Describe an interesting traditional story - IELTS Cue Card

You should say:

• What the story is about
• When/how you knew it
• Who told you the story
• And explain how you felt when you first heard it

What the story is about

One of the most interesting traditional stories I know is the tale of King Vikram and the Vampire, also known as Vikram-Betaal. It is a famous collection of Indian folk tales where King Vikramaditya carries a ghost named Betaal on his shoulders. Each time, Betaal tells him a moral story and ends with a tricky question. If the King knows the answer but stays silent, his head will burst, but if he speaks, Betaal flies back to the tree.

When/how you knew it

I first came across this story in my childhood when I was around 10 years old. At that time, it used to come as a television series, and I also read it in Hindi storybooks.

Who told you the story

Initially, my grandmother told me about it during summer vacations when she narrated moral stories at night. Later, I became more curious and started reading short books that had several of these tales.

And explain how you felt when you first heard it

When I first heard the story, I felt both excited and a little scared. The idea of a ghost talking to a king was fascinating to me. At the same time, the questions asked by Betaal made me think deeply about right and wrong. The stories were full of wisdom, and they taught me that intelligence and fairness are very important qualities of a good leader.