes.
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One minute to prepare, then up to two minutes to speak. Cover every point on the card, then compare with the Band 8 answer below.
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An experience
How to answer this cue card: a one-minute plan
- 1
Note down the specific setting and the staff member's name to ground your story.
- 2
Follow the bullet points sequentially to ensure your narrative remains logical and well-structured.
- 3
Focus on one specific 'why' factor to provide depth rather than listing multiple generic reasons.
Model answer
Band 8 sample answer
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Record your answer to this cue card: one minute of preparation, two minutes to speak, then request AI feedback on fluency, vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation.
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Useful vocabulary for this cue card
boutique
A small, exclusive shop offering specialised, high-quality goods.
demeanour
The outward behaviour or bearing of a person.
upsell
Persuading a customer to purchase a more expensive item.
complimentary
Given or supplied free of any charge.
authentic
Genuine, real, and sincere rather than fake or rehearsed.
scripted
Following a pre-written plan rather than acting naturally.
proactive
Creating or controlling a situation by causing things.
transaction
An instance of buying or selling something at shops.
5 questions
Part 3 follow-up questions
- 1What role does society play in shaping our attitudes towards this?
- 2Has the way people view this changed over the years?
- 3How do you think it will develop in the future?
- 4What are the benefits and drawbacks?
- 5Do you think the government should be involved in regulating this area?
Answer each in three to five sentences: position, reason, example, limit. See how to answer IELTS Speaking Part 3.
Frequently asked questions
How should I start the cue card "Describe a time when you received good service in a shop or restaurant"?+
Note down the specific setting and the staff member's name to ground your story.
How long should I speak on an IELTS cue card?+
You get one minute to prepare, then speak for the full two minutes, about 220 to 280 words at a natural pace. The examiner will stop you at two minutes, which is a good sign, not a problem.
How is the cue card scored?+
Part 2 is not scored on its own. Your whole Speaking test gets one band from four criteria: fluency and coherence, vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation. The cue card is where the examiner hears whether you can keep going for two minutes.
Can I use this sample answer in the exam?+
Use its structure and vocabulary, not its sentences. Examiners recognise memorised answers and mark fluency down; a shorter answer from your own memory scores higher than a recited one.
Keep practising
More cue cards: an experience
- Describe a time when you succeeded in a difficult task
- Describe a time when you taught a friend/relative something
- Describe a time when you told a friend an important truth
- Describe a time when you were waiting for something special
- Describe a time when you worked in a group
- Describe a time you adapted to a sudden change
- All 705 IELTS cue cards 2026
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