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IELTSTM CUE CARD

Describe A Website Which Helped You To Do Something

Updated on Oct 08, 2024, 14:50

Overview

The IELTS exam comprises four modules: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. The speaking section includes an introduction, an individual long turn, and a two-way discussion. 
 

The individual long turn, often called the cue card round, requires you to speak for 2-3 minutes on a topic provided by the examiner. 
 

In this practice test, we'll prepare for the topic 'Describe a website which helped you to do something.' You'll also learn how to prepare for the IELTS speaking test and address the examiner's inquiries. 

 

Cue Card/Topic: Describe a website which helped you to do something

You should say

  • Which site is it?
  • How did you know about it?
  • How did it help?
  • Why do you visit it often?
Sample Answer 1

Introduction
 

  • I'd like to discuss a website called Goodreads, a platform dedicated to readers and book lovers alike. It has been a significant part of my reading journey for several years.

 

Which site is it?
 

  • Goodreads is a popular website and app where users can discover new books, track their reading progress, and connect with fellow book enthusiasts. It serves as a virtual library and social networking platform for bibliophiles.
     

How did you know about it?
 

  • I first discovered Goodreads while searching for book recommendations online. I stumbled upon it through a friend's recommendation, who praised its features for effectively organising and cataloguing books.
     

How did it help?
 

  • Goodreads has been incredibly useful for managing my reading habits and broadening my literary horizons. Its vast book database, reviews, and ratings help me discover new titles across genres. Plus, the reading challenge feature motivates me to set and track my reading goals yearly.
     

Why do you visit it often?
 

  • I visit Goodreads frequently to explore book recommendations, update my reading progress, and engage with the reading community. I enjoy participating in book discussions, sharing my thoughts on books I've read, and receiving recommendations from fellow readers.
     

Conclusion

 

  • As a book enthusiast, Goodreads has become essential to me. Its easy-to-use interface, extensive book collection, and lively community make it the ultimate destination for book lovers. I highly recommend it to anyone eager to enrich their reading journey.

 

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Sample Answer 2

Introduction
 

  • Today, I'd like to introduce you to Mint.com, a website that has revolutionised how I manage my finances and budgeting. It has become an essential tool in my financial planning journey.
     

Which site is it?

 

  • Mint.com is a thorough platform for managing personal finances. It provides budgeting tools, expense tracking, and valuable financial insights. Users can conveniently link their bank accounts, credit cards, and bills in one location for streamlined monitoring and control over their financial matters.
     

How did you know about it?
 

  • I found out about Mint.com from an online article about great finance apps. I checked it out and liked how easy it was; others gave it good reviews, too.
     

How did it help?
 

  • Mint.com has helped me manage my money better. With its real-time updates on my spending and financial patterns, I can stick to a budget more efficiently. Its customisable categories and alerts have shown me where to save more by reducing expenses.
     

Why do you visit it often?
 

  • I use Mint.com often to track my expenses, budget, and plan financial goals. Its simple dashboard and visuals help me quickly grasp my financial status. I also value the insights and tips it offers to improve my financial well-being.
     

Conclusion
 

  • Mint.com is crucial for managing my finances and reaching my goals. Its easy interface, vital budgeting tools, and valuable insights empower me to make intelligent financial choices. I recommend it to anyone aiming for financial literacy and stability.
Sample Answer 3

Introduction
 

  • I am introducing you to Trello, a website that's significantly boosted my productivity and organisation. It's become essential for managing tasks and projects efficiently.
     

Which site is it?
 

  • Trello is a widely used project management tool that organises tasks with boards, lists, and cards. Users create boards for projects, add lists to track workflow stages, and fill them with cards for tasks.
     

How did you know about it?
 

  • I first learned about Trello while researching productivity tools online. A colleague recommended it to me, praising its simplicity and versatility in organising tasks and projects. Intrigued by its capabilities, I decided to give it a try.

 

How did it help?
 

  • Trello changed how I manage tasks and projects, offering a visual, customisable platform that keeps me organised and efficient, allowing easy prioritisation, progress tracking, and team collaboration.

 

Why do you visit it often?
 

  • I use Trello often to plan tasks, track project timelines, and collaborate with team members. Its mobile app lets me access and update boards on the move, ensuring productivity wherever I am.
     

Conclusion
 

  • Trello is essential for managing my tasks and projects efficiently. Its user-friendly interface, flexible features, and seamless collaboration make it integral to my daily workflow. I highly recommend it to anyone aiming to boost productivity and organisation.

The examiner hands you a cue card with your topic and a few points to cover. 

 

For instance, if it's about ‘describe a website which helped you to do something’ topic, then the cue card will look like this:

 

Now, let's see how we can discuss those points with a detailed explanation and a practical example.

 

Introduction
 

  • Briefly introduce the website and its purpose.
  • Mention how frequently you use it.
‘I'd love to discuss Coursera, a website that has significantly broadened my expertise across various subjects. Over the past few years, it's become a regular part of my learning routine.’

Which site is it?
 

  • Clearly state the name of the website.
  • Provide a brief overview of its main features or functions.
‘Coursera is an online learning platform that offers various courses from universities and institutions worldwide. It covers diverse subjects, including technology, business, and humanities.’

How did you know about it?
 

  • Describe how you first learned about the website.
  • Explain what motivated you to explore it further.
‘I came across Coursera while searching for online courses to enhance my professional skills. It was recommended to me by a colleague who had benefited greatly from the platform.’

How did it help?
 

  • Explain the specific ways in which the website assisted you.
  • Provide examples of tasks or goals it helped you accomplish.
‘Coursera has helped me acquire new skills and advance my career. For instance, I completed a data science specialisation that improved my analytical abilities and opened up new job opportunities.’

Why do you visit it often?
 

  • Discuss the reasons why you frequently visit the website.
  • Highlight the value it adds to your life or work.
‘I visit Coursera regularly because it offers a wealth of educational resources that I find invaluable. I enjoy exploring new topics and staying updated on the latest trends in my field.’

Conclusion
 

  • Summarise the key points about the website.
  • Express your overall opinion or satisfaction with using it.
‘Coursera has been a reliable source of learning and skill development for me. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to expand their knowledge and expertise in various areas.’

 

Also Read: IELTS Speaking Cue Card 2024: Topics, With Sample Answers

Follow-Up Questions

We've looked at three examples of ‘Describe a website which helped you to do something.’ Let's look at some questions the examiner might ask you. 
 

This is the third part of the IELTS speaking test, where you chat with the examiner for about 4-5 minutes. It's a chance to show how well you can talk about different topics in English.

Q1. Who in your family uses the site?

Answer 1: My parents primarily use platforms like Facebook and Twitter to stay updated on the news and connect with relatives. It's their go-to social media hub for checking current events and staying in touch with family members scattered across the globe.
 

Answer 2: My siblings often use platforms like YouTube and Twitch for entertainment, streaming videos or playing online games to unwind after a long day.

Q2. Can the Internet help children in their studies?

Answer 1:  The internet offers a wealth of educational resources for children, helping them research, learn interactively, and access tutorials beyond traditional textbooks.
 

Answer 2: Online platforms enable children to collaborate on projects, join virtual classrooms, and benefit from personalised learning that fits their unique needs and pace.

Q3. Will the Internet replace the teacher?

Answer 1:  While the Internet can enhance learning, it can't replace teachers. Digital tools supplement education, but teachers provide vital mentorship, guidance, and social interaction crucial for holistic development.

 

Answer 2:  The Internet has revolutionised education with vast resources, but more is needed to replace teachers. Online platforms supplement learning, but teachers are essential for critical thinking, creativity, and social skills. They provide personalised support, fostering a nurturing academic and emotional growth environment.

Q4. What are the reasons why people use the Internet?

Answer 1: The Internet is used for various purposes, such as accessing information, communication, entertainment, and commerce. It's a vast knowledge hub that aids learning and research, enables global communication, offers entertainment options, and provides convenient shopping.
 

Answer 2:  The Internet is versatile, catering to diverse needs. It offers abundant learning resources, connects people globally through social media, provides entertainment through streaming, gaming, and forums, and simplifies shopping with e-commerce platforms.

Q5. Some people say that different age groups have different tastes in internet content. What do you think?

Answer 1:  Different age groups have distinct internet content preferences. Younger demographics favour social media, gaming, and entertainment, while older generations prefer news, education, and hobby forums. Preferences depend on factors like life stage, culture, and tech familiarity, which are essential for effective audience engagement by content creators and marketers.
 

Answer 2: Age shapes internet content preferences. Younger generations prefer interactive platforms like social media and gaming for entertainment, while older groups opt for informative content like news and educational resources. Recognising these differences is vital for effective audience engagement.

FAQs

Q. How do I improve my speaking skills?

Ans. Speak more to speak better! Listen to podcasts or audiobooks to hear natural speech, then copy it. Read out loud and record yourself to find areas to improve. Don't worry if you make mistakes while speaking. Just note down, acknowledge the mistakes, and practice again to avoid making the mistakes again. 

Q. What can I do if I don’t understand the cue card topic?

Ans. No problem! Simply ask the examiner to repeat the cue card politely ("Could you repeat that, please?"). Pay attention to keywords to understand the main topic. If it's new, share related experiences or discuss a similar situation. Concentrate on speaking clearly and using the vocabulary you know.

Q. Are speaking tests for Academic and General the same?

Ans. Academic and General IELTS speaking tests are largely similar in evaluating fluency and communication skills. The distinction lies in the topics covered: Academic addresses academic subjects, whereas General focuses on everyday situations.

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

Ans. Part 2 entails independently describing a topic akin to a solo presentation. In contrast, Part 3 delves deeper into the same topic through a discussion with the examiner, evaluating your conversational skills and ability to exchange ideas.

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

Ans. It isn't advisable to go over the speaking test's time limit. The examiner will kindly interrupt to maintain the schedule. Concentrate on using your time wisely. Strive for clear, brief responses in Parts 1 and 3, and aim for fluency within 1-2 minutes in Part 2.

Q. How to prepare for an IELTS cue card?

Ans. Get to know previous cue cards to grasp potential topics. During the 1-minute preparation time, practice brainstorming and outlining critical points for each question. Strive for a clear structure: introduce, answer each question, and conclude briefly. Prioritise using diverse vocabulary and speaking naturally.

Q. How to crack the Cue Card task?

Ans. Preparing for the Cue Card is all about planning. Use the minute to brainstorm and outline points for each bullet. Stick to the main topic; memorise only some things. Speak clearly with different words, but keep it simple. Practice ahead of time to manage time and feel more confident!

Q. Is eye contact important in IELTS speaking?

Ans. Certainly, maintaining eye contact during the IELTS speaking test is vital. It demonstrates confidence attentiveness, and fosters a connection with the examiner. Strive for natural eye contact rather than staring. Briefly look away to gather your thoughts, but always return your gaze to show engagement.

Q. What are common mistakes in IELTS speaking?

Ans. Common mistakes in IELTS speaking include giving short answers, speaking with a flat tone, using a limited vocabulary, and straying off-topic. Aim to speak in complete sentences, vary your tone, employ synonyms, and stick to the question. And remember, confidence is crucial!

Q. Which part is the most important in IELTS speaking?

Ans.  Every part of the IELTS speaking test is equally important. Parts 1 to 3 each play a significant role in determining your score. Consider it like a three-course meal: Part 1 gets you started, Part 2 showcases your abilities, and Part 3 examines your depth of knowledge. Excel in all sections to achieve a high score!

Q. What is the lowest score in IELTS speaking?

Ans. In the IELTS speaking test, scores range from 0 to 9, with each band indicating different proficiency levels. A band 0 suggests minimal English communication skills, while a band 9 represents an expert level of fluency and accuracy.

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