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IELTSTM CUE CARD

Describe A Historical Period You Would Like To Know More About

Updated on Oct 08, 2024, 14:54

Overview

IELTS Speaking cue cards are prompts used in the IELTS speaking test where you are asked to speak about a specific topic for 1-2 minutes. These cue cards are designed to assess your ability to speak fluently, coherently, and confidently in English.
 

Today, we’ll be exploring the topic: "Describe A Historical Period You Would Like To Know More About." This period could be any significant era in history that piques your interest. It could be the Renaissance, the Industrial Revolution, or even a specific time in ancient history. Consider when it occurred, its significance in shaping the course of history, and what aspects of it intrigue you the most.
 

On this page, we'll explore sample answers to help you understand how to effectively discuss your chosen historical period in the IELTS speaking test. Whether it's the cultural revolution of the 1960s or the age of exploration, we'll provide insights to enhance your speaking skills and convey your ideas clearly.

 

Cue Card/Topic: Describe A Historical Period You Would Like To Know More About

You should say

  • Which period it is?
  • How you know about this period of history?
  • What its importance is in history?
  • What you want to know more about this period?
Sample Answer 1

Introduction ( Covers: Which period it is?)

 

  • One historical period that intrigues me is the Mughal era in India, particularly during the reign of Emperor Akbar. 
  • This period, spanning from the 16th to the 18th century, marked a significant chapter in Indian history. 
  • The Mughal era is known for its cultural richness, architectural marvels, and political intrigue.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest  ( Covers: How you know about this period of history?)

 

  • The Mughal era holds a special fascination for me due to its cultural diversity and the blend of Indian and Persian influences. 
  • Akbar's reign, known as the "Golden Age" of the Mughal Empire, witnessed remarkable advancements in art, literature, and administration. 
  • Learning about this period sparks my curiosity about the lives of people during that time and the dynamics of power and influence.

 

Key Highlights ( Covers: What its importance is in history?)

 

  • The Mughal period saw the construction of iconic monuments such as the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort, which are architectural wonders that still stand today. 
  • Akbar's policy of religious tolerance and his efforts to promote cultural exchange fostered a climate of harmony and creativity. 
  • Additionally, the Mughal Empire's economic prosperity and diplomatic relations with other empires shaped India's position in the global landscape.

 

Conclusion (Covers: What you want to know more about this period?

 

  • In conclusion, the Mughal era, particularly the reign of Emperor Akbar, represents a fascinating chapter in Indian history. 
  • Exploring this period offers insights into the rich cultural heritage and political dynamics of the time. 
  • I am eager to delve deeper into the intricacies of Mughal society and understand the lasting impact of this historical period on India's identity and heritage.
Sample Answer 2

Introduction  (Covers: Which period it is?)

 

  • A historical period that captivates my interest is the Gupta Empire era in ancient India, specifically during the reign of Emperor Chandragupta II. 
  • This period, known as the "Golden Age" of India, flourished from the 4th to the 6th century CE. 
  • The Gupta Empire is renowned for its significant contributions to art, science, and philosophy, making it a pivotal period in Indian history.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: How you know about this period of history?)

 

  • The Gupta Empire era intrigues me due to its remarkable achievements in various fields, including mathematics, astronomy, and literature. 
  • Learning about this period sparked my curiosity about the intellectual advancements and cultural renaissance that defined the era. 
  • I am particularly fascinated by the Gupta's patronage of scholars and artists, which led to a flourishing of creativity and innovation.

 

Key Highlights ( Covers: What its importance is in history?)
 

  • During the Gupta Empire, India experienced unprecedented prosperity and cultural refinement. 
  • The era witnessed notable achievements such as the development of the decimal system and the concept of zero in mathematics by scholars like Aryabhata. 
  • Additionally, the Gupta period saw the emergence of classical Sanskrit literature, with renowned works like Kalidasa's poetry and the Panchatantra tales.

 

Conclusion (Covers: What you want to know more about this period?

 

  • In conclusion, the Gupta Empire era represents a golden age of intellectual and artistic excellence in Indian history. 
  • Exploring this period offers valuable insights into the intellectual curiosity and creativity of ancient Indian civilization.
  • I am eager to delve deeper into the achievements and legacy of the Gupta Empire as they continue to influence Indian culture and heritage to this day.
Sample Answer 3

Introduction (Covers: Which period it is?)

 

  • An intriguing historical period that fascinates me is the Vijayanagara Empire era in South India, particularly during the reign of King Krishnadevaraya. 
  • This period, spanning from the 14th to the 16th century, marked a golden age of prosperity and cultural resurgence in the Deccan region. 
  • The Vijayanagara Empire is celebrated for its architectural marvels, vibrant trade networks, and patronage of arts and literature.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: How you know about this period of history?)

 

  • My fascination with the Vijayanagara Empire era stems from my exposure to its rich history during my academic studies. 
  • Delving into South Indian history, I was captivated by the tales of valour and cultural vibrancy that defined this period. 
  • Learning about the empire's architectural marvels, literary achievements, and economic prosperity sparked my curiosity and prompted me to explore further into this fascinating era.

 

Key Highlights  (Covers: What its importance is in history?)
 

  • The Vijayanagara Empire era witnessed the construction of magnificent temples, such as the Virupaksha Temple and the Vittala Temple, which stand as enduring symbols of the empire's architectural prowess. 
  • King Krishnadevaraya's patronage of arts and literature led to a flourishing of Telugu literature, with renowned poets like Tenali Ramakrishna and Allasani Peddana flourishing under his reign. 
  • Additionally, the empire's strategic location facilitated vibrant trade routes, fostering economic prosperity and cultural exchange.

 

Conclusion (Covers: What you want to know more about this period?

 

  • In conclusion, the Vijayanagara Empire era represents a glorious chapter in South Indian history, characterized by artistic splendour and political stability. 
  • Exploring this period offers valuable insights into the cultural heritage and societal dynamics of medieval India. 
  • I am eager to delve deeper into the legacy of the Vijayanagara Empire and uncover the enduring impact of its contributions to Indian civilization.

When the cue card section starts, the examiner will hand you a card with a topic and some guiding points. You’ll have one minute to prepare your response and then speak for up to two minutes.

 

The best way to answer a cue card is to break it down into smaller pieces: introduction, describing your experience, key highlights, and conclusion. Here’s how you can approach the topic "Describe A Historical Period You Would Like To Know More About”:

 

Introduction:

 

  • Briefly introduce the historical period you have chosen.
  • State why you find this period intriguing or why you want to learn more about it.
  • Provide some context about the significance of this period in history.

 

Describing Your Experience:

 

  • Share your personal interest or curiosity about the historical period.
  • Explain what draws you to this period and why you want to explore it further.
  • Mention any previous knowledge or experiences related to this period, if applicable.

 

Key Highlights:

 

  • Highlight significant events, developments, or figures from the historical period.
  • Discuss how these events shaped the course of history or influenced subsequent generations.
  • Provide interesting details or anecdotes to make your response engaging.

 

Conclusion:

 

  • Summarize your thoughts on the historical period and why you believe it is worth studying.
  • Reiterate your interest in learning more about the period and its relevance in understanding the world today.
  • End with a closing statement that reinforces the importance of exploring different historical periods to gain a deeper understanding of human history.

 

By following this structure, you can ensure your response is clear, organised, and within the two-minute limit.

 

Also read: IELTS Speaking Questions with Answers 2024 

 

Pace Up Your IELTS Preparation With Our Expert Masterclass!

Follow-Up Questions

In the IELTS Speaking Test, after you finish speaking about your cue card topic, the examiner will ask follow-up questions. This part of the test helps the examiner assess your ability to discuss the topic in more depth, providing detailed answers and expanding on your initial response. 

 

Expect questions that require you to express opinions, justify viewpoints, and provide examples to support your answers.


 

Q1. How can people get authentic historical information?

Answer 1: Authentic historical information can be obtained from reputable sources such as academic books, scholarly journals, and peer-reviewed articles. Visiting historical sites and museums, as well as consulting primary sources like manuscripts and inscriptions, can also provide valuable insights into the past.

 

Answer 2: To ensure authenticity, people should cross-reference information from multiple sources and critically evaluate the credibility of each source. Additionally, engaging with historians and attending lectures or seminars on historical topics can offer diverse perspectives and enrich one's understanding of the past.

Q2. Many children tend to get bored with history because there are many dates, times, and names to remember. Do you agree with that?

Answer 1: I partially agree that some children may find history boring due to the emphasis on memorising dates and names. However, I believe that history can be made more engaging by focusing on storytelling, hands-on activities, and interactive learning experiences that bring the past to life.

 

Answer 2: While it's true that rote memorisation of dates and names can be tedious, I believe that a well-designed history curriculum can foster critical thinking skills and promote a deeper understanding of historical events. Incorporating multimedia resources, group discussions, and project-based assignments can make history more relatable and enjoyable for children.

Q3. How might the museums of the future portray the 21st century?

Answer 1: In the future, museums may utilise advanced technology such as virtual reality and interactive exhibits to immerse visitors in the complexities of the 21st century. Exhibits may focus on contemporary issues such as climate change, globalization, and social justice, offering insights into the challenges and innovations of the modern era.

 

Answer 2: The museums of the future may adopt a more inclusive and participatory approach, inviting visitors to contribute their own stories and perspectives to exhibits. Additionally, digital archives and online platforms may facilitate greater access to historical artefacts and cultural heritage, transcending geographical boundaries and preserving collective memory for future generations.

Q4. Should museums be free of cost to enter?

Answer 1: While free admission to museums would make cultural and educational resources more accessible to all, it may also pose financial challenges for maintaining museum facilities and preserving artefacts. Implementing a voluntary donation system or offering discounted rates for certain groups could strike a balance between accessibility and sustainability.

 

Answer 2: I believe that museums play a crucial role in preserving cultural heritage and fostering public engagement with history and the arts. Therefore, while free admission would undoubtedly benefit visitors, it's essential to ensure adequate funding and support for museums to sustain their operations and collections for future generations to enjoy.

FAQs

Q. How do I frame my answer in 1 minute?

Ans. To frame your answer in 1 minute, quickly jot down the key points you want to cover. Outline a brief introduction, main points, and a conclusion. Prioritise the most relevant information and ensure a logical flow to your response.

Q. What is the marking scheme for the IELTS speaking test?

Ans. The IELTS speaking test is marked on four criteria: Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Pronunciation. Each criterion is scored out of 9, and the scores are averaged to give an overall band score.

Q. How many hours is the IELTS speaking test?

Ans. The IELTS speaking test lasts for approximately 11-14 minutes. It consists of three parts: an introduction and interview, a long turn (cue card), and a two-way discussion.

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