10 June 2026 IELTS Speaking Part 2 and 3 A Time When You Felt Unexpectedly Happy

Part 2

Describe a time when you felt unexpectedly happy. You should say:

• what happened
• where you were
• who you were with

and why the moment made you happy

One time when I felt unexpectedly happy was when I met one of my childhood friends after several years. It happened a few months ago when I went to a shopping mall on a weekend to buy a few household items.

I was walking through one of the stores when I suddenly heard someone call my name. At first, I thought I had misheard it because the place was quite crowded and noisy. However, when I turned around, I was pleasantly surprised to see one of my closest school friends standing right behind me. We had lost touch after school and hadn’t met for nearly ten years.

At that moment, I was with my husband, and my friend was also accompanied by her family. What started as a simple greeting quickly turned into a long conversation. We reminisced about our school days, shared funny memories, and caught up on everything that had happened in our lives over the years. Before we knew it, nearly an hour had flown by.

The reason the moment made me so happy was that it happened completely out of the blue. I had gone to the mall with no special expectations, assuming it would be just another ordinary day. Instead, I ended up reconnecting with someone who had once been a significant part of my life.

To be honest, I was on cloud nine. Seeing her again brought back a flood of happy memories and reminded me of a carefree period of my life. Moreover, we picked up right where we’d left off, despite the years that had passed between us.

Looking back, that unexpected encounter was a breath of fresh air amidst my busy routine. It reminded me that happiness does not always come from major achievements or grand occasions. 

Part 3: 

What kinds of things make people happy unexpectedly?

Well, I think unexpected acts of kindness and pleasant surprises often make people happy. The main reason is that such moments catch people off guard and create positive emotions instantly. For instance, receiving an appreciation message, meeting an old friend out of the blue, or getting help from a stranger can really make someone's day. So, overall, unexpected experiences often leave a lasting impression and bring genuine happiness. 

Do simple pleasures make people happier than expensive things?
Personally, I would say yes. The reason for this is that material possessions often lose their appeal over time, whereas simple experiences create meaningful memories. For example, spending quality time with loved ones, enjoying a peaceful evening, or sharing a laugh with friends can be worth their weight in gold. Therefore, simple pleasures often contribute more to long-term happiness than expensive purchases. 

Has modern life changed people’s idea of happiness?

Without a doubt, it has. One major reason is that social media and consumer culture have changed people's priorities. For example, many individuals now associate happiness with wealth, luxury, and social status because they’re constantly exposed to idealised lifestyles online. Having said that, an increasing number of people are beginning to realise that happiness stems from personal fulfilment and meaningful relationships. So, in many ways, the definition of happiness has evolved over time. 

Why do some people struggle to enjoy the present moment?

I think there are several reasons for this. First and foremost, many people are preoccupied with future concerns or past mistakes. As a result, they find it difficult to switch off and enjoy what is happening around them. For instance, someone may spend an entire holiday worrying about work instead of enjoying the experience. Therefore, they fail to live in the moment and miss out on life's simple pleasures. 

Can happiness be learned or developed?

In my opinion, absolutely. The key reason is that happiness is strongly influenced by habits and mindset. For example, practising gratitude, nurturing healthy relationships, and focusing on the bright side can work wonders for a person's well-being. Moreover, these habits can be developed gradually through conscious effort. So, to sum up, happiness is not just something people are born with; it’s also something they can cultivate over time.