An occasion when you lost something in a public place

You should say:

• What you lost
• When and where you lost it
• What you did to find it
• And explain how you feel about this experience

One day, I lost my wallet in a shopping mall. It happened last summer when I was shopping for clothes with my friends. I remember putting my wallet in my pocket, but when I reached the cashier to pay, it was gone. I panicked because it had my money, ID, and credit cards inside. First, I retraced my steps and checked all the stores I had visited. I asked the staff at each store if anyone had found a wallet, but no one had seen it. Then, I went to the mall’s lost and found office, but it wasn’t there either. Feeling desperate, I decided to check the security cameras. The security team was very helpful, and after reviewing the footage, we saw that I had dropped my wallet near a bench. Luckily, a kind person had picked it up and handed it to the information desk. When I got my wallet back, I felt so relieved and grateful. This experience taught me to be more careful with my belongings in public places. It also reminded me that there are still honest and helpful people in the world.

When answering the IELTS Speaking Part 2 question about losing something in a public place, here's how you can structure your response naturally. Start by briefly mentioning what you lost, like a phone or wallet, and when and where it happened—maybe at a mall last weekend. Then, explain what you did to find it, such as retracing your steps or asking security for help. Finally, share how you felt—maybe frustrated or relieved if you found it. Keep it simple and personal, like telling a story to a friend. Focus on fluency and using past tense correctly. Don’t worry too much about perfect grammar; just make sure your ideas flow smoothly. Practice by timing yourself to fit within 2 minutes!

Part 3 Example Question

1. What kinds of things do people usually lose?

2. What do people often do when they lose personal belongings?

3. What kinds of people often lose things?