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Updated on Nov 12, 2024, 10:22
An IELTS Speaking cue card is a prompt used in the Speaking section of the IELTS exam to assess your ability to speak fluently and coherently. You receive a topic on the cue card and have one minute to prepare before speaking for up to two minutes.
In this practice test, we will discuss ‘Describe a recently renovated and improved public facility.’ We will explore the details and significance of such a facility, highlighting the changes and their impact.
You will find detailed guidance and sample answers to help you confidently address this topic during your IELTS Speaking test.
Introduction
Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest
Key Highlights
Conclusion
Introduction
Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest
Key Highlights
Conclusion
Introduction
Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest
Key Highlights
Conclusion
Understanding how to answer cue card topics effectively can significantly improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking test.
By knowing how to structure your responses, you can ensure you address all aspects of the topic clearly and coherently, making a positive impression on the examiner.
When the cue card section starts, the examiner will give you a cue card with a topic, such as ‘Describe a public facility that has been renovated and improved recently.’ You will have one minute to prepare your response, after which you should speak for up to two minutes.
The best way to answer these cue cards is by breaking your response into small, manageable parts: an introduction, describing your experience/opinion/interest, key highlights, and a conclusion.
Introduction
Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest
Key Highlights
Conclusion
After you finish speaking on the cue card topic, the examiner will ask several follow-up questions. These questions aim to explore the topic you discussed further and assess your ability to express ideas and opinions on related subjects.
You can expect to engage in a more in-depth conversation, so providing thoughtful and well-structured answers is important. These questions allow you to demonstrate your language skills more interactively.
Answer 1: Public facilities provide essential services that enhance the quality of life in a community. They offer accessible spaces for recreation, education, and social interaction, promoting a healthier and more connected society. For instance, renovated parks and libraries can encourage physical activity, lifelong learning, and community engagement, which are all crucial for a vibrant community.
Answer 2: Public facilities benefit communities by offering essential services and spaces for various activities. They help improve public health by providing places for exercise and relaxation, such as parks and sports centres. Additionally, they support education and culture through libraries and museums, making resources accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial status.
Answer 1: Subways are popular because they offer a fast, efficient, and reliable mode of transport, especially in large cities. They help reduce traffic congestion and are often more punctual than buses. Additionally, subways can carry many passengers at once, making them an ideal choice for daily commuting and reducing the overall carbon footprint.
Answer 2: Subways are favoured due to their speed and efficiency in urban areas. They run on a fixed schedule and are not affected by road traffic, making them more reliable. Subways also provide extensive city coverage, making it easier for commuters to reach their destinations quickly and conveniently.
Answer 1: Some public transport methods, like buses, can be unpopular due to their unreliability and discomfort. Buses often face delays because of traffic congestion and can be overcrowded during peak hours. Additionally, the lack of cleanliness and safety concerns can discourage people from using them regularly.
Answer 2: Public transport methods such as buses and trams may be unpopular because they are slower and less reliable. They are often delayed by traffic and may have less frequent services. Furthermore, inadequate maintenance and overcrowding can make these modes of transport less appealing to commuters.
Answer 1: Young people often prefer faster and more flexible transport options like bicycles, scooters, or ride-sharing services. They value convenience and speed, and these modes of transport allow them to navigate through traffic easily. On the other hand, older people tend to prefer more reliable and comfortable options, such as buses or trains, which offer seating and are easier to access.
Answer 2: Young people generally favour modes of transport that offer flexibility and speed, such as cycling, scooters, or ride-hailing services. These options suit their dynamic lifestyles and frequent short-distance travel. In contrast, older individuals often prefer public transport like buses or trams, which provide a more stable and less physically demanding way to travel, with ample seating and regular schedules.
Ans. The IELTS speaking test is marked based on four criteria: fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. Each criterion is weighted equally and scored from 0 to 9. The scores are then averaged to give an overall band score. Examiners look for natural, connected speech, a wide range of vocabulary, correct grammar, and clear pronunciation.
Ans. The IELTS speaking test lasts approximately 11 to 14 minutes, not hours. It is divided into three parts: an introduction and interview, a long turn where you speak on a cue card topic, and a discussion based on the topic. Despite its short duration, it thoroughly assesses your speaking abilities.
Ans. You can find resources for practising cue-card topics through various online platforms. Websites for IELTS preparation, such as IELTS.org and British Council, offer sample questions and practice materials. Additionally, YouTube channels, language learning apps, and IELTS preparation books provide valuable practice opportunities. Joining study groups and forums can also help.
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