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 that breaking my tasks into smaller, manageable chunks was very effective. I also prioritized my tasks based on deadlines and importance. Using timers to focus on one task at a time helped me stay on track and avoid distractions.

How did your friends or family react to your resolution?

My friends and family were very supportive. They noticed I was less stressed and more organized. Some of them even asked me for tips on time management, which made me feel proud of my progress and motivated to continue improving.

Have you set any new resolutions since then?

Yes, I have! After mastering time management, I set a resolution to learn a new language. I also aim to exercise regularly. These goals help me maintain a balanced lifestyle and continue my personal development journey.

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

What other autobiographies do you plan to read this year?

I am planning to read autobiographies of other influential figures like Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi. Their life stories are incredibly inspiring and I believe they can provide valuable lessons on resilience and leadership.

How do you think reading these books will impact your daily life?

I believe that reading these books will help me develop a more positive mindset and boost my self-confidence. It will also provide me with practical advice and strategies to tackle challenges I face in my personal and professional life.

Have you ever shared what you've learned from these books with others?

Yes, I often share insights and lessons I've learned from these books with friends and family. It sparks interesting discussions and sometimes motivates them to read the books themselves, creating a shared learning experience.

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 do you think could help you socialize better in the future?

I believe setting smaller, achievable goals could help. For instance, starting with one new person a week might reduce the pressure. Additionally, joining clubs or groups with shared interests could provide a more comfortable environment for interaction.

How do you feel about making resolutions now after your experience?

I'm quite hesitant about making resolutions now. I think I might focus on personal growth instead, like building self-confidence or practicing social skills gradually, rather than setting a broad resolution that feels overwhelming.

Can you share a positive experience related to socializing in the past?

Yes, I remember a time when I attended a friend's gathering. I felt nervous initially, but once I started talking to a few familiar faces, it turned out to be enjoyable. That experience taught me that socializing can be rewarding when approached in a relaxed manner.

Practice other cue cards

Describe a way/change that helps you save a lot of time

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Describe An Important Decision You Made

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Describe a risk you took that you thought would lead to a terrible result but ended up with a positive result

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Describe a difficult task that you completed at work/study that you felt proud of

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Describe an event that ended in failure.

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Describe A Positive Change In Your Life

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Describe an achievement/success you are proud of

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Describe a long-term goal you would like to achieve.

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Describe an activity you enjoyed in your free time when you were young.

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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's 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 new genres and topics that interest me, which would not only enhance my knowledge but also provide relaxation and enjoyment.

How do you plan to stay motivated to complete your reading goals?

To stay motivated, I've created a schedule and roadmap for my reading. Additionally, unwrapping each book monthly adds an element of surprise and excitement. I also track my progress, which gives me a sense of accomplishment and encourages me to keep going.

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

I'm planning to read a variety of genres, including fiction, non-fiction, and self-improvement books. I want to explore different perspectives and ideas that can enrich my understanding of the world and contribute to my personal growth.

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 workouts did you incorporate into your routine?

I included a mix of cardio exercises like running and cycling, along with strength training to build muscle. I also focused on flexibility through yoga, which helped me improve my overall fitness and prevent injuries.

How did you stay motivated throughout your fitness journey?

I stayed motivated by setting small, achievable goals and tracking my progress. Additionally, I surrounded myself with supportive friends who encouraged me, and I celebrated my milestones, which kept me focused on my resolution.

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

One of the biggest challenges was overcoming my initial lack of motivation and the temptation to skip workouts. I also had to manage my time effectively to balance my workouts with other responsibilities, but I learned to prioritize my health.

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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Anonymous student Band 7.5

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.