7 May 2026 IELTS Speaking Part 2 and 3 A Time You Felt Curious About Something

Part 2:

Describe a time when you became very curious about something. You should say:

• what you became curious about
• how your curiosity started
• what you did to learn more

and what you discovered in the end

I have always been eager to know about diseases - what causes them, what are the symptoms, and how they can be treated. My curiosity about diseases became deeply personal when our family doctor treated my mother’s chronic cough by prescribing a normal expectorant. Since her cough relapsed, I wanted to understand what caused her persistent symptoms and how we could find a permanent cure.

It wasn't possible to ask the doctor again and again for better medicine. On the one hand, he was getting irritated. On the other hand, my mother’s cough kept recurring. So, I needed to investigate deeper to find a real solution.

I was determined to leave no stone unturned in finding a solution for my mother’s condition. So, I studied her symptoms and consulted a senior pulmonologist. He advised me to nebulise her initially and do an MRI scan of her lungs. Also, he suggested spirometry. However, my mother, being aged and weak, couldn't do it properly. The  MRI scan showed significant weakening of her bronchioles. In the meantime, I observed how the nebuliser could relieve her symptoms, and I was rather satisfied to learn that the mist it generated could clear the alveolar sacs, thereby providing instant relief. This was much better than normal cough syrups. For my research, I studied varied research articles and also browsed popular websites like WebMD. I also used to watch recordings of patients affected by similar issues to know the steps they had taken to get cured.

I finally concluded that the nebuliser worked well for her. The doctor whom I had consulted asked me to switch to a low dose inhaler after some time. I did so, and presently she only uses it once a day. I am thankful that my curiosity ultimately led me to bring relief to my mother. 

Part 3:

Why are some people naturally curious?

Some individuals tend to be eager  to know more beyond the normal limitations. They cannot rest until they’ve found out the real reason behind things. Thus, they’re more curious than others. It's in fact a combination of genetic traits and environment that shapes their mind in that way. For example, children who have had the liberty to explore their inquisitiveness about things generally have that trait developed more in later years.This, however, isn’t the case with those who have faced restrictions regarding the same.

Is curiosity important for learning?

Indeed, it urges a person to know more and thus aids learning. When an individual is curious to know about something, he often goes down a rabbit hole to explore the subject in detail. In the process, he not only absorbs whatever there is he is supposed to know, but also unrelated information. Thus, it's his curiosity that makes him learn more.

Do schools encourage curiosity enough nowadays?

It can’t be said with certainty that all schools help students to be curious about things, and this is mainly because of academic pressure. Most schools are bound to follow a routine pattern of exams. So, they’re hardly left with sufficient time to boost curiosity in children. Nonetheless, recently some schools have started a new approach of experimentation where students are given the opportunity to be inquisitive and explore things.

Can curiosity sometimes create problems?

Yes, it can. Sometimes, people urged by curiosity to know more can face hazardous situations from which escape is difficult. Moreover, people who are curious are often disliked because others treat their curious nature as a form of interference. Consequently, they’re either avoided or ridiculed.

How has the internet changed people’s curiosity and learning habits?

The internet has made it possible for all to satisfy their  inquisitiveness by simply typing what they’re looking for on a digital device, be it a computer or a phone. With unlimited access to various websites, people nowadays can easily look up anything that they’re curious about and even compare the information from different sources. Thus, the internet has made people more technology-dependent for satisfying their curiosity.