Describe a prize you have received recently (e.g. money, something valuable, a medal): IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

  • What it was
  • When you received it
  • What you did to receive it
  • And explain how you felt about it
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3 unique answers with expert feedback

Band 6-7

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00:00

Honestly, I have not received a lot of medals, certificates or any prize for that matter. But one such prize that I received recently was a bronze medal for participating in a French Olympiad. It was last year, 2023, when I was in my college. So this was an Olympiad organised by the French Institute in India in relation, coordinated with Allianz Crosses, the Delhi. As I have been a French learner since school, my college teachers motivated me to participate in this Olympiad. If a person wins a certain level or certain position in this Olympiad, they would get a chance to compete in the quiz at a national and then international level. I participated till the national level and I won a bronze medal. However, I could not participate in the international level because one of my fellow classmates, she won a gold medal and she got the chance to participate at the international level. When I was preparing for it, I had really thought that this will be a learning experience for me. I never thought that I would be able to win a prize.

Follow up questions


How did you feel when you received the bronze medal?
I felt a mix of excitement and pride when I received the bronze medal. It was a validation of my hard work and dedication to learning French. Even though it wasn't a gold medal, it motivated me to continue improving my skills and participating in more competitions.

What did you learn from participating in the Olympiad?
Participating in the Olympiad taught me the importance of preparation and perseverance. I learned to manage my time effectively while studying for the competition. Additionally, it helped me build confidence in my language skills and encouraged me to engage more with the French language and culture.

Would you participate in similar competitions in the future?
Absolutely! I would love to participate in similar competitions in the future. They provide great opportunities for learning and personal growth. I believe that competing at higher levels can further enhance my skills and open doors for new experiences in the field of languages.

Band 5-6

00:00

/

00:00

Recently in my college last week there is a quiz competition held and I have participated in that quiz competition. In that competition there are five teams and that five teams have to be in the quiz and there in each team there are two members and they have to answer the questions of the jury members and the jury members answers the questions and the jury members have to decide the winners. So in this competition there is of five rounds and from five rounds we have to win four rounds then we had we are winners of that but first round in from the five of the rounds I win almost three almost three rounds and one of three rounds I have completely win in the continuous form and the last round also and I win four rounds and even opposite team also win four rounds so after that in between between of two teams they held rapid fire round and in that rapid fire round my team have got winner so after the winner announcement I got a medal and trophy of my name and and I feel so happy for that I'm overwhelmed to have that medal and trophy in my arms because I have it's my dream to compete the quiz competition

Follow up questions


How did you prepare for the quiz competition?
I prepared for the quiz competition by studying various subjects, practicing with my teammate, and participating in mock quizzes. We focused on topics that were likely to be included in the competition and worked on our speed and accuracy in answering questions.

What did winning the prize mean to you?
Winning the prize meant a lot to me as it validated my hard work and dedication. It was a dream come true to receive a medal and trophy, and it motivated me to continue participating in competitions and striving for excellence in my studies.

Have you participated in any other competitions before?
Yes, I have participated in several other competitions, including debates and science fairs. Each experience has taught me valuable lessons about teamwork, time management, and the importance of preparation, which I applied in this quiz competition as well.

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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
anonymous person icon

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7.5

location icon

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
anonymous person icon

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 8

location icon

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
anonymous person icon

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 6.5

location icon

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
anonymous person icon

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7

location icon

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
anonymous person icon

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7.5

location icon

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 5-6

00:00

/

00:00

This consolation prize was very difficult, which was my name written on it. As I received the certificate, I noticed that the name was not inclusive of my father's name. This might not be a big deal, but for me it was just something that my father had taught me as a small kid. Various opening moves, various rules had been explained to me by him, just as interviews to me by him. So having his name on that paper was an absolute must. As I went to the authorities, it was time to ask my mother and other parents. After explaining them the reason why I would like that on my paper, they gladly agreed. This commotion was something that was unwonted, however, it was definitely something allowed. Now, with that consolation prize, having me and my father's name on it, I think that's what has to be done.

Follow up questions


How did you feel when you received the prize?
I felt a mix of emotions. Initially, I was proud to receive the prize, but I was also disappointed that my father's name wasn't included. It made me reflect on the importance of family and the values he instilled in me. Once I resolved the issue, I felt a sense of relief and happiness.

What other prizes have you received in the past?
In the past, I've received several awards, including academic scholarships and sports medals. Each prize holds a special memory for me, as they represent hard work and dedication. However, this recent consolation prize was unique because of the personal significance tied to my father's name.

How do you think receiving a prize affects a person's motivation?
Receiving a prize can significantly boost a person's motivation. It serves as recognition for their efforts and encourages them to continue striving for success. For me, this prize reinforced my commitment to my goals and reminded me of the support from my family, which motivates me even more.
Show all 3 answers

Cue 1:What it was

  • Begin by clearly stating the prize you received and its significance.
  • Mention any specific details that make the prize special to you.

Example

Recently, I received a scholarship worth 50,000 rupees for my academic achievements. This scholarship is not just financial support; it also recognizes my hard work and dedication to my studies.


Cue 2:When you received it

  • Provide the exact date or time frame when you received the prize.
  • Describe the event or occasion during which you received it.

Example

I received this scholarship last month during our annual college award ceremony. It was a grand event attended by students, faculty, and parents, which made the moment even more memorable.


Cue 3:What you did to receive it

  • Explain the efforts or achievements that led to receiving the prize.
  • Mention any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.

Example

To earn this scholarship, I maintained a high GPA and participated in various extracurricular activities. It was challenging to balance my studies and my responsibilities in the student council, but my determination paid off.


Cue 4:And explain how you felt about it

  • Share your emotions and thoughts upon receiving the prize.
  • Reflect on the impact this prize has had on your life or future.

Example

When my name was announced, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride and joy. It validated my hard work and motivated me to continue striving for excellence in my academic journey.


Conclusion

  • Summarize the significance of the prize in your life.
  • Express any future aspirations related to this achievement.

Example

In conclusion, receiving this scholarship not only provided financial relief but also inspired me to pursue my dreams with even more passion. I hope to use this opportunity to excel in my studies and contribute positively to society.


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: Vague Descriptions

Using vague language can make your answer less engaging and informative. It may leave the examiner confused about the details of the prize.

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Tip

Be specific about the prize, including its name, appearance, and significance to you to create a clearer picture.


2: Lack of Emotion

Failing to express your feelings can make your response sound flat. The examiner wants to hear how the prize impacted you emotionally.

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Tip

Share your emotions and thoughts about receiving the prize, explaining why it was meaningful to you.


Ignoring the Cues

Not addressing all the cue points can lead to an incomplete answer. This may result in a lower score for coherence and relevance.

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Tip

Structure your response by clearly addressing each cue point in order to provide a comprehensive answer.


calendar icon

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
anonymous person icon

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7.5

location icon

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
anonymous person icon

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 8

location icon

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
anonymous person icon

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 6.5

location icon

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
anonymous person icon

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7

location icon

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
anonymous person icon

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7.5

location icon

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.

All Answers

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

Band 6-7

Honestly, I have not received a lot of medals, certificates or any prize for that matter. But one such prize that I received recently was a bronze medal for participating in a French Olympiad. It was last year, 2023, when I was in my college. So this was an Olympiad organised by the French Institute in India in relation, coordinated with Allianz Crosses, the Delhi. As I have been a French learner since school, my college teachers motivated me to participate in this Olympiad. If a person wins a certain level or certain position in this Olympiad, they would get a chance to compete in the quiz at a national and then international level. I participated till the national level and I won a bronze medal. However, I could not participate in the international level because one of my fellow classmates, she won a gold medal and she got the chance to participate at the international level. When I was preparing for it, I had really thought that this will be a learning experience for me. I never thought that I would be able to win a prize.

Band 5-6

Recently in my college last week there is a quiz competition held and I have participated in that quiz competition. In that competition there are five teams and that five teams have to be in the quiz and there in each team there are two members and they have to answer the questions of the jury members and the jury members answers the questions and the jury members have to decide the winners. So in this competition there is of five rounds and from five rounds we have to win four rounds then we had we are winners of that but first round in from the five of the rounds I win almost three almost three rounds and one of three rounds I have completely win in the continuous form and the last round also and I win four rounds and even opposite team also win four rounds so after that in between between of two teams they held rapid fire round and in that rapid fire round my team have got winner so after the winner announcement I got a medal and trophy of my name and and I feel so happy for that I'm overwhelmed to have that medal and trophy in my arms because I have it's my dream to compete the quiz competition

Band 5-6

This consolation prize was very difficult, which was my name written on it. As I received the certificate, I noticed that the name was not inclusive of my father's name. This might not be a big deal, but for me it was just something that my father had taught me as a small kid. Various opening moves, various rules had been explained to me by him, just as interviews to me by him. So having his name on that paper was an absolute must. As I went to the authorities, it was time to ask my mother and other parents. After explaining them the reason why I would like that on my paper, they gladly agreed. This commotion was something that was unwonted, however, it was definitely something allowed. Now, with that consolation prize, having me and my father's name on it, I think that's what has to be done.
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