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IELTSTM CUE CARD

Describe A Person Who Likes To Make Things By Hand

Updated on Oct 09, 2024, 06:15

Overview

When preparing for the IELTS Speaking Test, a common topic you might encounter is "Describe a person who likes to make things by hand." This topic invites you to reflect on individuals who engage in hands-on creativity, such as artisans, crafters, or DIY enthusiasts. 
 

Understanding this theme involves considering the significance of craftsmanship, the skills involved in creating handmade items, and the personal connection these individuals have with their craft. By exploring such topics, you not only enrich your vocabulary but also learn to articulate your thoughts clearly, which is essential for achieving a high IELTS score.
 

Practising this topic can significantly enhance your IELTS Speaking skills by encouraging you to structure your responses coherently while using relevant examples and descriptive language. This practice helps build confidence, allowing you to express your ideas fluently on test day. Furthermore, familiarising yourself with various themes related to personal experiences and observations will better prepare you for the unpredictable nature of the IELTS Speaking section, particularly in terms of adapting to different questions and achieving the desired IELTS band score.

 

 

Cue Card/Topic:Describe A Person Who Likes To Make Things By Hand

You should say

  • Who is this person?
  • What do they make?
  • Why do they like to make things by hand?
  • And explain how you feel about the person.
Sample Answer 1

Introduction (Covers: Who is this person?/ What do they make?)

 

  • I’d like to talk about my uncle Raj, who is an incredibly talented carpenter. As my uncle, he has always been a significant figure in my life, sharing both his skills and his wisdom. 
  • He enjoys making handcrafted furniture, from elegant chairs to beautiful tables, all crafted with precision and care.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: Why do they like to make things by hand?/ And explain how do you feel about the person?)  

 

  • Uncle Raj finds immense joy in working with wood. He loves the tactile experience of shaping raw materials into functional art. 
  • For him, carpentry is not just a job; it’s a passion that allows him to express his creativity and connect with nature. 
  • I remember spending weekends in his workshop, watching him transform rough timber into stunning pieces. 
  • His enthusiasm is contagious, and being part of that process made me appreciate the effort and love that goes into each creation.

 

Key Highlights (Covers: And explain how do you feel about the person?)

 

  • One of his most impressive pieces is a dining table he made for our family. It features intricate carvings and a smooth finish, making it the centrepiece of our home. 
  • I admire his attention to detail, especially his ability to combine functionality with aesthetics. 
  • Uncle Raj uses traditional techniques that require patience and skill, which not only enhances the beauty of his work but also ensures its durability. 
  • His creations often become cherished family heirlooms, fostering a sense of connection and history.

 

Conclusion

 

  • In summary, Uncle Raj is not just a skilled carpenter but also an inspiration. Through his craft, I’ve learned the value of hard work and creativity. 
  • His dedication to handmade items has instilled in me a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and the stories behind each piece. 
  • I believe that creativity is essential in our lives, and his work has taught me to value the art of making things by hand.
Sample Answer 2

Introduction (Covers: Who is this person?/ What do they make?)

 

  • Let me tell you about my sister, Ananya, who has a real knack for pottery. She has been my inspiration since childhood, and her creativity knows no bounds.
  • Ananya enjoys shaping clay into beautiful pots, bowls, and decorative items, each reflecting her unique style.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: Why do they like to make things by hand?/ And explain how do you feel about the person?)  

 

  • Ananya loves working with her hands because it provides her with a sense of calm and fulfilment. 
  • She finds joy in the entire process of pottery—from kneading the clay to painting the finished product. 
  • I have spent many afternoons in her studio, where she patiently guides me through the steps of creating my own pottery. 
  • Witnessing her dedication has deepened my admiration for her craft and highlighted the beauty of handmade art.

 

Key Highlights (Covers: And explain how do you feel about the person?)

 

  • One of the most memorable pieces she created was a set of dinner plates, each with a different design inspired by nature. 
  • Her attention to detail is astonishing, as she carefully glazes each piece to create vibrant colours and textures. 
  • Ananya’s pottery not only enhances our home but also has a positive impact on those who receive her gifts; friends and family often cherish her handmade creations for their personal touch.

 

Conclusion

 

  • In conclusion, my sister Ananya is a remarkable artist whose passion for pottery has taught me the importance of creativity and craftsmanship. 
  • Her dedication to making things by hand inspires me to appreciate the art around us and encourages me to explore my creative side. 
  • I firmly believe that the unique character of handmade items adds warmth to our lives, and Ananya’s work embodies this beautifully.
Sample Answer 3

Introduction (Covers: Who is this person?/ What do they make?)

 

  • I want to talk about my aunt, Meera, who is an exceptional seamstress. As a close family member, she has been a huge influence on my life, particularly in appreciating the art of creating with fabric. 
  • Meera spends her time crafting beautiful garments and accessories, from stunning sarees to intricate bags.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: Why do they like to make things by hand?/ And explain how do you feel about the person?)  

 

  • Meera finds great joy in sewing because it allows her to unleash her creativity while also giving her a sense of achievement. 
  • She loves transforming plain fabrics into something spectacular. I often sit beside her in her sewing room, where she teaches me different stitching techniques. 
  • Her patience and skill inspire me, and I am always amazed by her ability to envision a final product from just a few pieces of cloth.

 

Key Highlights (Covers: And explain how do you feel about the person?)

 

  • One of her standout creations was a custom-made lehenga for my cousin’s wedding. The intricate embroidery and vibrant colours made it a real showstopper. 
  • Meera’s expertise in selecting the right fabrics and her meticulous attention to detail ensure that every piece she creates is of the highest quality. 
  • Her handmade items are often treasured by our family and friends, as they carry a personal touch that mass-produced items simply can’t replicate.

 

Conclusion

 

  • To sum up, my aunt Meera is a talented seamstress whose passion for sewing has left a lasting impression on me. 
  • Through her craftsmanship, I have learned to value the effort and creativity behind handmade items. 
  • Meera’s work has not only enriched our family but has also instilled in me a greater appreciation for the beauty of handmade creations and the joy they bring into our lives.

When the cue card section starts, the examiner will hand you a card with a topic written on it. You will have one minute to prepare your response, and then you will need to speak about the topic for one to two minutes. This is your opportunity to showcase your ability to speak fluently and coherently on a given subject.


The best way to answer these cue cards is by breaking down your response into four parts: Introduction, describing your experience/opinion/interest, key highlights, and conclusion.

 

Introduction (Covers: Who is this person?/ What do they make?)

 

  • Start by briefly introducing the person you’ll be discussing.
  • Mention your relationship with this person (e.g., family member, friend).
  • State what they enjoy making by hand, creating a context for your description.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: Why do they like to make things by hand?/ And explain how do you feel about the person?)  

 

  • Describe the types of things they make by hand (e.g., toys, furniture).
  • Discuss why they enjoy this craft, highlighting their passion and creativity.
  • Share any memorable experiences you’ve had with them while they were creating something.

 

Key Highlights (Covers: How did you feel about it?)

 

  • Highlight specific examples of their work, mentioning any particularly impressive pieces.
  • Discuss any techniques or skills they use that stand out.
  • Explain how their creations positively impact others

 

Conclusion

 

  • Summarise your thoughts about this person and their craft.
  • Reflect on what you’ve learned from them or how they inspire you.
  • End with a personal comment about the importance of creativity or handmade items in your life.

 

By following this structure, you can ensure that your response is well-organised, clear, and detailed, fitting within the two-minute time limit. Now, let’s look at a sample answer to illustrate how you can apply this structure effectively.

Follow-Up Questions

In the IELTS Speaking Test, the examiner will ask follow-up/ two-way discussion questions after you finish speaking about your cue card topic. 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. You should expect questions that explore your reasoning, experiences, and opinions related to the topic.

Q1. Do you think handmade items are more valuable than machine-made ones?

Answer 1: I believe handmade items hold more sentimental value than machine-made ones. When something is made by hand, it often involves personal care, creativity, and effort, which makes the item feel more unique. Machine-made products can be efficient and affordable, but handmade items have a personal touch that makes them more meaningful, especially as gifts.

Answer 2: In my opinion, handmade items are generally more valuable because they reflect the maker's skill and dedication. The time and effort spent on crafting something by hand often result in a one-of-a-kind item. While machine-made products are more uniform and easily available, handmade items carry a sense of individuality and craftsmanship that is hard to replicate.

Q2. Why do some people prefer making things by hand?

Answer 1: Some people prefer making things by hand because it allows them to express their creativity and individuality. Crafting something with your hands can be a rewarding experience, as you get to see the entire process from start to finish. It also provides a sense of accomplishment, knowing that the final product is the result of your own hard work and imagination.
 

Answer 2: People enjoy making things by hand because it offers them a sense of relaxation and satisfaction. It’s a way to disconnect from the fast-paced digital world and focus on something tangible. Additionally, creating handmade items often gives them control over the quality and design, which can be more fulfilling than simply purchasing a mass-produced product.

Q3. What are the benefits of learning to make things by hand?

Answer 1: Learning to make things by hand develops important skills like creativity, problem-solving, and patience. It also promotes mindfulness, as you need to concentrate on the task at hand. Additionally, crafting can be a great way to relieve stress, and the satisfaction of creating something yourself can boost confidence and provide a sense of achievement.

Answer 2: One of the main benefits of learning to make things by hand is that it encourages creativity and allows you to develop new skills. It also fosters a sense of independence, as you’re able to create or repair things on your own. Furthermore, handmade items often have sentimental value, which can bring joy to both the maker and the recipient.

Q4. How can handmade items impact the environment compared to machine-made products?

Answer 1: Handmade items are often more environmentally friendly than machine-made products. They usually require fewer resources to produce, and the materials used are often sourced locally or sustainably. In contrast, mass production often relies on factories that can contribute to pollution. Handmade goods also tend to last longer, reducing waste.

Answer 2: Handmade items generally have a lower environmental impact because they’re not produced on a large scale and often use natural or recycled materials. Machine-made products, on the other hand, are mass-produced and can involve a lot of waste and energy consumption. Handmade items can also promote sustainable practices, as they encourage thoughtful, slower consumption.

FAQs

Q. What if I don’t understand a word on the cue card?

Ans. If you encounter a word you don’t understand on the cue card, try to infer its meaning from the context or focus on the other aspects of the topic that you do understand. It’s important to keep speaking confidently, as the examiner is assessing your ability to communicate, not your vocabulary knowledge.

Q. How can I extend my answers in Part 1?

Ans. To extend your answers in Part 1, add details, examples, or reasons to your responses. Instead of giving short, direct answers, try to elaborate by explaining why you feel a certain way or providing additional information. This will show your ability to communicate more complex ideas.

Q. Is it okay to use informal language in the Speaking test?

Ans. While some informal language is acceptable, especially in Part 1, it's important to maintain a semi-formal tone throughout the test, particularly in Parts 2 and 3. Using a mix of formal and informal language can demonstrate your range, but avoid overly casual expressions that might not be appropriate for the context.

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