Describe a talk you gave to a group of people: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

Who you gave the talk to
What the talk was about
Why you gave the talk
And explain how you felt about the talk

56 unique answers with expert feedback

What motivated you to help others with their test-taking strategies?

I was motivated by my own success in the CAT examination and the desire to share effective strategies that helped me achieve a high percentile. I wanted to empower others to reach their potential and experience the same satisfaction I felt.

How did you prepare for the talk you gave to the group?

I prepared by reflecting on my own experiences and the strategies that worked for me. I also anticipated common questions and challenges students might face, which helped me provide relevant and practical advice during the talk.

What skills do you think are important for effective teaching?

Effective teaching requires strong communication skills, empathy, and the ability to engage with students. It's also important to be knowledgeable about the subject matter and to be adaptable to different learning styles.

Band 7

00:00

One talk I clearly remember giving was in my school assembly last year. I was chosen to speak about the importance of time management for students preparing for board exams. The audience was quite large, all the students from grades 9 to 12 and the teachers were present, so it was a little intimidating at first. I began the speech by sharing my own daily routine and explained how I divide my time between studies, revision, and relaxation. To make it relatable, I mentioned common problems like procrastination and last-minute studying, and then suggested simple solutions such as making a timetable, setting small goals, and avoiding distractions like social media and while studying. At the beginning, I felt a bit nervous because it was my first time addressing so many people, but as I went on, I gained confidence. I noticed that many students were listening attentively and some even nodded when I mentioned challenges they also face. That gave me extra motivation to continue speaking with more energy. After the talk, a few of my classmates came up to me and said they found my tips useful, which made me feel really happy and proud. I realized that speaking in public is not only about sharing knowledge but also about connecting with others and giving them something valuable to take away. Overall, it was a great experience that boosted my confidence in public speaking and made me more comfortable expressing my ideas in front of a large group.

Follow up questions

What strategies did you use to overcome your initial nervousness?

To overcome my nervousness, I focused on my preparation and reminded myself that the audience was there to learn. I took deep breaths before starting and visualized a positive outcome. As I began speaking and saw the audience's engagement, my confidence grew, which helped me relax.

How did you prepare for your talk on time management?

I prepared by researching effective time management techniques and reflecting on my own experiences. I created an outline to organize my thoughts and practiced my speech multiple times in front of a mirror and with friends to get feedback, which helped me refine my delivery.

What impact do you think your talk had on your classmates?

I believe my talk had a positive impact as several classmates approached me afterward to express their appreciation for the tips. It seemed to resonate with them, and I hope it encouraged them to adopt better time management practices, especially during exam preparation.

Band 7

00:00

So, I gave this talk to a group of seminarians in a seminary in Pune, and all the students were about the age of 20 and above. So, the talk was titled as Religious Crisis in the Vocations of Many Priests and Religious. And the interesting part about this particular topic was that it sparked my interest because of the pressing issue that has been seen within the context of religious life. There is a dwindling effect of religious people not really serious about their spirituality. So, this ignited a spark within me to give this talk to the young minds, especially seminarians who are growing and forming into a priestly or a religious candidate. Overall, the talk was very fruitful and everybody appreciated the intensity of examples, case studies that I provided them, which really helped them understand their own spirituality in depth.

Follow up questions

What inspired you to choose this particular topic for your talk?

I chose this topic because I noticed a significant decline in the commitment of religious individuals to their spirituality. It seemed crucial to address this issue, especially for seminarians who are at a pivotal point in their formation. I wanted to encourage them to reflect deeply on their vocation.

How did the audience respond to your talk?

The audience was very engaged and responsive. They appreciated the examples and case studies I shared, which made the topic relatable. Many of them expressed gratitude for the insights I provided, and some even approached me afterward to discuss their own experiences and thoughts on spirituality.

What challenges did you face while preparing for this talk?

One of the main challenges was ensuring that the content was both relevant and impactful for the audience. I had to research current trends in religious life and gather meaningful case studies. Additionally, I wanted to present the material in a way that would resonate with young seminarians, which required careful consideration.

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Band 7

00:00

So, I am currently mentoring a few of my juniors to do a film festival and last week I had an opportunity to talk to all of them. So, I told them about my experiences that I have been doing this film festival for quite some time now and in 2023 I was the film festival director and I told them lots of experiences I had gone through, the variety of people, the different perspectives that they bring in and how they have so much creative space to do so. And I also told them that I was the event director in 2024 and how there are so many last moment changes, venue changes and a lot of problem with picking up the guests and dropping them and I told them how the instincts have to be really quick and how they can pull off anything with the presence of mind at that moment and I told them that in a platform like this, you will have to keep your ego outside the doorstep and enter the room because there are people, even if you are the leader of the team, there are people who might have much much better suggestions than you and you always have to be open to take up those suggestions and work on them in a team. Building team dynamics is the most important thing to be a leader. So I love how I got the opportunity to talk to my juniors and I really adore my professor who has given me this chance to talk to them and share my experiences and I was very proud of myself of how far I have come because when I look back, I know how I grew. I know how my journey was not easy but I also know how I did not give up.

Follow up questions

What challenges did you face while organizing the film festival?

I faced several challenges, including last-minute venue changes and coordinating with guests. It required quick thinking and adaptability to ensure everything went smoothly. Additionally, managing a diverse team with varying opinions was challenging but ultimately rewarding.

How do you think mentoring others has impacted your own skills?

Mentoring has significantly improved my communication and leadership skills. It forces me to articulate my thoughts clearly and encourages me to reflect on my experiences. Teaching others also reinforces my knowledge and helps me learn new perspectives from my mentees.

What qualities do you believe are essential for a good leader?

A good leader should possess qualities like humility, open-mindedness, and strong communication skills. They must be able to listen to their team, embrace diverse ideas, and foster a collaborative environment. Being adaptable and having a clear vision are also crucial for effective leadership.

Band 7

00:00

So, I gave a talk to my fellow classmates. In a classroom, we were allotted different topics by teachers and I chose the topic Artificial Intelligence. One of the main reasons why I decided to present a speech or a talk in front of a classroom was that I have a terrible stage fear since I was a child, so I wanted to push myself, I wanted to come out of the cocoon that I have shielded myself with and if I don't try now, I would never try it again, that is why I decided to push myself against my limits and I wanted to overcome this fear that has gripped my life for so long. A lot of my colleagues really liked how I presented the topic. I was nervous before going on stage, but once I entered the quorum, my nervousness went away, I felt emboldened and confident. Additionally, I was able to improvise on spot, it helped me build belief in myself, the belief in my capabilities and I will forever be grateful to the moments that I experienced during this time. I went on to explain a lot of details like neural networks and natural language processing which are subtopics of Artificial Intelligence and overall I had a good time.

Follow up questions

What strategies did you use to overcome your stage fear?

To overcome my stage fear, I practiced my speech multiple times in front of a mirror and with friends. I also focused on my breathing techniques to calm my nerves before going on stage. Visualizing a positive outcome helped me feel more confident.

How did your classmates react to your presentation?

My classmates were very supportive and engaged during my presentation. They asked questions afterward, which showed their interest in the topic. Their positive feedback boosted my confidence and made me feel like I had successfully communicated my ideas.

What did you learn from giving this talk?

I learned that stepping out of my comfort zone can lead to personal growth. The experience taught me to believe in my abilities and that preparation is key. I also realized the importance of sharing knowledge and how it can foster discussions among peers.

Show all 56 answers

Cue 1:Who you gave the talk to

Begin by describing the audience, including their age, background, and interests.
Mention the setting of the talk, such as whether it was in a classroom, community hall, or online.

Example

I gave the talk to a group of college students at my university. They were mostly in their early twenties, studying various fields like engineering and business. The talk took place in a large classroom, which was filled with eager faces looking to learn more about career opportunities.

Cue 2:What the talk was about

Clearly state the main topic of your talk and its relevance to the audience.
Include any key points or subtopics you covered during the talk.

Example

The talk was about 'Effective Resume Writing and Interview Skills.' I focused on how to create a standout resume, the importance of tailoring it for specific jobs, and shared tips on how to prepare for interviews. I also included some personal anecdotes to make it relatable.

Cue 3:Why you gave the talk

Explain your motivation for giving the talk, such as personal experiences or a desire to help others.
Mention any specific events or circumstances that inspired you to share this knowledge.

Example

I decided to give this talk because I remember how challenging it was for me to secure my first job after college. I wanted to help my peers avoid the same pitfalls I faced and empower them with the skills they need to succeed in their job search.

Cue 4:And explain how you felt about the talk

Share your emotions before, during, and after the talk.
Reflect on the feedback you received and how it impacted your feelings about the experience.

Example

Before the talk, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. However, once I started speaking and saw the students engaged, my confidence grew. After the talk, I received positive feedback, which made me feel proud and motivated to give more talks in the future.

Conclusion

Example

In conclusion, giving that talk was a rewarding experience. It not only allowed me to share valuable information but also helped me connect with my peers. I believe that such opportunities to speak in public can significantly enhance our communication skills and boost our confidence.

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 Structure in Response

Failing to organize your answer can lead to confusion. Without a clear structure, the listener may struggle to follow your points, making your talk less effective.

Tip

Use the cues provided to structure your response clearly: start with who you spoke to, then the topic, followed by why you gave the talk, and conclude with your feelings.

2: Overly Brief Answers

Giving short, vague answers can make your response seem unengaging. It may leave out important details that showcase your experience and feelings about the talk.

Tip

Expand on each cue by providing specific examples or anecdotes that illustrate your points, ensuring your answer is detailed and engaging.

Neglecting Personal Feelings

Not expressing your feelings about the talk can make your response less personal and relatable. It’s important to connect emotionally with your audience.

Tip

Include your emotions and reflections about the experience, such as excitement or nervousness, to make your response more authentic and engaging.

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.