Describe a job that one of your grandparents did: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

What was the job about?
Was this only the one job she or he did?
How you felt about it?

9 unique answers with expert feedback

How did your grandfather's teaching style influence his students?

My grandfather's teaching style was very engaging and interactive. He used to encourage questions and discussions, which made learning enjoyable for his students. Many of them still remember his unique methods and how he made complex subjects like mathematics easier to understand.

What qualities do you think make a good teacher?

A good teacher should be patient, knowledgeable, and approachable. They should be able to inspire and motivate their students, making learning a positive experience. My grandfather embodied these qualities, which is why he was so respected and loved by his students.

How do you think education has changed since your grandfather's time?

Education has changed significantly with technology and new teaching methods. Nowadays, there are more resources available, like online learning and interactive tools. However, the core values of teaching, such as understanding and support, remain essential, just as they were in my grandfather's time.

Band 6-7

00:00

My grandfather was a very interesting person. He is very energetic for doing any activity at their age. His name is Bachardas. At his age of prime, he did various jobs and several businesses. Whenever I got free time, I sit with him and talk about his past experience which is very helpful for my career guidance. He told me that he did an accountant job where he spent about 12 and a half years. He also did a small business on grocery where he run this business for about 2 and a half years. After retiring, he has also provided his time to a temple for maintaining his trust account. In his belief, he thinks about not spending leisure time without doing any activity because he feels lazy. So, he does some small work everyday for not having free time.

Follow up questions

What skills did your grandfather develop during his time as an accountant?

My grandfather developed strong analytical skills and attention to detail while working as an accountant. He learned how to manage finances effectively, which helped him in his small grocery business later on. These skills also contributed to his ability to maintain the trust account at the temple.

How did your grandfather's experiences influence your career choices?

Hearing about my grandfather's diverse experiences has inspired me to be adaptable and open to different career paths. His stories about hard work and dedication motivate me to pursue my goals with the same passion and commitment he had throughout his life.

What do you think is the importance of staying active in old age?

Staying active in old age is crucial for both physical and mental health. It helps prevent feelings of laziness and keeps the mind sharp. My grandfather believes that engaging in activities not only maintains his health but also gives him a sense of purpose and fulfillment in life.

IELTS Cue Cards asked last week

Reported by Leap students who gave IELTS

Describe your favourite food at a traditional festival or a special event in your country

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7.5

Pitampura Test Centre, New Delhi

Answer

I like to taste different types of cuisine. Here I would like to talk about my favorite dish at my traditional festival of Onam which is Sadya. Sadya is popular in my city. We are experimenting these cuisines on Onam festival day. Onam is a famous festival in my city. All family members get together in my home and we make a delicious Sadya. There are many ingredients includes that Sadya. Moreover, we make a big feast that day as well as we create a lot of memories together and we wear that day the traditional dress called Sari and men wear the Dhotis. That festival is really important to us because the whole day we are conducting different kinds of games at our homes and all the family members came together. It's a memorable day in my life. This is the festival. We are making the Sambar and Aviyal. These all the kinds of foods are making with the vegetables.

Talk about a toy you liked in your childhood

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 8

Sector 34 Test Centre, Chandigarh

Answer

The toy which I liked in my childhood was a panda doll, which makes me pleasant and makes me more blush. The pandas are the most beautiful creatures of the world, which looks gigantic and has pooshy cheeks and they are like stars in the clouds and they dream in me. Furthermore, these have been given by my father. My father is a very very beautiful artistic person, who makes me think of that. Every day you will face every difficulties and make you suffer and move forward. Pandas are always seen in Japanese countries. It is my lifelong dream to visit a Japanese country and click a photo with the original pandas, which makes sounds better.

Describe a time you were in a place where you didn't know the local language

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 6.5

Whitefield Test Center, Bengaluru

Answer

As India is a very large country full of diversity, so there are many places which have their own language and speak their native language. The place which I visited and I didn't know about their language was Leladakh, which is about 300 km away from my hometown and it is a very good place as it consists of different kind of trees, animals and have many scenic views and I visited over there last year in summers as it was the best time to visit because it has many, it was cold over there and we had summers in our area so it was the best time to visit over there and I went over there with my whole family.

Describe a time when your friend damaged something you owned

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7

Begumpet Test Centre, Hyderabad

Answer

When I was a kid, I had a little pencil box which had these four buttons which gave the pencil box an operative use. When you press the button, the box would open up. When you press the second button, a little part of it would slide out. Basically it was just a little electronical and a fun thing to have and I owned it when I was in 6th. One day after break, I was standing and talking there with one of my friends and another friend of mine was running through the hallway and accidentally she pushed my shoulder and my pencil box hit the ground and it broke into multiple pieces to the point that it was not functional anymore.

Describe a book you recently read

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7.5

CBD Belapur Test Centre, Navi Mumbai

Answer

It Ends With Us is a book I read recently. It's by the author Colleen Hoare. It's mainly a story about two teenagers, Atlas and Lily, and how they just handle their life going through high school, adolescence, and just domestic violence at home. Both of them come from very, very different families. However, they have one common determining factor between them, which is domestic violence. The abuse that they've seen their moms go through is just insane, and they connect through that on a different level. They're actually in the same high school, but they never speak to each other until Atlas actually crashes into an empty house next to Lily's villa. When Atlas is homeless and he doesn't have anywhere to go, he just comes and breaks into the house next to Lily's, and Lily helps him with all the daily necessities like clothes and food, medicines and stuff. Furthermore, their friendship blossoms into love, but it doesn't really fructify as Atlas has to leave. This book really gave me a lot of knowledge about domestic abuse and how to deal with it.

Band 6-7

00:00

One job of my grandparents was a dedicated school teacher, a profession that played a significant role in building the foundation of a society. Their job involved teaching subjects like math, science, language and so on to young minds and helping students not only acquire knowledge but also develop critical thinking, problem solving and life skills. They spent hours to make lesson plans, assignments, make learning enjoyable using creative methods to ensure that every child could understand and grow. Teaching was more than a job for them, it was a calling. Beyond the classroom, they often mentored students, providing guidance and encouragement to those who struggled academically and personally. However, teaching was not the only role they undertook. During school days, they also provided private tuitions in the rural areas where education resources are limited. Sometimes, they also provided free classes to underprivileged students who are not able to pay high tuition fees and private tuitions and also they created many job opportunities for them to succeed in their life. Additionally, they were active in community programs. I have always felt a deep sense of pride and admiration for my grandparents' work, knowing that they devoted their life to educating others and leaving a lasting impression on their students inspires me a lot. Their story motivated me to make a meaningful impact whatever I do, they just do. They also helped students to develop many abilities like how to solve problems during the critical situation, how to handle all the expenses financially as well.

Follow up questions

What impact do you think your grandparents had on their students?

My grandparents had a profound impact on their students, instilling not just knowledge but also confidence and critical thinking skills. Many of their former students have shared how their guidance helped them overcome personal and academic challenges, leading to successful careers and fulfilling lives.

How do you think teaching has changed since your grandparents' time?

Teaching has evolved significantly with technology and new educational methods. Today, teachers have access to digital resources and tools that enhance learning experiences. However, the core values of mentorship and dedication to student success remain crucial, just as they were in my grandparents' time.

What qualities do you think make a great teacher?

A great teacher should possess qualities like patience, empathy, creativity, and strong communication skills. They must be passionate about their subject and dedicated to their students' success, just like my grandparents, who went above and beyond to ensure every child felt valued and understood.

Band 6-7

00:00

My grandfather was a surgeon and a very well-renowned doctor at that time. I've had the privilege to witness his journey, not for as long, unfortunately, but it definitely taught me the power, the dignity that job has for that matter. Furthermore, it also instilled in me the nobleness of the profession that it is. The fact that he used to work around the clock to make sure that his patients have had the most amazing experience, if we were to say, that is one thing that really inspired me to pursue a profession that has a social impact, where people actually remember you for the good deeds that you have done, for the remarkable journey that you have had. And I think doctors today are...

Follow up questions

What qualities do you think make a good doctor?

I believe a good doctor should possess empathy, strong communication skills, and a commitment to lifelong learning. Empathy allows them to connect with patients, while communication ensures that patients understand their conditions and treatments. Continuous learning is crucial in the ever-evolving medical field.

How has your grandfather's profession influenced your career choices?

My grandfather's dedication to his patients and the impact he had on their lives inspired me to consider a career in healthcare. I want to follow in his footsteps and contribute positively to society, making a difference in people's lives through my work, just as he did.

What challenges do you think surgeons face in their jobs?

Surgeons face numerous challenges, including long hours, high-stress situations, and the need for precision in their work. They must also deal with the emotional weight of patient outcomes, which can be difficult, especially when surgeries do not go as planned.

Band 6-7

00:00

My grandfather was an army driver. He used to work in the Indian Army and he is very very smart and he also worked in different cities while he was working as a driver in Indian Army. So as he was a militant he got many medals because he participated in crucial wars. He retired at the age of 60 with several medals and his designation was such that he had to drive the soldiers to the places where they needed to be as well as he was also taking part in the wars as a militant and I'm really proud and amazed to know that my grandfather worked and was an important citizen who took part in some wars which is in history and his name will always be there and cannot be erased. So being part of such a history is really amazing for me and I'm extremely fascinated by the stories he shared after he retired.

Follow up questions

What qualities do you think are important for someone in the military?

I believe qualities like discipline, bravery, and leadership are crucial for someone in the military. They need to be able to make quick decisions under pressure and work well in a team. My grandfather's experience as an army driver showed me how important these traits are in challenging situations.

How do you think your grandfather's job influenced your family?

My grandfather's job had a significant impact on our family. His stories of bravery and service instilled a sense of pride in us. It also taught us the value of discipline and hard work. We often discuss his experiences, which brings us closer together and helps us appreciate the sacrifices made for our country.

What lessons did you learn from your grandfather's experiences?

From my grandfather's experiences, I learned the importance of courage and commitment. His dedication to serving the country and the stories he shared about his time in the army taught me to value service and to be proud of one's contributions to society. His life is a great example for me.

Show all 9 answers

Cue 1:What was the job about?

Begin by describing the job in detail, including the responsibilities and tasks involved.
Mention any specific skills or qualities that were important for this job.

Example

My grandfather worked as a school teacher for over 30 years. He taught mathematics and science to high school students. His job involved preparing lesson plans, grading assignments, and mentoring students. He was very passionate about education and believed that every child had the potential to succeed.

Cue 2:Was this only the one job she or he did?

Discuss whether your grandparent had other jobs or careers throughout their life.
If they had multiple jobs, briefly explain what they were and how they differed from the teaching profession.

Example

Teaching was not the only job my grandfather did. Before becoming a teacher, he worked as a clerk in a government office for a few years. However, he found his true calling in teaching and dedicated his life to it. He also took on tutoring students in the evenings to help them with their studies.

Cue 3:How you felt about it?

Share your personal feelings about your grandparent's job and its impact on you or your family.
Reflect on any lessons or values you learned from their work.

Example

I have always admired my grandfather for his dedication to teaching. His passion for education inspired me to value learning and hard work. I remember how he would often share stories about his students' successes, which made me realize the importance of making a difference in others' lives. His job taught me the value of patience and perseverance.

Conclusion

Example

In conclusion, my grandfather's career as a teacher not only shaped his life but also had a lasting impact on our family. His commitment to education and the values he instilled in us continue to inspire me every day.

Following this structure will ensure you cover all the essential points while providing a clear and engaging response to the cue card topic.

Tips to answer this Cue Card

1: Avoid Vague Descriptions

Using vague language can make your answer unclear and unengaging. Specific details about the job will help the examiner understand your response better.

Tip

Provide specific examples of tasks your grandparent performed in their job to make your answer more vivid and interesting.

2: Don't Focus on Irrelevant Details

Including too much unrelated information can distract from the main topic. Stay focused on the job and its significance.

Tip

Stick to the cues provided and ensure your answer relates directly to the job and your feelings about it.

Avoid Negative Tone

Expressing negativity about your grandparent's job can reflect poorly on your attitude. It's important to show respect and appreciation.

Tip

Even if the job had challenges, highlight positive aspects and what you learned from your grandparent's experience.

IELTS Cue Cards asked last week

Reported by Leap students who gave IELTS

Describe your favourite food at a traditional festival or a special event in your country

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7.5

Pitampura Test Centre, New Delhi

Answer

Talk about a toy you liked in your childhood

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 8

Sector 34 Test Centre, Chandigarh

Answer

Describe a time you were in a place where you didn't know the local language

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 6.5

Whitefield Test Center, Bengaluru

Answer

Describe a time when your friend damaged something you owned

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7

Begumpet Test Centre, Hyderabad

Answer

Describe a book you recently read

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7.5

CBD Belapur Test Centre, Navi Mumbai

Answer

All Answers

Here are all the answers by real-users practicing speaking for IELTS Cue Cards on our IELTS Prep App.

Band 6-7

Band 6

My grandparents are not literate well, so they had done some farming job for their living. They own some acres of land. So they worked in their land by cultivating several crops like paddy fields and some kind of trees and plants like bananas for the cultivation. And they also have had livestock such as chicken, chicks and ducks and they own a fish farm also. They are living with the income from this type of farming. So I am really happy for their job because they maintain the land very well for the future generations and they haven't done any damage to the land or the environment. They kept everything really good and furthermore they haven't done any pollution to the environment like nowadays many industries are polluting the air through the smoke and chemicals. But at that time farming is really very close to nature and they did it in a very good manner in a very through sustainable eco-friendly agricultural practices they maintain the land and the environment very good level without any pollution. So I am proud for that practices that they have done at that time. They really done a very great job and it is really appreciable. So that's all.

Band 6

My grandfather used to be a fireman. He saved a lot of lives and he was a really brave man. He was a really brave man. He used to go to the houses which were caught on fire and extinguish them. He worked as a fireman for 25 years and he retired after 25 years after a major incident. He saved a lot of lives and he has a great number of stories of saving lives. He is a really good person and firemen really need to work hard and really need to be really brave to extinguish all the fire and bring all the people back to safety. In my opinion, being a fireman is like being a superhero. They need to go into a fire, extinguish them and bring all the people back to safety. My grandfather was a real superhero for me. He worked really hard and saved hundreds of lives. Being a fireman is not an easy task. He used to share a lot of stories with me about how he saved lives and how people have to be.

Band 6

So my grandparents are doing agriculture. I live in India, so we belong to the agriculture background. So in India, mainly people prefer to do agriculture in Asian time and also now only. It is not a profession, it is a generation to generation family business, as we say. So it is the only option in village if we see in India, there is not another option in India, village people. So they have to accommodate this profession in their life. My grandparents and also my whole family are engaged in this profession till now. They lease the land and do agriculture farming. Also they grow wheat, bajra, paddy. In winter they grow wheat and in summer they grow rice. They have huge experience of growing these crops because they are growing from Asian times because they are parents and parents and parents like this. So they don't do any other job besides this because it is a profession of my family. It is an experienced job as we see. It takes time to learn the process of agriculture. So I am proud I belong to the agriculture background because it is the economy of India.

Band 5-6

I think this is one of my favorite questions should I answer because it's it it tells me about where I am from where is my roots so in that question in this I can explain broader about where who we are we yeah the job did my grandparents was in a cultivation this is one of the most and demanding occupation done by my grandparents those days these are the have five acres of land in which they use us they used to provide a different type of crops like crop like mice, paddy sometimes they also use for vegetable production also tomatoes, ladyfingers, brinjals and those days they done with the elf up some other person behind there and there is something it happened it is difficult to to protect the crop from animals to attack or to damage those crops so they will easily to get an amount of the they do not produce the required amount of crops in these days and I felt and the occupation done my grandparents was proud for me and we have one slogan called Jai Jeevan Jai Jai Kisan it is given by Rajendra Pradesh as in a prime minister during those days and I also tell me about the farming is in a great thing