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IELTSTM CUE CARD

Describe An Activity You Enjoyed In Your Free Time When You Were Young: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

Updated on Nov 12, 2024, 10:43

Overview

The IELTS Speaking cue card is a task where you speak on a given topic for up to two minutes. It assesses your ability to communicate effectively in English.

 

The topic "Describe an activity you enjoyed in your free time when you were young" lets you reflect on past hobbies and their impact on your life. Activities you enjoyed as a child often shape your interests and skills later in life.

 

In this content piece, we'll explore a sample answer for this topic, offering insights on how to structure your response and include relevant details.

 

Cue Card/Topic: Describe An Activity You Enjoyed In Your Free Time When You Were Young

You should say

  • When was it?
  • Where did you do it?
  • What do you do?
  • How did you feel about it?
Sample Answer 1

Introduction:
 

  • Think about an activity you enjoyed in your free time when you were young. For instance, I remember playing cricket in my free time, which I enjoyed a lot. 
  • I used to play cricket with my friends every evening in the park near my house in Mumbai. Cricket was a popular activity in our neighbourhood, and it quickly became my favourite pastime. 
  • I chose this activity because it was a great way to have fun and stay active.
     

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest:
 

  • Cricket was exciting to me because it required both physical skill and strategic thinking. I vividly remember the thrill of hitting a six or taking a crucial wicket. 
  • Playing with friends made it even more enjoyable, as we often competed in friendly matches.
  •  We formed teams, and the sense of camaraderie was something I cherished deeply.
     

Key Highlights:
 

  • One significant moment was when our team won a local tournament. 
  • I also developed essential skills like teamwork and leadership, as I often captained my team.
  •  These experiences boosted my confidence and taught me how to gracefully handle victory and defeat. 
  • The discipline and practice needed for cricket also helped me develop a strong work ethic.
     

Conclusion:
 

  • In summary, playing cricket was a vital part of my childhood. It not only provided endless joy but also shaped my character and interests. 
  • Even today, I enjoy watching and playing cricket whenever I can.
  • This activity has left a lasting impact on me, and I believe it played a crucial role in making me who I am today.
Sample Answer 2

Introduction:

 

  • Think about an activity you enjoyed in your free time when you were young. For instance, I loved reading storybooks in my free time.
  • I used to spend hours in my room or under the big mango tree in our backyard in Bangalore, engrossed in my favourite tales. 
  • Reading was a cherished activity for me because it allowed me to explore different worlds and sparked my imagination.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest:

 

  • I found reading fascinating because it transported me to magical places and introduced me to various characters.
  • I remember getting lost in the adventures of characters like Rusty from Ruskin Bond's stories.
  • I often borrowed books from the local library and exchanged them with my friends. 
  • The quiet time spent with a book in hand was something I looked forward to every day.

 

Key Highlights:

 

  • One memorable highlight was the time I participated in a reading competition at school and won the first prize. 
  • This encouraged me to read even more and explore diverse genres. Through reading, I developed a keen interest in literature and writing, which helped me improve my language skills. 
  • The stories I read also taught me valuable life lessons and broadened my perspective.

 

Conclusion:

 

  • In conclusion, reading storybooks was a significant part of my childhood. 
  • It not only provided immense joy and relaxation but also nurtured my love for storytelling. 
  • Even today, I continue to read regularly, and this habit has significantly influenced my personal and academic growth. 
  • Reading has left a lasting impression on me, making it a cherished activity that I will always value.
Sample Answer 3

Introduction:

 

  • Think about an activity you enjoyed in your free time when you were young. For instance, I loved flying kites in my free time. 
  • Every weekend, I would head to the terrace of our house in Ahmedabad with my cousins and friends. 
  • Kite flying was a popular activity in our city, especially during the Uttarayan festival. 
  • I chose this activity because it was a thrilling and joyful way to spend time outdoors.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest:

 

  • I found kite flying exhilarating because it combined skill, patience, and a bit of luck. 
  • I remember the excitement of cutting another kite's string and the joy of seeing my kite soar higher and higher. 
  • We often competed to see whose kite would stay in the air the longest. The preparation, from choosing the right kite to carefully attaching the manjha (kite string), was an essential part of the fun.

 

Key Highlights:

 

  • One unforgettable moment was during Uttarayan when I managed to keep my kite flying all day without it being cut. 
  • This achievement made me the hero among my friends for that day. 
  • Through kite flying, I learned about aerodynamics and the importance of balance and control. 
  • The camaraderie with my cousins and friends during these kite-flying sessions strengthened our bonds and created lasting memories.

 

Conclusion:
 

  • In summary, flying kites was an integral part of my childhood. It not only provided endless fun but also taught me patience and perseverance. 
  • Even now, whenever I see kites in the sky, I am reminded of those joyful days. 
  • This activity has left a lasting impact on me, and I treasure the memories of those carefree times spent on the terrace, flying kites.

When the cue card section starts, the examiner will give you a card with a topic and some bullet points to guide your response. You'll have one minute to prepare, during which you can jot down notes. Then, you'll need to speak on the topic for up to two minutes.

 

The best way to answer these cue cards is to break your response into small pieces: Introduction, describing your experience/opinion/interest, key highlights, and conclusion.

 

Introduction:

 

  • Briefly introduce the activity you enjoyed.
  • Mention when and where you usually did this activity.
  • State why you chose this activity.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest

 

  • Explain what you found enjoyable about the activity.
  • Describe any specific memories or moments that stand out.
  • Talk about who you usually did this activity with, if applicable.

 

Key Highlights:

 

  • Share any significant achievements or milestones related to the activity.
  • Mention any skills or lessons you learned from it.
  • Highlight how this activity influenced your interests or personality.

 

Conclusion:

 

  • Summarise the importance of this activity in your childhood.
  • Reflect on how it impacted your later life or current interests.
  • Conclude with a final thought or sentiment about the activity.

Follow-Up Questions

In the IELTS Speaking Test, after you describe a topic on the cue card, the examiner will ask follow-up questions to explore the topic further. This part of the test helps assess your ability to discuss ideas in more detail, express opinions, and provide explanations. 

 

It’s an opportunity to show your language skills more comprehensively. These questions will often relate to the experience you just described, allowing you to expand on your thoughts and insights.

Q1. What do people in your country like to do when free?

Answer 1: In India, people often enjoy spending their free time with family and friends. Many like to visit local parks or gardens, especially during the evenings. Others prefer watching films or television shows, which is a popular way to relax. Additionally, traditional activities like playing cricket or engaging in cultural events like festivals are common pastimes.


Answer 2: Another favourite activity among Indians during their free time is indulging in culinary experiences. Many enjoy cooking new recipes or visiting restaurants to try different cuisines. Shopping is also a popular leisure activity, with bustling markets and modern shopping malls offering a variety of choices. Reading books and pursuing hobbies like gardening or painting are also cherished ways to unwind.

Q2. Are people able to manage their free time?

Answer 1: In India, managing free time can be challenging due to the busy lifestyles many people live. However, those who prioritise work-life balance often find ways to enjoy their leisure hours. Many professionals set aside weekends for relaxation and family activities, ensuring they recharge for the week ahead. The increasing awareness about mental health has also encouraged people to allocate time for self-care and hobbies.
 

Answer 2: While some Indians struggle with time management due to demanding jobs or academic pressures, there is a growing trend towards better time management. More people are adopting strategies such as scheduling leisure activities and setting boundaries between work and personal time. The rise of flexible working hours and remote work options has also helped many better manage their free time, allowing for a more balanced lifestyle.

Q3. Is free time good for the students?

Answer 1: Yes, free time is highly beneficial for students. It allows them to relax and rejuvenate, which is essential for their mental and physical well-being. During free time, students can pursue hobbies and interests that foster creativity and critical thinking. Engaging in physical activities during their leisure time also helps improve their overall health and concentration levels.

 

Answer 2: Free time plays a crucial role in a student's development. It provides an opportunity to socialise with peers, which is important for building social skills and emotional intelligence. Additionally, having free time helps students manage stress better and prevents burnout from academic pressures. It also offers a chance to explore new skills and interests, contributing to a more well-rounded personality.

Q4. Do you think parents should make plans for their children?

Answer 1: Yes, I believe parents should make plans for their children to a certain extent. Planning can provide children with a structured environment and ensure they engage in productive and enriching activities. For instance, enrolling them in extracurricular classes or sports can help them develop new skills and interests. However, it is equally important for parents to allow children the freedom to explore their own interests and have unstructured playtime to foster creativity and independence.

 

Answer 2: While it is beneficial for parents to guide their children's activities, it is crucial to strike a balance. Parents should indeed plan certain aspects, such as educational goals and extracurricular engagements, to ensure their children have diverse experiences and opportunities. However, over-planning can lead to undue pressure and hinder a child's ability to make independent decisions. It is crucial for parents to listen to their children's preferences and include them in the planning process, allowing for a healthy mix of guidance and autonomy.

FAQs

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

Ans. All parts of the IELTS Speaking test are important as they assess different aspects of your speaking ability. Part 1 focuses on general questions about yourself, Part 2 is a long turn based on a cue card, and Part 3 involves discussing more abstract topics related to Part 2. Each part is crucial for a comprehensive evaluation.

Q. What is the lowest score in IELTS speaking?

Ans. The lowest score you can receive in the IELTS Speaking test is 0. This is typically given if you do not attend the test. The lowest score for someone who participates is 1, which indicates non-user proficiency with no ability to use the language except for a few isolated words.

Q. Can I change the topic for speaking in IELTS?

Ans. No, you cannot change the topic for the speaking test. You must respond to the cue card topic you are given. It is important to practise speaking on various issues to be well-prepared.

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