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IELTSTM CUE CARD

Describe A Writer You Would Like To Meet: IELTS Cue Card

Updated on Aug 28, 2024, 20:02

Overview

An IELTS Speaking cue card is a prompt given to test takers during the speaking section of the IELTS exam. 
 

These cue cards guide candidates to discuss a specific topic for a set time. In this practice test, we'll discuss the topic of ‘Describe a writer you would like to meet.
 

This cue card invites you to share your thoughts on a writer who has significantly impacted you and whom you aspire to meet someday. Throughout this piece, we'll explore sample answers to help you understand how to tackle this topic effectively.

Sample Answer 1

Introduction (Covers: Who is the writer?):

 

  • J.K. Rowling, born on July 31, 1965, in Yate, Gloucestershire, is a British author celebrated worldwide for the Harry Potter series.
  • Rowling's magical tales have sold over 500 million copies globally, translated into numerous languages, and adapted into a successful film franchise.
  • Beyond her literary achievements, Rowling is a cultural icon, inspiring millions with her creativity, resilience, and philanthropy.

 

Describing your experience/opinion/interest (Covers: What do you know about this writer already?):

 

  • As an avid reader, Rowling's imaginative storytelling has captivated me since childhood, transporting me to a world of magic and adventure.
  • Her books, such as "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone," entertain and impart valuable lessons on friendship, bravery, and resilience.
  • Rowling's impact transcends literature, influencing popular culture and fostering a dedicated fanbase known as "Potterheads."

 

Key highlights (What would you like to find out about him/her?):

 

  • I'm curious about Rowling's creative process and the inspiration behind iconic characters like Harry, Hermione, and Dumbledore.
  • Understanding how she constructed the wizarding world and intricately plotted the series would provide invaluable insights into her storytelling techniques.
  • Learning about Rowling's journey from adversity to success, including her philanthropic endeavours with the charity Lumos, would be deeply inspiring.

 

Conclusion:

 

  • Meeting J.K. Rowling would be a cherished opportunity to express gratitude for the magic she has brought through her writing.
  • Engaging with Rowling would offer insights into the craft of writing and inspire me to pursue my own creative aspirations.
  • Rowling's resilience, creativity, and commitment to social causes serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring writers worldwide.
Sample Answer 2

Introduction (Covers: Who is the writer?):

 

  • Arundhati Roy, born November 24, 1961, in Shillong, India, is a prominent Indian author, essayist, and activist.
  • Roy gained international acclaim with her debut novel, "The God of Small Things," which won the Booker Prize in 1997. She was the first Indian woman to receive this prestigious award.
  • Besides her literary achievements, Roy is known for her outspokenness on social and political issues, advocating for environmental and human rights causes in India and beyond.

 

Describing your experience/opinion/interest (Covers: What do you know about this writer already?):

 

  • Roy's evocative prose and poignant storytelling have deeply resonated with me, particularly in "The God of Small Things," where she masterfully weaves themes of love, caste, and societal norms.
  • As an Indian reader, Roy's exploration of India's complex social fabric and historical legacies has given me valuable insights into my culture and identity.
  • Whether through her writing or public engagements, Roy's activism reflects her commitment to challenging injustices and advocating for marginalised communities, earning her both admiration and criticism.

 

Key highlights (What would you like to find out about him/her?):

 

  • I'm intrigued by Roy's multifaceted persona and would love to learn more about her literary influences and writing process.
  • It would be enlightening to understand how she navigates the intersection of art and activism and the impact it has on her creative output.
  • Additionally, delving into Roy's views on contemporary issues facing India, such as environmental degradation, social inequality, and political dissent, would offer valuable perspectives on the nation's challenges and aspirations.

 

Conclusion:

 

  • Meeting Arundhati Roy would be a privilege and an opportunity to engage with a visionary writer and activist whose work continues to shape literature and social justice discourse in India and beyond.
  • Roy's courage, intellect, and commitment to truth-telling inspire aspiring writers and advocates striving to create positive change in society.
  • Engaging with Roy would deepen my appreciation for her literary contributions and ignite a sense of responsibility to contribute meaningfully to the world through words and actions.
Sample Answer 3

Introduction (Covers: Who is the writer?):

 

  • Chetan Bhagat, born on April 22, 1974, in New Delhi, India, is a bestselling Indian author known for his relatable storytelling and contemporary themes.
  • Bhagat's novels, such as ‘Five Point Someone,’ ‘2 States,’ and ‘Half Girlfriend,’ have resonated with millions of readers across India, making him one of the country's most famous contemporary writers.
  • In addition to his writing career, Bhagat is also a columnist, motivational speaker, and screenwriter, contributing to various facets of Indian popular culture.

 

Describing your experience/opinion/interest (Covers: What do you know about this writer already?):

 

  • Bhagat's accessible writing style and ability to address issues relevant to young Indians have made his books immensely popular, particularly among the urban youth.
  • As an Indian reader, Bhagat's narratives, often set against the backdrop of Indian educational institutions, relationships, and societal expectations, resonate with my experiences and observations.
  • While Bhagat's work has been critiqued for its simplicity and commercial appeal, there's no denying its impact on bringing literature to a wider audience and sparking conversations on contemporary issues.

 

Key highlights (What would you like to find out about him/her?):

 

  • I'm interested in learning about Bhagat's creative process and how he develops his characters and plots to resonate with diverse readership demographics.
  • Understanding Bhagat's views on the role of literature in shaping societal attitudes and behaviours, particularly among the youth, would be enlightening.
  • Additionally, delving into Bhagat's transition from a successful banker to a celebrated writer and the challenges he faced would provide valuable insights into the Indian literary landscape and the pursuit of creative passions.

 

Conclusion:

 

  • Meeting Chetan Bhagat would be an opportunity to engage with a prolific writer whose work has left an indelible mark on Indian popular culture and literature.
  • Bhagat's ability to connect with readers through his stories and his contributions to various mediums, from literature to film and public discourse, underscore his influence and relevance in contemporary India.
  • Engaging with Bhagat would deepen my understanding of his literary contributions and inspire me to explore storytelling as a means of addressing societal issues and fostering positive change.

 

Also read: IELTS Speaking Questions with Answers 2024 

Answering cue cards during the IELTS speaking test is essential because it demonstrates your ability to articulate your thoughts and ideas coherently within a limited timeframe, reflecting your proficiency in spoken English. 
 

The examiner will present you with the cue card, allowing you one minute to prepare and jot down brief notes before you begin speaking. Utilising this time wisely to plan your response can significantly enhance the quality of your answer. 
 

Therefore, mastering the technique of structuring your response ensures you make the most of the given time and effectively convey your ideas.

 

Cue Card/Topic: Describe A Writer You Would Like To Meet You should say
  • Who is the writer?
  • What do you know about this writer already?
  • What would you like to find out about him/her?

 

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Now, let's dive into how to approach answering cue cards like ‘Describe a writer you would like to meet.’


 

Introduction (Covers: Who is the writer?):

 

  • Introduce the writer you have chosen.
  • Mention why you admire or are interested in this writer.
  • Provide brief context about their work or significance.


 

Describing your experience/opinion/interest (Covers: What do you know about this writer already?)

 

  • Share your personal connection or fascination with the writer.
  • Discuss any impact their work has had on you.
  • Express any specific reasons for wanting to meet them.


 

Key highlights (Covers: What would you like to find out about him/her?): 

 

  • Highlight critical achievements or notable works of the writer.
  • Discuss their writing style or themes they explore.
  • Mention any awards or recognition they've received.


 

Conclusion:

 

  • Summarise why meeting this writer would be meaningful to you.
  • Express your enthusiasm or anticipation for such an opportunity.
  • Conclude with a final thought or reflection on the writer's influence.

 

Following this structure will help you effectively use the two minutes allocated, ensuring a well-organized and comprehensive response within the given time frame.

Describe A Writer You Would Like To Meet: Follow-Up Questions

Understanding what follows the cue card round is essential for your IELTS speaking test preparation. In this phase, the examiner will ask you further questions about the topic you discussed. 

 

This segment aims to delve deeper into your opinions and experiences, allowing you to demonstrate your ability to express ideas fluently and coherently. Expect questions that explore broader themes related to the initial topic, inviting you to share additional insights and perspectives.


 

Follow-Up Question 1

Question 1: What kinds of books are most popular with children in your country? Why do you think that is?

 

Answer 1:  Children in my country are often drawn to books featuring adventure, fantasy, and vibrant illustrations. These genres spark their imagination and offer an escape from reality. Additionally, educational books that combine learning with entertainment are highly favoured by parents and educators alike.

 

Answer 2: From my observation, children in my country gravitate towards storybooks with relatable characters, moral lessons, and interactive elements. Such books entertain and foster cognitive and emotional development, making them popular choices among young readers.

Follow-Up Question 2

Question 2: Are there any occasions when reading at speed is a valuable skill? What are they?

 

Answer 1: Indeed, reading at speed can be beneficial in various scenarios, such as academic exams, where time constraints require swift comprehension of large amounts of information. Additionally, professionals in fields like journalism and research often need to skim through vast volumes of text to extract critical details efficiently.

 

Answer 2:  Reading quickly is advantageous during tasks like information gathering, where one needs to scan through articles, reports, or manuals to locate specific data swiftly. Furthermore, individuals in fast-paced work environments, such as customer service or administrative roles, benefit from rapid reading skills to promptly process incoming emails or documents.

Follow-Up Question 3

Question 3: Do you think reading novels is more interesting than reading factual books? Why is that?

 

Answer 1:  Personally, I find novels more captivating as they transport me to fictional worlds, immerse me in captivating narratives, and evoke a range of emotions. Novels offer an escape from reality and allow readers to explore diverse perspectives and experiences through the eyes of fictional characters.

 

Answer 2:  While factual books provide valuable information and insights into real-world phenomena, novels offer a unique form of entertainment and emotional engagement. Their imaginative storytelling and character development often make them more intriguing and memorable than factual texts.

Follow-Up Question 4

Question 4: Are there any jobs where people need to read a lot? What are they?

 

Answer 1: Professions such as academia, law, and research require extensive reading to stay updated with current developments, analyse complex texts, and formulate informed opinions. Additionally, journalism, editing, and publishing careers demand voracious reading habits to comprehend diverse perspectives, refine writing skills, and identify newsworthy topics.

 

Answer 2: From my observation, professions such as teaching, librarianship, and literary criticism necessitate frequent reading to curate educational materials, recommend literature, and assess literary works. Moreover, occupations in marketing, where market trends and consumer preferences are continually evolving, often require professionals to read extensively to devise effective strategies and campaigns.

FAQs

Q. Can I express my opinion during the test, even if it's different from the examiner's?

Ans. Expressing your opinion is encouraged in the IELTS speaking test. It's essential to convey your thoughts clearly and confidently, even if they differ from the examiner's. Remember to support your opinions with relevant examples or reasons to demonstrate your ability to express ideas effectively. However, maintain a respectful tone and engage in a constructive dialogue to showcase your language proficiency.

Q. How do you crack the Cue Card task?

Ans. To excel in the Cue Card task, start by familiarising yourself with common cue card topics and practising speaking on various themes. Use the one-minute preparation time wisely to brainstorm critical points and organise your ideas. Structure your response with an introduction, main body, and conclusion, focusing on coherence and fluency. Utilise specific examples and relevant vocabulary to enrich your answer and engage the examiner.

Q. How do you make notes for cue card IELTS?

Ans. When making notes for the Cue Card task, jot down keywords or phrases related to the topic to prompt your memory during the speaking test. Focus on capturing essential points such as personal experiences, opinions, and critical details. Use abbreviations or symbols to save time and ensure clarity in your notes. Practice condensing information and organising your thoughts efficiently to maximise the effectiveness of your cue card notes.

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