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

What specific techniques did you find most effective for time management?

I found techniques like prioritizing tasks, setting specific deadlines, and breaking larger projects into smaller, manageable parts to be very effective. Using timers to focus on tasks for a set period also helped me stay on track and avoid distractions.

How did your time management skills impact your academic performance?

Improved time management significantly enhanced my academic performance. I was able to submit assignments on time, prepare better for exams, and participate more actively in class discussions, which ultimately led to better grades and a deeper understanding of the material.

Have you set any new resolutions for personal development this year?

Yes, this year I resolved to improve my public speaking skills. I believe effective communication is crucial, so I'm attending workshops and practicing regularly to build my confidence and ability to express my ideas clearly in front of an audience.

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 struggles and successes, which can inspire us to overcome our own challenges. By understanding their journeys, we can gain valuable lessons that contribute to our personal development.

Can you share another book that has influenced your perspective?

Another book that influenced me is 'The Alchemist' by Paulo Coelho. It emphasizes the importance of pursuing one's dreams and listening to one's heart. The journey of the protagonist taught me that obstacles are part of the path to achieving our goals, which has motivated me to stay focused on my aspirations.

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

I plan to set aside at least 30 minutes each day for reading. I will create a reading list of autobiographies and inspirational books. Additionally, I might join a book club to discuss what I read, which will keep me accountable and enhance my understanding of the material.

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, gradually increasing the size. I might also consider joining clubs or activities that interest me, where I can meet like-minded people. Additionally, working on self-acceptance and positive affirmations could help.

How do you think socializing can impact mental health?

Socializing can have a significant positive impact on mental health by reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation. It can provide support, increase happiness, and improve overall well-being. However, if it causes anxiety or stress, it can have the opposite effect, which I experienced.

What other resolutions have you made in the past, and how successful were they?

In the past, I've made resolutions like exercising regularly and reading more books. While I was somewhat successful with exercising, I struggled with consistency. Reading more was easier, and I managed to read several books, which I found fulfilling and enjoyable.

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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 motivated you to choose reading as your New Year resolution?

I chose reading as my resolution because I realized that while I read a lot for academics, I wasn't dedicating time to personal reading. I wanted to explore different genres and authors, which I believe would enrich my knowledge and provide a break from my academic routine.

How do you select the books you want to read?

I usually look for recommendations from friends, online reviews, and bestseller lists. I also consider books that align with my interests or genres I haven't explored much. This year, I made sure to choose a diverse range of topics to broaden my perspective.

What challenges do you face in keeping your reading resolution?

One of the main challenges is finding time amidst my academic commitments and research projects. Sometimes, I feel overwhelmed and tempted to prioritize other tasks over reading. However, sticking to my schedule and setting aside dedicated time has been helpful in overcoming this.

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 focused on eating healthier foods, such as more fruits and vegetables, and reduced my intake of processed foods and sugary drinks. I also made sure to stay hydrated and eat balanced meals to fuel my workouts and maintain my energy levels.

How did you stay motivated throughout your fitness journey?

I stayed motivated by setting small, achievable goals and tracking my progress. I also surrounded myself with supportive friends who encouraged me. Additionally, I celebrated my milestones, which helped me maintain a positive mindset and keep pushing forward.

What challenges did you face while trying to achieve your resolution?

One of the main challenges I faced was overcoming my initial lack of motivation and the temptation to skip workouts. There were days when I felt tired or discouraged, but I reminded myself of my goals and the progress I had made, which helped me push through those tough moments.

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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