Describe something you would like to learn in the future: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

What it is?
How would you like to learn it?
Where you would like to learn it?
Why would you like to learn it?
Explain whether it's difficult to learn it.

28 unique answers with expert feedback

Why do you think swimming is an important skill to learn?

Swimming is a vital life skill that can enhance safety around water. It also promotes physical fitness, improves cardiovascular health, and can be a fun recreational activity. Additionally, knowing how to swim can open up opportunities for water sports and activities.

What benefits do you expect from taking swimming classes?

I expect to gain confidence in the water, improve my swimming technique, and learn safety skills. Taking classes will also provide a structured environment with professional guidance, which can help me progress faster and enjoy the learning experience more.

Have you ever tried swimming before, or is this your first time?

I have tried swimming a few times, but I never had formal lessons. I mostly swam for fun during vacations. However, I believe that taking proper classes will help me learn the correct techniques and become a better swimmer.

Band 6-7

00:00

I would like to learn classical dance. Since my childhood, I have a dream of learning classical dance and perform in stage, but I never find an opportunity to learn. When I was in my job in Hyderabad, I thought of going to, I have been to Bharatanatyam classes for around 2 weeks, but due to the unavailability of...

Follow up questions

What inspired your interest in classical dance?

I have always been fascinated by the grace and storytelling involved in classical dance. Watching performances and seeing the dedication of dancers inspired me to pursue it myself. The rich cultural heritage and the emotional expression in classical dance forms resonate with me deeply.

How do you plan to find time to learn classical dance in the future?

I plan to prioritize my schedule and allocate specific times during the week for dance classes. I might also look for online classes or workshops that fit my availability. Balancing work and personal interests is crucial, and I am determined to make time for my passion.

Have you considered any other forms of dance besides classical?

Yes, I have considered exploring contemporary dance as well. I think it would be interesting to learn a more modern style that allows for personal expression. However, classical dance remains my primary interest due to its discipline and cultural significance.

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Band 6-7

00:00

I really want to learn a skill of articulation. Articulation is a skill which requires you to explain complex ideas into simple terms. As I think I am not great in articulating things, I have started taking small steps so I can improve this skill. So I record myself every day and listen to it. I take a complex topic, put down what I will say about it and record myself and I often hear to it. I usually write down what I did mistake, which part I didn't understand. I listen to it as an audience. If I didn't know anything about this topic, how would that feel? And I always listen to myself as a third point of view. Am I delivering it good? Am I delivering it with a good conscience and have a good spirit? So by doing this, I am taking a baby step to improve my skill of articulation. And apart from this, I use online tools. I usually listen to podcasts of billionaires or successful people like Elon Musk. He has built some great companies in the world which tackles a complex problem like SpaceX, Tesla and now he has bike tutor. So the way he explains the complex idea into simple terms which are full of jargon like for instance SpaceX. Explaining the rocket mechanism is not so easy. I often hear to his interview how it interacts with the media and I gain some key points from it and try to implement it in my own and again record myself to do it. It is important in my career because articulation skills can give me promotions and excel my career as these skills are really important to be successful in life. And it is also difficult because explaining complex ideas requires many thinking processes.

Follow up questions

Why do you think articulation is important in your career?

Articulation is crucial in my career because it helps convey ideas clearly and effectively. Good articulation can lead to better communication with colleagues and clients, which can ultimately result in promotions and career advancement. It also builds confidence in presentations and discussions.

What other skills do you think are important for effective communication?

Apart from articulation, I believe active listening, empathy, and non-verbal communication are essential. Active listening helps in understanding others' perspectives, while empathy allows for better connections. Non-verbal cues can enhance the message being conveyed, making communication more impactful.

How do you plan to measure your progress in articulation?

I plan to measure my progress by recording myself regularly and comparing my earlier recordings to newer ones. I will assess improvements in clarity, confidence, and audience engagement. Additionally, seeking feedback from peers and mentors will help gauge my development in articulation skills.

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Band 6-7

00:00

I would learn urban sketching as a hobby. I've always been captivated how art does capture the energy of a city through sketches, whether it is capturing a busy street market or a peacefulness of a quiet park or a unique old architecture building, a modern, a contrast between a modern and a traditional style. I think urban sketching is not about drawing. It is about immersing yourself in the environment and capturing those fleeting moments. It is a wonderful way of documenting real life because each sketch tells you a story. I love the fact that urban sketching doesn't need or require a studio, just some pens, a sketchbook and city itself as your canvas. It's a perfect way to explore creativity while staying connected to the environment you're in.

Follow up questions

What inspired you to choose urban sketching over other forms of art?

I've always been drawn to the vibrancy of city life and how art can encapsulate that. Urban sketching allows me to express my experiences and emotions tied to specific places, making it feel more personal and connected to my surroundings.

How do you think urban sketching can enhance your understanding of a city?

Urban sketching encourages me to observe details I might otherwise overlook. By focusing on the environment, I gain a deeper appreciation for the city's architecture, culture, and the stories behind each location, enriching my overall experience.

What challenges do you anticipate facing while learning urban sketching?

I expect to face challenges like mastering perspective and proportions, as well as overcoming the fear of judgment from others. However, I believe these challenges will help me grow as an artist and improve my skills over time.

Band 6-7

00:00

Well, there are a lot of things that I really want to learn in my future, one of them is data science. I have listened many things about the data science from my different friends. In the future, I really want to pursue a data science course after completing my job as a graphic designer or maybe in my free time. Well, I think it helped to boost my career a lot. And I know I usually face many of the difficulties while learning data science because it contains of many other things like coding and many technical terms, which I really don't want to learn. But you know that hard things will help in life to achieve new success. And apart from graphic design, I really want to learn something new, which can provide something new variety in my life and knowledge. I think if I want to learn data science, I really have to schedule all my meetings on my working days and the free time, usually Saturdays and Sundays, I have to take the class and read all these study materials and learn something. And after that, I have to practice on these codings or maybe ask the questions from one of my friends who is a data science engineer. And my college, I really dislike coding a lot like the other kids. But right now, I think it's very important to learn something new. Data science is a very amazing course that I have I have listened from many of the people.

Follow up questions

What specific skills do you think are essential for data science?

I believe that skills like statistical analysis, programming in languages like Python or R, and data visualization are essential. Additionally, understanding machine learning concepts and being able to work with databases are also crucial for a successful career in data science.

How do you plan to balance your current job with learning data science?

I plan to manage my time effectively by scheduling classes and study sessions during my free time, especially on weekends. I will also prioritize my tasks at work to ensure I can dedicate enough time to learning without compromising my job responsibilities.

What challenges do you anticipate while learning data science?

I anticipate challenges with coding and understanding complex technical terms. Since I have a dislike for coding, I might struggle initially. However, I am determined to overcome these challenges by seeking help from friends and practicing regularly to improve my skills.

Show all 28 answers

Cue 1:What it is?

Clearly state the skill or subject you want to learn.
Provide a brief reason why this particular skill interests you.

Example

I would like to learn how to play the guitar. Music has always been a passion of mine, and I believe that playing an instrument would allow me to express myself creatively.

Cue 2:How would you like to learn it?

Mention the methods you prefer for learning, such as online courses, private lessons, or self-study.
Explain why you think this method would be effective for you.

Example

I would prefer to take online lessons through a platform like YouTube or a dedicated music app. This way, I can learn at my own pace and revisit difficult sections as needed.

Cue 3:Where you would like to learn it?

Identify a specific location or environment where you would like to practice.
Discuss how this setting would enhance your learning experience.

Example

I would like to learn in a quiet corner of my home, where I can focus without distractions. Having a comfortable and personal space would help me concentrate better.

Cue 4:Why would you like to learn it?

Explain the personal significance of this skill to you.
Mention any long-term goals or dreams associated with learning this skill.

Example

Learning to play the guitar is important to me because I want to be able to perform at family gatherings and maybe even write my own songs one day. It would be a fulfilling way to connect with others through music.

Cue 5:Explain whether it's difficult to learn it.

Acknowledge any challenges you might face while learning.
Discuss your determination to overcome these difficulties.

Example

I know that learning the guitar can be challenging, especially at the beginning when my fingers will hurt and the chords will be hard to grasp. However, I am determined to practice regularly and not give up, as I believe the effort will be worth it.

Conclusion

Summarize your enthusiasm for learning this skill.
Reiterate how it aligns with your personal interests or goals.

Example

In conclusion, learning to play the guitar is something I am very excited about. It aligns perfectly with my love for music and my desire to express myself creatively. I am committed to making this dream a reality.

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 unclear. It's important to provide specific details about what you want to learn to engage the listener.

Tip

Use clear examples and specific details to describe what you want to learn, how, and why.

2: Lack of Structure

Failing to organize your thoughts can lead to a confusing response. A structured answer helps the examiner follow your ideas easily.

Tip

Follow the cue card prompts in order to create a logical flow in your response.

Ignoring Personal Motivation

Not explaining why you want to learn something can make your answer less compelling. Personal motivation adds depth to your response.

Tip

Clearly articulate your reasons for wanting to learn and how it relates to your personal or professional goals.

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

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7.5

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

Reported by

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

Reported by

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

Reported by

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

Reported by

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.