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Updated on Sep 27, 2024, 13:06
The IELTS cue card topic ‘Describe a subject that you would like to learn in the future’ asks you to talk about a field of study you are interested in pursuing.
You’ll need to explain the subject, why it interests you, how you plan to learn it, and what benefits you expect. Important factors to consider include providing clear reasons for your choice and demonstrating enthusiasm for the subject while using varied and precise language.
Practising this topic helps improve your IELTS speaking skills by encouraging you to organise your thoughts logically and express plans confidently. It also allows you to use a range of tenses and vocabulary related to education, personal development, and aspirations, all of which are key to performing well on test.
Introduction (Covers: What is it?)
Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: Where and how do you want to learn it?)
Key Highlights (Covers: Why you want to learn it?)
Conclusion (Covers: Explain if it will be difficult to learn it)
Introduction (Covers: What is it?)
Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: Where and how do you want to learn it?)
Key Highlights (Covers: Why you want to learn it?)
Conclusion (Covers: Explain if it will be difficult to learn it)
Introduction (Covers: What is it?)
Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: Where and how do you want to learn it?)
Key Highlights (Covers: Why you want to learn it?)
Conclusion (Covers: Explain if it will be difficult to learn it)
When the cue card section of the IELTS Speaking Test begins, the examiner will give you a cue card with a topic and some bullet points.
You will have one minute to make brief notes before you are asked to speak for 1-2 minutes on the topic. This is your opportunity to present a clear and structured response while demonstrating your language skills.
To answer the cue card ‘Describe a subject that you would like to learn in the future, it’s helpful to break your response into four parts: Introduction, Describing your experience/opinion/interest, Key highlights, and Conclusion. This method ensures you cover all the important points while keeping your answer organised.
Introduction (Covers: What is it?)
Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: Where and how do you want to learn it?)
Key Highlights (Covers: Why you want to learn it?)
Conclusion (Covers: Explain if it will be difficult to learn it)
By following this structure, you can ensure your response is clear, organised, and within the two-minute limit.
After the cue card round in the IELTS Speaking Test, the examiner will ask follow-up questions/two-way discussions to explore your ideas further. These questions are often broader and encourage deeper reflection on the topic you just discussed.
This part tests your ability to elaborate on your answers, express your opinions, and engage in a more natural conversation. You should expect to talk about related themes like education, learning methods, and future goals. Being prepared for this part of the test is important, as it helps demonstrate your fluency and critical thinking skills.
Below are some sample questions and possible answers for the topic “Describe a subject that you would like to learn in the future.”
Answer 1: I think learning new subjects is important because it helps you grow both personally and professionally. By expanding your knowledge, you can adapt to different challenges and explore new opportunities in life and work. For example, learning psychology could help me develop better communication skills, which would be beneficial in any career.
Answer 2: In today’s fast-changing world, learning new subjects keeps you up-to-date with the latest developments. Whether it's for career advancement or personal interest, continuous learning broadens your perspective and helps you stay competitive. For instance, understanding psychology would help me better relate to others and enhance my problem-solving skills.
Answer 1: In my opinion, the most effective way to learn a new subject is through a combination of theory and practical application. For example, while I plan to study psychology through online courses, I also want to volunteer at mental health organisations to apply what I’ve learned in real-life situations. This approach helps reinforce the learning process.
Answer 2: I believe everyone has different learning styles, so finding what works best for you is key. Some people learn better through reading and taking notes, while others prefer interactive methods like discussions or hands-on experience. Personally, I benefit from a mix of online courses, reading, and applying the knowledge in real situations.
Answer 1: While formal education provides structure and credibility, I don’t think it’s always necessary. For subjects like psychology, self-study and online courses can offer a lot of flexibility and depth. Many free or affordable resources are available, making it possible to learn without enrolling in formal programmes.
Answer 2: That said, formal education is helpful for certain subjects, especially those requiring practical or lab-based learning. In fields like medicine or engineering, you need structured training and supervision to gain proper expertise. However, for subjects like psychology, informal learning can still provide valuable insights.
Answer 1: Yes, I believe learning new subjects can become harder as you age because you might have more responsibilities, such as work and family, which can limit your time. However, with dedication and the right learning methods, I think it's still possible. For example, online courses allow flexibility, making it easier for busy adults to keep learning.
Answer 2: I don’t think it necessarily becomes harder; rather, it’s about how you approach learning. Older learners may have more life experience and discipline, which can actually make them more focused. With modern technology, learning has become more accessible, so even if time is limited, you can still learn new subjects effectively.
Ans. To prepare for the cue card section, practise speaking on a variety of topics within the 1-2 minute time limit. Familiarise yourself with common themes like education, travel, and personal experiences. Use the bullet points on the cue card as a guide to structure your responses, covering each point in detail. Regular practice with friends or language partners can also help improve your fluency and confidence.
Ans. If you forget what to say during the cue card, take a moment to gather your thoughts. You can paraphrase the question or relate it to something familiar. Adding a personal anecdote or explaining why the topic matters to you can help you extend your answer. Remember, it’s okay to pause briefly; just keep speaking naturally to maintain your flow.
Ans. While using advanced vocabulary can enhance your score, clarity and appropriateness are more important. Focus on using a range of vocabulary relevant to the topic while ensuring you express your ideas clearly. It’s better to use simpler words correctly than to misuse complex terms. Practising speaking with varied vocabulary will help you feel more comfortable using it during the test.
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