Describe a Time When You Made a Promise to Someone
IELTS Speaking Part 2 (Cue Card)
June 2025 Edition
IELTS Introduction
Promises form the cornerstone of human trust and relationships. Whether it’s a small vow to help a friend or a major commitment to a loved one, making a promise carries emotional weight and social responsibility. The IELTS Speaking Part 2 often includes cue cards that test your ability to narrate personal experiences effectively. One such prompt is: “Describe a time when you made a promise to someone.” This topic evaluates your ability to recall specific events, articulate your motivations, and reflect on your emotions—all within a structured framework.
To help you master this cue card, we’ll explore sample answers across IELTS band scores 5 to 9, build your vocabulary, provide example sentences, and offer actionable “How to” strategies to structure and enhance your response. Let’s dive in.
Describe a time when you made a promise to someone.
You should say:
- when it was
- who you made the promise to
- why you made this promise
and explain how you felt about it.
IELTS Sample Answers by Band Score
IELTS Band 5 Sample Answer
One time, I make a promise to my sister last year. It was her birthday and I promise her I will buy a gift. But I forget it and she was sad. Later, I remember and buy a small teddy bear. I feel very guilty. I make this promise because she always gives me gifts and helps me in study. I don’t want to upset her. I learn that promise is not joke. We must keep our word because people trust us. I told her sorry and she forgive me. I now always try to remember my promises.
Why this is Band 5:
The speaker uses limited grammar, with errors in tense and structure. Vocabulary is simple, and cohesion is minimal. Ideas are there, but not well developed.
Band 6 Sample Answer
Last year, during my final exams, I made a promise to my best friend, Ravi. He was feeling very stressed about his studies and didn’t have anyone to support him. I promised him that I would help him revise all the topics and not leave him alone during that time. I made this promise because he has always supported me, and I wanted to return the favour. We studied together for two weeks and both of us scored well in the exams. I felt proud and happy that I kept my promise. It also made our friendship stronger. Promises are important, and I believe we must keep them to maintain trust.
Why this is Band 6:
Language is more controlled, with better grammar and vocabulary. There are occasional errors, but the response is coherent and includes a clear structure.
Band 7 Sample Answer
I clearly remember a time last summer when I promised my cousin that I would help her prepare for a speech competition. She was really nervous, and I could see she lacked confidence. I made this promise because she had previously supported me during a tough time in my life, and I felt it was my turn to help her. We practiced every day for two weeks, improving her speaking skills and boosting her confidence. On the day of the competition, she performed exceptionally well and even won second place. I felt incredibly proud and fulfilled. Keeping this promise not only strengthened our bond but also made me realize how meaningful it is to be there for someone. It was a small gesture, but it had a big impact.
Why this is Band 7:
The response is detailed and organized, with good use of vocabulary and relatively accurate grammar. There’s a personal touch and reflection, which enhances the response.
Band 8 Sample Answer
About six months ago, I made a heartfelt promise to my younger brother. He had just started high school and was struggling with math. I saw how frustrated and overwhelmed he was, and I promised to tutor him twice a week until he felt more confident. I made this promise because I had experienced similar difficulties at his age and knew how much a little help could change things. Over the next few months, we spent time reviewing concepts, practicing problems, and building his confidence. By the end of the term, he had significantly improved and even scored above average on his final test. The joy on his face made everything worth it. I felt not only proud but also deeply connected to him. Keeping that promise reinforced my sense of responsibility and taught me how much of a difference consistency and support can make.
Why this is Band 8:
Excellent structure, rich vocabulary, and fluid language. Ideas are well-developed with emotional and personal insights. Grammar is strong and varied.
Band 9 Sample Answer
One of the most significant promises I ever made was to my best friend during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. She had just lost her job and was going through a severe mental health crisis. I promised her that I would call her every day, without fail, and be there whenever she needed someone to talk to. This promise stemmed from the deep bond we share and my understanding of how isolating and painful her experience was. I kept that promise for over six months, checking in on her daily and sometimes just sitting with her in silence on video calls. That consistent presence became a lifeline for her. She later told me it helped her get through the darkest days. Fulfilling that promise made me more empathetic and taught me the transformative power of emotional support. It reminded me that sometimes, keeping your word can literally save a life.
Why this is Band 9:
The language is eloquent, emotionally powerful, and grammatically flawless. The story is deeply personal, nuanced, and reflective—perfectly aligning with IELTS expectations for a top band score.
IELTS Vocabulary for the Topic “Making a Promise”
| Word/Phrase | Definition | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Commitment | A promise or firm decision to do something | I made a commitment to help my friend through her exams. |
| Fulfill | To carry out a duty or promise | I fulfilled my promise by attending every rehearsal. |
| Reassurance | The act of removing someone’s doubts | My promise gave him reassurance that he wasn’t alone. |
| Vow | A serious promise | I took a vow to support my family no matter what. |
| Trustworthiness | The quality of being reliable | Keeping promises improves your trustworthiness. |
| Obligation | A duty or responsibility | I felt a strong obligation to keep my word. |
| Integrity | Honesty and moral principles | Breaking a promise can harm your integrity. |
| Accountability | Taking responsibility for actions | I held myself accountable for the promise I made. |
| Uplift | To raise someone’s spirit | My support really uplifted her during a tough time. |
| Solidify | To make stronger or more definite | That promise solidified our friendship. |
IELTS How To Respond Effectively to This Cue Card
Here are 11 actionable “How-To” strategies to help you construct your answer.
1. How to Understand the Cue Prompt
Start by identifying all parts of the cue card. This one asks: when, who, why, and how you felt. Make sure your response addresses all four areas clearly. Missing even one part can lower your coherence and cohesion score.
2. How to Structure Your Answer
Use a 4-part structure:
- Introduction – Briefly introduce the scenario
- The Promise – Explain what the promise was
- Reasons and Background – Why you made it
- Feelings and Outcome – Reflect on what happened and how you felt
This logical flow improves your fluency and coherence.
3. How to Use Specific Details
Avoid general statements like “I helped my friend.” Instead, say: “I promised to help my friend Ravi study every night for two weeks before his physics exam.” Specificity adds depth and realism.
4. How to Express Emotions
Don’t just say, “I felt good.” Instead, use richer language:
“I felt an overwhelming sense of pride knowing I had contributed to his success.”
This adds variety to your vocabulary and engages the examiner emotionally.
5. How to Use Past Tenses Accurately
Since the event already happened, you must use past simple and past perfect where appropriate:
- I made a promise
- I had promised him before the school year ended
Correct tense usage demonstrates grammatical range and accuracy.
6. How to Link Ideas Smoothly
Use discourse markers like:
- Initially
- Eventually
- As a result
- On top of that
- Most importantly
These improve the cohesion of your answer.
7. How to Include Cultural or Personal Values
Talk about why promises matter in your culture or family:
“In my culture, keeping one’s word is considered a matter of honour. Breaking a promise can damage your reputation.”
This adds uniqueness and depth to your answer.
8. How to Reflect and Show Growth
The IELTS Speaking test rewards personal insight. Say something like:
“Through this experience, I realized the importance of consistency in building trust.”
Reflection shows maturity and adds richness to your narrative.
9. How to Avoid Overgeneralizing
Avoid clichés like “A friend in need is a friend indeed.” Instead, offer personal anecdotes or original expressions that sound authentic and relevant.
10. How to Adapt If You Don’t Have a Real Example
If you’ve never made a serious promise, invent a believable story. The IELTS test doesn’t require factual accuracy—what matters is fluency, coherence, and range.
11. How to Practice Effectively
Record yourself answering this cue card. Then play it back, identify filler words, weak vocabulary, or unclear grammar. Try answering again with improvements.
Conclusion: Why Your Promise Story Matters
A story about a promise isn’t just about what you said—it’s about who you are. Sharing how you kept your word tells the examiner you are responsible, reflective, and articulate. It allows you to demonstrate emotional depth, vocabulary mastery, and storytelling skill.
So next time you prepare for IELTS, remember: your words carry weight. Let your promise story reflect your character, your culture, and your communication skills. And above all, keep practicing—because the promise you make to improve yourself is the most important one of all.
Hook:
What does a simple promise reveal? More than you think. In a world of fleeting connections, keeping your word sets you apart—and that’s exactly what the IELTS Speaking examiner is listening for.
Below are IELTS Speaking Part 3 follow-up questions based on the cue card “Describe a time when you made a promise to someone.” Each question is followed by sample answers for Band 5 to Band 9, showing how responses improve with better language, structure, coherence, and vocabulary.
🔹 Part 3 Topic: Promises and Commitments
Question 1: Why do people make promises?
Band 5 Answer:
People make promise because they want other person to trust them. Maybe they say they do something and want to show they care. Like when I say I help my friend, I make a promise.
Why Band 5?
The response is basic, with grammar errors and limited vocabulary. Ideas are not well developed.
Band 6 Answer:
I think people make promises to show that they are serious. It is like a way to say, “I will really do this.” Also, when we care for someone, we promise to help them or support them. It is a way to build trust.
Why Band 6?
Better control of language with some development. Still, vocabulary is simple and grammar is sometimes limited.
Band 7 Answer:
In my opinion, promises are a way of expressing commitment and responsibility. When people make a promise, they’re showing that they’re willing to follow through on their words. It helps build and maintain trust in relationships, whether it’s personal or professional.
Why Band 7?
Clear ideas, decent vocabulary, and organized thought. Some sophistication in sentence structures.
Band 8 Answer:
People make promises to demonstrate sincerity and reliability. It’s often a verbal contract that strengthens the foundation of trust between individuals. In many cultures, promises are seen as morally binding, even if they’re not legally enforced. They can also be used to motivate or reassure others during uncertain times.
Why Band 8?
Rich vocabulary, complex sentences, and a culturally aware perspective. Well-structured and fluent.
Band 9 Answer:
Promises serve both a practical and emotional function in human relationships. Practically, they signal intent and predictability in behavior, allowing others to plan around that commitment. Emotionally, they represent loyalty, care, and moral obligation. In essence, a promise reflects the depth of a relationship and the values underpinning it.
Why Band 9?
Sophisticated, layered reasoning with high lexical resource and precision. Fluid delivery and depth of insight.
Question 2: Do people in your country value promises?
Band 5 Answer:
Yes, I think people value promises. If you don’t keep, they get angry. Like, if I say I will come, and I don’t, it is bad.
Band 6 Answer:
Yes, in my country people care about promises. If someone breaks it, others think they are not serious. Many people try to keep their word, especially in families and friends.
Band 7 Answer:
Definitely. In my country, keeping promises is considered very important. People often see it as a sign of respect and loyalty. If someone breaks a promise, it can really hurt their image and even damage relationships.
Band 8 Answer:
Yes, promises are highly valued in my culture. People are generally judged based on how well they honor their commitments. Whether it’s a personal favor or a professional responsibility, breaking a promise is often equated with being untrustworthy, which can have long-term social consequences.
Band 9 Answer:
Absolutely. In my country, promises carry significant cultural and emotional weight. They’re not just casual statements but are often seen as verbal contracts. A broken promise can not only lead to disappointment but may also result in social exclusion or a loss of reputation, particularly in close-knit communities.
Question 3: Do you think children should be taught to keep promises?
Band 5 Answer:
Yes, children must learn promise. It help them to be good. If they say they do homework and don’t, it’s not good.
Band 6 Answer:
Yes, I believe children should be taught to keep promises. It helps them become more responsible. If they break promises a lot, people will not believe them.
Band 7 Answer:
Yes, definitely. Teaching children to keep promises helps them understand responsibility and honesty from an early age. It also helps them build trust with others, which is an important social skill.
Band 8 Answer:
Without a doubt. Instilling the value of keeping promises in children lays the groundwork for integrity and trustworthiness. When children understand that their words have consequences, they’re more likely to develop into responsible and ethical adults.
Band 9 Answer:
Absolutely. Teaching children to honor their commitments fosters accountability and strengthens their moral compass. It’s a foundational lesson in ethics that translates into all aspects of adult life—whether in personal relationships, education, or professional environments. Furthermore, it cultivates empathy, as children learn to consider how their actions affect others.
Question 4: Is it ever okay to break a promise?
Band 5 Answer:
Sometimes yes, if you are sick or very busy. Then maybe okay. But not good always.
Band 6 Answer:
Yes, sometimes it is okay if you have a good reason. Like, if someone is in danger, or you are very sick, then maybe you can’t keep promise.
Band 7 Answer:
Yes, I believe there are situations where breaking a promise is acceptable—especially if it’s for a greater good. For instance, if keeping a promise could harm someone, it might be better to break it and explain honestly.
Band 8 Answer:
Yes, there are exceptional circumstances where breaking a promise is justified. For example, if fulfilling the promise causes harm or if unexpected emergencies arise. However, it’s crucial to communicate transparently and ensure the other person understands the reason behind it.
Band 9 Answer:
While keeping promises is a moral ideal, there are nuanced scenarios where breaking one might be ethically sound—particularly when adhering to it could cause harm or conflict with more pressing responsibilities. The key lies in transparent communication and a sincere attempt to make amends, thereby preserving trust even in imperfection.
Question 5: How do people feel when someone breaks a promise?
Band 5 Answer:
They feel bad. Maybe angry or sad. People don’t like when promise is broken.
Band 6 Answer:
Usually they feel disappointed or upset. They maybe stop trusting the person who break promise. It can hurt feelings.
Band 7 Answer:
People generally feel let down or betrayed when a promise is broken, especially if they were really depending on the person. It can lead to a loss of trust and create tension in the relationship.
Band 8 Answer:
When someone breaks a promise, the emotional response is often disappointment or betrayal. Depending on the nature of the relationship and the importance of the promise, it can erode trust and even damage long-term connections. People may also begin to question the person’s reliability.
Band 9 Answer:
The emotional impact of a broken promise can range from mild disappointment to profound betrayal, depending on the context and the relationship. It undermines trust, often leaving a lasting impression that reshapes future expectations. In close relationships, it can lead to emotional withdrawal, while in professional settings, it might result in reputational damage or lost opportunities.
✅ Summary of Band Improvements
| Band | Features |
|---|---|
| 5 | Basic ideas, frequent grammar mistakes, limited vocabulary |
| 6 | More control, clearer meaning, some complex sentences, still errors |
| 7 | Organized, relatively fluent, broader vocabulary, improved accuracy |
| 8 | Fluent, well-developed, high-level vocabulary and grammar use |
| 9 | Sophisticated, insightful, nuanced, highly accurate and fluent |
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