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IELTSTM CUE CARD

Describe A Positive Change In Your Life: IELTS Cue Card

Updated on Aug 28, 2024, 20:04

Overview

In the IELTS Speaking test, Part 2, you’ll need to talk about a topic for up to two minutes. This part, often called the cue card or individual long run, tests your ability to speak fluently and coherently on a specific subject.

 

For the topic "Describe a Positive Change in Your Life," you’ll want to focus on a recent and significant change that has positively impacted you. This could be personal growth, lifestyle improvements, career advancements, educational achievements, or even a change in habits that has benefited your daily routine and overall well-being.

 

To help you with this, I’ll share some strategies and sample answers that can guide you in structuring your response effectively.

Sample Answer 1

Introduction (Covers: What was the change? / When did it happen?)

 

  • A positive change in my life was starting a regular yoga practice about eight months ago. 
  • I realised that I needed to improve my mental and physical health, so I decided to give yoga a try.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: How did it happen?)

 

  • I decided to make this change because I was constantly stressed, and my friend Priya recommended yoga to me. 
  • Initially, finding the time and motivation was challenging, but I started with a few simple poses and gradually increased the duration and complexity of my practice.

 

Key Highlights (Covers: Explain why it was a positive change.)

 

  • The benefits have been incredible. I feel more relaxed and centred throughout the day, and my flexibility and strength have improved significantly. 
  • Additionally, I’ve noticed that I sleep better and have more energy. 
  • The biggest challenge was maintaining consistency, but attending a local yoga class with my neighbour Ravi helped me stay committed.

 

Conclusion

 

  • Overall, incorporating yoga into my daily routine has been a transformative experience. 
  • It has enhanced my physical health and mental well-being. 
  • I plan to continue practising yoga and possibly even explore advanced techniques in the future.
Sample Answer 2

Introduction (Covers: What was the change? / When did it happen?)

 

  • One positive change in my life was joining a meditation course last year. 
  • It was a decision that completely transformed my daily routine and mindset.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: How did it happen?)

 

  • I decided to meditate because I was overwhelmed with work and studies. 
  • My friend Rohit, who had benefited greatly from meditation, suggested I give it a try. 
  • Initially, it was challenging to quiet my mind and sit still for extended periods, but with guidance from my instructor and regular practice, I gradually improved.

 

Key Highlights (Covers: Explain why it was a positive change.)

 

  • The positive impact has been profound. I now feel more focused and less stressed. Meditation has helped me develop a sense of inner peace and clarity. 
  • I’ve also noticed improvements in my concentration and productivity, which have benefitted my studies and work. 
  • Overcoming distractions was a significant challenge, but integrating meditation into my daily routine with the support of my family has made a big difference.

 

Conclusion

 

  • Overall, joining the meditation course has been a life-changing experience for me. 
  • It has improved my mental well-being and overall quality of life. 
  • I am committed to continuing my meditation practice and exploring deeper aspects of mindfulness in the future.
Sample Answer 3

Introduction (Covers: What was the change? / When did it happen?)

 

  • One positive change in my life was starting a daily gratitude journaling practice six months ago. 
  • It has had a profound impact on my outlook and happiness.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: How did it happen?)

 

  • I decided to start this practice after reading about its benefits online. 
  • My colleague, Sunita, also recommended it to me, sharing how it helped her stay positive amidst challenges. 
  • Initially, I found it challenging to consistently write in the journal every day, but I started with small entries and gradually made it a daily habit.

 

Key Highlights (Covers: Explain why it was a positive change.)

 

  • The change has been incredibly positive. Practising gratitude has shifted my focus to the positives in my life. 
  • I feel more content and optimistic, even during stressful times. It has improved my relationships, as I often appreciate and express gratitude towards my family and friends. 
  • Overcoming procrastination in maintaining the journal was a hurdle, but setting a reminder on my phone helped me stay committed.

 

Conclusion

 

  • Overall, starting a gratitude journaling practice has been transformative. 
  • It has enhanced my overall well-being and made me more mindful of the blessings in my life. 
  • I plan to continue this practice and explore other ways to cultivate gratitude daily.

 

Also Read: Best IELTS Cue Cards for 7+ Band Score

When the cue card section begins, the examiner will hand you a card with a topic and some prompts. You will have one minute to prepare your response and can make notes. 

 

Cue Card/Topic: Describe A Positive Change In Your Life
You should say
  • What was the change?
  • When did it happen?
  • How did it happen?
  • And explain why it was a positive change.

 

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This structure helps you stay organised and covers all topic aspects clearly and logically.

 

Introduction (Covers: What was the change? / When did it happen?)

 

  • Start by introducing a positive change in your life.
  • Mention what the change is and when it occurred.
  • Set the stage for your discussion.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: How did it happen?)

 

  • Explain why you decided to make this change.
  • Share your initial thoughts and feelings about the change.
  • Describe how you started implementing the change.

 

Key Highlights (Covers: Explain why it was a positive change.)

 

  • Highlight the specific benefits you have experienced from this change.
  • Discuss any improvements in your physical health, mental well-being, or lifestyle.
  • Mention any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.

 

Conclusion

 

  • Summarise your main points.
  • Reflect on how this change has positively influenced your life.
  • End on a positive note about the future.

Following this structure, you can provide a well-rounded and engaging response to the cue card topic "Describe A Positive Change In Your Life." This approach helps ensure you make the most of your speaking time and effectively demonstrate your language skills.

 

IELTS Speaking Cue Card 2024 Topics With Samples

Describe A Positive Change In Your Life: Follow-Up Questions

In the IELTS Speaking test, Part 3 follows the cue card round and involves a deeper discussion with the examiner. This segment evaluates your ability to elaborate on your initial response, provide detailed explanations, and engage in a more spontaneous conversation. 

 

Expect the examiner to ask follow-up questions that explore different aspects of the positive change you described. These questions may delve into the reasons behind the change, its impact on your life, challenges faced, comparisons with other experiences, and implications for the future.

 

Follow-Up Question 1

Question 1. How has this positive change influenced your daily routine?

 

Answer 1: Since starting daily gratitude journaling, my mornings have become more focused. I begin reflecting on the positives each day, setting a positive tone for the rest of the day. This practice has helped me approach challenges more optimistically and improved my productivity.
 

Answer 2: Incorporating daily exercise into my routine has been transformative. Now, I wake up earlier to fit in a workout, which not only boosts my energy levels throughout the day but also helps me stay more alert and focused at work.

Follow-Up Question 2

Question 2:  Can you describe any challenges you encountered while making this change?

 

Answer 1: One of the challenges I faced when starting meditation was quieting my mind. Initially, I found it difficult to stay focused and calm during meditation sessions. However, with regular practice and patience, I learned to let go of distractions and immerse myself in the practice.

 

Answer 2: Keeping up with a healthy diet was challenging, especially with a busy schedule. Resisting the temptation of unhealthy snacks and planning nutritious meals ahead of time helped me stay on track and achieve my health goals.

Follow-Up Question 3

Question 3: In what ways has this change affected your relationships with others?

 

Answer 1: Practising mindfulness has improved my relationships with family and friends. I've become more patient and attentive in conversations, which has deepened our connections and made interactions more meaningful.
 

Answer 2: Taking up a hobby like photography has allowed me to connect with like-minded individuals in my community. It's given me opportunities to collaborate on projects and share experiences, strengthening my social circle.

Follow-Up Question 4

Question 4: Do you think this change has improved your overall well-being? How?

 

Answer 1: Yes, adopting a regular exercise routine has significantly improved my overall well-being. I feel more energetic, physically stronger, and mentally clearer. Exercise has become a positive outlet for stress, and I find myself better equipped to handle challenges in daily life.

 

Answer 2: Incorporating mindfulness practices into my daily routine has profoundly impacted my overall well-being. I feel more grounded, less anxious, and better able to manage stress. It's improved my mental clarity and helped me maintain a balanced perspective in various aspects of my life.
 

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FAQs

Q. Can I take notes during the preparation time?

Ans. Yes, you are allowed to take notes during the 1-minute preparation time. You will be given paper and a pencil to jot down key points or ideas to help you during your speech.
 

Q. How important are the bullet points on the task card?

Ans. The bullet points help structure your speech, but you are not required to cover all of them. It is more important to speak fluently and coherently about the main topic.

Q. What if I run out of things to say before 2 minutes?

Ans. If you run out of things to say, try to elaborate on the points you've already mentioned or add related information. It's important to keep speaking until the examiner tells you to stop.

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