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IELTSTM CUE CARD

Describe a Story or Novel that was Interesting to You: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

Updated on Nov 13, 2024, 06:49

Overview

IELTS Speaking is divided into 3 parts. Did you know that the duration of the speaking section is the shortest of all the sections? The IELTS speaking section is only 11-14 minutes.  
 

After the cue-card task, you will be asked follow-up questions in part 3. The questions in part 3 will be related to the cue-card topic given by the examiner. 
 

When you answer the question, try to share your experiences, ideas and thoughts, and you should be able to justify your opinion.
 

Cue Card/Topic: Describe a Story or Novel That Was Interesting to You

You should say

  • What story or novel was it?
  • Where did you come to know about it?
  • When did you read it?
  • How did you feel about it?
Sample Answer 1

Introduction:
 

  • The story that drove my interest was a psychological thriller named "The Silent Echo." 
  • It surrounds the intricacies of the human mind and explores the fine line between reality and perception.

 

Describe the story or novel:

 

  • The story navigates her journey through a maze of psychological challenges, blurring the boundaries between her mind and external forces. 
  • I read the book during a weekend retreat, providing me with uninterrupted time to immerse myself in its pages. 

 

Describe the reason you found the story or novel interesting:

 

  • I felt a mix of emotions while reading "The Silent Echo" – anticipation, curiosity, and a sense of connection with the characters. 
  • The psychological elements resonated with me, making it a thought-provoking and memorable reading experience.

 

Conclusion:

 

  • "The Silent Echo" was a captivating psychological thriller that seamlessly blended suspense and psychological depth. 
  • Its ability to keep me engaged and the thought-provoking themes made it a story that lingered in my mind long after turning the final page. 
Sample Answer 2

Introduction:

 

  • The story that caught my attention was "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern. 
  • The story revolves around two young magicians, Celia Bowen and Marco Alisdair, bound by their mentors to compete in a magical duel. 

 

Describe the story or novel:

 

  • I first learned about "The Night Circus" through a friend who recommended it, praising its lyrical writing and imaginative storytelling. 
  • Shortly after the recommendation, I picked up the book and immersed myself in its magical world during quiet evenings and weekends. 
  • As the story unfolds, it explores themes of love, destiny, and the nature of magic itself.

 

Describe the reason you found the story or novel interesting.

 

  • What fascinated me the most was that the characters were intricately developed, and the non-linear narrative added an element of mystery and suspense.

 

Conclusion:

 

  • "The Night Circus" is a captivating and imaginative novel that transported me to a world of magic and wonder. 
  • The story plot makes it a truly memorable reading experience I cherish.
Sample Answer 3

Introduction:

 

  • I came across a book through my friend's recommendation that caught my attention the Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. 
  • I read the book during a summer vacation a couple of years ago, and its impact on me was profound.
     

Describe the story or novel:

 

  • "The Kite Runner" revolves around the life of Amir, a young boy from Kabul, and his complicated relationship with his friend Hassan against the backdrop of a changing Afghanistan. 

 

Describe the reason you found the story or novel interesting:

 

  • The novel's exploration of complex human emotions and the exploration of the consequences of one's actions left a lasting impression on me. 
  • The themes of guilt, redemption, and the intricate bonds of friendship resonated deeply, making it a thought-provoking and emotionally charged read.

 

Conclusion:

 

  • The Kite Runner" provided a captivating story and served as a lens through which to contemplate the complexities of human relationships and personal choices. 

A good answer for the IELTS cue card section should include a strong introduction, some context to the topic, reasons to support your answer, and how you relate to the topic.

 

The IELTS Speaking test is conducted as a 1:1 interview with a certified IELTS examiner. 
 

Once part 2 begins, you will be handed a cue card and 4 questions related to it. In our case, the cue card will look something like this: 

 

Introduction:

 

  • What was the story or novel about?

 

Describe the story or novel:

 

  • When did you come to know about the story or novel?
  • When did you read the book?

 

Describe the reason you found the story or novel interesting.

 

  • How do you feel about the story or novel?

 

Conclusion:

 

  • Summarise the context.

Follow-Up Questions

Part 3 of the IELTS speaking section is the two-way discussion round. The examiner will ask you related questions to the topic given to you in individual long-turn tasks. You can use this section to share your opinions and ideas on the topic. 

 

In this section, you will discuss the topic in general, showcasing to the examiner that you can justify your opinions and your ability to discuss the topic in depth. The discussion round's duration, part 3, will be 4-5 mins. 

 

You should avoid rephrasing the question without adding meaningful content in this section. Pay attention to the time allocated by the examiner for each section, especially during the discussion round. 

Q1. Do you think it is important to read the book before watching the movie version of it?

Answer 1: It is important to read the book before watching the movie version of it as books often provide in-depth information about the characters, plot and the theme of the story. Reading can enhance your understanding and engagement with the narrative. 
 

Answer 2: For people, who have time constraint can opt to watch the movie. Movies often condense and simplify the plot for a visual medium, making them more accessible for a casual viewing experience.

Q2. What kinds of novels do older people like to read?

Answer 1: Reading novels for older people can be subjective based on personal interest but some of the common genre for novels are historical fiction, classic literature and detective films. 

 

Answer 2: Some older generations prefer biographies and memoirs, particularly those depicting the lives of historical figures, celebrities, or individuals who have overcome significant challenges.

Q3. What is the benefit of listening to stories or reading novels?

Answer 1: The key advantages of listening to stories or reading novels are vocabulary expansion as Reading novels, especially those with rich language, helps individuals build a more extensive and nuanced vocabulary.
 

Answer 2: Reading novels or listening to stories can serve as a form of stress buster, providing a temporary break from daily stressors. Engaging with a compelling narrative can promote relaxation and reduce stress levels.

Q4. What kinds of stories do children like to learn?

Answer 1: Some of the popular stories that children likely enjoy are love stories that transport them to magical worlds, where they can encounter fantastical creatures, embark on exciting adventures, and witness extraordinary events.
 

Answer 2: Stories that focus on friendships, family relationships, and the dynamics between characters resonate with children and are popular among them. These narratives often convey valuable lessons about empathy, cooperation, and understanding.

FAQs

Q. How many hours is the IELTS speaking test?

Ans. The IELTS speaking test is only 11-14 minutes long. You have three parts in your IELTS Speaking test. The duration of each part is as follows:
 

  • Part 1: Introduction and Interview (4–5 minutes)
  • Part 2:  Long turn or Cue Card (3–4 minutes)
  • Part 3: Discussion (4–5 minutes)
Q. Are speaking tests for Academic and General the same?

Ans. Both academic and general are the same for speaking tests. In both academic and general, there are three parts: the introduction round, the long turn round and the discussion round. However, reading and writing are different for the academic and general tests.

Q. Can I exceed the time limit during the speaking test?

Ans. No, you can’t exceed the time limit during the speaking test. It is crucial to remember that the speaking test has a strict time limit, and if your answer exceeds the time limit, the examiner may interrupt you and move on to the next question. However, this is a normal exam, and your scores won't be affected.

Q. What if I fail my IELTS speaking test?

Ans. The IELTS speaking test can be retaken if you have failed. You will need to repay the fees and then sit for the exam. But before you blindly plan to retake the exam multiple times until you don’t reach the score, you need to analyse your mistake and understand what went wrong in the exam.

Q. Is there any dress code for speaking in IELTS?

Ans. There is no specific dress code for the speaking test in IELTS. As such, you can wear comfortable and casual clothes to the test. There is no need to wear a suit or tie. However, it is important to dress appropriately and ensure you are well-groomed for the test.

Q. Can I use informal language during my cue card task?

Ans. While there are no strict rules against using informal language or slang during the cue card task, sticking to a more formal language and tone is advisable. This is because the IELTS is designed to evaluate your proficiency in using English in formal and academic contexts. Therefore, excessive use of casual language may not be suitable for the test.

Q. What are some of the common cue card topics?

Ans. Some of the common cue card topics are:


1. Describe a Famous Person that you are interested in: IELTS cue card
2. Describe an activity that you do after school/work: IELTS cue card
3. Describe a person who impressed you in primary school: IELTS cue card
4. Describe an invention that changed people's life: IELTS cue card
5. Describe a person who you believe dresses well: IELTS cue card

Q. What is the difference between IELTS speaking parts 2 and 3?

Ans. The IELTS speaking parts 2 and 3 are distinctly different. IELTS part 2 is also known as the Cue card section, and part 3 is the discussion round. In part 2, a topic is given by the examiner, and you are given 1 minute to prepare the answer. After the time is completed, you are asked to speak about the topic for a duration of 3-4 minutes. In part 3, the examiner asks questions related to the topic given to you in part 2. 

Q. What is the duration of Part 2 speaking IELTS?

Ans. The total duration of Part 2 IELTS speaking is 3-4 mins

 

  • Preparation time: 1 min
  • Speaking time: 3-4 mins
Q. How can I get 8.5 in IELTS speaking?

Ans. You can get an 8.5 band score in IELTS speaking with the following tips:
 

  • Build up your accent. 
  • Maintain eye contact while answering the questions.
  • Practice previous topics that are likely to come in the IELTS exam.
  • Practice speaking by talking to the mirror; it will build confidence.
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