IELTS Speaking Cue Card September to December 2025 | Describe a Time When You Broke Something | Band 8 Sample
- What it was
- When/where it happened
- How you broke it
- And explain what you did after that
Vocab /Idioms
- Cloud nine → extremely happy
- Breath of fresh air → refreshing change
- Unpleasant experience → bad event
- Sentimental value → emotional worth
Well, to begin with, I consider myself a careful person, but I still remember a time when I broke something, and it is still fresh in my memory. It happened about two years ago at my friend’s house. The item was her smartphone, which unfortunately slipped out of my hands and got badly damaged.
We were preparing for an upcoming exam and decided to take a short break to listen to some music. Her phone was placed at the edge of the table, and while I was reaching for my notebook, I accidentally knocked it off. The phone hit the floor hard, and the screen cracked instantly. Honestly, I felt on cloud nine while studying, but that happiness turned into shock and guilt immediately.
At that moment, I felt really embarrassed and apologized several times. I also promised to pay for the repair, and thankfully, my friend didn’t get angry. She understood it was an accident, which was a breath of fresh air for me. A few days later, I went with her to the service center and helped pay for the repair. It was expensive, but I felt it was my responsibility.
Looking back, I learned two important lessons. First, I became much more careful with my own belongings and the things of others. Second, I appreciated how understanding and forgiving my friend was, which actually strengthened our friendship.
So, although it was an unpleasant experience at the time, it taught me a valuable lesson about responsibility and care. Overall, it reminded me to always handle things carefully and respect other people’s belongings.
Follow-ups
- What kind of things are more likely to be broken by people at home?
Well, I think people at home usually break things like dishes, glasses, electronics, or furniture. These items are used every day, so accidents like dropping a plate or phone are quite common. Also, children or pets sometimes cause breakage at home.
   2.What kind of people like to fix things by themselves?
In my opinion, people who are practical, patient, and enjoy hands-on work like to fix things themselves. For example,            enthusiasts, engineers, or people raised in households where repairing things is common often repair broken items instead       of buying new ones. It also gives them a sense of satisfaction and saves money.
- Do you think clothes produced in the factory are of better quality than those made by hand?
From my point of view, factory-made clothes are often more consistent in quality because they are made by machines following standard procedures. For instance, mass-produced jeans from a famous brand usually have strong stitching and a uniform finish. However, these clothes may lack uniqueness or personal touch. - Do you think handmade clothes are more valuable?
Yes, I believe handmade clothes are often more valuable because they take time, skill, and care to make. For example, a hand-knitted sweater made by a grandmother has sentimental and artistic value. Handmade items are usually unique and made with better materials, so people often treasure them more.
   5. Is the older generation better at fixing things?
Yes, I think older people are better at fixing things because they grew up in a time when home repairs and practical skills         were more common. In the past, people did not replace broken items quickly, so they learned skills like sewing, carpentry,        or electronics repair. Younger people today often rely on technology or professionals.
- Do you think elderly people should teach young people how to fix things?
Yes, definitely. Elderly people have valuable hands-on skills and life experience that schools don’t always teach. For example, a grandfather teaching his grandson to repair a bicycle not only passes knowledge but also strengthens their bond.