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IELTSTM CUE CARD

Describe a Piece of Good News You Heard From Others: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

Updated on Sep 27, 2024, 14:42

Overview

The topic "Describe a Piece of Good News You Heard from Others" encourages you to share a positive experience learning from someone else. This can include personal achievements, joyful announcements, or uplifting stories. It's important to convey the details of the good news and your emotional response and its significance to you or the person sharing it.

Practising this cue card can enhance your IELTS speaking skills by improving your fluency and coherence. Focussing on storytelling helps you structure your thoughts clearly while using descriptive language enriches your vocabulary. This approach makes your responses more engaging and can lead to a higher score on the speaking test.

 

 

Cue Card/Topic:Describe A Piece Of Good News You Heard From Others.

You should say

  • What it was?
  • When did you receive this news?
  • How did you receive this news?
  • Why do you feel it was good news?
Sample Answer 1

Introduction (Covers: What it was?)

 

  • A piece of good news I heard recently was that my best friend got accepted into her dream university.
  • She had been working incredibly hard to achieve this goal, so hearing the news felt like a victory for both of us.
  • I was thrilled when she shared it with me because it marked a significant milestone in her academic journey.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: When did you receive this news?)

 

  • I received this news just a couple of weeks ago during a phone call with her.
  • She called me after checking her application status, and I could sense her excitement through the line.
  • It was a sunny afternoon, and we had been discussing our future plans when she suddenly blurted out the news, and I could hear the joy in her voice.

 

Key Highlights (Covers: How did you receive this news?)

 

  • I found out the news via phone, making it feel more personal and immediate.
  • She described the entire process, detailing how nervous she was leading up to the announcement and how relieved she felt when she received the email.
  • We both laughed and celebrated over the phone, sharing our dreams and aspirations for the future.

 

Conclusion (Covers: Why do you feel it was good news?)

 

  • I feel this was good news not just because of her achievement but also because it showed that hard work truly pays off.
  • This news has inspired me to pursue my own goals with more determination, knowing that success is possible.
  • Additionally, it strengthened our friendship, reminding me of the importance of supporting each other in our endeavours.
Sample Answer 2

Introduction (Covers: What it was?)

 

  • A good news I recently heard was that my cousin, Mark, became a father for the first time.
  • This news was particularly heartwarming for our family, as Mark and his partner had been trying to conceive for quite some time.
  • When I first heard about the arrival of their baby, I felt an immense wave of joy and excitement.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: When did you receive this news?)

 

  • I received this wonderful news last month, just after Mark's partner gave birth.
  • It was a Sunday morning when I received a text message from Mark, sharing the happy news along with a cute photo of their newborn.
  • I remember feeling a rush of happiness, knowing how much this moment meant to them after their long journey.

 

Key Highlights (Covers: How did you receive this news?)

 

  • Mark sent me a message with a picture of the baby, and I could feel the joy radiating from his words.
  • He told me they named the baby Ella after his grandmother, which made the news even more special.
  • It was a moment filled with love, and we all celebrated by arranging a small family gathering to welcome the new addition.

 

Conclusion (Covers: Why do you feel it was good news?)

 

  • I feel this was good news because it brought our family closer together and filled us with hope and happiness.
  • The arrival of Ella not only marked a new chapter in Mark's life but also reminded us of the joy that new beginnings bring.
  • Overall, this news reinforced the importance of family and how shared moments of happiness can create lasting memories.
Sample Answer 3

Introduction (Covers: What it was?)

 

  • A piece of good news I recently heard was that my brother got promoted at work.
  • He has been working hard for several years and has taken on extra responsibilities, so this promotion was well-deserved.
  • I was thrilled to hear this news, as it reflects his dedication and the recognition of his efforts.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: When did you receive this news?)

 

  • I received this news about a month ago during a family dinner.
  • My brother announced it to us all while we were enjoying our meal, and his face lit up with excitement.
  • It was such a joyful moment for our family, as we could see how much it meant to him to achieve this milestone.

 

Key Highlights (Covers: How did you receive this news?)

 

  • He shared that his manager had called him into the office and presented him with the promotion.
  • My brother explained the new role he would take on, which involves leading a team and working on exciting projects.
  • We all celebrated his achievement that evening with a toast, and he expressed gratitude for our support throughout his career journey.

 

Conclusion (Covers: Why do you feel it was good news?)

 

  • I feel this was good news because it not only highlights my brother’s hard work but also opens up new opportunities for him.
  • The promotion boosts his confidence and shows that perseverance pays off.
  • Overall, hearing this news reinforced our family bond and reminded us how important it is to celebrate each other’s successes.

When the cue card section of the IELTS Speaking Test begins, the examiner will present you with a cue card that outlines a specific topic, in this case, "Describe a piece of good news you heard from others." 

 

You will have one minute to think about your response and make brief notes before speaking for 1-2 minutes. This is your opportunity to share a meaningful story, so take a moment to gather your thoughts and organise your answer.

 

To effectively answer the cue card “Describe a piece of good news you heard from others”, it’s helpful to break your response into four parts: IntroductionDescribing your experience/opinion/interestKey highlights, and Conclusion. This structure will help you cover all the essential points while keeping your answer clear and engaging.

 

Introduction (Covers: What it was?)

  • Clearly state what the piece of good news was.
  • Mention who shared the news with you and your initial reaction.
  • Keep it concise, setting the stage for the story you are about to share.
  • Aim to engage your listener right from the start.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: When did you receive this news?)

 

  • Specify when you received this good news (e.g., a particular day or event).
  • Discuss your relationship with the person who shared the news, as this adds context.
  • Reflect on your feelings at that moment—were you surprised, happy, or excited?
  • This section should convey the significance of the news to you.

 

Key Highlights (Covers: How did you receive this news?)

 

  • Explain how you received the news—was it through a phone call, a message, or in person?
  • Share any relevant details about the news itself (e.g., what the news entailed).
  • Highlight any reactions from others who heard the news, if applicable.
  • This part should paint a vivid picture of the moment.

 

Conclusion (Covers: Why do you feel it was good news?)

 

  • Summarise why you feel this news was good, focusing on its positive impact.
  • Mention any changes it brought about in your life or the life of the person involved.
  • Reflect on why sharing good news is essential and how it affects relationships.
  • Ending with a personal touch will help reinforce the significance of the news to you.

Follow-Up Questions

In the follow-up questions/two-way discussion round of the IELTS Speaking Test, the examiner will ask you additional questions related to the cue card topic you just discussed. This section usually consists of two to four questions that encourage you to elaborate on your previous answer. 

 

The aim is to assess your ability to express your thoughts clearly and coherently while using a wider range of vocabulary. These questions often delve deeper into your opinions or experiences, allowing you to demonstrate your language skills further.

 

Below are some sample questions and possible answers for the topic ‘Describe A Piece Of Good News You Heard From Others.

Q1. How do you think good news affects people emotionally?

Answer 1: I believe good news has a profound impact on people’s emotions. It can uplift spirits, instil hope, and create a sense of community among those who share in the joy. For instance, when I hear good news, it often motivates me to pursue my goals with renewed enthusiasm, knowing that positivity can be contagious and encourage others as well.

 

Answer 2: Good news can evoke feelings of happiness and relief, often alleviating stress or anxiety. When someone shares positive news, it can brighten everyone's day. Personally, I find that sharing good news helps build stronger relationships, as it allows us to celebrate successes together and foster a supportive environment.

Q2. Do you think it’s important to share good news with others? Why?

Answer 1: Yes, sharing good news is vital because it creates a sense of connection and community. When we share our successes or joyful moments, it not only spreads positivity but also encourages others to share their achievements. For example, when my brother received his promotion, telling our family created an atmosphere of celebration that brought us all closer together.

 

Answer 2: Absolutely; sharing good news fosters relationships and strengthens bonds. It allows us to experience joy collectively and reminds us that we are not alone in our journeys. When we celebrate each other’s accomplishments, it builds a supportive network that motivates us to pursue our dreams with confidence.

Q3. How do people usually react to good news?

Answer 1: Reactions to good news can vary widely depending on the individual and the situation. Generally, people express happiness and excitement, often sharing in the joy of the moment. For example, when I heard about my brother’s promotion, we all cheered and congratulated him, showing our pride in his achievements.

 

Answer 2: Most people react positively to good news, often with smiles, laughter, and even tears of joy. Celebrating together, as we did during my brother’s announcement, helps create lasting memories. Some individuals may also feel inspired by good news, using it as motivation to achieve their goals or support others in their pursuits.

Q4. In your opinion, does bad news affect people differently than good news?

Answer 1: Yes, bad news can weigh heavily on individuals, often leading to stress or sadness. It can create feelings of uncertainty and anxiety, whereas good news tends to uplift and inspire hope. Personally, I find that while bad news can linger in my mind, good news encourages me to focus on the positive aspects of life.

 

Answer 2: I think bad news tends to have a more significant emotional impact than good news. People often dwell on negative information, which can lead to worry and fear. However, good news usually brings joy and motivation. While both types of news can shape our perspectives, I believe good news has the power to foster resilience and hope.

FAQs

Q. What should I avoid when answering cue cards in IELTS Speaking?

Ans. When responding to cue cards, avoid rambling or going off-topic, as this can confuse the examiner and affect your score. Also, steer clear of overly complex vocabulary or grammatical structures that you are not comfortable using, as this may lead to mistakes. Instead, focus on clarity and coherence, using language that you can express confidently. Practising common topics will help you feel more prepared and relaxed during the test.

Q. How important is storytelling in the IELTS Speaking Test?

Ans. Storytelling plays a crucial role in the IELTS Speaking Test, particularly in cue card responses. It allows you to convey your experiences and emotions in an engaging manner, helping the examiner connect with your answer. By structuring your response like a story—with a beginning, middle, and end—you can showcase your language skills and ability to communicate effectively. Practising storytelling can also improve your fluency and coherence, key criteria for scoring well.

Q. How can I manage my time effectively during the IELTS Speaking cue card section?

Ans. Managing your time in the cue card section is essential for delivering a complete and coherent answer. Start by taking a few seconds to plan your response mentally before you begin speaking. Aim to cover each part of the cue card: introduce the topic, describe your experience, highlight key points, and conclude succinctly. Practising with a timer can help you get used to the two-minute limit, ensuring you use your time wisely without rushing or leaving out important details.

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