Study Abroad
IELTS
Sign in
Sign Up
Updated on Nov 13, 2024, 06:14
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 Something That You Picked up That Was Thrown by Someone Else.'
In this topic, you can mention an object that you found and how it has been useful to you. You can also talk about when and where you found it and how you felt when you picked it up. Finally, you can explain why you cannot live without it now. Remember to structure your answer with an introduction, key highlights, and a conclusion.
Introduction
Where was it?
When was it picked up?
What did you do after you picked it up?
How did you feel?
Conclusion
Introduction
Where was it?
When was it picked up?
What did you do after you picked it up?
How did you feel?
Conclusion
Introduction
Where was it?
When was it picked up?
What did you do after you picked it up?
How did you feel?
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
Where was it?
When was it picked up?
What did you do after you picked it up?
How did you feel?
Conclusion
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!
Answer 1: Yes, even a small action, like picking up a ball thrown by someone else, can build a positive environment. In the Indian context, such gestures are often seen as acts of goodwill and kindness, fostering a sense of community and unity. By responding positively to the situation, individuals can create a ripple effect of positivity and goodwill, ultimately enhancing the overall atmosphere.
Answer 2: No, small actions like picking up a ball thrown by someone else might not always contribute to building a positive environment. In some cases, individuals may feel annoyed or inconvenienced by such gestures, especially if they were not expecting or prepared for them. Additionally, cultural differences and personal preferences can influence how such actions are perceived, leading to misunderstandings or discomfort in certain situations.
Answer 1: In the Indian context, picking things up is important as it reflects values of cleanliness and responsibility. By keeping public spaces tidy and litter-free, individuals contribute to a healthier and more hygienic environment for everyone. Additionally, picking up items dropped by others demonstrates respect for communal spaces and consideration for fellow citizens, fostering a sense of civic duty and pride.
Answer 2: However, some may argue that picking things up is only sometimes necessary or practical, especially in crowded or busy areas where litter is common. In such contexts, individuals might prioritise their own convenience over cleaning up after others, disregarding communal cleanliness. Additionally, cultural attitudes towards cleanliness and public spaces vary, and some may not see picking things up as important or necessary in certain situations.
Answer 1: In the Indian context, some people may intentionally throw things as a form of expression or protest, aiming to draw attention to social or political issues. Such actions can serve as activism or advocacy, sparking discussions and raising awareness about relevant topics. Additionally, the intentional throwing of items during celebrations or festivals can be part of cultural traditions, adding vibrancy and excitement to communal gatherings.
Answer 2: However, intentionally throwing objects can also pose risks and cause harm, especially in crowded or public spaces. Sometimes, people may throw things out of frustration, anger, or disregard for the consequences, leading to accidents or injuries. Additionally, deliberate littering can contribute to environmental pollution and degradation, tarnishing the beauty of natural landscapes and public areas.
Answer 1: Yes, I recall a time during a community cleanup drive when we were tasked with picking up litter along a local riverbank. Despite the initial reluctance, our group quickly got involved, and as we picked up trash, we noticed a positive change in the environment. The act of picking up litter beautified the area and fostered a sense of unity and responsibility among participants. It was heartening to see how a small action like picking up trash could make a tangible difference in improving our surroundings.
Answer 2: On the contrary, I've also witnessed instances where people threw garbage indiscriminately during a public event, such as a street festival. Despite the presence of trash bins, some individuals chose to litter the streets, leading to a messy and unsightly environment. This behaviour reflected a lack of civic responsibility and posed health hazards and environmental degradation. Such incidents highlighted the importance of promoting awareness about proper waste disposal and fostering a culture of cleanliness and respect for public spaces.
Ans. 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 develop related ideas or examples. If unsure, you can use general phrases or expressions to discuss the topic until you feel more comfortable.
Ans. 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.
Ans. 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.
Ans. 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.
Ans. 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 essential to prepare for the specific module you will be taking.
Ans. Eye contact is essential to 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.
Ans. Common mistakes in IELTS speaking include lack of preparation, nervousness, using memorised answers, not answering the question, not speaking enough, and poor pronunciation.
Ans. All parts of the IELTS speaking section are essential, 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.
Ans. 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 utterly 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.
Ans. 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.
Ans. 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 thoroughly and provide relevant examples or details to support your answer.
Get the IELTS Prep App
4.2
1M+ Installs
Get the IELTS Prep App
4.2
1M+ Installs
Get the app link on your phone
Or download app from
IELTS Exam
IELTS Exam Date
IELTS Exam Fee
IELTS Modules
IELTS Listening Practice Test
IELTS Speaking Practice Test
IELTS Reading Practice Test
IELTS Writing Practice Test
IELTS Test Centres
IELTS Results
Types of IELTS
IELTS Pattern
IELTS Exam Eligibilty
IELTS Slot Booking
IELTS Band Score
IELTS Registration
IELTS Books
IELTS Preparation
IELTS Practice Test
IELTS Test Centre and Dates in Hyderabad
IELTS Test Centre and Dates in Bangalore
IELTS Test Centre and Dates in Chennai
IELTS Test Centre and Dates in Amritsar
IELTS Centre and Dates in Ludhiana
IELTS Test Centre and Dates in Mumbai
IELTS Test Centres and Dates in Ahmedabad
IELTS Centre and Dates in Delhi
IELTS Test Centres and Dates in Chandigarh
IELTS Center and Dates in Pune
Describe a Skill That you can teach other people
Describe a Place you Visited Where the Air was Polluted
Describe a Famous Person that you are Interested in
Describe a Course That You Want to Learn
Describe a Person who Solved a Problem in Smart Way
Describe a Prize That You Received
Describe a Volunteering Experience You Have Had
Describe a Piece of Good News
Describe Something you Taught to Your Friend
Talk About an Interesting Old Person you Met Recently
Describe a Daily Routine That You Enjoy