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Updated on Aug 28, 2024, 20:03
IELTS Speaking is a common module in the IELTS Academic and General Training tests. The 3-parts remain the same in both tests. The cue card round is filled with simple topics such as personal interests, experiences, environmental and societal issues, and general knowledge. One of the most commonly asked topics is, 'Describe an Occasion When Someone or Something Made Noise.'
In this topic, you can discuss who or what made the noise, what you did for the noise, and what the noise was like. Also, explain how you felt about it.
Introduction:
Who/What made the noise?
What the noise was like?
What did you do?
Explain how you felt about it.
Conclusion:
Introduction:
Who/What made the noise?
What the noise was like?
What did you do?
Explain how you felt about it.
Conclusion:
Introduction:
Who/What made the noise?
What the noise was like?
What did you do?
Explain how you felt about it.
Conclusion:
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 like this:
The ideal way to answer cue card prompts is to break them into digestible sections. Think of it this way: no matter your topic, there is always an introduction, key highlights, and a conclusion.
Considering that, here's how we'll break our topic down.
Introduction:
For Example, “During a recent wedding celebration in my neighbourhood, the festive atmosphere was punctuated by joyful noise that reverberated throughout the venue, creating an ambience of merriment and jubilation.”
Who/What made the noise?
For Example, “The noise emanated from many sources, including traditional musical instruments like drums and shehnai, as well as the enthusiastic cheers and laughter of the guests who were thoroughly enjoying the festivities.”
What the noise was like?
For Example, “The noise varied in intensity and character, from the rhythmic beats of the drums that set the pace for celebratory dances to the melodious strains of the shehnai that added a touch of cultural elegance to the proceedings. Amidst the cacophony of sounds, there was an undeniable sense of happiness and camaraderie.”
What did you do?
For Example, “Enthralled by the lively ambience, I joined in the revelry by clapping along with the beats of the drums, cheering for the newlyweds, and participating in the traditional dances that epitomised the spirit of the occasion. Each noise-filled moment was a testament to the joy and excitement of the celebration.”
Explain how you felt about it.
For Example, “The joyful noise of the wedding celebration filled me with a sense of warmth and belonging, as I witnessed the coming together of friends and family to celebrate love and unity. It reminded us of the importance of shared moments of happiness and the bonds that unite us as a community.”
Conclusion:
For Example, “As the festivities continued well into the night, the noise of the wedding celebration served as a joyful soundtrack to the beginning of a new chapter in the lives of the newlyweds. It was a celebration filled with love, laughter, and the vibrant sounds of cultural tradition, leaving a lasting impression on all fortunate enough to participate.”
Below are some sample questions and possible answers. Once again, we recommend that you only take the inspiration from the answers below and add your twist to it!
Question 1: What may happen when someone listens to very loud music using headphones while they are running or hiking?
Answer 1: When someone listens to loud music using headphones while running or hiking, they may become oblivious to their surroundings, increasing the risk of accidents such as tripping over obstacles or not hearing approaching vehicles. This can lead to injuries or even fatal accidents, especially on busy roads or uneven terrain. Additionally, listening to loud music for extended periods can cause hearing damage, impacting their ability to enjoy music and communicate effectively in the future.
Answer 2: Conversely, listening to music using headphones while running or hiking can enhance the overall experience by motivating and energising the individual during physical activity. The rhythm and beats of the music can synchronise with their movements, improving their pace and endurance. Moreover, music can distract them from fatigue or discomfort, enabling them to push themselves further and achieve their fitness goals. However, it's crucial to strike a balance and ensure the volume is not excessively loud to avoid potential risks to their safety and well-being.
Question 2: What can be done to reduce traffic noise?
Answer 1: To reduce traffic noise in India, urban planning initiatives can include measures such as building noise barriers along busy roads, implementing traffic management strategies to reduce congestion, and promoting the use of public transportation or cycling to decrease the number of vehicles on the road. Additionally, enforcing stricter regulations on vehicle noise levels and maintaining roads and infrastructure to minimise noise from potholes and uneven surfaces can help mitigate traffic noise pollution.
Answer 2: Conversely, some may argue that reducing traffic noise is not a top priority in India due to other pressing issues such as air pollution and inadequate infrastructure. They may believe investing in noise reduction measures would require significant resources and yield little benefits compared to addressing more urgent concerns. Moreover, some may argue that traffic noise is an inevitable aspect of urban life in a densely populated country like India and that individuals should adapt to it rather than expecting significant changes to be made.
Question 3: What rules should be imposed to reduce noise pollution in the near future?
Answer 1: To reduce noise pollution in India, stricter regulations could be imposed on industries, construction sites, and vehicular noise emissions. This could involve setting noise limits for machinery and vehicles, enforcing noise control measures at construction sites, and implementing regular monitoring and penalties for violators. Additionally, public awareness campaigns could be launched to educate people about the harmful effects of noise pollution and encourage them to adopt quieter practices in their daily lives.
Answer 2: On the contrary, some may argue that imposing stricter noise pollution regulations could negatively impact India's economic activities and development projects. They may believe that industries and construction sites already face numerous regulatory hurdles, and additional restrictions could hinder their operations and growth. Moreover, they may argue that enforcing noise regulations would require significant resources and manpower, which could be better utilised for other pressing issues in the country.
Question 4: Where can people hear a lot of noise?
Answer 1: In India, people often hear a lot of noise in crowded cities, bustling marketplaces, and near busy transportation hubs like railway stations and airports. The constant honking of vehicles, street vendors calling out to customers, and the chatter of pedestrians contribute to the noise in these urban areas.
Answer 2: On the other hand, in quieter rural villages or serene natural areas like forests and mountains, people can enjoy peaceful surroundings with minimal noise, allowing them to relax and rejuvenate away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
A. To score well in the cue card section, remember to use a range of vocabulary, including idiomatic expressions and phrasal verbs. You should also try to use complex sentence structures, such as compound and complex sentences. It's also important to speak fluently and with good pronunciation and to use appropriate stress and intonation to convey meaning effectively. Finally, address the prompt fully and provide relevant examples or details to support your answer.
A. If you need help understanding the cue card topic, ask the examiner to clarify it. You can also take a few seconds to think about the topic and try to develop some related ideas or examples. If you're unsure, you can try to use some general phrases or expressions to talk around the topic until you feel more comfortable.
A. No, you should avoid using informal language during your cue card task. The cue card task is a formal speaking test, so you should use formal language throughout the test. Avoid using slang, contractions, or colloquial expressions, and instead use more formal vocabulary and sentence structures. This will help you demonstrate your language skills and show that you can communicate effectively in a formal setting.
A. Some common cue card topics in the IELTS speaking test include personal experiences, such as describing a memorable event or a favourite holiday destination, and more general topics related to society, education, technology, and culture. Other common topics may include describing a person you admire, discussing a current issue or problem, or expressing your opinion on a particular topic.
A. The IELTS speaking test can be challenging for many test-takers, as it requires fluency and accuracy in English and the ability to communicate effectively and confidently. However, with adequate preparation and practice, many individuals can achieve their desired score on the speaking test. It's important to remember that everyone's experience may vary, and what may be easy or difficult for one person may be different for another.
A. The speaking test is structured the same for both IELTS Academic and General Training modules. However, the content may vary slightly depending on the module you are taking. The skills required to do well on both exams are similar, so it's important to prepare for the specific module you will be taking.
A. Eye contact is an important aspect of effective communication and can also play a role in the IELTS speaking test. Making eye contact with the examiner during your speaking test can demonstrate confidence and engagement and help you connect with your audience. That being said, it's important to remember that you shouldn't force yourself to make eye contact if it makes you uncomfortable or distracts you from your speaking performance.
A. Common mistakes in IELTS speaking include lack of preparation, nervousness, using memorised answers, not answering the question, not speaking enough, and poor pronunciation.
A. All parts of the IELTS speaking section are important, but the third part is generally considered the most challenging and carries the most weight in scoring. In this part, test-takers must express and defend their opinions on a given topic, using appropriate vocabulary and grammar structures.
A. The lowest possible score in IELTS Speaking is 0. However, this score is extremely rare as it indicates that the candidate did not attempt to answer any of the questions or was completely silent throughout the test. The lowest score a candidate can realistically receive is 1, implying that they have made some effort to speak. Still, their responses could be more relevant to the questions asked.
A. No, you cannot change the topic in IELTS Speaking. The examiner will provide you with a topic or a cue card, and you will have to speak about that topic. However, you are free to interpret the topic in your own way and bring your experiences and opinions to make your speech more interesting and engaging.
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