A couple of years ago, I decided to hold off on buying a high-end camera lens that I had been coveting for months. It was the Sony 70-200mm f/2.8, which is notoriously expensive, and I was tempted to dip into my savings to purchase it immediately. However, I made the conscious decision to wait because I realised that a new, updated version was rumoured to be hitting the market within six months. I felt that if I acted impulsively, I would be left with a depreciating piece of kit that would soon be considered obsolete. The waiting period was quite excruciating, if I’m honest. I spent those six months scrolling through photography forums, reading endless speculation and fighting the urge to visit the local camera shop every time I walked past it. I had to focus on my existing gear and push my creativity, which actually taught me a great deal about patience and making the most of what I already owned. Finally, the announcement arrived, and the new model was released. It was lighter, sharper, and featured a much faster autofocus system. Because I had waited, I was able to purchase the latest iteration as soon as it became available. Looking back, I am glad I exercised such restraint. Not only did I get the cutting-edge technology I wanted, but the experience also taught me the value of delayed gratification. It made the final purchase feel like a genuine reward for my discipline, and the lens has been an invaluable tool for my professional work ever since.
The cue card
Describe a time you decided to wait for something
You should say:
- →What you decided to wait for
- →Why you made the decision
- →How long you waited
- →And explain what happened in the end
One minute to prepare, then speak for one to two minutes.
Try it now, out loud
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
Identify the object or event and explain your initial motivation for wanting it immediately.
- 2
Use chronological transition words to clearly map out the duration of the waiting period.
- 3
Reflect on the personal growth or tangible benefits gained by waiting to close the story.
Model answer
Band 8 sample answer
Say it out loud and get a band
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
coveting
wanting something very much that you do not have
depreciating
becoming lower in value over a period of time
obsolete
no longer used because something newer exists instead
excruciating
extremely painful or difficult to experience or endure
iteration
a new version of a computer program or product
restraint
the quality of controlling your emotions or actions
delayed gratification
the act of resisting an impulse for later reward
invaluable
extremely useful or helpful in a practical way
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 you decided to wait for something"?+
Identify the object or event and explain your initial motivation for wanting it immediately.
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 you experienced heavy snowfall
- Describe a time you faced a delay at an airport
- Describe a time you fixed a broken item
- Describe a time you followed hard instructions
- Describe a time you found a lost item
- Describe a time you got locked out of home
- All 705 IELTS cue cards 2026
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