Describe A Resolution You Made In The New Year: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

What is the resolution?
How will you complete it?
How do you feel about it?
Why did you make this resolution?

24 unique answers with expert feedback

How did you feel when you first started managing your time better?

Initially, I felt a bit overwhelmed because it was a new approach for me. However, as I started to see improvements in my productivity and stress levels, I felt more confident and motivated to stick with it.

What other skills do you think are important for personal development?

Apart from time management, I believe communication skills and emotional intelligence are crucial. They help in building relationships and understanding others, which is essential for both personal and professional growth.

Can you share any specific challenges you faced while learning time management?

One major challenge was resisting the temptation to procrastinate. It took a lot of discipline to stick to my schedule, especially when distractions were around. However, I learned to prioritize tasks and set realistic goals, which helped me overcome this.

Band 6-7

00:00

So, a resolution I make in this new year is to read and know more about famous personalities life, like reading their autobiography or some books written by them. I thought it is very important in our life, in my life basically because sometimes I feel very doubtful, not motivated to complete my work and in this situation, maybe getting advice from a friend or a close one is necessary but sometimes you are alone and you need to figure it out on yourself. So, reading such kind of books will enhance my confidence and I can start anew. In this regard, I have already read one book by A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, The Wings of Fire, where I have found that from a very small town, how Dr. Kalam has came out with his confidence and reached to the heights that no one could have ever imagined. Also, how he stayed so much grounded while dealing with such huge responsibilities and inspires the young minds. That makes me so much overjoyed and I started to look life from a different perspective. I am very also eager to know more and read more books from these eminent personalities in future also.

Follow up questions

Why do you think reading autobiographies is important for personal growth?

Reading autobiographies allows us to learn from the experiences of others. It provides insights into their challenges and successes, which can inspire us to overcome our own obstacles. By understanding their journeys, we can gain valuable lessons that contribute to our personal development.

Can you share another personality whose life story inspires you?

Another personality that inspires me is Nelson Mandela. His resilience in the face of adversity and his commitment to justice and equality motivate me. His story teaches us the importance of perseverance and standing up for what is right, regardless of the challenges we face.

How do you plan to incorporate reading into your daily routine?

I plan to set aside at least 30 minutes each day for reading. This could be in the morning with my coffee or before bed. By making it a daily habit, I can gradually read more books and absorb the wisdom shared by these influential figures, enhancing my knowledge and motivation.

Band 6-7

00:00

I have made many resolutions every year. So this recent New Year, I have made a resolution which was a bit conflicting topic. It was to socialize every day. So basically from my age, I was confined inside a room which I won't meet anybody. So I just wanted to come out of the box and meet new people and make friends. So as a New Year resolution, I promised myself to meet people, talk to them, interact with them, come out of the box and confront them with confidence. Which absolutely didn't work at all. I was very insecure. I wasn't confident at all. Basically, it was such a traumatic event for me. Even though the resolution had a good aim, it came out to be miserable for me. I wasn't able to focus on myself. Rather, I stick and think more about their emotions. Which was my problem. So what did they think of me? How do they judge me? Will they judge me? These all questions just rambled inside my head. And the revolution became an utter flop. In fact, a disaster. So I won't be taking these kinds of resolutions in the future. I hope so.

Follow up questions

What strategies could you use to improve your confidence in social situations?

To improve my confidence, I could practice socializing in smaller groups first, engage in activities I enjoy, and gradually expose myself to larger gatherings. Additionally, seeking support from friends or joining clubs could help me feel more at ease when meeting new people.

How do you think your past experiences shaped your approach to resolutions?

My past experiences of feeling insecure and anxious in social situations have made me more cautious about setting resolutions. I realize now that I need to focus on achievable goals and perhaps work on my self-esteem before tackling social challenges.

What other types of resolutions might you consider in the future?

In the future, I might consider resolutions that focus on personal growth, such as reading more books, practicing mindfulness, or developing a new skill. These goals can be more fulfilling and less anxiety-inducing than forcing myself into uncomfortable social situations.

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Band 6-7

00:00

I think resolution is something that everyone should make because it's a promise to yourself. Talking about myself, this year I made a resolution of reading at least 10 books which won't be about my academics. It would be apart from my academic books that I usually read. For the same I have created a roadmap and also have written down and prepared a schedule which would help me to bifurcate my time for each respective book. For the same I have allocated 20 days or 20 to 25 days for each book so that I can really use all the time and can complete this resolution. This gives me a sense of pride and satisfaction as I myself consider as a veracious reader and due to my academics and due to lack of spare time, I tend to have an issue of getting much time to read. So due to this reason, I... So this year I made a resolution of reading at least 12 books to complete all 12 books within the time frame of one year. As I think I am lacking at reading because of course I read a lot of books which are related to my academics but apart from that I don't really give time for extra academic reading and I have noticed it for a very quite... for a quite long. So for the same I have created a roadmap and also prepared a schedule which will help me and which will guide me to complete my task in the given time frame. I have allocated myself one month for each book and I have also purchased all 12 books. I have wrapped each one of them and I have made a decision of unwrapping each book every month so that it would keep the sense of curiosity and excitement. It gives me a sense of pride and satisfaction that I am able to be on track at least so far. I have completed three books and I am on the verge of completing the fourth book. Due to... I think this is an important decision made by me and I think this will help me in the near future as reading is not only something which I consider as a part of academics but it is also one of my hobbies but due to lack of spare time provided I am engaged in various types of research projects it gives me... I think that I have been slacking off and getting a bit lazy so for the same I have determined... I have made this decision and I hope that I would be able to accomplish my goal.

Follow up questions

What types of books are you planning to read this year?

I plan to read a variety of genres, including fiction, non-fiction, self-help, and biographies. I want to explore different perspectives and ideas that can enrich my understanding of the world and enhance my personal growth.

How do you stay motivated to stick to your reading schedule?

I stay motivated by tracking my progress and celebrating small milestones. Additionally, I keep the books wrapped until it's time to read them, which adds an element of surprise and excitement. Sharing my goals with friends also helps me stay accountable.

Have you faced any challenges in keeping your resolution?

Yes, balancing my academic workload with my reading schedule can be challenging. Sometimes, unexpected commitments arise, making it hard to stick to my plan. However, I try to adjust my schedule and remain flexible to ensure I still make time for reading.

Band 6-7

00:00

The resolution I made in the new year was to become physically and mentally fit and I achieved it through my persistence and hard work that when I graduated from college, since that I feel I am not fit both physically and mentally and I became fat and obese and I reached a century in my weight so I feel it is the right time to choose the resolution in new year and I started doing workout in gym and along with that I focus on my mental health like engaging in activities like yoga, meditation and breathing practices and I could achieve within a month while seeing my friends they all became more fit and by both mentally and physically that made me to make that resolution in this new year and I could believe that furthermore it is very challenging task but I feel that I can cope up with that and furthermore I meticulously follow the advice that is given by my trainer and yoga teacher so I believe that I can do it and I will.

Follow up questions

What specific changes did you make to your diet to support your resolution?

To support my resolution, I started eating healthier meals, focusing on whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. I reduced my intake of processed foods and sugary snacks. This change in diet, combined with my workout routine, helped me achieve my fitness goals more effectively.

How did you stay motivated during challenging times?

I stayed motivated by setting small, achievable goals and celebrating my progress. I also surrounded myself with supportive friends who encouraged me. Additionally, I kept reminding myself of the reasons I made the resolution and how good I felt after each workout or yoga session.

What role did your friends play in your fitness journey?

My friends played a significant role in my fitness journey by inspiring me with their own transformations. We often worked out together, which made exercising more enjoyable. Their support and shared experiences helped me stay committed to my resolution and made the process feel less isolating.

Show all 24 answers

Cue 1:What is the resolution?

Clearly state your New Year resolution and its significance to you.
Make sure to explain why this resolution is important in your life.

Example

My resolution for this New Year was to improve my physical fitness by exercising regularly. I realized that I had been neglecting my health, and I wanted to make a positive change.

Cue 2:How will you complete it?

Outline the specific steps you plan to take to achieve your resolution.
Mention any resources or support systems you will use to help you stay on track.

Example

To complete my resolution, I joined a local gym and set a schedule to work out at least four times a week. I also downloaded a fitness app to track my progress and stay motivated. Additionally, I asked a friend to join me, which makes exercising more enjoyable.

Cue 3:How do you feel about it?

Share your feelings about making this resolution and the journey so far.
Discuss any challenges you have faced and how they have affected your motivation.

Example

I feel quite positive about my resolution. Initially, it was challenging to stick to my workout schedule, especially with my busy job. However, as I started seeing improvements in my energy levels and mood, I became more motivated to continue.

Cue 4:Why did you make this resolution?

Explain the personal reasons that led you to make this resolution.
Connect your resolution to broader life goals or values.

Example

I made this resolution because I want to lead a healthier lifestyle and set a good example for my younger siblings. I believe that being fit not only improves my physical health but also enhances my mental well-being, which is essential for my overall happiness.

Conclusion

Example

In conclusion, my New Year resolution to improve my fitness is a significant step towards a healthier lifestyle. I am committed to achieving it and look forward to the positive changes it will bring in my life.

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

Avoid being too general when describing your resolution. Vague answers can make it difficult for the examiner to understand your commitment and motivation.

Tip

Provide specific details about your resolution, including what it is and why it matters to you.

2: Lack of Structure

Failing to organize your thoughts can lead to a confusing response. A clear structure helps convey your message effectively.

Tip

Use the cue prompts to structure your answer: start with the resolution, explain how you'll achieve it, and share your feelings.

Neglecting Personal Feelings

Not expressing your feelings about the resolution can make your answer less engaging. Personal insights can connect you with the examiner.

Tip

Share your emotions regarding the resolution, such as excitement or anxiety, to make your response more relatable.

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