You are in Australia and your debit card is missing. Tell the bank teller what you know, ask them to make the card safe, and check any payments you do not recognise.
Name: Mina Tran
Account: Everyday transaction account
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Job: Meat butcher
ID: Passport photo ID and work ID card
Problem: Your debit card is missing and your phone number recently changed, so the bank app code may not work.
Customer: Good morning. I think I've lost my debit card.
Teller: I'm sorry to hear that. When did you last have it?
Customer: I used it yesterday afternoon at Woolworths Melbourne Central.
Customer: Can you freeze the card and check for suspicious transactions?
Only share details when the teller asks. Use short, clear answers.
| Topic | What you know | Useful sentence | Question to ask |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last card use | Woolworths Melbourne Central, yesterday 4:20 pm, $37.85. |
Hint"I recognise the Woolworths payment." |
Hint"Can you check the last card use?" |
| Maybe yours | Metro Trains top-up, yesterday 5:05 pm, $9.50. |
Hint"The Metro top-up is probably mine." |
Hint"Can we check the recent transactions together?" |
| Suspicious | 7-Eleven Carlton $18.70, Shell Richmond $42.10, and a $1.00 test payment today. |
Hint"I don't recognise these payments." |
Hint"Can we dispute them?" |
| Money today | You may need money for groceries, rent or transport. |
Hint"I need money for important things today." |
Hint"Can I withdraw cash or use online banking while I wait?" |
| New card | You may travel from Sydney to Brisbane in six days. |
Hint"I'm travelling in six days." |
Hint"How long will a replacement card take?" |
| Safety | You use your phone to pay sometimes, but your phone number changed. |
Hint"My phone number changed, so I may not get the bank app code." |
Hint"Should I update my phone number or change my PIN?" |
| Freeze or cancel | You are not sure if the card is lost or stolen, so you want the safest option. |
Hint"I'm not sure if I lost it or if someone took it." |
Hint"Should I freeze it first or cancel it now?" |
| Identity check | You have passport photo ID and a work ID card with you. |
Hint"I have my passport photo ID and work ID with me." |
Hint"What ID do you need to verify my account?" |
| Address | The bank may need your current address before sending a replacement card. |
Hint"I can confirm my current address." |
Hint"Can the replacement card be sent to my current address?" |
| Digital wallet | Your card may be saved on your phone for tap-and-pay. |
Hint"I sometimes use my phone to pay with this card." |
Hint"Will the card in my digital wallet stop working too?" |
Review this short guide before answering:
IDP IELTS — Adverbs of FrequencyFocus on: usually • often • sometimes • rarely • never
(4–5 mins)
Give a direct answer. Add one reason. Add one small example.
"I usually __ because __. For example, __."
I usually pay by card because it is quick and I do not need to carry much cash. For example, I use my card when I buy groceries or take public transport.
Yes, once my card payment did not go through at a shop. I checked my banking app, tried again, and then used another payment method.
I think banking apps are quite easy if people use them regularly. However, they can be confusing for older people or anyone who is not confident with technology.
(1–2 mins speaking, 1 min prep)
Describe a time when you lost something important.
Start with the situation. Explain the details in order. Finish with your feeling or lesson.
"I'd like to talk about a time when I lost __. It happened __. First, I __. Then, I __. In the end, __. I felt __ because __."
I'd like to talk about a time when I lost my debit card. I think I left it at a supermarket after paying for food. First, I checked my wallet and bag carefully. Then, I called the bank and asked them to freeze the card. In the end, I got a replacement card. I felt worried at first, but I was relieved after the bank made the card safe.
(4–5 mins)
Give your opinion. Explain the reason. Compare two sides or give a wider example.
"In my opinion, __. The main reason is __. However, __. For example, __."
Some people worry because they are afraid of fraud or suspicious transactions. They may also worry about losing their phone, forgetting passwords, or making a mistake online.
In my opinion, digital payments can be safer because banks can block a lost card and track transactions. However, cash can feel simpler because it does not need a phone, internet connection, or password.
Banks can help by giving clear instructions, quick support, and simple ways to report a lost card. For example, they could explain what will happen next and give the customer a reference number.