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Talk about Something in Your Home that was Broken and then Repaired - IELTS Speaking Cue Card Model Answer

Talk about something in your home that was broken and then repaired.

Please say:

  • what it was

  • when it happened

  • why it was broken

  • and explain how it was repaired


Talk about Something in Your Home that was Broken and then Repaired - IELTS Speaking Cue Card Model Answer

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Model Answer 1

Recently, I had an interesting experience with an antique wall clock in my home, a cherished family heirloom passed down through generations. This incident occurred about six months ago. The clock, known for its intricate craftsmanship and historical value, suddenly stopped working. At first, I was perplexed, wondering why such a well-maintained piece would cease to function. Upon closer inspection, I realized that the delicate internal mechanism had worn out due to age, a natural consequence for something so old and frequently used.


Repairing this clock was no ordinary task. I reached out to a specialist in antique clock restoration, someone with a deep understanding of these timeless pieces. The expert meticulously dismantled the clock, carefully examining each component. It turned out that a couple of small gears had worn down, disrupting the entire mechanism. These gears were then skillfully replaced with identical replicas, ensuring the clock's authenticity and functionality were preserved. What truly fascinated me was the precision and patience required for such a task; the repair process was akin to a surgeon delicately operating on a patient.


This experience was not just about fixing a broken object but also about preserving a piece of history. The clock, now ticking away as it did decades ago, serves as a reminder of the importance of valuing and maintaining connections to our past. It also taught me the significance of expert craftsmanship and the attention to detail required in restoring antiques. This whole episode was a beautiful blend of history, art, and technology, providing me with a newfound appreciation for the intricate workings of mechanical devices and the stories they carry across time.


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Why this is a High Scoring Answer

The sample answer you've provided exemplifies a high-scoring response in the IELTS Speaking section for several reasons, particularly when addressing the topic "Talk about something in your home that was broken and then repaired." Here's a detailed analysis:


1.    Comprehensive Coverage of the Topic: The response excellently covers all aspects of the given topic. It starts by introducing the antique wall clock, setting the scene for the narrative. This approach directly addresses the topic, ensuring that you are speaking relevantly and coherently.


2.    Fluency and Coherence: The narrative flows smoothly from the introduction of the clock, its significance, the problem encountered, and the repair process. This seamless progression of ideas demonstrates fluency and coherence, essential criteria in the IELTS Speaking test. The speaker transitions naturally between points without hesitation, a key indicator of a high band score.


3.    Lexical Resource: The response showcases a rich vocabulary, using terms like "cherished family heirloom," "intricate craftsmanship," and "meticulously dismantled." These phrases not only describe the situation vividly but also demonstrate an advanced lexical range suitable for a high band score.


4.    Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The sample answer employs a variety of complex sentence structures with accurate grammar. For instance, "Upon closer inspection, I realized..." or "These gears were then skillfully replaced..." exhibit both complexity and grammatical precision.


5.    Personal Engagement: The response connects personally with the topic, discussing the clock's emotional value and historical significance. This personal engagement makes the narrative more compelling and demonstrates the speaker's ability to discuss abstract concepts.


6.    Cultural and Historical References: Mentioning the clock as a family heirloom and discussing its restoration touches on cultural and historical aspects, showcasing the ability to discuss topics beyond personal experiences.


To further your IELTS preparation and master such high-scoring responses, I highly recommend exploring our exclusive IELTS books (pdf download). These resources are tailored just for you, providing in-depth strategies and practice materials to excel in your IELTS journey.


In summary, this sample answer not only addresses "Talk about something in your home that was broken and then repaired" effectively but also demonstrates qualities essential for a high score in IELTS Speaking: fluency, a rich vocabulary, grammatical accuracy, and personal engagement with the topic.

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Model Answer 2

One memorable incident in my home involved the repair of a cherished laptop, which holds a special place in my life, both professionally and personally. This incident unfolded a few months ago. The laptop, a sleek and sophisticated device, had been my constant companion for years, aiding in numerous projects and presentations. However, one evening, in a moment of haste, I accidentally spilled coffee over it, which led to its immediate malfunction.


The gravity of the situation was palpable. My laptop was not just an electronic device; it was a repository of irreplaceable data and memories. The urgency to get it fixed was paramount. I sought the assistance of a skilled technician known for his expertise in handling such delicate electronics. The repair process was a meticulous endeavor. The technician carefully dismantled the laptop, ensuring every component was thoroughly cleaned and assessed for damage. Remarkably, the primary issue was localized to the keyboard and the motherboard, which had suffered minor short-circuiting due to the spill.


The precision and expertise involved in the repair were astounding. The technician replaced the damaged parts and restored the laptop to its optimal functioning state. This process was not just a technical repair but a restoration of an essential part of my daily life. The experience was enlightening, emphasizing the importance of data backup and the fragility of digital devices.


In retrospect, this repair journey with my laptop was a blend of technology, skill, and the crucial role of digital tools in our lives. It served as a reminder of the delicate balance between our reliance on technology and the need for responsible usage and maintenance. The incident was a practical lesson in the importance of safeguarding our digital companions, which are integral to our personal and professional spheres.


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Why this is a High Scoring Answer

The provided sample response is an excellent illustration of a high-scoring answer in the IELTS Speaking section, particularly addressing the topic "Talk about something in your home that was broken and then repaired." Here's an in-depth analysis of its strengths:


1.    Directly Addresses the Topic: The narrative directly tackles the topic by describing a personal incident involving a cherished laptop. This clear and focused approach to the topic demonstrates the speaker's ability to understand and respond accurately to the task at hand.


2.    Fluency and Coherence: The story is told in a fluid and logical manner, progressing from the incident's onset to the resolution. The speaker's ability to connect ideas smoothly, such as the transition from the laptop's malfunction to its repair, reflects high-level fluency and coherence.


3.    Lexical Resource: The response is rich in descriptive language. Phrases like "sleek and sophisticated device," "meticulous endeavor," and "repository of irreplaceable data" not only enhance the narrative but also display a wide-ranging vocabulary, which is essential for achieving a higher band score.


4.    Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The speaker uses a variety of complex sentence structures with consistent grammatical accuracy. For instance, the use of past perfect tense in "had been my constant companion" and passive voice in "The technician carefully dismantled the laptop" shows a strong command of English grammar.


5.    Personal Engagement and Development: The response effectively engages with the topic on a personal level, discussing the emotional and practical significance of the laptop. This personal touch makes the narrative engaging and demonstrates the speaker's ability to discuss personal experiences in depth.


6.    Practical and Reflective Insights: The narrative offers insights into the importance of technology in our lives and the need for responsible usage, showcasing the speaker's ability to reflect on experiences and draw meaningful conclusions.


To enhance your speaking skills and prepare effectively for similar topics, I highly recommend our exclusive IELTS books (pdf download). These resources are designed specifically for you, offering comprehensive strategies and practical tips to excel in the IELTS Speaking section.


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Model Answer 3

Recently, I encountered a memorable situation at home involving the repair of a cherished family piano. This event took place several weeks ago. The piano, a majestic and classic instrument, has been a centerpiece in our living room for many years, hosting countless melodies and family gatherings. However, one day, its harmonious tunes were disrupted when several keys stopped working, casting a silence that was both unexpected and disheartening.


The cause of the malfunction was not immediately apparent. On closer inspection, I discovered that the issue was due to worn-out felt hammers and misaligned strings, a common problem in older pianos. Recognizing the need for expert intervention, I contacted a renowned piano technician, well-versed in the art of piano restoration.


The repair process was a fascinating blend of craftsmanship and precision. The technician meticulously dismantled the affected parts, replacing the worn-out felt and realigning the strings. Each step was carried out with utmost care, ensuring that the piano's original sound and character were preserved. Watching the technician work was like witnessing a master artist at work, where each stroke was deliberate and meaningful.


This experience was more than just a simple repair; it was a revival of a family treasure. The piano, once silent, was now alive with music, its notes resonating with renewed vigor and warmth. It reminded me of the enduring beauty of music and the importance of preserving instruments that carry not just sound, but also stories and memories.


The journey of repairing our family piano was a poignant reminder of the significance of maintaining and cherishing the items that bring joy and harmony into our lives. It underscored the value of expert craftsmanship and the timeless appeal of music, transcending generations and bringing people together.


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Why this is a High Scoring Answer

The provided sample answer, centering on the theme "Talk about something in your home that was broken and then repaired," is an exemplary high-scoring response for several key reasons:


1.    Direct Address to the Topic: The narrative begins by directly referencing a significant incident involving the family piano, aligning perfectly with the theme. This demonstrates the speaker's ability to stay on topic and construct a relevant and engaging story.


2.    Fluency and Coherence: The speaker narrates the story in a smooth and logical sequence, from describing the piano's importance in the home to detailing its malfunction and subsequent repair. This clear progression of thoughts and events reflects excellent fluency and coherence, vital for a high band score.


3.    Lexical Resource: The response is enriched with descriptive language and varied vocabulary. Phrases like "majestic and classic instrument," "harmonious tunes," and "meticulously dismantled" not only paint a vivid picture but also demonstrate a wide lexical range, indicative of a higher band score.


4.    Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The narrative utilizes a range of complex sentence structures with high grammatical accuracy. For example, the use of passive voice in "The piano, once silent, was now alive with music," shows sophisticated grammatical knowledge.


5.    Personal Engagement and Depth: The speaker connects personally with the topic, discussing the piano's emotional significance and the impact of its repair. This depth of personal engagement makes the narrative compelling and demonstrates the speaker's ability to articulate personal experiences and reflections.


6.    Cultural and Emotional Resonance: By emphasizing the piano's role in family gatherings and its restoration, the speaker touches on cultural and emotional aspects, showcasing an ability to discuss a range of topics with sensitivity and insight.


To further enhance your skills in crafting such engaging and high-scoring responses, consider our exclusive IELTS books (pdf download). They are designed specifically for you, providing comprehensive strategies and examples to excel in the IELTS Speaking section.


In conclusion, this response effectively tackles the theme "Talk about something in your home that was broken and then repaired" by demonstrating qualities crucial for a high score in IELTS Speaking, such as relevance to the topic, fluency, rich vocabulary, grammatical proficiency, and personal engagement.


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