Describe a TV series you like: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

What is the name of the TV series
When you watched it
What it is about
And explain why you like it

50 unique answers with expert feedback

What do you think makes Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha popular among viewers?

I believe Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha is popular due to its relatable characters, beautiful cinematography, and the blend of romance and comedy. The storyline resonates with many people, especially those who appreciate slice-of-life narratives.

How does the setting of Seoul contribute to the series?

Seoul adds a vibrant backdrop to the series, showcasing the contrast between city life and the more laid-back coastal town depicted in the show. The cultural elements and urban lifestyle of Seoul enhance the storyline and character development.

Have you watched other Korean TV series? How do they compare?

Yes, I've watched other Korean series like Crash Landing on You and Itaewon Class. While each has its unique charm, Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha stands out for its light-heartedness and focus on community, making it a refreshing watch compared to more dramatic series.

Band 7

00:00

A TV series that I like is Stranger Things created by Duffer Brothers. It was first released on July 15th of 2016. It is a story of a young girl set in the 1980s. She has the psychokinetic energy where she opens a door between earth and alternate dimension called upside down. It is a fictional story where we can also see many different types of creatures who tries to harm the city. But the girl's ability will protect the city. The girl will also have some friends. It also teaches us about friendship and how we can value each other. It shows how we have to protect each other from danger. We must also learn from the story that we have to be there for each other. It is a very beautiful series and people who prefer horror and fiction would definitely go for it. I have been following this series from the day it was released. I have already watched season 1, 2, 3 and 4. Now the 5th season will be released on December last week. It will be in 3 parts and I am very excited to watch the whole series complete.

Follow up questions

What do you think makes Stranger Things so popular among viewers?

I believe Stranger Things is popular because it combines nostalgia for the 1980s with thrilling storytelling. The characters are relatable, and the mix of horror, friendship, and adventure keeps viewers engaged. The show's unique premise and well-developed plot also attract a wide audience.

How do you feel about the character development in the series?

The character development in Stranger Things is exceptional. Each character grows significantly throughout the seasons. For example, Eleven evolves from a scared girl into a strong, independent individual. The friendships and challenges they face together deepen their relationships, making the story more compelling.

Are there any other TV series you enjoy that are similar to Stranger Things?

Yes, I enjoy other series like The X-Files and Dark. They also blend elements of science fiction and horror, with intriguing plots and strong character dynamics. These shows, like Stranger Things, explore themes of friendship and the battle against supernatural forces, which I find captivating.

Band 7

00:00

So, a TV series I really love watching is Friends. The first time I saw it was back in 2016 when I was in school and the show is about a group of six friends who are living in New York just trying to figure out adult life so in that way all the characters are very relatable. And it has that classic nine days magic. The show is shot with a live audience so that's I think something specific that I really like about the show is that you can hear people laugh in the background. All of the episodes are really short, none more than 20-25 minutes so I can always watch an episode really quickly even if I don't have too much time. Because I've re-watched it a few times now, I've also come to realize that the show is really layered, like beyond being absolutely hilarious, there's also layered comedy in the show. Every time I re-watch it I realize that there's a joke that I missed or there's a literature reference that I am now perhaps informed enough to understand or well-read enough to understand and yes, I watch it with friends, I watch it with my family and it definitely has to be my favourite show of all time.

Follow up questions

What do you think makes Friends so relatable to viewers?

I think Friends is relatable because it captures the struggles of adult life, friendships, and relationships. The characters face real-life challenges that many people experience, making it easy for viewers to connect with their stories and emotions.

How does the live audience affect your viewing experience?

The live audience adds a unique element to the show. Hearing the laughter makes the comedic moments feel more genuine and engaging. It creates a lively atmosphere that enhances the humor and makes me feel like I'm part of the experience.

Have you discovered any new insights from re-watching Friends?

Absolutely! Each time I re-watch Friends, I notice new jokes or references I missed before. It’s interesting how my perspective changes as I grow older, allowing me to appreciate the layered comedy and deeper themes in the show.

Practice other cue cards

Band 7

00:00

One TV series that I really like is Friends, which is a very popular American sitcom. I first watched it about 3 years ago when one of my friends recommended it to me during the lockdown. Since then, I have re-watched many episodes because it is very entertaining and light hearted. The series is about 6 friends, Rachel, Rose, Monica, Candler, Joy, Phobe who lives in New York City. It mainly focuses on their personal and professional lives, their relationships and the funny situations they often get into. Even though the story lines are simple, the humor, timing and chemistry between the characters make it very enjoyable. I liked this series for several years. Firstly, it is extremely funny and no matter how many times I watch it, I still laugh at the jokes. Secondly, it shows the value of friendship and how people support each other through ups and downs, which makes it feel relatable. Another reason is that the language used is quite natural, so it has also helped me improve my English listening skills. Overall, I enjoy Friends because it combines comedy and life lessons in a way that never gets boring. It's the kind of series I can watch anytime whether I can stress or just looking for some relaxation. The series is about 6 friends. It mainly focuses on their personal and professional lives, their relationships and the funny situations they often get into.

Follow up questions

What other TV series do you enjoy watching?

Besides Friends, I also enjoy watching The Office and How I Met Your Mother. Both series have great humor and memorable characters. They also explore themes of friendship and relationships, similar to Friends, which makes them enjoyable for me.

How do you think watching TV series can improve language skills?

Watching TV series can improve language skills by exposing viewers to natural conversation, slang, and cultural references. It helps with listening comprehension and pronunciation. Additionally, seeing the context of dialogues can enhance vocabulary and understanding of idiomatic expressions.

Do you prefer watching series alone or with friends?

I prefer watching series with friends because it makes the experience more enjoyable. We can share our reactions, laugh together, and discuss the episodes afterward. However, I also enjoy watching alone when I want some quiet time or to binge-watch without interruptions.

Band 7

00:00

I do not watch TV series, but I like to watch anime. One particular anime series I would highly recommend is Attack on Titan. Around 5 years ago, I watched that episode 1 of it and I was stunned to speak. Their storytelling is so good. Our protagonist is a child who lives inside a wall and it is peaceful. But one day, a catastrophic event happened. A giant titan emerged and kicked the wall. From the entrance, small titans appeared and started to eat humans. It was terrifying to watch the first episode. As the story progresses, each element opens with a new plot twist and it is a very complicated story. I really enjoyed that show. On the other note, why I like that series so much is because you can see the complex character evolving and the storyline behind it. Like a protagonist is a antagonist also and a villain of that series. His ideology about freedom, choices, protecting his loved ones and what length you can go to save them, it is too good. Like how the story folds itself and how our character changes, how destruction happens and this event will take place further. It is all written in a story. It is one of the best.

Follow up questions

What other anime series do you enjoy watching?

Apart from Attack on Titan, I also enjoy series like My Hero Academia and Death Note. Each has unique storytelling and character development that keeps me engaged. My Hero Academia focuses on superheroes and their growth, while Death Note is a psychological thriller that explores morality.

How do you think anime differs from traditional TV series?

Anime often has more complex storylines and character development compared to traditional TV series. It can explore deeper themes and emotions, and the animation allows for creative visuals that enhance the storytelling. Additionally, anime often has a unique cultural perspective that sets it apart.

What themes in Attack on Titan resonate with you the most?

The themes of freedom, sacrifice, and the moral dilemmas faced by characters resonate deeply with me. The struggle for survival and the choices made in desperate situations reflect real-life challenges. The complexity of the characters, especially the protagonist's journey, makes it relatable and thought-provoking.

Show all 50 answers

Cue 1:What is the name of the TV series?

Clearly state the name of the TV series you enjoy.
You can mention any relevant details, such as the genre or the platform where you watched it.

Example

The TV series I really like is called 'Sacred Games'. It's a thrilling crime drama that is available on Netflix.

Cue 2:When you watched it?

Mention when you started watching the series, such as the year or during a specific season.
You can also include how long it took you to finish it.

Example

I started watching 'Sacred Games' in 2018, and I binge-watched the first season over a weekend. I was so hooked that I finished it in just two days!

Cue 3:What it is about?

Provide a brief summary of the plot without giving away spoilers.
Highlight the main characters and the central conflict of the series.

Example

'Sacred Games' revolves around a Mumbai police officer named Sartaj Singh, who discovers a dark underworld led by a notorious gangster, Ganesh Gaitonde. The series explores themes of crime, spirituality, and the complexities of Indian society.

Cue 4:And explain why you like it?

Share your personal feelings about the series and what makes it special to you.
You can mention aspects like the storytelling, character development, or cultural relevance.

Example

I love 'Sacred Games' because of its gripping storyline and the way it blends history with modern-day issues. The performances by the actors are outstanding, especially Nawazuddin Siddiqui as Gaitonde. It keeps me on the edge of my seat and makes me think about deeper societal issues.

Conclusion

Example

In conclusion, 'Sacred Games' is not just a TV series for me; it's an experience that combines entertainment with thought-provoking themes. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a captivating show.

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 the TV series. Vague answers can make it hard for the examiner to understand your thoughts and feelings about the show.

Tip

Provide specific examples from the series, such as key characters or memorable scenes, to make your description more vivid and engaging.

2: Ignoring the Cues

Neglecting to address all the cues can lead to an incomplete answer. This may result in a lower score as it shows a lack of preparation.

Tip

Make sure to answer each cue clearly, structuring your response to cover the name, when you watched it, what it’s about, and why you like it.

Overly Long Responses

Giving excessively long answers can lose the examiner's interest and make it difficult to follow your main points. Conciseness is key.

Tip

Practice summarizing your thoughts in a clear and concise manner, focusing on the most important aspects of the series and your opinions.

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.