A Time You Needed to Use Imagination
IELTS Speaking Part 2 (Cue Card) Part 3: Follow-Up Questions
A Time You Needed to Use Imagination
🗂️ Part 2 – Cue Card
Describe a time when you needed to use your imagination.
You should say:
- When it was
- Why you needed to use imagination
- What you imagined
And explain how you felt about it.
🗣️ Sample Answer
One time I had to use my imagination was during a creative writing competition held at my school last year. The topic was quite unusual — “A city where the sun never sets”. We were given just 30 minutes to create an original short story based on that idea.
I envisioned a futuristic city enveloped by a large, transparent dome that continuously emitted artificial sunlight. In my story, people had never experienced night or darkness, and their bodies had adapted by altering their sleeping patterns and even their eye colour. I created two main characters who discovered an ancient passage that led them to real darkness for the first time. It changed how they felt about life, silence, and the natural rhythm of time.
Writing the story was both challenging and exciting. I had to stretch my imagination to create something unique and meaningful within a short time. Although I didn’t win the competition, my teacher appreciated my originality and vivid descriptions. It made me realise how powerful imagination can be, not just in writing but in approaching any problem with a fresh perspective.
🔁 Part 3: Follow-Up Questions
1. Why is imagination important in life?
Imagination enables us to create, innovate, and solve problems in innovative and unique ways. Without imagination, many of the world’s greatest inventions wouldn’t exist. It also helps people dream, hope, and plan for the future.
2. Do children use imagination more than adults?
Yes, children naturally use their imagination in play, storytelling, and throughout their learning experiences. Adults often become focused on routines and responsibilities, which can limit creative thinking. However, with effort, even adults can reawaken their imaginative side.
3. Can imagination be taught or improved?
Absolutely. Reading books, playing games, writing stories, and exploring new ideas can all improve imagination. Like any skill, creativity gets stronger with practice and encouragement.
4. How is imagination useful in professional life?
Imagination is crucial in fields like design, engineering, teaching, marketing, and science. It allows professionals to think outside the box, develop innovative products, or find new solutions. Creative employees often stand out in competitive industries.
5. Is it important for schools to encourage imaginative thinking?
Yes, it’s extremely important. Schools should not only focus on facts but also nurture creativity through arts, writing, and project-based learning. Imaginative thinking builds critical thinking and helps students face future challenges creatively.
6. Do people rely on imagination when facing difficulties?
Yes, imagination helps people visualise better outcomes or escape temporarily from stress. It can lead to hope and emotional strength. For example, imagining success can improve motivation during hard times.
7. What are the dangers of too much imagination?
If not balanced with logic, excessive imagination can lead to unrealistic expectations or procrastination. Some people may become disconnected from reality. So, it’s important to balance imagination with practical thinking.
8. How do movies and books fuel imagination?
They expose us to new worlds, characters, and situations that expand our thinking. A good story helps us see through someone else’s eyes and sparks ideas we may never have thought of. This is why reading is recommended from an early age.
9. Can imagination make people happier?
Yes, using imagination creatively can bring joy, relaxation, and even emotional healing. Daydreaming about pleasant things or coming up with fun ideas often lifts people’s mood. It’s a mental escape from stress.
10. Is imagination more valuable than knowledge?
That’s a great question. As Einstein said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” Knowledge helps us understand the world, but imagination lets us change it. In many cases, it serves as the starting point for progress and discovery.
Top 10 Topic Vocabulary -A Time You Needed to Use Imagination
Vocabulary |
Type |
Meaning |
Synonyms |
Antonyms |
Word Family |
Example Sentence |
Imagination |
Noun |
The ability to create ideas in the mind |
Creativity |
Reality |
Imagine, imaginative |
Imagination is key to writing good stories. |
Futuristic |
Adj |
Related to the future |
Advanced, modern |
Outdated |
Future |
I wrote about a futuristic city. |
Dome |
Noun |
A rounded roof or structure |
Arch, canopy |
— |
— |
The city was under a glass dome. |
Abstract |
Adj |
Not concrete or based on real events |
Conceptual |
Concrete |
Abstraction |
The topic was very abstract but exciting. |
Character |
Noun |
A person in a story or play |
Figure, persona |
— |
Characterisation |
I created a character who had never seen night. |
Visualisation |
Noun |
The act of forming mental images |
Mental imagery |
Ignorance |
Visualise |
Visualisation is helpful in problem-solving. |
Creativity |
Noun |
The ability to produce original ideas |
Innovation |
Imitation |
Creative, create |
Creativity is important in every profession. |
Storytelling |
Noun |
The act of telling stories |
Narration |
— |
Story, storyteller |
Storytelling boosts imagination in children. |
Emotional |
Adj |
Related to feelings |
Sentimental |
Logical |
Emotion, emotionally |
I explored emotional responses in my story. |
Feedback |
Noun |
Response or opinion about something |
Comment, review |
Silence |
Feedback (v.) |
I got great feedback from my teacher. |

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