Describe A Special Cake You Received From Others: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

When did it happen?
Where did it happen?
From whom do you get the cake?
And explain why it’s a special cake.

77 unique answers with expert feedback

What other special occasions do you celebrate with cakes?

I celebrate birthdays and anniversaries with cakes. For birthdays, I usually choose a chocolate cake, while for anniversaries, I prefer something more elegant, like a fruit cake. Cakes add a festive touch to any celebration, making them memorable.

How do you feel about baking cakes yourself?

I enjoy baking cakes, especially for family gatherings. It’s a fun activity that allows me to express my creativity. I often try new recipes, and while it can be challenging, the satisfaction of seeing others enjoy my cake makes it worthwhile.

What is your favorite type of cake and why?

My favorite type of cake is chocolate cake. I love its rich flavor and moist texture. It’s versatile and can be paired with various fillings and icings. Chocolate cake always brings back fond memories of celebrations and gatherings with friends and family.

Band 7

00:00

I had received a special cake on my 18th birthday from my friends. It was special because it was ultimately a surprise for me from my friends. I was not familiar to this idea of birthday cake cutting and my friends had planned a surprise party without my knowledge. They had arranged the cake, the event, the setting and even called my parents without my knowledge and all my close friends to the city. They had arranged a cake made up of my favourite flavour which is vanilla and chocolate. They had blindfolded me and gave me a surprise. In midst of all the applause and cheers, I had cut my cake on my 18th birthday for the first time. I had shared the joy and fun with everybody present over there. I was also able to take the remaining cake to my grandparents back to my house and could share it with them. I could also show them all the photos and videos from this particular day. I still hold the memories from my 18th birthday very close to my heart. It helped me to form strong bonds with my friends. We still wish each other good greetings on our birthdays.

Follow up questions

What other special occasions do you celebrate with cakes?

Apart from birthdays, I celebrate special occasions like anniversaries and graduations with cakes. Each event has its unique flavor and design, making it memorable. For instance, my graduation cake was decorated with a cap and diploma, symbolizing my achievement.

How do you feel about surprise parties in general?

I love surprise parties! They create a sense of excitement and joy. The thoughtfulness of friends planning something special without your knowledge makes it even more meaningful. It shows how much they care, and it adds an element of surprise that makes the occasion unforgettable.

What is your favorite flavor of cake and why?

My favorite flavor is a combination of vanilla and chocolate. I enjoy the rich, creamy taste of chocolate paired with the light, sweet flavor of vanilla. This combination creates a perfect balance that satisfies my sweet tooth and brings back fond memories of my special cake.

Band 7

00:00

The most special cake that I received was from the person I love the most in this world and that is my mother. I received it on 26th of January 2022. I remember this date very well as it was my birthday. This cake was a very delicious looking cake. It was purple in colour and it had all the small accessories from the TV series called as Friends. My mother was very well aware about the fact that Friends is one of my most loved series at that time and I was completely in awe of that series. I was obsessed with all the characters of that series. Therefore, she managed to find somebody who could make the cake on the basis of the theme of the series. Moreover, I would like to add that more than the price of the cake as it was very expensive, what I loved the most about that cake was the effort that my mom took behind finding the person who would do it. Also, for her remembering the thing that I was obsessed with during that time. So yeah, I think that birthday cake was the most special.

Follow up questions

What other special occasions have you celebrated with cakes?

I have celebrated several special occasions with cakes, such as my graduation and my best friend's wedding. Each cake had its own theme and significance, but none compared to the one my mother made for my birthday. Cakes always add a festive touch to any celebration.

How do you think cakes contribute to celebrations?

Cakes play a significant role in celebrations as they symbolize joy and togetherness. They often serve as a centerpiece for gatherings, bringing people together to share a moment of happiness. The act of cutting a cake also marks a special milestone, making it memorable.

Have you ever tried baking a cake yourself?

Yes, I have tried baking a cake a few times. It was a fun experience, but it can be quite challenging. I usually bake simple cakes, like chocolate or vanilla. I admire the effort that goes into making themed cakes like the one my mother got for me, and I hope to improve my baking skills.

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Band 7

00:00

Alright, when I think about a special cake that I received from someone, the first thing that comes to mind is the birthday cake I got for my 22nd birthday that was last month. My sister along with my best friend planned a surprise for me in which they made decorations and also got me a cake and the theme of all of it was the song 22 by Taylor Swift. It was very special to me because Taylor Swift is one of my favourite artists. The cake had a lyric from the song 22 which she wrote when she was 22. It was a very heartwarming surprise for me and it was quite unexpected. I had been very busy the previous week and had not paid much attention to my birthday and wanted to keep it low-key with just my closest friends and family, however my sister and best friend had something else in mind. It was a very lovely surprise and I thoroughly enjoyed it. That was one of the most special cakes and they put in a lot of work and effort to keep it a surprise and it was everything that I could have asked for my 22nd birthday or any birthday in general. It was a really fun day, we played a lot of games, talked. It couldn't have been more perfect.

Follow up questions

What other special occasions do you celebrate with cakes?

I celebrate various occasions with cakes, like birthdays, anniversaries, and graduations. Each cake has its own theme and significance, making those moments memorable. For instance, my graduation cake was decorated with books and a cap, symbolizing my achievement.

How do you feel about baking cakes yourself?

I enjoy baking cakes as it allows me to express my creativity. It's a fun activity, and I love experimenting with different flavors and designs. I often bake for friends' birthdays, and it's rewarding to see their reactions when they taste my creations.

What is your favorite flavor of cake and why?

My favorite flavor is chocolate because it's rich and indulgent. I love how versatile it is, whether in a simple chocolate cake or a more elaborate dessert. It brings back fond memories of celebrations and makes any occasion feel special.

Band 7

00:00

I remember it vividly. It was my 21st birthday when I received a very special cake from my college friends. It happened in the cafeteria of my college. I wasn't aware that they would surprise me with this cake. This happened back in 2017. It was my final year in the college and my friends were very thrilled to surprise me as it was our final year. When I got to the cafeteria, they asked me to sit at the center of the table and they presented me with a cake. It was a chocolate cake filled with multiple chocolates of different brands. I was very excited to see it. It was accompanied with many gifts which I cherish till date. I feel it is a memory that I will take to my grave and I thank every day that I have a group of friends that are so supportive and so encouraging and positive to, you know, to help me with everything in my life.

Follow up questions

What other memorable gifts have you received from friends?

I've received several memorable gifts, but one that stands out is a personalized photo album from my friends. It contained pictures and messages from our time together in college, capturing all the fun moments we shared. It was incredibly thoughtful and made me feel cherished.

How do you usually celebrate your birthdays?

I usually celebrate my birthdays with close friends and family. We often have a small gathering with food, games, and of course, cake! I enjoy spending quality time with loved ones, reminiscing about the past year and making new memories for the year ahead.

Why do you think celebrating birthdays is important?

Celebrating birthdays is important because it allows us to reflect on our lives, appreciate our loved ones, and create lasting memories. It's a special occasion to show gratitude for the people in our lives and to celebrate our growth and achievements over the past year.

Show all 77 answers

Cue 1:When did it happen?

Mention the specific occasion or event when you received the cake.
Include the date or time frame to give context to your story.

Example

It was my birthday last year, on the 15th of March, when I received this special cake. My friends had planned a surprise party for me, and I was completely unaware of it until they brought out the cake.

Cue 2:Where did it happen?

Describe the location where the cake was presented to you.
Make it relatable by mentioning if it was at home, a restaurant, or a friend's place.

Example

The surprise party took place at my best friend’s house. She had decorated her living room beautifully with balloons and streamers, creating a festive atmosphere.

Cue 3:From whom do you get the cake?

Identify who gave you the cake and their relationship to you.
Share a little about why this person is significant in your life.

Example

The cake was from my close friends, especially from Priya, who is like a sister to me. She knows my favorite flavors and always puts in extra effort to make my birthdays special.

Cue 4:Explain why it’s a special cake.

Discuss the unique features of the cake, such as flavor, design, or any personal touches.
Explain the emotional significance of the cake and why it stands out to you.

Example

This cake was special because it was a rich chocolate truffle cake, my absolute favorite. Priya had decorated it with fresh strawberries and a personal message written in icing. It symbolized the love and effort my friends put into making my day memorable.

Conclusion

Example

In conclusion, receiving that special cake from my friends not only made my birthday unforgettable but also reminded me of the strong bonds we share. It was a beautiful moment filled with joy and love, and I will cherish it forever.

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: Lack of Detail in Description

Failing to provide specific details about the cake can make your answer sound vague and uninteresting. It's important to paint a clear picture for the examiner.

Tip

Include details about the cake's appearance, flavor, and any unique features to make your description more engaging.

2: Ignoring the Cues

Not addressing all the cues provided can lead to an incomplete answer. This may result in a lower score as it shows a lack of organization.

Tip

Make sure to answer each cue in order, ensuring you cover when, where, from whom, and why the cake is special.

Rushing Through the Answer

Speaking too quickly can lead to unclear communication and missed opportunities to elaborate on your points. This can confuse the listener.

Tip

Take your time to speak clearly and pause briefly between points to allow your ideas to be understood.

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