The IELTS Speaking Part 2 cue card "Describe a time when you felt bored" requires you to use vocabulary related to various situations and the people you spent time with, helping you effectively describe a moment when you experienced boredom.

Describe a time when you felt bored

You should say:

• When was it?

• Who you were with?

• What were you doing?

• Why did you feel bored?

Describe a Time When You Felt Bored – Model Answers and Follow-up Questions

Here, you’ll find three model answers along with follow-up questions for the IELTS cue card topic "Describe a time when you felt bored."

Model Answer 1

Introduction:

There are several moments in life when we feel bored, whether alone or even when accompanied by others. I would like to share an experience when I had to wait for my friend for almost two hours near Anna Nagar, Chennai, which left me feeling extremely bored.

When was it?

This happened about five years ago while I was pursuing my undergraduate degree. I was staying at my uncle’s house, watching a movie, when suddenly my friend called and asked me to meet him at the Anna Nagar bus stop in 30 minutes. He had recently bought a new bike and was excited to take me for a ride. Excited myself, I immediately left the house to meet him.

Who you were with?

I was alone, waiting at the bus stop for almost two hours.

What were you doing?

Initially, I was thinking about his new bike, the Yamaha Fazer (blue), known for its stylish looks and road presence. After some time, I started daydreaming about my own dream bike and planning when I might buy one.

Why did you feel bored?

I felt bored because I was all by myself, with no one to talk to. To make matters worse, it started raining heavily, and the poor network signal prevented me from contacting any other friends for a conversation. All I could do was wait until my friend finally arrived.

Model Answer 2

Introduction:

Recently, I attended an interview for a Data Analyst position in Bangalore. After the interview, I found myself with nothing to do and started feeling bored while waiting for the bus.

When was it?

This was in February last year.
After graduating, I was actively seeking job opportunities in Bangalore, known for its thriving IT and data industries.
I received a call from iServiceTechnologies for a screening round, which went well, and I was invited for an in-person interview.

Who you were with?

I had traveled to Bangalore alone. Although I made a few friends during the trip, after the interview, I was by myself as others quickly left for their commitments.
I briefly spoke to a friend over the phone but ended the call after a short conversation.

What were you doing?

I started walking back to my accommodation in Domlur, which was about five kilometers away. During the walk, I passed by a few interesting spots like a historical monument, a defense academy, and a playschool. Interestingly, a stray dog followed me for nearly two kilometers before disappearing.

Why did you feel bored?

I felt bored mainly because I had no immediate plans or anyone to meet after the interview. It was a working day, so my friends were unavailable. Moreover, I am not particularly interested in movies or entertainment, which left me with limited options to pass the time.

Model Answer 3

Introduction:

The COVID-19 pandemic brought about unprecedented situations for everyone. While I was fortunate not to face any serious issues, I did experience extreme boredom during the national lockdown.

When was it?

It happened in March 2020 when the Indian government announced a sudden, nationwide lockdown to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. The announcement came overnight, giving people little time to prepare by stocking up on essentials.

Who you were with?

I was with my family at home. Additionally, my uncles and aunts, who had visited for a weekend gathering, ended up staying with us for several months due to the travel restrictions.

What were you doing?

I spent most of my time working from home, attending online meetings, and preparing reports. In my free time, I chatted with my cousins, tried cooking new recipes, and eventually picked up the hobby of reading books. I even completed reading The Immortals of Meluha during that period.

Why did you feel bored?

Despite staying busy with work and occasional activities, I felt bored because there was no change in environment or social life. Everything became digital—shopping, meetings, celebrations. Even though my family was around, after several months together, interactions became repetitive, and I longed for a return to normalcy.

IELTS Speaking Part 3: Follow-up Questions

Based on your response to the cue card "Describe a time when you felt bored," the examiner may ask you these follow-up questions:

Q1. When do people feel bored?

People tend to feel bored when they lack interest or engagement in an activity, or when they are alone for extended periods. A lack of stimulation or new experiences can also lead to boredom.

Q2. What can people do when they feel bored?

Today, many people turn to streaming platforms like Amazon Prime, Netflix, or Disney+ Hotstar to kill boredom. Some opt for road trips or short vacations. Sadly, the habit of reading books or engaging in productive activities has declined compared to earlier times when technology was less dominant.

Q3. Do people get bored with their daily routines?

Yes, repetitive routines can become monotonous, especially under stressful work conditions. Over time, people start craving a change of scenery or new experiences to break the cycle of boredom.

Q4. Is it easier for younger people to feel bored than older people?

Absolutely! Younger people often seek excitement and novelty in their daily lives. When their expectations aren’t met, they tend to feel bored more quickly compared to older individuals, who are generally more patient and accustomed to routines.

Q5. What can people possibly do when they are bored?

When bored, people should focus on pursuing their passions or hobbies. It could involve learning a new skill, such as playing a musical instrument, dancing, painting, or sports. Engaging in personal growth activities can transform boredom into productivity.