Describe a Time When You Overheard a Stranger Talking On The Phone: IELTS Speaking Part 2 & 3 Sample Answers

While you prepare for the IELTS Speaking Section, you should be able to showcase your confidence and clarity in expressing thoughts with topics like this one to 'Describe a Time When You Overheard a Stranger Talking On The Phone: IELTS Speaking Part 2 & 3 Sample Answers'. Since there are three parts in the Speaking Section, you must familiarize yourself with the methods of answering each part. It begins with a conversation about everyday topics while Parts 2 and 3 would ask you to discuss personal experiences and then elaborate on issues that are usually broad and abstract.

Since the Speaking Section is often regarded as the most unpredictable one, you need to learn strategies on how to approach different parts effectively. As you prepare with the topic to 'Describe a Time When You Overheard a Stranger Talking On The Phone: IELTS Speaking Part 2 & 3 Sample Answers', it will give you the chance to demonstrate your English proficiency. This will also showcase your ability to think critically, build arguments, and communicate clearly as well as efficiently. Remember to go through the sample answers and note the areas where you need to improve to score a band 8+ in the IELTS Exam.

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Strategies to Describe a Time When You Overheard a Stranger Talking On The Phone: IELTS Speaking Part 2 & 3 Sample Answers for a Band 8+

While preparing for the Speaking Section, you should learn how to organize your answers, use appropriate language, and expand on your thoughts. These tricks will help you to get a higher IELTS Band Score while improving your fluency in everyday conversations. Let us dive into strategic ways of approaching each part of the Speaking test that will assist you in building confidence in structuring and developing strong answers. Below are some of the strategies which you are use while preparing with the topic to 'Describe a Time When You Overheard a Stranger Talking On The Phone'.

• It is suggested to not memorize any answers and focus on brainstorming ideas for both the parts. This will help you to develop the skills to speak on the given topic and improve your confidence level.
• Always record yourself speaking to continuously track your progress level and note the areas which you are finding difficulty in. Having a strategic way of pinpointing the areas of improvement, you will be able to do targeted study and enhance your speaking skills.
• In the Speaking Part 2, use the one minute preparation time wisely so that you can quickly jot down the key points from the cue card prompts. Do not restrict yourself to just focus on those bullet points given in the cue card. Make sure that you add a few personal details, anecdotes, or personal experience to your speech.
• Organize your notes into a rough outline of introduction where you need to focus on what/who/where. Then, make a note of details such as specific experiences or descriptions, and finally, the conclusion as to why it is meaningful or how you felt. 
• Put the timer on for the second part so that you can check how long you can speak at length. This will help in understanding how to speak for the entire two minutes.
• Make sure to work on your voice modulation and intonation so that you do not sound robotic. Practice with The Best Phrases to Use in IELTS Speaking as and when needed. However, be careful of not using them too often that it affects the logical arrangement of ideas and you sound hesitant.
• The sample answers are provided with the question so that you can go through it. However, do not just read through them but try to analyze the answers based on the structure, vocabulary, and coherence. This will help you to develop ideas on different topics.
• In Part 3, avoid giving short undeveloped answers, rather think of your opinion and give reasons for the same. Elaborate the reasons so that you can justify the opinion.
• Use the Latest IELTS Speaking Vocabulary to Boost Your Score. In this way, you will be able to learn new words based on different topics so that you can use them on a regular basis.

Question - Describe a Time When You Overheard a Stranger Talking On The Phone: IELTS Speaking Part 2

Describe a Time When You Overheard a Stranger Talking On The Phone – IELTS Cue Card Sample Answer 1

At times, I find it hard not to overhear conversations, even though I make a point not to be nosy. One time, I was in my native with my cousins and we planned to go to a mall where I overheard a person talking on his phone in a loud manner. At the mall’s food court, when we were just enjoying our meal, I ended up hearing this stranger’s conversation with his friend

He was bragging about how he tricked his co-worker into covering for him at work with made-up stories. The conversation went on for about 15 minutes, with the stranger revealing all the details about how he planned to use his sick uncle as an excuse to go property hunting in another city. I wanted to move away or say something to him, but I decided to mind my own business and finish my food quietly.

I felt uncomfortable hearing this, even my cousins felt bad for the co-worker who believed this guy. It made me feel awkward and embarrassed to overhear such a disheartening conversation. In the end, I realized that while I can’t control what others say, I can control how I react.

Describe a Time When You Overheard a Stranger Talking On The Phone – IELTS Cue Card Sample Answer 2

I remember a time when I was at a coffee shop in the city centre, and I overheard a stranger talking loudly on the phone. Despite the heavy noise of the cafe, his voice was notably loud, making it hard to ignore his phone conversation. This incident happened a few months ago, on a busy Saturday afternoon. I had stopped by the coffee shop to grab a quick drink and relax for a bit in the middle of my office work.

The person on the phone was sitting at the table just behind me at the cafe. He was interested in talking about his plans to go on a vacation and how he was trying to convince his boss to give him an extra day off. Moreover, he was discussing all the places they wanted to visit as a group of friends and the activities they wanted to do in Bali!

Even though it was a happy conversation, it felt like I was eavesdropping on someone’s private conversation, even though they were talking loudly in a public place. I tried to focus on my own thoughts and avoid his conversation, but it was hard not to listen in.

Describe a Time When You Overheard a Stranger Talking On The Phone – IELTS Cue Card Sample Answer 3

I am not a person who usually interferes when someone is talking. But, two weeks ago, I was at a public park when I overheard a stranger talking on her phone. I had just finished walking around the park and decided to sit on a bench. At that time, a girl was sitting on a bench just next to me chatting on her phone with her mother.

She seemed to be explaining how to use the Flipkart shopping app to her mother. They were discussing clothes and outfits, which sounded like a fun conversation. It was interesting to hear how a young person was helping her mom with online shopping over the phone. The conversation got a bit interesting to me when the girl got a little frustrated, but she took a deep breath and continued talking. It reminded me of how children often help their parents with technology when they are not familiar with it.

Though I felt a bit uncomfortable since I felt like I was invading the privacy of a total stranger, I was happy to see someone in this fast-paced generation being calm to help their old parent. Overall, it also reminded me of the importance of being mindful of where and how we talk on the phone in public places.

Describe a Time When You Overheard a Stranger Talking On The Phone IELTS Cue Card – Vocabulary

• Overhear 

Meaning: to unintentionally hear what other people are saying.

Example: I couldn’t help but overhear their conversation while waiting in line.

• Nosy 

Meaning: overly curious or prying into other people’s affairs.

Example: I try not to be nosy, but sometimes it’s hard to avoid overhearing conversations in public places.

• Disheartening 

Meaning: causing someone to lose determination or confidence.

Example: It was disheartening to hear about the tone of the stranger’s conversation.

• Uncomfortable 

Meaning: causing physical or emotional discomfort.

Example: I felt uncomfortable listening to the stranger’s conversation about tricking his coworker.

• Embarrassed 

Meaning: feeling self-conscious or ashamed about something.

Example: I felt embarrassed to overhear such a private conversation in a public space.

• Interfere 

Meaning: to involve oneself in a situation without invitation or necessity.

Example: I don’t like to interfere in other people’s conversations, but sometimes it’s hard not to listen.

• Frustrated 

Meaning: feeling annoyed or discouraged because of the inability to achieve a desired outcome.

Example: The girl sounded frustrated while explaining the shopping app to her mother.

• Invading 

Meaning: peeking into someone’s privacy or personal space.

Example: I felt like I was invading their privacy by listening to their conversation.

• Mindful 

Meaning: being aware or conscious of something.

Example: It’s important to be mindful of our surroundings and how our actions affect others.

Follow-Up Questions - Describe an Unusual Holiday You Had: IELTS Speaking Part 3 Sample Answers

In the IELTS Speaking Part 3, you will be assessed based on your ability to elevate your level of language proficiency. This includes the ability to reason, make comparisons and form opinions based on the given topic. Your focus should be on demonstrating the ability to discuss complex concepts in English with precision and coherence. This part analyzes your ability to reason and express your thoughts in an effective manner. Let's check the follow-up question for the Part 3 on the topic to Describe a Time When You Overheard a Stranger Talking On The Phone.

1. Some people like talking on phones on public transport, what do you think about this situation?

I believe, talking loudly on the phone in public places is not a good idea at all. It is also not polite behaviour and can be considered disrespectful to others around a person. Additionally, it can disturb people who are trying to relax or concentrate.

2. Do people like to live in a quiet place?

Obviously, I think that people enjoy living in a quiet place. It would be peaceful and relaxing, allowing an individual to calm down and stay away from the hustle and bustle of city life. This not only help their mental state but also enhances their ability to think creatively as they become stress-free.

3. Why do you think there are some people who talk loudly on public transport?

I think that certain people who talk loudly on public transport are usually the ones in their old age. They might do this because they might be having trouble hearing or because the noise around them makes it hard to hear the person on the other end of the line. Sometimes, youngsters also tend to do the same whenever they are having an exciting conversation!

4. Do you think people misbehave to strangers?

Most people are polite and helpful towards strangers, treating them with respect and kindness. However, it mostly depends on how a particular person deals with others. If the other person tries to misbehave, then this person might also do the same.

5. What can be done to people whose behaviour is terrible? Should you ignore it, or should they be told about it?

I think that if some people behave badly, it’s best to ignore them. Confronting them might make them even more upset and not listen to what we have to say. Those kinds of people might also try to blame others instead of admitting their mistakes.

Vocabulary for Part 3 - Describe a Time When You Overheard a Stranger Talking On The Phone

• Polite

Meaning: showing good manners and respect for others.

Example: It’s polite to say “please” and “thank you” when asking for something.

• Disrespectful 

Meaning: showing a lack of respect or courtesy.

Example: Talking loudly on the phone in a quiet space can be considered disrespectful to others.

• Concentrate 

Meaning: to focus one’s attention or mental effort on a particular task or activity.

Example: It’s hard to concentrate on reading when there’s a lot of noise around.

• Hustle and bustle 

Meaning: the busy and noisy activity of a crowded place.

Example: I prefer quiet villages to the hustle and bustle of the city.

• Strangers 

Meaning: people whom one does not know or with whom one is not familiar.

Example: It’s important to be cautious when interacting with strangers online.

• Misbehave 

Meaning: to behave badly or inappropriately.

Example: Children are often disciplined when they misbehave in school.

• Confront 

Meaning: to face someone or something in a challenging or direct way.

Example: It’s not easy to confront someone about their behaviour, but sometimes it’s necessary.

• Admit 

Meaning: to acknowledge the truth or reality of something, especially when it’s difficult.

Example: It takes courage to admit when you’ve made a mistake.

Know the strategies during your speaking preparation with topics like, 'Describe a Time When You Overheard a Stranger Talking On The Phone: IELTS Speaking Part 2 & 3 Sample Answers'. With diligent practice, you will understand the format of the exam and utilize the effective ways of tackling the different parts of the Speaking Section to score a higher IELTS Band Score of 8+. Look into different topics so that you would expand your vocabulary and also learn how to approach questions from various aspects.

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