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IELTSTM CUE CARD

Describe An Online Video In Which You Learned Something New: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

Updated on Sep 28, 2024, 06:48

Overview

In the IELTS Speaking Test, a topic like "Describe an online video in which you learned something new" requires you to discuss a video that broadened your knowledge or skills. This could be an educational tutorial, a documentary, or even a talk on platforms like YouTube or TED. When responding, it's important to focus on the content of the video, how it impacted you, and why it was useful. Developing these points will help you demonstrate your ability to explain personal experiences effectively, which is key to achieving a high IELTS score.


Practising this topic sharpens your ability to describe events in detail and improves fluency, essential for success in the IELTS Speaking section. It helps you become comfortable with expressing opinions and making connections between learning experiences and real life. This skill is vital as you approach your IELTS test dates, ensuring you're well-prepared to meet the varied challenges the exam may present.

 

 

Cue Card/Topic: Describe An Online Video In Which You Learned Something New

You should say

  • What was it?
  • Why did you watch it?
  • What did you learn from it?
Sample Answer 1

Introduction (Covers: What was it?)

 

  • The video I watched was titled "The Power of Habit," based on Charles Duhigg's book. I found it on YouTube while searching for self-improvement content. 
  • It was about 20 minutes long, formatted as an animated explainer video, which made it very engaging.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: Why did you watch it?)  

 

  • I watched the video because I wanted to understand more about how habits are formed and how I could apply that knowledge to my own life. 
  • I was particularly interested in learning how to break bad habits and build better ones. 
  • As I watched, I felt both curious and inspired, especially by how the video broke down the psychological reasons behind our daily routines.

 

Key Highlights (Covers: What did you learn from it?)

 

  • The video explained the concept of the "habit loop," which consists of a cue, a routine, and a reward. 
  • One example that stood out to me was how people can change their habits by identifying the underlying cue and modifying the routine. 
  • It also gave tips on building small, consistent habits for long-term success, which I found incredibly useful for my own life.

 

Conclusion

 

  • After watching the video, I began applying some of the tips to my daily routine, like setting cues for positive habits like reading or exercising. 
  • Overall, the video was well-presented, clear, and extremely informative. 
  • The animation made the complex topic easy to follow, and I felt that the presenter had a great way of keeping the content relatable and practical
Sample Answer 2

Introduction (Covers: What was it?)

 

  • I recently watched a tutorial video on Udemy called "Introduction to Photoshop for Beginners." 
  • The video was part of a longer online course, but this particular lesson was about 30 minutes long and focused on the basics of photo editing using Adobe Photoshop.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: Why did you watch it?)  

 

  • I’ve always wanted to improve my graphic design skills, particularly for my personal projects, and Photoshop seemed like a useful tool. 
  • I had tried to learn on my own before but found it overwhelming, so I decided to follow a structured course. 
  • As I watched the video, I was excited to learn something new but also a bit anxious since it seemed like a complex software at first.

 

Key Highlights (Covers: What did you learn from it?)

 

  • The video introduced tools like the brush, layers, and selection options in Photoshop. It stood out to me how simple the instructor made each concept, especially when he demonstrated how to blend images using layers. 
  • He also gave shortcuts for faster editing, which was a real eye-opener. 
  • I started to feel more confident in navigating Photoshop after applying these techniques.

 

Conclusion

 

  • The video helped me develop a foundational understanding of Photoshop, and I’ve since used the skills to improve my digital work. 
  • The content was well-structured, and I appreciated how the instructor broke down complex tasks into manageable steps. 
  • I feel much more comfortable working with the software now and would definitely recommend the course to others.
Sample Answer 3

Introduction (Covers: What was it?)

 

  • Recently, I assisted my aunt Meera, who was organising a community event to raise awareness about environmental conservation. 
  • She had taken on a lot of responsibilities, and it was becoming overwhelming for her.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: What did you help them with?/ How did you help them?)  

 

  • Meera needed help coordinating the logistics for the event, including venue arrangements, speaker invitations, and promotional materials. 
  • She wanted to ensure everything went smoothly, but with her busy schedule, she was struggling to keep track of everything.

 

Key Highlights (Covers: How did you feel about it?)

 

  • I stepped in to help her create a checklist of tasks and deadlines. We divided the responsibilities: I took charge of reaching out to local businesses for sponsorships and designing flyers to promote the event. 
  • I decided to help because I believe in the cause and wanted to support my aunt’s efforts to make a positive impact in our community.

 

Conclusion

 

  • Helping Meera was an eye-opening experience. On the day of the event, seeing the turnout and the enthusiasm of participants made all the effort worthwhile. 
  • I felt a sense of accomplishment knowing that I contributed to something meaningful.
  • It also strengthened my bond with my aunt, as we worked closely together towards a common goal.

When the cue card section starts, the examiner will hand you a card with a topic written on it. You will have one minute to prepare your response, and then you will need to speak about the topic for one to two minutes. This is your opportunity to showcase your ability to speak fluently and coherently on a given subject.


The best way to answer these cue cards is by breaking down your response into four parts: Introduction, describing your experience/opinion/interest, key highlights, and conclusion.

 

Introduction (Covers: What was it?)

 

  • State the video’s title or general subject.
  • Mention where you found the video (e.g. YouTube, an online course platform).
  • Say how long the video was or its format (short clip, documentary, tutorial, etc.).

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: Why did you watch it?)  

 

  • Why you were interested in the topic.
  • Whether it was something you wanted to learn for work, studies, or personal development.
  • How you felt as you were watching—engaged, surprised, inspired, etc.

 

Key Highlights (Covers: What did you learn from it?)

 

  • Briefly describe the main ideas or tips discussed in the video.
  • Highlight any specific examples or techniques that stood out to you.
  • Explain how the video made complex topics easy to understand, if applicable.

 

Conclusion

 

  • How the video helped you improve or change your habits.
  • Your overall impression of the video’s quality or usefulness.
  • How you feel about the presenter or the way the content was delivered.

 

By following this structure, you can ensure that your response is well-organised, clear, and detailed, fitting within the two-minute time limit. Now, let’s look at a sample answer to illustrate how you can apply this structure effectively.

Follow-Up Questions

In the IELTS Speaking Test, the examiner will ask follow-up/ two-way discussion questions after you finish speaking about your cue card topic. This part of the test helps the examiner assess your ability to discuss the topic in more depth, providing detailed answers and expanding on your initial response. You should expect questions that explore your reasoning, experiences, and opinions related to the topic.

Q1: Do you think online videos are effective for learning? Why or why not?

Answer 1: Yes, I believe online videos are very effective for learning. They allow you to visualise complex concepts in a way that’s easy to understand. Videos often provide step-by-step explanations, which can be especially useful when learning a new skill. Additionally, you can watch them at your own pace and revisit parts that you find difficult, making them a flexible and accessible learning tool.

Answer 2: I think online videos are highly effective because they combine visual and auditory elements, making it easier to grasp information. For subjects that are hands-on or practical, seeing someone demonstrate the process is invaluable. The ability to pause, rewind, and rewatch sections also allows learners to absorb information at their own speed, making learning more personalised.

Q2. What types of videos do you prefer for learning, and why?

Answer 1: I prefer tutorial videos that are concise and well-structured. I like when the presenter breaks down complex topics into smaller, manageable parts. Visual aids like diagrams and real-life examples help me understand the content better. I also appreciate when videos are interactive, asking viewers to try out tasks as they go along.

Answer 2: I tend to prefer videos that include practical demonstrations, especially for learning skills like cooking or graphic design. Seeing someone perform the task helps me understand the process much better than just reading about it. I also like videos with clear instructions and a friendly tone, as they make the learning experience more engaging and enjoyable.

Q3. What are the advantages of learning online compared to traditional classroom learning?

Answer 1: One of the biggest advantages of learning online is flexibility. You can choose when and where to learn, which makes it easier to fit education around other commitments. Additionally, online platforms offer a wide variety of subjects that might not be available locally. You can also learn at your own pace, which isn’t always possible in a traditional classroom setting.

Answer 2: The main advantage of online learning is convenience. You can access courses and videos from anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection. It also gives you access to experts from around the world, which is something you might not get in a traditional classroom. The ability to pause and revisit lessons makes it easier to retain information as well.

Q4. Are there any disadvantages to learning through online videos?

Answer 1: One disadvantage of learning through online videos is the lack of immediate interaction. In a classroom, you can ask questions and get feedback from the teacher in real-time. With videos, you might need to search for answers elsewhere if something isn’t clear. Additionally, staying motivated can be harder, as there’s no structured environment to keep you on track.

Answer 2: A downside to learning through online videos is that they sometimes lack the personal connection that a classroom provides. There’s no direct interaction with the instructor, which can make it difficult to ask specific questions or get personalised feedback. Also, not all videos are of the same quality, so you need to be careful about the sources you choose for learning.

FAQs

Q. What is the IELTS Speaking section?

Ans. The IELTS Speaking section is a face-to-face interview with a certified examiner, designed to assess your English-speaking abilities. The test lasts around 11-14 minutes and is divided into three parts, where you'll answer questions about yourself, speak on a given topic, and engage in a discussion. This section evaluates your fluency, coherence, vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.


 

Q. How is the IELTS Speaking section structured?

Ans. The Speaking section consists of three parts. In Part 1, you'll answer general questions about yourself, such as your hobbies, work, or studies. In Part 2, you'll receive a cue card with a topic and will speak for 1-2 minutes after a 1-minute preparation time. Part 3 involves a more in-depth discussion related to the topic from Part 2.


 

Q. What kinds of questions are asked in Part 1?

Ans.  Part 1 includes questions about familiar topics, such as your hometown, family, hobbies, work, or studies. The questions are designed to be easy and help you relax. This part is meant to warm you up for the rest of the interview, so answers should be brief but detailed enough to show your language ability.


 

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