Welcome back to the IELTS TIME Podcast — your go-to space for practical IELTS Speaking practice and real examples you can learn from. I’m Archer, and today, we’re diving straight into a Part 2 cue card.
Describe a time when you needed to search for information.
You should say:
- What information you needed to search for
- When you searched for it
- Where you searched for it
- And explain why you needed to search for it.
It’s one of those topics that sounds simple, but actually reveals a lot about how you organize ideas, use topic-specific vocabulary, and tell a story naturally.
We’ve got two fantastic model responses today from our regular contributors — Joseph and Blondie.
First up, let’s hear from Joseph.
One time I really needed to search for information was when I was trying to buy my first laptop for university. I wasn’t very tech-savvy back then, so I had no idea what kind of specifications I actually needed. I just knew I wanted something that would last a few years and run smoothly for studying and a bit of gaming.
This was about two years ago, right before the semester started. I remember spending hours online comparing different brands and reading reviews. I watched a bunch of YouTube videos, checked tech blogs, and even joined a Reddit thread where people were discussing the best laptops for students. It was a bit overwhelming at first, but it turned out to be really helpful.
Most of my searching happened online — mainly on Google and YouTube — but I also went to a local electronics store to ask a few questions in person, just to double-check what I’d learned. The salesperson there actually confirmed most of what I had already found online, which made me feel a lot more confident about my choice.
I needed to search for that information because I didn’t want to waste money on something that wouldn’t meet my needs. It was a big purchase for me at the time, so doing proper research felt really important. In the end, I found a good deal on a laptop that’s still working perfectly today, so all that searching definitely paid off.
That was such a well-rounded response from Joseph — really natural and confident.
What really made it stand out was how he framed a common, high-stakes problem — buying his first laptop — and then used precise, high-level vocabulary like tech-savvy, specifications, and that excellent idiom, it definitely paid off.
I also love the way he showed flexibility in the “Where” section. He didn’t just stick to online sources like blogs and Reddit — he even went to a store to talk to a salesperson and double-check his findings. That kind of real-world detail makes the story feel completely authentic.
Plus, the structure was really clear: he started with what he needed, explained how he searched, and finished with a reflection on why it mattered to him. Exactly the kind of organized storytelling that makes a response engaging and easy to follow.
Now, let’s switch gears and hear from Blondie, who takes a lighter, more personal approach to the same cue card.
The time I recently needed to search for specific information was when I was trying to figure out how to properly care for a new houseplant I’d just brought home — a beautiful but slightly temperamental Fiddle Leaf Fig. I’d heard horror stories about how easily they can drop their leaves and die, so I was genuinely nervous about doing something wrong.
I needed really precise details — things like the right amount of light and humidity, how often to water it in different seasons, and what signs to watch for in case of root rot or pests. I wanted a clear, reliable care plan, not just vague advice.
I did this search right after bringing the plant home, around four months ago in the middle of summer. Most of my research happened online. I started with plant-care blogs and forums run by experienced indoor gardeners, where people shared practical tips and personal experiences. Then I turned to YouTube, because seeing someone demonstrate how to check soil moisture with their finger or position the plant near a window made everything much easier to understand.
The reason I needed to search for this information was simple — I didn’t want to kill it. It was an expensive piece of décor that brightened up my apartment, and I took it as a personal challenge to keep it healthy. After doing all that research, I set up a little routine for watering and sunlight, and thankfully, the plant’s thriving now.
That was a lovely, vivid response from Blondie.She chose a situation that’s relatable but also a little different — caring for a new houseplant — and then went into specific details like the right amount of light and humidity, watering schedules, and signs of pests or root rot. That level of precision makes the story feel genuine and gives listeners a clear picture of her experience.
I also like how she described where she looked for information. She didn’t just stick to one source; she combined blogs, forums, and YouTube videos, showing how she adapted her research to get the most practical guidance. Those little details, like checking soil moisture with her finger or positioning the plant near a window, really bring the story to life.
And just like Joseph, Blondie’s response was structured in a way that was easy to follow: she set the scene, explained her process, and ended with a reflection on why it mattered to her. It’s a wonderful example of turning a seemingly small challenge into an engaging, relatable story.
So, what can you talk about if you get this cue card? Let’s brainstorm a few ideas.
Remember, the question is broad — “a time when you needed to search for information” can apply to almost anything. You just need a clear situation, a reason, and a process.
Here are a few examples you could use:
Example 1: The Travel Logistics Search.
Imagine trying to figure out the best route using public transit — trains, buses, or subways — to get from an airport to a friend’s house in a new city.
Why would you need this information? Maybe you wanted to save money by avoiding a taxi, or you needed real-time schedules and platform numbers because the airport map was confusing.
Some useful vocabulary for this kind of story could be: navigating the maze, cost-effective solution, time-sensitive, and real-time updates.
Example 2: The Cooking or Recipe Search.
Let’s say you wanted to learn how to properly debone a whole chicken or make something a little tricky, like the perfect risotto, for a dinner party.
Why search? You might want to impress your guests, or maybe you felt guilty wasting food by buying pre-cut portions. Watching a video or tutorial can be really helpful because reading instructions alone isn’t always enough to master the technique.
Vocabulary you could drop in includes: culinary experiment, intricate technique, visual guidance, avoiding kitchen disasters, and elevating my skills.
Example 3: The Local Services Search.
Think about finding a highly-rated dentist or mechanic near your new apartment.
Why would you need this? Maybe you had an emergency — a toothache or a flat tire — and couldn’t rely on random results. Reading verified customer reviews helps you find someone trustworthy and local.
Here, useful phrases could be: vetting services, verifiable client testimonials, building trust, avoiding scams, and local amenities.
Example 4: The Learning or Skill Search.
Another idea is searching for information to learn a new skill — for example, figuring out how to fix a bicycle chain, knit a scarf, or play a simple song on the guitar.
Why search? You wanted to gain a new ability, save money on lessons, or just challenge yourself. You might use tutorials, step-by-step guides, or instructional videos to make sure you’re doing it correctly.
Vocabulary you could use includes: self-directed learning, step-by-step guidance, master a new skill, trial and error, and hands-on practice.
See the pattern? Each of these examples gives you plenty to talk about for a full two minutes. You describe what you needed, where you looked, and why it mattered — exactly the kind of detailed, meaningful answer that performs well in the IELTS Speaking test.
And that brings us to the end of today’s episode.
We’ve explored the Part 2 cue card “Describe a time when you needed to search for information” through a few different lenses. Joseph gave us a structured, practical response, while Blondie offered a personal and vivid one. Then, we brainstormed other easy, relatable ideas — from travel planning and cooking to finding local services or learning a skill.
The key takeaway?
Pick a topic that feels natural to you, add specific details about what you searched for and why it mattered, and keep your story clear and well-organized.
Remember, it’s not just about what you say — it’s about how you tell your story. Small, real details make your answer engaging and memorable.
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Thanks for tuning in, and as always — happy studying!
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