IELTS Speaking Topic of Part 1 – ‘Lost and Found’ including Questions and Answers

Below are the sample questions and answers for IELTS Speaking Part 1 Introduction: ‘Lost and Found’. Each answer by Voxcel is written on Band 9 parameters. Click here to read how to structure your answers in your IELTS speaking test. 

Each Topic of Part 1 covers questions of different types, including different tenses, to help you practice in the best way possible. 

IELTS SPEAKING TOPICS PART 1 – LOST AND FOUND

  1. Have you ever lost something valuable? What was it?

Answer: Yes, I once misplaced my wallet during a busy day at the mall. It contained cash, cards, and IDs—it was a nightmare! Needless to say, I panicked and retraced my steps immediately, hoping to find it before someone else did.

  1. How did you feel when you realized you had lost it?

Answer: I felt a mix of frustration and anxiety. Losing something so essential made me feel vulnerable and disorganized. To put it simply, it was like a punch to the gut. I couldn’t stop thinking about how careless I’d been.

  1. Have you ever found something that someone else lost? What did you do?

Answer: Once, I found a set of keys near the park bench. I waited around for a bit, but no one came looking for them. Eventually, I handed them over to the local authorities. In hindsight, it felt good knowing I did the right thing. I think it might’ve saved someone a lot of trouble.

  1. Do you think people should return lost items to their owners? Why?

Answer: Absolutely! Returning lost items reflects honesty and empathy. Imagine how stressful it must be for the owner—they might lose access to important accounts or sentimental belongings. That being said, doing the right thing benefits everyone involved.

  1. Would you say losing things is a common problem? Why?

Answer: Yes, it’s incredibly common, as distractions, multitasking, or simply being in a rush can lead to mistakes. For instance, leaving your phone on a table or forgetting your bag in a taxi happens more often than we’d like to admit. It’s part of human nature, unfortunately.

  1. Can you recall a time when you successfully recovered a lost item? How?

Answer: Thankfully, yes! After losing my wallet, I called the mall’s security team, and they informed me someone had turned it in. It was a stroke of luck—everything was still inside, and I learned to double-check my belongings from then on.

  1. Are there any tips you follow to avoid losing things?

Answer: I try to stay organized by keeping essentials in designated spots, like my wallet in a specific pocket or keys on a hook. On top of that, I use reminders on my phone to ensure I don’t leave anything behind. It’s all about forming habits.

  1. Do you think technology helps in finding lost items? Why?

Answer: Definitely! Apps and GPS trackers make locating lost items much easier. For example, Bluetooth tags attached to keychains or bags help pinpoint their location via smartphone apps. All in all, technology adds a layer of security and peace of mind.

  1. Are there any places where losing things is more likely? Why?

Answer: Busy public spaces like airports, concerts, or restaurants are hotspots for losing items. People tend to get distracted or overwhelmed in these environments, making it easy to misplace belongings. To sum it up, crowded areas require extra vigilance.

  1. Do you think losing things teaches us important lessons? Why?

Answer: Yes, it does. It teaches responsibility and mindfulness. Losing something forces you to reflect on your actions and improve organizational skills. Moreover, it reminds us to appreciate what we have and not take things for granted.

  1. Are there any disadvantages to using lost-and-found services?

Answer: One downside is that items may not always reach their rightful owners quickly, or at all. Sometimes, delays or lack of proper documentation can complicate recovery. On the flip side, these services are invaluable for reuniting people with their belongings, so the pros outweigh the cons.

  1. If you could invent a device to prevent losing things, what would it be?

Answer: My invention would be a smart tracker embedded into everyday objects like wallets, phones, or bags. It would alert you via an app whenever you left something behind. Also, it would emit a sound to help locate misplaced items nearby, a total game-changer for forgetful folks!


Note: We have written questions and answers for all the IELTS Speaking Topics of Part 1. Click here to assess them. We aim to help the students as much as possible. We have also written IELTS Speaking Cue Cards, including their Part -3 on the scale of Band 9.  However, we don’t promote cramming. 

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