Describe a time when you needed to search for information
Describe a time when you needed to search for information.
You should say:
- What information you needed?
- When you searched for it?
- How you searched for it?
- And explain why you needed to search for it?
💡 You have 1 minute to prepare and should speak for 1-2 minutes.
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Sample Answer
I would like to talk about a time when I needed to search for detailed information about scholarships for higher education abroad.
What information you needed?
About a year ago, I was considering applying for a Master’s degree overseas. Studying abroad is quite expensive, so I wanted to find scholarships that could help reduce the financial burden. I specifically wanted to know about eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and the documents needed.
When you searched for it?
This happened during my final year of college, around the time when I was preparing for my final exams. Since I had to make decisions quickly, I began searching about six months before graduation.
How you searched for it?
At first, I asked a few seniors who had gone abroad, but most of them had limited knowledge. So, I turned to online sources. I visited official university websites, scholarship portals, and even joined some education-related forums on social media.
I also watched YouTube videos where students shared their personal experiences. To be more thorough, I attended a virtual education fair where representatives of universities explained scholarship schemes.
Why you needed to search for it?
I needed to search for this information because scholarships can be highly competitive, and missing out on one due to a lack of knowledge would have been a big setback.
Moreover, every scholarship had different requirements—some were based on academic performance, some on extracurricular activities, and others on financial need. Having clear information helped me prepare my documents in advance and apply before the deadlines.
Conclusion
In the end, my research paid off because I successfully applied for a partial scholarship, which made my higher studies more affordable. This experience taught me the value of being proactive and resourceful while searching for important information.
Follow-up Questions (Part 3)
Is it better to search for information online or in books?
Both have their advantages. Online searching is faster and more convenient; you can access the latest information with just a few clicks. For example, when looking for university scholarships, only the official websites provide the most updated details. On the other hand, books are more reliable for deep, structured knowledge, especially in academic subjects where accuracy matters more than speed. Personally, I prefer online sources for urgent and practical needs, but books for building long-term understanding.
What kind of information do people usually search for online?
In today’s world, people search for almost everything online. Students look for study material, tutorials, and job opportunities. Professionals search for market trends or technical solutions. Even in daily life, people search for recipes, travel options, movie reviews, and product prices. The internet has become the first choice because it provides instant access to a wide variety of sources.
How can we make sure the information we find online is reliable?
That’s a very important question. First, we should check the credibility of the website—official portals, academic journals, and well-known organizations are generally trustworthy. Second, cross-checking the same information from at least two or three different sources helps confirm accuracy. Finally, being aware of biases and fake news is essential, especially on social media platforms. I believe critical thinking plays a key role in separating facts from misinformation.
Do older people also use the internet to search for information?
Yes, but the extent varies. Younger generations are more tech-savvy, so they naturally rely on online searches for everything. Older people sometimes prefer traditional ways, like asking friends or visiting offices in person, but many are adapting quickly. For instance, I’ve seen my grandparents use YouTube to find home remedies or cooking recipes. With smartphones becoming user-friendly, I think older people are increasingly comfortable with online searches, though they may still need guidance from younger family members.
- • 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
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