Describe a time when you lost your way
Describe a time when you lost your way
You should say:
- When and where did it happen?
- How did you feel when you were lost?
- How did you find your way out?
💡 You have 1 minute to prepare and should speak for 1-2 minutes.
🚀 FREE IELTS Cue Cards Practice - Get Band 7+ in 2 Weeks!
Practice this exact topic with instant AI feedback - completely FREE!
Sample Answer
I would like to talk about a time when I completely lost my way during a short trip to Udaipur, Rajasthan, about two years ago. I had gone there with a group of college friends to explore the old city and visit some famous palaces.
When and where it happened?
One evening we decided to walk through the narrow lanes near the City Palace to look at local handicraft shops. I got distracted by a beautiful store selling miniature paintings and, without realizing it, I wandered off on my own.
When I stepped back outside, I couldn’t see my friends anywhere, and the streets all looked the same.
How did you feel when you were lost?
At first, I felt a mix of panic and excitement. Panic because it was getting dark and I didn’t speak the local language very well, and excitement because it felt like a small adventure in a new city.
Still, after a few minutes the worry grew stronger, especially when I realized my phone battery was almost dead.
How did you find your way out?
I decided to stay calm and retrace my steps, but the lanes twisted and turned. Finally, I asked a shopkeeper for help using a few Hindi words and some hand gestures. He kindly pointed me toward the main square.
From there I was able to spot a landmark—the Jagdish Temple—that I recognized, and I quickly reunited with my friends. They were relieved and a bit amused at how easily I had disappeared.
Conclusion
Looking back, the experience taught me to keep track of my surroundings and stay with the group when exploring a new place. It was a little scary at the time, but it turned into a fun story that we still laugh about.
Follow-up Questions (Part 3)
How do people feel when they get lost?
Most people feel anxious or nervous at first because they worry about safety and time. But some also feel curious or adventurous, especially if they enjoy exploring new areas.
Are some people better at orienting themselves?
Yes. People with a good sense of direction or spatial memory—for example, those who enjoy hiking or map reading—often find it easier to orient themselves. Experience with travel also makes a difference.
Are young people more reliant on their phones than older people to find their way?
Definitely. Young people often rely on Google Maps or navigation apps, while older generations are more used to asking locals for directions or remembering landmarks.
Are young people gradually losing their ability to orient themselves?
In some ways, yes. Because digital maps are always available, many young people don’t practice traditional navigation skills, so they might struggle without technology.
With mobile phones and navigation, is it difficult for people to get lost?
It’s less common now, but not impossible. Phones can run out of battery, lose signal, or give wrong directions, so people can still get lost if they depend on them completely.
What kinds of problems do old people have when they get lost?
Older people may have issues with memory, slower reaction time, or poor eyesight, which can make it harder to find their way back, especially in crowded or unfamiliar places.
Some people like to walk around without navigation. Is there any problem?
It can be enjoyable and gives a sense of freedom and discovery, but there are risks—like ending up in unsafe areas or wasting time. It’s fine as long as someone stays aware of landmarks and basic directions.
- • Use the 1-minute preparation time to make notes and organize your thoughts
- • Speak for the full 1-2 minutes - don't stop too early
- • Use past tense when describing experiences or events
- • Include specific details and examples to make your answer interesting
- • Practice transitions between different points in your answer
- • Stay calm if you can't think of a perfect example - any relevant story works
Related Cue Cards
More Speaking Part 2 practice topics