Describe a performance that you liked.: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

What performance was it?
When & where did you watch it?
Why did you enjoy it?

27 unique answers with expert feedback

What other performances have you attended that left a strong impression on you?

I've attended several performances, but one that stands out was a local theater production. The actors were incredibly talented, and the storyline was so engaging that I felt emotionally connected throughout the show. It was a different experience compared to concerts, but equally memorable.

How do you think live performances differ from recorded music?

Live performances have a unique energy that recorded music often lacks. The interaction between the artist and the audience creates a special atmosphere. You can feel the emotions and spontaneity in live shows, which makes them more impactful and memorable compared to listening to a studio recording.

What do you think makes a performance truly unforgettable?

An unforgettable performance combines talent, stage presence, and audience engagement. When an artist connects with the audience emotionally and creates a vibrant atmosphere, it leaves a lasting impression. Unique elements like surprise guest appearances or special effects can also enhance the experience.

Band 6-7

00:00

I would like to share an experience about a play that I had seen at the National Centre for Performing Arts in Mumbai. This is situated in south of Mumbai, a very posh locality, respected and beautiful architecture. So as I entered, I had booked shows for a play called as Hera Pheri. Hera Pheri was a play that revolved around three individuals who are unknown to each other but forced to share a common roof because of poverty. As I said, they were broke and they intended to find a faster route to make money without confining to illegal means. However, they are stuck in tough situations and the play revolves around how do they get out of this. The reason I liked it was the comic timing, the natural acting and the dialogue and script of it. When you look at it as a single individual, it is not fun. However, when you are along with people who are sharing ideas, it appears to be so funny. There were a few times when I thought that I could relate to what was happening and that really touched upon me. To give an example...

Follow up questions

What other types of performances do you enjoy?

I enjoy various types of performances, including musicals and dance shows. Each offers a unique experience. Musicals often have catchy songs and engaging stories, while dance shows showcase incredible physical talent and creativity. I appreciate the artistry in all forms of performance.

How do you think live performances differ from movies?

Live performances have an energy and spontaneity that movies can't replicate. The audience's reactions can influence the performance, creating a unique atmosphere. Additionally, the actors' live presence adds a layer of connection that recorded films often lack, making it a more immersive experience.

Have you ever participated in a performance yourself?

Yes, I participated in a school play during my childhood. It was a fun experience that taught me about teamwork and the importance of preparation. Being on stage was nerve-wracking but also exhilarating, and it gave me a newfound appreciation for actors and their craft.

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.

Yes, I participated in a few performances during my college days, mainly in supporting roles. While I enjoyed acting, I always admired the lead actors for their ability to carry the story. It was a great learning experience that helped me appreciate the hard work behind every performance.

Show all 27 answers

Cue 1:What performance was it?

Begin by identifying the type of performance, such as a play, concert, or dance show.
Mention the name of the performance and the main artists or group involved.

Example

The performance I really enjoyed was a classical dance recital called 'Nritya Vihar', which featured renowned dancer Shobana. It was a beautiful showcase of Bharatanatyam, highlighting the rich cultural heritage of India.

Cue 2:When & where did you watch it?

Specify the date and location of the performance to give context.
Share any details about the venue that made it special, such as its ambiance or significance.

Example

I watched this recital last month at the prestigious Kamani Auditorium in Delhi. The auditorium was beautifully lit, and the atmosphere was electric with anticipation as the audience settled in.

Cue 3:Why did you enjoy it?

Discuss the aspects of the performance that captivated you, such as the choreography, music, or storytelling.
Reflect on your emotional response and how it connected with you personally.

Example

I enjoyed it immensely because the choreography was mesmerizing, and the music was soul-stirring. The way Shobana expressed emotions through her dance made me feel connected to the stories being told, evoking a sense of nostalgia and pride in our culture.

Conclusion

Summarize your overall impression of the performance.
Mention how this experience has influenced your appreciation for the arts.

Example

In conclusion, 'Nritya Vihar' was not just a performance; it was an experience that deepened my appreciation for classical dance. It reminded me of the beauty of our traditions and inspired me to learn more about Indian art forms.

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