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Updated on Oct 08, 2024, 15:07
An IELTS Speaking cue card is a prompt used in the Speaking test where you are asked to speak about a specific topic for 1-2 minutes. These cue cards are essential to the test and are designed to assess your ability to speak fluently and coherently in English.
The topic we'll explore is “Describe something that surprised you”. Surprises can have a profound impact, leaving lasting impressions and often inspiring us in unexpected ways.
On this page, we'll delve into sample answers for this topic to help you prepare effectively.
Introduction ( Covers: What surprised you?)
Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest ( Covers: When did it happen?)
Key Highlights ( Covers: How you found about it?)
Conclusion (Covers: How did you feel about it?)
Introduction (Covers: What surprised you?)
Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: When did it happen?)
Key Highlights ( Covers: How you found about it?)
Conclusion (Covers: How did you feel about it?)
Introduction (Covers: What surprised you?)
Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: When did it happen?)
Key Highlights (Covers: How you found about it?)
Conclusion (Covers: How did you feel about it?)
When the cue card section starts, the examiner will hand you a card with a topic and some guiding points. You’ll have one minute to prepare your response and then speak for up to two minutes.
The best way to answer a cue card is to break it down into smaller pieces: introduction, describing your experience, key highlights, and conclusion. Here’s how you can approach the topic "Describe Something That Surprised You”:
Introduction:
Describing Your Experience:
Key Highlights:
Conclusion:
By following this structure, you can ensure your response is clear, organised, and within the two-minute limit.
Also read: IELTS Speaking Questions with Answers 2024
In the IELTS Speaking Test, after you finish speaking about your cue card topic, the examiner will ask follow-up questions. 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 to answer questions related to your personal experiences, opinions, or general ideas about the topic.
Answer 1: Yes, I immensely enjoy surprises. They add excitement to life and make mundane routines more enjoyable. Whether it's a small, unexpected gesture or a major event, surprises have a way of lifting my spirits and creating memorable moments.
Answer 2: While I appreciate the sentiment behind surprises, I must admit that I prefer knowing what to expect most of the time. It helps me prepare mentally and emotionally for any situation, but occasional surprises can definitely spice things up.
Answer 1: Perhaps the most surprising thing about me is my ability to adapt to new environments quickly. I find myself comfortable and capable in diverse settings, which often surprises people who initially perceive me as reserved or introverted.
Answer 2: I believe the most surprising thing about me is my passion for extreme sports. Despite my calm demeanour, I thoroughly enjoy adrenaline-fueled activities like skydiving and bungee jumping, which tend to catch others off guard.
Answer 1: The biggest surprise in my life was when I received an unexpected job offer from my dream company. It came at a time when I least expected it and completely changed the course of my career.
Answer 2: One of the biggest surprises in my life was discovering a hidden talent for painting during a spontaneous art class. It was a pleasant shock to realise that I possessed artistic skills I never knew existed.
Answer 1: While surprises often bring joy and excitement, they can also be overwhelming or unsettling, depending on the circumstances. For instance, receiving unexpected news, whether good or bad, can evoke a range of emotions and require time to process. Ultimately, it's how we respond to surprises that determines their impact on us.
Answer 2: Surprises are not always inherently positive and can sometimes have negative consequences. While pleasant surprises may bring joy and excitement, unexpected challenges or setbacks can lead to stress and discomfort. For instance, a surprise test at school may cause anxiety for unprepared students. However, surprises can also provide valuable learning experiences and opportunities for personal growth, encouraging resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity.
Ans. To frame your answer in one minute, start by quickly brainstorming key points related to the cue card topic. Organise your thoughts into an introduction, main body, and conclusion. Focus on clear and concise language, and prioritise relevant details that support your main points.
Ans. The IELTS speaking test typically lasts around 11-14 minutes in total. This includes a brief introduction by the examiner, the cue card task (Part 2), a discussion (Part 3), and a conclusion.
Ans. You can find resources for practising cue-card topics online through reputable IELTS preparation websites, books, and sample tests. Additionally, consider joining speaking clubs or finding a language exchange partner to practice speaking and discussing various topics.
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