Describe a historical period: IELTS Cue Card

IELTS is one of the most famous English language proficiency tests worldwide. Many organisations, institutions, and popular countries like Canada, the USA, the UK, and New Zealand accept it. Last year, over three million people took the exam.

It includes 4 modules, namely,

• Reading
• Writing
• Speaking
• Listening

The IELTS Speaking Test is a crucial part of the IELTS Exam. It tests your ability to converse fluently in English. It comprises 3 parts: Introduction and Interview, Cue Card Round, and Long Discussion. 

One of the tasks you will encounter during your IELTS Speaking Test is the Cue Card Segment. The topics test your communication skills. This part needs to have a clear, concise and well-thought-out answer.

To better understand the IELTS Speaking test, look at “Describe a historical place” and learn ways to present this section in the best way possible.

IELTS Speaking Test

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a standardised test that measures the English proficiency of non-native speakers. Among the 4 modules, the Speaking section is the most interactive and personal.

The Speaking Test is about 11 to 14 minutes long. It consists of three parts, each designed to assess different aspects of your speaking skills.

The Three speaking sections are:

Part 1– Introduction and Interview: The examiner will ask general questions about yourself, your family, work, likes, dislikes and more. Part 2– Cue Card Segment: In this part, you will be given a topic to speak on and will have a minute to prepare for it. Then, you will speak about it for 2 minutes. Part 3– Long Discussion: The examiner will ask you follow-up questions related to the topic discussed in Part 2

Now, let us dive into the IELTS Speaking Part 2.

IELTS Speaking Part 2: Cue Card

Part 2 of the IELTS Speaking Test is the Cue Card or the Talk section. The Cue Card is a crucial part of the IELTS Speaking exam, usually in the middle of the exam.

It tests your ability to speak fluently on a topic and organise your thoughts effectively. The Cue Card round is allotted 3-4 minutes of speaking time, and the examiner will give you a cue card with a topic. 

Total Duration of IELTS Speaking Part 2

Duration of IELTS Speaking Part 2	3-4 minutes
Preparation Time	1 minute
Speaking Time	2-3 minutes

You will have one minute to prepare your notes and two minutes to discuss the topic. Use your preparation time wisely and jot down key points you want to cover in your speech. You can use abbreviations or short forms to save time, but ensure you can understand them later.

When the two minutes are up, the examiner will ask you one or two follow-up questions about the topic. This is your chance to showcase your ability to express your perspectives and ideas in more detail and to provide examples and details to support them.

Describe a Historical Period: Model Answers

To ace your IELTS Speaking Test, it’s essential to familiarise yourself with the format of the exam and the topics, such as how to describe a historical period. Here are a few points that you include to curate the best answer for the topic.

1) Select a historical period you know well

This will help you give a more accurate and authentic answer. You can start by providing a brief overview of the historical period, which will help you set the context for the rest of your answer.

2) Talk about the key points and the main events of the historical period.

This will showcase your knowledge of the period and make your answer more attractive. You can also provide the impact of these events on the society and culture.

Moreover, you should also mention the important people who played a role during the historical period. 

3) Describe the cultural and social changes that occurred during the period.

This could include changes in art, literature, music, fashion, and other aspects of culture. You can also mention the impact of these changes on society and how they continue to influence us today.

4) Conclude by mentioning your personal opinion. 

This will show the examiner that you understand the period beyond just the facts. You can mention what you find interesting about the period, what you have learned, and how it has influenced your perspective. 

Here are two answers to help you.

Describe a Historical Period: Model Answer 1

Introduction

The Industrial Revolution began in the late 18th century and continued till the 19th century. It saw a significant shift in how goods were produced and distributed. Before the Industrial Revolution, most goods were handmade in small shops or homes.

After new technologies like the steam engine and the spinning jenny were founded, factories began to emerge. These enabled the production of goods on a larger scale.

Features of the historical period

An essential aspect of the Revolution was the rise of capitalism as a dominant economic system. After the growth of factories and mass production, goods could now be produced more efficiently and affordably.

This all led to a vast consumer demand, which fueled the development of new industries and businesses.

However, due to the rise of capitalism, there was significant economic and social inequality as the advantages did not reach the society evenly.

Changes occurred during the historical period. 

The Industrial Revolution impacted our society and significantly changed how people lived, worked and talked to each other. For instance, the growth of factories led to urban centres where workers could work and live together.

These changes led to new social and cultural norms as people from different backgrounds and regions came together in these centres.

Conclusion

The Industrial Revolution led to the growth of cities and a rise in living standards for many individuals. The development of factories and technologies like the steam engine increased pollution and environmental degradation, negatively affecting health.

Describe a Historical period: Model Answer 2

Introduction

One such fascinating historical period that I would like to talk about is the Indus Valley Civilization. The Indus Valley Civilization flourished around 3300-1300 BCE and is one of the world’s oldest and most advanced civilisations.

 It is also known as the Harappan Valley Civilization. This civilisation flourished around the fertile Indus River plains, modern-day Pakistan, and northwest India.

Features of the Historical Period

The most remarkable feature of this civilisation is its well-planned cities like the Mohenjo Daro and Harappa.

These cities had well-defined drainage systems, streets, and multi-story buildings showcasing high architectural knowledge.

The Indus Valley people were active traders; their economic system was supported by agriculture, trade, and various crafts.

Changes that occurred during the historical period.

The Harappan cities were built using standardised baked bricks and gave the structure of two and multi-story buildings.

People learn about the grid layout, well-organised street structures, and advanced drainage systems.

These people were highly skilled in agriculture and used irrigation systems. They cultivated various crops, including wheat, rice, barley, fruits, and vegetables.

The Harappan people were well-crafted artists, producing pottery, jewellery, statues, and even seals that were used for trade.

Conclusion

 The Indus Valley Civilization represents the achievements of the early human civilisations. The infrastructure advancements and city planning make it a compelling subject to study.

Describe a historical period: Follow-up Questions

The follow-up questions are the third part of the speaking test, where the examiner asks you follow-up questions on the topic you discussed in part 2, that is, to describe a historical period.

When answering these follow-up questions, be sure to draw on the information you provided in your initial description of the historical period. Use specific examples to support your answers, and try to make connections between different aspects of the period. This will demonstrate your knowledge of the topic and ability to communicate effectively in English.

Some common follow-up questions that you may encounter on the topic:

Q. Do you think children are more interested in learning about history nowadays?

Answer A: No, I don’t think so. Children are reluctant to learn about their past despite the availability and easy access to several sources and materials, including books, museums, the Internet, and movies. For most of them, the subject seems boring.

Answer B: With the introduction of experiential teaching methods and curriculum upgradation, children’s interest in the subject is significantly increasing. In addition, including activities such as museum visits, interactive projects, and historical reenactments has made the issue more engaging and enjoyable.

Q. As per you, what sources can people get reliable historical information?

Answer A: People can get the most accurate information from the books written by prominent historians by visiting art galleries and museums. Apart from these, many reliable websites with authentic details are available online.

Answer B: There are a lot of sources available that people can refer to, like academic journals and theses, by visiting archives and national libraries, watching documentaries and films, and through historical societies designed explicitly with the motive of preserving history. 

Q. Do you think it is necessary to know about history?

Answer A: it is essential because history teaches us about our past. We learn about many things: our ancestors, our evolution, how we have won freedom, and many other things. History teaches us to learn from our mistakes and makes us aware of our progress.

Answer B: Yes, the knowledge of history is of the utmost value for understanding the roots of our culture, society, and political development. This knowledge provides us with the context of current events and allows us to learn from past experiences to make informed decisions.

Q. Do you think museum entry should be free?

Answer A: No, museums should not charge an entry fee. Museums require proper maintenance to function. Hence, a minimum price should be set to take appropriate care. Moreover, it is human tendency not to value things which come free of cost.

Answer B: I have to disagree with this. Making museum entry accessible will result in negative consequences. Museums rely on the money earned from ticket sales and donations for their operations, staff fees, and maintenance. Making entry free will make it difficult for museums to sustain. 

Tips to Ace the IELTS Cue Card Task!

The IELTS Cue Card task, or Speaking Part 2, requires you to speak on a topic for 1-2 minutes. The key to success in the IELTS Cue Card task is a combination of language skills, organisation, and effective communication. Here are some tips to help you ace the IELTS Cue Card task:

1. Regularly practice speaking on a variety of topics. Record yourself and listen to it to identify areas for improvement.
2. Use a wide range of vocabulary to showcase your language skills and avoid repetition. 
3. Ensure you speak about all the points in the cue card within the allotted time.
4. Structure your response by starting with a clear introduction. Then, moving on to the main points and concluding sentences.
5. Your sentences should be grammatically correct, and your pronunciation should be accurate.
6. Use the preparation time wisely and note points to help frame your answer.
7. Give long answers and expand on your ideas with relevant examples.
8. Maintain a positive attitude and be confident in your answers.

Following these tips can improve your performance and help you aim to score a higher band. Remember to practice regularly and constantly check on your performance.

Need more help? Sign up for our IELTS Masterclass and get access to expert training, mock tests, IELTS resources, speaking evaluations and more! 

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