Describe an Invention Changed the People’s Life: IELTS Cue Card

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Describe A Difficult Thing You Did: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

Updated on Nov 12, 2024, 10:35

Overview

In this guide, we’ll break down the IELTS Speaking test – from its time patterns to what you’ll be facing.

The IELTS Speaking test is divided into three parts, each serving a specific purpose.

Part 1: You’ll face questions about familiar topics like yourself, your home, or your studies. (Duration: 4-5 minutes)
Part 2 involves speaking on a given topic for two minutes, like a mini-speech. (Duration: 3-4 minutes)
Part 3: Be ready for a deeper conversation, tackling more abstract ideas related to the previous topic. (Duration: 4-5 minutes)

The IELTS Speaking test aims to mimic a real conversation, assessing your ability to express yourself naturally. It’s not just about what you say but also how you say it – your pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar are all under the microscope.

Cue Card/Topic: Describe A Difficult Thing You Did

You should say

What was it?
How did you complete it?
Why was it difficult?
How did you feel about doing it?

Sample Answers

How to answer

Sample Answer 1

1. Introduction:

Begin by briefly introducing the challenging task you undertook.
State the nature of the task, setting the stage for the detailed response.
Example: “Last year, I faced a significant challenge when I took on the responsibility of organising a charity event in my community.”

“Last year, I undertook the challenging task of organising a charity event in my community. The event aimed to raise funds for a local orphanage and involved coordinating various aspects such as logistics, fundraising activities, and community engagement.”

2. What was it?

Provide specific details about the task.
Include relevant information about the event, its purpose, and your role.
Example: “The event aimed to raise funds for a local orphanage, and my role involved coordinating logistics, fundraising activities, and community engagement.”

“To successfully complete this daunting task, I created a detailed plan outlining all the necessary steps. I began by mobilising a team of volunteers from the community, each assigned specific roles based on their skills and interests. We collaborated on brainstorming innovative fundraising ideas, reaching out to local businesses for sponsorships, and coordinating the logistics of the event day."

3. How did you complete it?

Outline the step-by-step process you followed to complete the task.
Highlight your approach, including planning, team coordination, and communication.
Example: “I initiated the process by creating a detailed plan, mobilising a team of volunteers, and collaborating on fundraising ideas. Regular team meetings and adaptability were crucial throughout the planning and execution phases.”

“Executing the plan required effective communication and constant collaboration. I regularly conducted team meetings to ensure everyone was on the same page, addressed challenges promptly, and adapted the plan as needed. On the event day, my team and I worked tirelessly to ensure the smooth running of various activities, from food stalls to entertainment programs.”

4. Why was it difficult?

Identify and elaborate on the specific challenges associated with the task.
Discuss the multifaceted nature of the difficulties and the skills required.
Example: “The task was challenging due to the need for effective coordination, financial management, and the pressure of meeting community and charity organisation expectations. It demanded organisational skills and adaptability to address unforeseen challenges.”

“This task was particularly challenging due to the multifaceted nature of event planning and the added pressure of ensuring the event’s success for the benefit of the orphanage. Coordinating volunteers, managing finances, and addressing unforeseen issues demanded high organisational skills and adaptability. Additionally, the responsibility of meeting the expectations of the community and the charity organisation added to the complexity.”

5. How did you feel about doing it?

Explore the emotional aspect of the experience.
Discuss both positive and challenging emotions.
Example: “Undertaking this difficult task was nerve-wracking, but the sense of accomplishment and fulfilment upon seeing the community come together overshadowed the difficulties. It was a rewarding experience that taught me valuable lessons.”

“Undertaking this difficult task was both nerve-wracking and exhilarating. There were moments of stress and anxiety, especially when facing unexpected challenges. However, the sense of accomplishment and fulfilment upon seeing the community come together and contribute generously and the successful outcome of the event overshadowed the difficulties. It was a rewarding experience that tested my abilities and taught me valuable lessons in leadership, teamwork, and community engagement.”

6. Conclusion:

Summarise the key points and reflect on the overall experience.
Conclude with a statement that ties back to the difficulty and significance of the task.
Example: “In conclusion, organising the charity event tested my abilities, taught me crucial life skills, and provided a sense of fulfilment. It was undeniably one of my life’s most difficult yet gratifying experiences.”

“In conclusion, organising the charity event was undoubtedly one of the most difficult yet gratifying experiences, pushing me beyond my comfort zone and helping me develop crucial life skills.”

By following this structured approach, you can provide a comprehensive and well-rounded response to the IELTS Speaking Part 2 question. Remember to use a mix of complex and varied vocabulary, and pay attention to your pronunciation and fluency during the actual speaking test.

The IELTS Speaking Test Part 2, often called the “Cue Card” section, is a speaking task where you are given a cue card with a topic and some prompts.

You have 1 minute to prepare and take notes, and then you need to speak about the topic for 1-2 minutes. Here’s a detailed explanation:

1. Getting the Cue Card:

The examiner will give you a card with a topic like, “Describe a difficult thing you did with the” written on it. This topic could be about a person, an event, a place, or an experience.

2. 1 Minute Preparation:

After receiving the card, “Describe a difficult thing you did with the”, you have one minute to think about what you want to say. You can make notes on the provided paper. Use this time to plan your response.

3. Speaking About the Topic:

Once the one-minute preparation time is over, you need to speak for 1-2 minutes about the topic “Describe a difficult thing you did with the” on the cue card.
Try to cover all the points mentioned on the card. If there are three prompts, for example, make sure you talk about each of them.

4. Language Use:

Use a variety of vocabulary and sentence structures to showcase your language skills.
Don’t worry too much about being perfect; the examiner is looking for your ability to express yourself in English.

5. Speaking Fluently:

Speak at a natural pace, not too fast or too slow.
Try to avoid long pauses, but don’t rush through your speech. It’s okay to take short pauses to gather your thoughts.

6. Staying on Topic:

Focus on the topic given on the cue card. Don’t go off on unrelated tangents.
If you find yourself running out of things to say, you can always expand on the points you’ve already made.

7. Closing Your Talk:

Try to conclude your talk naturally. Summarise your main points or express your overall feelings about the topic.

8. Examiner’s Questions:

After you finish speaking, the examiner might ask you one or two follow-up questions related to the cue card topic. Be ready to respond to these questions.

Remember, the Cue Card section is an opportunity to showcase your speaking abilities. Take a deep breath, organise your thoughts during the one-minute preparation time, and speak confidently about the given topic.

Follow-Up Questions

Below are some sample questions and possible answers. Once again, we recommend that you only take the inspiration from the answers below and add your twist to it!

Note: In the IELTS Speaking Part 3, well-developed responses must be provided with examples and explanations. This demonstrates a strong command of the language and the ability to articulate nuanced perspectives.

Q1. How do people benefit from facing difficult challenges in their lives?

Answer: Facing difficult challenges in life often leads to personal growth and development. It pushes individuals out of their comfort zones, encouraging them to acquire new skills and resilience. For instance, when I organised a charity event, I had to adapt to unforeseen circumstances and make quick decisions, which improved my problem-solving abilities. Additionally, overcoming challenges fosters a sense of accomplishment, boosting one’s confidence and self-esteem.

Q2. Do you think people should actively seek out challenging situations or avoid them? Why?

Answer: Striking a balance is crucial. While actively seeking challenges can foster growth and learning, it’s essential to consider one’s capabilities and not overwhelm oneself. Challenges should be approached with a mindset of learning and improvement. For instance, taking on challenges that align with personal goals can be more rewarding than tackling excessively demanding ones. It’s about finding a healthy challenge that pushes individuals without causing undue stress.

Q3. In what ways can overcoming challenges positively impact a person’s future career?

Answer: Overcoming challenges is integral to career development. It demonstrates adaptability, a sought-after trait in the professional world. Employers value individuals who can navigate difficult situations and find solutions. Moreover, successfully overcoming challenges can build a track record of achievements, enhancing one’s professional reputation. For example, the experience of organising the charity event not only developed my organisational skills but also served as a compelling achievement on my resume.

Q4. Are there cultural differences in how people approach and handle challenges?

Answer: Yes, cultural differences play a role in how individuals approach challenges. In some cultures, there might be a collective emphasis on community support and teamwork, while in others, individual resilience and determination could be more valued. For instance, in my community, there was a strong emphasis on teamwork during the charity event, and this collaborative approach helped overcome challenges more effectively.

Explore other Cue Cards

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FAQs

Q. How can I prepare for the IELTS Cue Card?

Ans. To prepare for the IELTS Cue Card effectively, follow these tips:

Use Real IELTS Cue Cards: Practice with actual IELTS cue cards to get a feel for the format and types of topics.
Optimise the 1-Minute Preparation: Use the one-minute preparation wisely by jotting down key points and organising your thoughts.
Selective Use of Bullet Points: You don’t have to cover every single bullet point on the cue card. Prioritise the ones that allow you to showcase your language skills effectively.
Record Yourself Speaking: Record your responses for up to 2 minutes. This helps you assess your fluency, pronunciation, and time management.
Practice with a Stopwatch: Time yourself during practice sessions to simulate the actual test conditions and improve your time management skills.

Q. How do you solve a cue card?

Ans. To tackle a cue card effectively:

Focus on the Main Topic: Concentrate on the central theme of the task card, using bullet points as guidance.
Simplify Vocabulary: Use clear and straightforward language. Avoid unnecessarily complicating your discussion.
Maintain Coherence: Ensure that your answers stay on track and directly address the question at hand.

Q. What are the frequently asked Cue Cards in IELTS?

Ans. Some common cue card topics include:

Q. How to Prepare Cue Card in 1 Minute?

Ans. For effective 1-minute preparation:

Quickly think of a topic you can elaborate on.
Understand the topic well.
Keep essential keywords in mind as you speak.

Q. What is the Format of Cue Card?

Ans. A Cue Card typically contains a topic or task to talk about for 2 minutes, followed by a one-minute discussion with the examiner. It assesses fluency, coherent thought organisation, and the use of vocabulary and grammatical structures.

Q. Why is IELTS Speaking Difficult?

Ans. The IELTS speaking test is challenging due to its face-to-face informal discussion format, assessing pronunciation, fluency, grammar, and vocabulary. You may face difficulties in conversational practice and overall command of English.

Q. What Does an IELTS Cue Card Look Like?

Ans. In the IELTS exam, when you receive a cue card, it resembles a task card containing 3-4 questions related to a specific topic. Each card prompts you to speak on that subject for 2 minutes. The questions are carefully crafted to assess your ability to express yourself fluently and coherently.

Q. How to End Part 2 Speaking IELTS?

Ans. To conclude Part 2 of the IELTS Speaking test, if you’ve effectively covered all the points and spoken for at least a minute, wrap up your response naturally. Expressions such as “That’s all I have to say” or “So, that’s it” can be used. This signals to the examiner that you’ve thoroughly addressed the topic and are ready to move on to the next phase.

Q. Are IELTS Cue Cards Repeated?

Ans. No, IELTS cue cards are regularly updated every four months. Approximately 50% of the topics are changed in April, September, and December. This ensures that candidates encounter diverse subjects, preventing the memorisation of specific cue card topics. It emphasises the importance of adaptability and preparation across various themes.

Q. Can I prepare myself for IELTS?

Ans. Absolutely! You can effectively prepare for the IELTS test on your own. Through systematic planning and a deep understanding of the test structure, you can enhance your language skills at home without needing expensive coaching classes. Utilise available resources, practice regularly and familiarise yourself with the test format to build confidence.

Q. Is an IELTS score of 7 GOOD?

Ans. An IELTS score of 7 is considered “Good,” indicating excellent language use in specific situations. While many leading study-abroad destinations accept a score of 6.5, certain prestigious universities may require a higher score, typically around 7. It’s essential to check the specific requirements of your target institutions.

Q. What are IELTS Cue Cards?

Ans. IELTS Cue Cards are pivotal components of the speaking test. When handed a cue card, you have precisely 1 minute to prepare your thoughts on the given topic. Subsequently, you are required to speak continuously for 2 minutes, demonstrating your ability to articulate ideas and maintain a coherent discussion. Following this, the examiner may pose additional questions about the given topic, delving deeper into your understanding and ability to express ideas on the subject.

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