Describe a Time When Someone Apologized to You – IELTS Cue Card

You should say:

When it was

Who this person is

Why he or she apologized to you

And how you felt about it

When it was

This incident happened about two years ago during my college days. It was just a week before our final exams, a time when we all were under a lot of pressure.

Who this person is

The person was my best friend, Arjun. We had been friends since school, and we usually studied together and helped each other with assignments.

Why he apologized to you

One day, he borrowed my notebook, which had all the important lecture notes. He accidentally misplaced it and didn’t tell me until I asked. At first, I was upset because I had spent months preparing those notes. Later, he came to me with a very genuine apology, admitting his mistake and even helping me rewrite the lost notes before the exams.

How you felt about it

Initially, I felt angry and disappointed. But when he sincerely said sorry and showed effort to correct his mistake, my anger disappeared. In fact, his honesty and willingness to make up for the loss made our friendship even stronger. It taught me that apologies are not just words, but actions that prove sincerity.

Follow-up Questions and Answers

1. On what occasion do people usually apologize to others?

People usually apologize when they hurt someone’s feelings, make a mistake at work or school, or cause inconvenience by being late or careless.

2. Do people in your country like to say "sorry"?

Yes, in my country, people do say sorry, but sometimes they use it more casually. For example, even small mistakes like bumping into someone are followed by a quick “sorry.”

3. Do you think people should apologize for anything wrong they do?

Yes, I strongly believe people should apologize for their mistakes. A simple apology shows responsibility and maturity, and it helps maintain healthy relationships.

4. Why do some people refuse to say "sorry" to others?

Some people refuse to apologize because of ego, pride, or the fear of looking weak. They feel admitting a mistake will lower their status, but in reality, apologizing shows strength of character.