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

64 unique answers with expert feedback

What inspired you to give that particular talk?

I was inspired to give that talk because I wanted to share my journey and struggles with others. I believed that my experiences could motivate and help people who might be facing similar challenges. It was important for me to show that overcoming obstacles is possible.

How did you prepare for your TED talk?

I prepared for my TED talk by outlining my key experiences and the lessons I wanted to share. I practiced my speech multiple times to ensure I could convey my message clearly and confidently. I also focused on my delivery to engage the audience effectively.

What feedback did you receive after the talk?

After the talk, I received overwhelmingly positive feedback. Many people expressed how my story resonated with them and inspired them to pursue their own goals. Some even reached out to share their own experiences, which made me feel connected to my audience.

Band 7

00:00

As an alumni of the design institution where I once studied, I was invited to inspire the students for a portfolio talk. I was called to guide the students to create their portfolio for their design entrance examinations. Being once in their shoes, I could completely relate to how they were feeling about the portfolio and their entrance examinations. So it was an amazing experience to help them guide and ease their fears into expressing themselves for their portfolio. I began with an easy introduction as to how they can be themselves in the portfolio and they do not need to achieve that level of perfection and they could just be themselves and draw and still get through the whole process. It was a wonderful experience and it gave me a sense of achievement and made me feel proud about myself as to where I once stood and where I am right now. The talk also inspired the students as well as me because it was an enriching experience overall.

Follow up questions

What challenges did you face while preparing for the talk?

I faced the challenge of ensuring that my message was relatable and clear. I wanted to connect with the students on a personal level, so I had to think about my own experiences and how to present them in a way that would resonate with them.

How did the students respond to your talk?

The students were very receptive and engaged during the talk. They asked questions and shared their own concerns about the portfolio process, which created a supportive atmosphere. It was rewarding to see them nodding along and taking notes.

What advice would you give to someone preparing for a similar talk?

I would advise them to be authentic and share personal stories that relate to the audience. It's important to understand their fears and challenges, and to encourage them to embrace their uniqueness in their work. Preparation is key, but so is being flexible during the talk.

Band 7

00:00

Last year, after performing brilliantly in my CAT examination and achieving a very high percentile of 99.75, I decided to endeavor into teaching in helping others achieve similar outstanding results. Mentoring in teaching was something that I had never tried my hand at before. So when I went for an interview, I was introduced to a class of 30 odd people and told to share my test taking strategies and mentor them about best practices regarding the test. I narrated and elaborated all the best practices that I used and study related queries that they brought in. After solving all their doubts and during the explanation itself, I felt a deep sense of pleasure and satisfaction helping a wide strata of people. Moreover, I was able to effectively solve and answer all the queries that they raised which provided me a sense of self-confidence during that time. On top of it, the queries that they brought in, the answers that I gave were so natural that I myself did not know I had this deep sense of knowledge and I felt really proud about that talk.

Follow up questions

What motivated you to help others with their test preparation?

I was motivated by my own success in the CAT examination and the desire to share effective strategies. I wanted to help others achieve similar results and felt that my experience could provide valuable insights to those preparing for the test.

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

I prepared by reflecting on my own study techniques and the challenges I faced during my preparation. I organized my thoughts and created a structure for the talk, ensuring I could address common queries and provide practical advice based on my experiences.

What challenges did you face while giving the talk?

One challenge was managing the diverse questions from the students, as they had varying levels of understanding. I had to think on my feet and ensure that my explanations were clear and accessible to everyone in the room.

Practice other cue cards

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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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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 nervousness during the talk?

To overcome my nervousness, I focused on my preparation and practiced my speech multiple times. I also took deep breaths before starting and reminded myself that the audience was there to learn from me. Visualizing a positive outcome helped me gain confidence as I spoke.

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 of my speech, focusing on relatable examples and practical tips. Practicing in front of friends helped me refine my delivery and receive constructive feedback.

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. They mentioned that my tips resonated with their struggles, 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 specific topic for your talk?

I chose this topic because I noticed a significant decline in the commitment of religious individuals to their spirituality. It felt essential to address this issue, especially among seminarians who are at a crucial stage 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. Many seminarians shared their thoughts and experiences during the discussion. They appreciated the examples and case studies I presented, which resonated with their own journeys and helped them reflect on their spirituality more profoundly.

What challenges did you face while preparing for this talk?

One of the main challenges was ensuring that the content was both relatable and thought-provoking for the seminarians. I had to balance providing deep insights while also making the topic accessible. Additionally, I wanted to present sensitive issues respectfully, which required careful consideration.

Show all 64 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.