# Describe a time you lost something important: IELTS Speaking sample answers

Speaking Part 2 - Experiences

Describe a time you lost something important.

You should say:
- what you lost
- when and where you lost it
- what you did to find it
- and explain how you felt when you lost it

Source: Sample answers and examiner notes are written by Testmigo.

## Band 7 sample

I'd like to describe a time when I lost my wallet. It happened last year, in October, when I was travelling home from university by train for a long weekend.

The journey takes about three hours, and I was really tired that day, so I fell asleep for most of the trip. When I arrived at my station, I got off quickly because the train only stops there for two minutes. It was only when I was waiting for a bus outside the station that I put my hand in my pocket and realised the wallet wasn't there. I think it must have fallen out of my jacket while I was sleeping.

The wallet was important because it had my ID card, my bank card, my student card and some cash inside. So the first thing I did was call my bank and block the card, just in case somebody tried to use it. Then I went back into the station and spoke to a member of staff. She was very helpful, she phoned the next station on the line and asked them to check the train, but they couldn't find anything. I also filled in a form for the lost property office.

At that moment I felt really stressed and angry on myself, because I know I should be more careful. I was worried about how difficult it will be to replace all the cards.

But the story has a happy ending. Four days later I got a call from the lost property office. Someone had found the wallet under a seat and handed it in, and nothing was missing, not even the cash. I was so relieved, and it made me believe that most people are honest.

**Examiner notes.** This Band 7 answer is clear and complete, with a logical sequence of actions and a satisfying ending. It uses practical, accurate vocabulary ("block the card", "lost property office", "handed it in") and good structures like "It was only when... that I put my hand in my pocket". However, the feelings are described in fairly general terms ("really stressed", "so relieved"), and there are typical errors: a missed backshift in "I was worried about how difficult it will be" (rather than "it would be") and a wrong preposition in "angry on myself" (rather than "angry with myself"). Band 8 would describe emotions more precisely, use more idiomatic language and develop the reflection further.

The Band 8 sample is free with an account on the [topic page](https://testmigo.com/ielts/speaking/topics/describe-a-time-you-lost-something).

## Common questions

### How long should an IELTS Speaking Part 2 answer be?

You get one minute to prepare and then speak for up to two minutes; the examiner stops you at two. Aim to keep talking for the full time, which is usually 220 to 300 words.

### Can I use these sample answers in my test?

No. Examiners are trained to spot memorised answers, and a learned script is marked down. Use the samples to see what each band does, then answer in your own words.