Describe A Writer You Would Like To Meet: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

  • Who is the writer?
  • What do you know about this writer already?
  • What would you like to find out about him/her?

Band 7

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00:00

A writer whom I would like to meet is Johan Hari. He is the author of the world-famous book called Stolen Focus. This book transformed my life completely. The reason I would like to meet him is because of his ideologies. He is stating such wonderful transformative ideologies in the book that I can imagine what kind of personality he might be. So starting with his book, he mentioned about various ideas. For instance, he talked about how businessmen they are common people for their profits and they do not care about the other people's worries. So he has mentioned it very nicely. Then for instance, he also mentioned about mind-wandering. Many people think mind-wandering is a waste of time, but well, it is not. It is just like a medicine for us. It is just like if you are wandering, just let the thoughts go and that's fine. That will help you to initiate the other good topics for your own well-being. Then his another book called Deep Lost Connections. So over there, he has mentioned about what should be done and what not if you are feeling lonely. So yes, the kind of ideas he had and the way he has mentioned is very super fabulous.

Follow up questions


What specific ideology from Johan Hari's book resonates with you the most?
The ideology that resonates with me the most is the idea of mind-wandering. Hari explains that allowing our minds to wander can lead to creativity and self-discovery. It challenges the common belief that it's a waste of time, and I find it liberating to think that letting my thoughts flow can actually be beneficial.

How has reading Johan Hari's books impacted your daily life?
Reading Johan Hari's books has significantly changed my perspective on various issues. For example, I now prioritize my mental well-being and allow myself time to think freely without guilt. His insights have encouraged me to be more compassionate towards others and understand the deeper connections we share.

If you could ask Johan Hari one question, what would it be?
I would ask Johan Hari how he manages to stay motivated and inspired to write about such profound topics. His ability to tackle complex issues in a relatable way fascinates me, and I would love to know what drives his passion for writing and exploring human connections.

Band 7

00:00

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00:00

I love to meet Mr. Shiv Khera. Shiv Khera is a renowned Indian author, motivated speaker and leadership trainer. Best known for his important book, You Can Win, with a background in business and a passion for empowering individuals. He has conducted sessions and workshops across the world, motivating people to lead powerful and successful lives. Shiv Khera emphasizes values like integrity, responsibility and positive thinking in both personal and professional spheres. His engaging style of practical approach have made him a popular figure among corporate audiences, educators and students alike. Beyond writing, he is also involved in social causes and has shown interest in political activism, advocating for ethical governance.

Follow up questions


What impact has Shiv Khera had on your life?
Shiv Khera's teachings have inspired me to adopt a positive mindset and take responsibility for my actions. His book, 'You Can Win,' motivated me to set and achieve personal goals, and his emphasis on integrity has influenced my decision-making in both my personal and professional life.

How do you think writers can influence society?
Writers have the power to shape thoughts and inspire change. They can address social issues, promote values, and motivate individuals to take action. Through their words, they can challenge the status quo and encourage readers to think critically about the world around them.

What qualities do you admire in successful authors?
I admire authors who possess a strong sense of purpose, authenticity, and the ability to connect with their audience. Successful authors often have a unique voice, a deep understanding of their subject matter, and the skill to convey complex ideas in an engaging and relatable manner.

Band 6-7

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00:00

I enjoy reading Dr. Sudha Murthy's books because a lot of her books are more relevant to a general thinking and process of any woman across the world. She presents her literature so well that we feel so connected. She is the wife of one of the famous industrialists of Infosys. She has two kids and they are doing really well in their respective jobs. Further I would like to know more about her health condition and how well she manages her time. Because a lot of times when I read articles about her she is contributing towards NGOs, working with Infosys and having some self time. In fact she enjoys travel by herself. So I would like to know more about the time management and also how happily and how charming always she is. I want to know some of the tips from her. Further I love Sudha Murthy's Two Strands book which provides a lot of insights about how a person thinks in two different perspectives irrespective of gender and age. Further she provides a lot of information on mental health conditions like how one can manage and help people with some of the illnesses. Moreover looking into her personal life I think she is a very good example of how a spouse can help their husband in terms of financial, health and well being. She stands a very good example of being a mother of two and how she raised the kids. So this is overall what I know about her and I get a lot of information from her.

Follow up questions


What specific qualities do you admire in Dr. Sudha Murthy's writing?
I admire her ability to connect with readers through relatable themes and her clear, engaging writing style. Her stories often reflect real-life experiences and challenges, making her work both inspiring and insightful.

How do you think Dr. Sudha Murthy's background influences her writing?
Her background as a successful author and her experiences in both personal and professional life provide her with a unique perspective. Being married to an industrialist and her involvement in NGOs enrich her narratives with depth and authenticity.

What lessons do you think young writers can learn from Dr. Sudha Murthy?
Young writers can learn the importance of authenticity, empathy, and the power of storytelling. Her ability to address social issues while maintaining a personal touch is a valuable lesson for anyone looking to make an impact through writing.

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Band 6-7

00:00

/

00:00

I would like to meet Gaur Gopaldas. He is not just a writer but also a motivational speaker and former engineer. He mainly writes related to the spirituality and self-development. First I saw his video on YouTube, which is related to the self-help and self-development and later I came to know about his books. Then I read his book Energize Your Mind. Additionally, I feel very positive and very calm after reading those books and those books really helped me a lot to improve in my life. I have seen myself improving. I really want to meet him once in my life because I feel that whenever I meet him, then it will really add some value in my life and I really want to sit with him and want to talk about the life perspective and how we can become in this busy world and in the stressful situation how I can control myself. So these all are things which I really want to discuss with him and along with that I also want to see the purpose of my life, which currently I am not able to see. So I think I need a mentor with whom I can discuss with it and he can also

Follow up questions


What specific qualities do you admire in Gaur Gopaldas?
I admire his ability to connect with people through his words and his genuine approach to spirituality. His insights on self-development resonate with many, including me. I appreciate how he simplifies complex concepts and makes them relatable, which inspires me to reflect on my own life.

How has reading his books changed your perspective on life?
Reading his books has made me more aware of my thoughts and emotions. It has taught me to focus on positivity and mindfulness. I’ve learned to approach challenges with a calmer mindset and to seek personal growth rather than just success, which has significantly improved my overall well-being.

What topics would you like to discuss with him during your meeting?
I would love to discuss life purpose, stress management techniques, and practical steps for self-improvement. I’m also interested in his views on balancing personal and professional life in today’s fast-paced world. His guidance on these topics would be invaluable for my journey.

Band 6-7

00:00

/

00:00

No audio text available

Follow up questions


What qualities do you admire in a writer?
I admire qualities such as creativity, the ability to convey emotions, and a unique perspective on life. A good writer can transport readers to different worlds and make them feel deeply connected to the characters and stories.

How do you think meeting a writer could influence your own writing?
Meeting a writer could provide inspiration and motivation. I could learn about their writing process, gain insights into their experiences, and perhaps receive valuable feedback on my own work, which could help me grow as a writer.

Which genre of writing do you enjoy the most and why?
I enjoy fiction the most because it allows for endless creativity and imagination. Fiction can explore complex themes and emotions, and I love how it can reflect real-life issues while providing an escape into different realities.
Show all 36 answers

Cue 1:Who is the writer?

  • Start by introducing the writer, mentioning their name and what they are known for.
  • Include a brief overview of their most famous works or contributions to literature.

Example

The writer I would like to meet is Ruskin Bond. He is a renowned Indian author known for his captivating stories that often reflect the beauty of nature and the simplicity of life in the hills of India. His most famous works include 'The Room on the Roof' and 'A Flight of Pigeons'.


Cue 2:What do you know about this writer already?

  • Share some interesting facts about the writer's life and career.
  • Mention any awards or recognitions they have received.

Example

I know that Ruskin Bond was born in 1934 in Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh, and he has spent most of his life in the picturesque town of Mussoorie. He has received several prestigious awards, including the Sahitya Akademi Award and the Padma Bhushan, which highlight his significant contribution to Indian literature.


Cue 3:What would you like to find out about him/her?

  • Express your curiosity about the writer's creative process or inspirations.
  • Mention any specific questions you would like to ask him.

Example

I would love to find out more about his writing process and what inspires him to create such vivid characters and settings. I am particularly curious about how he develops his stories and whether he draws from his own experiences in life. I would also like to ask him about his thoughts on the future of literature in India.


Conclusion

    Example

    In conclusion, meeting Ruskin Bond would be a dream come true for me. His stories have had a profound impact on my love for reading, and I believe that a conversation with him would provide invaluable insights into the world of writing and storytelling.


    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 Specificity

    Being vague about the writer can make your answer less engaging. Avoid general statements that do not provide insight into who the writer is or their significance.

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    Tip

    Mention specific works of the writer and what makes them unique to give your answer depth and interest.


    2: Ignoring Personal Connection

    Failing to express why you want to meet the writer can make your response feel impersonal. It's important to share your personal connection to their work.

    bulb icon

    Tip

    Explain how the writer's work has influenced you or why you admire them to create a more compelling narrative.


    Overlooking Questions

    Neglecting to address all the cue card questions can lead to an incomplete answer. Make sure to cover each aspect to provide a well-rounded response.

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    Tip

    Structure your answer by clearly addressing each cue, ensuring you discuss who the writer is, what you know, and what you wish to learn.


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    IELTS Cue Cards asked last week

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    Describe your favourite food at a traditional festival or a special event in your country
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    Reported by

    Anonymous student Band 7.5

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    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
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    Reported by

    Anonymous student Band 8

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    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
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    Reported by

    Anonymous student Band 6.5

    location icon

    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
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    Reported by

    Anonymous student Band 7

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    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
    anonymous person icon

    Reported by

    Anonymous student Band 7.5

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    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.

    All Answers

    Here are all the answers by real-users practicing speaking for IELTS Cue Cards on our IELTS Prep App.

    Band 7

    I love to meet Mr. Shiv Khera. Shiv Khera is a renowned Indian author, motivated speaker and leadership trainer. Best known for his important book, You Can Win, with a background in business and a passion for empowering individuals. He has conducted sessions and workshops across the world, motivating people to lead powerful and successful lives. Shiv Khera emphasizes values like integrity, responsibility and positive thinking in both personal and professional spheres. His engaging style of practical approach have made him a popular figure among corporate audiences, educators and students alike. Beyond writing, he is also involved in social causes and has shown interest in political activism, advocating for ethical governance.

    Band 7

    A writer whom I would like to meet is Johan Hari. He is the author of the world-famous book called Stolen Focus. This book transformed my life completely. The reason I would like to meet him is because of his ideologies. He is stating such wonderful transformative ideologies in the book that I can imagine what kind of personality he might be. So starting with his book, he mentioned about various ideas. For instance, he talked about how businessmen they are common people for their profits and they do not care about the other people's worries. So he has mentioned it very nicely. Then for instance, he also mentioned about mind-wandering. Many people think mind-wandering is a waste of time, but well, it is not. It is just like a medicine for us. It is just like if you are wandering, just let the thoughts go and that's fine. That will help you to initiate the other good topics for your own well-being. Then his another book called Deep Lost Connections. So over there, he has mentioned about what should be done and what not if you are feeling lonely. So yes, the kind of ideas he had and the way he has mentioned is very super fabulous.

    Band 6-7

    I would like to meet Gaur Gopaldas. He is not just a writer but also a motivational speaker and former engineer. He mainly writes related to the spirituality and self-development. First I saw his video on YouTube, which is related to the self-help and self-development and later I came to know about his books. Then I read his book Energize Your Mind. Additionally, I feel very positive and very calm after reading those books and those books really helped me a lot to improve in my life. I have seen myself improving. I really want to meet him once in my life because I feel that whenever I meet him, then it will really add some value in my life and I really want to sit with him and want to talk about the life perspective and how we can become in this busy world and in the stressful situation how I can control myself. So these all are things which I really want to discuss with him and along with that I also want to see the purpose of my life, which currently I am not able to see. So I think I need a mentor with whom I can discuss with it and he can also

    Band 6-7

    I enjoy reading Dr. Sudha Murthy's books because a lot of her books are more relevant to a general thinking and process of any woman across the world. She presents her literature so well that we feel so connected. She is the wife of one of the famous industrialists of Infosys. She has two kids and they are doing really well in their respective jobs. Further I would like to know more about her health condition and how well she manages her time. Because a lot of times when I read articles about her she is contributing towards NGOs, working with Infosys and having some self time. In fact she enjoys travel by herself. So I would like to know more about the time management and also how happily and how charming always she is. I want to know some of the tips from her. Further I love Sudha Murthy's Two Strands book which provides a lot of insights about how a person thinks in two different perspectives irrespective of gender and age. Further she provides a lot of information on mental health conditions like how one can manage and help people with some of the illnesses. Moreover looking into her personal life I think she is a very good example of how a spouse can help their husband in terms of financial, health and well being. She stands a very good example of being a mother of two and how she raised the kids. So this is overall what I know about her and I get a lot of information from her.

    Band 6-7

    If I get an opportunity to meet a writer, then I would love to meet Sir Isaac Newton. He had written one book named called Principle of Gravity. My profession is of mechanical engineering and I love my profession. During my academics, I have learnt so many things of how to design new machines. The Principle of Gravity explains the concept of gravity and with the help of gravity, all machines are being designed. And whatever the innovations which we are seeing today like automobiles and rockets and even the smartphone also, it wouldn't be possible without the help of gravity. So if I get an opportunity, then I would love to ask how he had thought about this concept and what was his reference of thinking to develop this concept because it's not only the concept but it's a revolution he started in his time and till now it's valid and so many researchers are working on developing the new machines with the help of these concepts. I would also love to contribute to my nation and to the world by using these concepts and that is the biggest motivation and that is the biggest gift provided by this writer. I am deeply feeling gratitude towards him.

    Band 6-7

    No audio text available

    Band 6-7

    In my opinion, I feel that it is very rare when you come across a writer, a poet, or an artist and you feel like full of awe. Like how can a person be so creative and so different and also so amazing. One of those persons I have personally experienced or one of those writers is Paulo Coelho. I was in class 9th when I first read his most famous book that is the Alchemist. It is a novel about a shepherd and how he achieved the treasure he saw in history. And the way Paulo Coelho has written the whole book, it's like you would love to go to the journey with the shepherd. It's like you are experiencing all those things and those things teaches you so much in just like 200 pages. I would like to meet him because he was one of the writers who inspired me to read more and more, who welcomed me to the world of reading. And the question that I would very likely to ask him is that how can he be writing so good stories? How is he got those creative ideas? Where did he found those inspirations that helped him to write such stories? He is a Brazilian writer and his writing is so different that I never found somebody else writing this. His stories are not about the destination, it's more about the journey that the person go through.

    Band 6-7

    There are many writers which I know in real life but one of the favorite writer that I like is the Robert Forst who is a writer and a singer as well as when I was in class 12th I studied English poem which was written by Robert Forst. The name of the poem was A Road Not Taken which describes the day to day decisions that a normal human being takes and describes that it's hard to take decisions in daily or regular basis. He is a famous person who writes poems and stories related to daily life and everyone can get an idea to connect with the poems and stories given by him. He is a famous poet and writer in the American states as he is an English writer. He gives various types of poems like A Road Not Taken which I have told and Journey to the End of the Earth and many more. He is a famous writer in children. He is famous in children as children can connect to their school life. He has a chapter written named The Last

    Band 6-7

    The writer which I would like to meet is a fictional writer, Haruki Murakami. He is a Japanese writer and I have read a lot of his books. But the first book which I remember reading was his Kafka on the shore. That book was just out of the world. It was so amazing. I felt very connected with the book and with the subject of that book. I felt immensely mesmerized by the book because every detail and everything which were written in the book was so beautifully portrayed that I was not able to comprehend how can someone write this good. So the reason I would like to meet the writer is because I really want to see his work, how he comes up with such amazing stories. Are there stories from his past or are there experiences? So that I really want to know about this writer. Apart from this Kafka on the shore book, after that I have read a lot of his book like the Norwegian wood and the birthday stories. So I have kept reading his books after that. Every book has each different detailing and each different aspects that he had touched while writing the perfect story. But my favorite one will definitely be the Kafka on the shore.

    Band 6-7

    I know a writer called Garikapati Narasimha Rao, he is a Telugu famous writer and Telugu famous writer, he usually give lectures on YouTube and stage lectures also by providing some Vedas and Itihasas explanations which are written in Sanskrit. He is giving that Sanskrit lectures translated into Telugu for better understanding, for claim and also the natural flow of Telugu language and he will give a straight forward comments like sarcastic comments on how the people are living in a, those who are diverted living like against the Vedas, against the Itihasas, he will give direct sarcastic comments on them and moreover that he is a very famous YouTuber also. Actually he is not giving a YouTube, he doesn't have any YouTube channel but most of the people are following him and they put his videos and audios in the YouTube and he will give how the human being has to live in a good manner, how the good soul has to represent, all these things he used to teach and he will give some writings in
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