Describe an activity that you do after school/work: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

What it is?
When and Where do you do it?
Who you do it with?
And how you feel about it?

173 unique answers with expert feedback

What other activities do you enjoy doing in the park?

Besides running, I enjoy walking and sometimes practicing yoga in the park. The peaceful environment makes it a perfect place to relax and connect with nature. I also like to bring a book and read on a bench when I have some extra time.

How do you stay motivated to keep running regularly?

I stay motivated by setting personal goals, like improving my speed or distance. I also enjoy listening to music and podcasts while running, which keeps me engaged. Additionally, meeting friends for runs adds a social aspect that encourages me to stick to my routine.

Have you ever participated in any running events or races?

Yes, I have participated in a few local 5K races. They are a lot of fun and provide a great sense of community. Training for these events gives me a specific goal to work towards, which adds excitement to my regular running routine.

Band >7

00:00

There are two of my favorite hobbies. First is listening music and second is playing badminton. In case of playing badminton, I would like to play badminton with my friends. We will go in a badminton court for playing badminton. In the game of badminton, it gives me energy, it gives me motivation and it removes my negative thoughts. In case of listening music, I would prefer to listen music in a closed room when I was alone. While listening the music, automatically my negative thoughts are removed from my mind and I will gain positivity. It is a very soothing experience when I listen music in a closed room. Music is my favorite hobby and music gives me some kind of motivation to do something better in my life. I also like swimming. Most of the weekend, I would go swimming with my friends. Mostly, we go into our society swimming pool. In that swimming pool, we would play some games like water ball, racing or also we do a freestyle. Also, it is very happy for me. That's it. Thank you.

Follow up questions

How often do you play badminton with your friends?

I try to play badminton with my friends at least twice a week. It's a great way to stay active and bond with them. We usually schedule our games in the evenings after work or on weekends when we have more free time.

What type of music do you enjoy listening to?

I enjoy a variety of music genres, but I particularly love pop and classical music. Pop music energizes me, while classical music helps me relax and focus. Depending on my mood, I switch between these genres to enhance my experience.

How does swimming compare to playing badminton for you?

Swimming is more relaxing for me compared to badminton. While badminton is competitive and energetic, swimming allows me to unwind and enjoy the water. Both activities are fun, but swimming feels more like a leisure activity, especially on weekends.

Band >7

00:00

කමම සංනලද සහ ල පකසු එකතර කරන්න නර්තා to ලනනන ඉනෟ සදහසක වේ සට් ජ ඉපුදුවන්න my daily routine and personal growth I have been passionate about cricket since I was a child and now even with a busy schedule I always make time for it in the evening Every day around 5 or 6 p.m. Once I finished my work or studies I had to head to a local cricket ground in my neighborhood It's a large open field surrounded by trees which makes the atmosphere quite peaceful and refreshing I usually go there with my close friends most of whom I have been playing with for several years We form informal teams and sometimes even organize a mini tournament amongst ourselves I mostly play as a left-arm spinner, which is my strength and I always enjoy betting from time to time The playing cricket after a long day really helped me decompress and rest mentally It allowed me to disconnect from screen and the pressure of the day life the physical movement helped keep me fit and active while the competitive spirit of the game keeps my mind sharp

Follow up questions

How did you first get interested in cricket?

I was introduced to cricket by my father when I was very young. He used to play with me in our backyard, and I quickly fell in love with the game. Watching matches on TV and playing with friends further fueled my passion.

What benefits do you think playing cricket brings to your life?

Playing cricket helps me stay physically fit and improves my teamwork skills. It also serves as a great stress reliever after a long day, allowing me to relax and enjoy time with friends while keeping my mind sharp.

Do you think you will continue playing cricket in the future?

Absolutely! Cricket is a big part of my life, and I plan to keep playing as long as I can. It's not just a sport for me; it's a way to connect with friends and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

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Band 7

00:00

After coming back from work, I love to do drawing. I think it's very therapeutic. And I just sit alone, take up a canvas and draw whatever feels right. In my opinion, a more artistic way of drawing, painting, anything that you want, is just not thinking about it too much and just draw whatever that comes to your mind. Paint it however you like. Use different mediums, get creative, have fun with it. This hobby of mine, it makes me calm and peaceful. And I enjoy doing it. Moreover, I think it's a very good hobby for everyone to take up. And it's easy to learn. I have trained in art, in the different art forms from my childhood. And my parents had forced me to learn. But now I think that they did the correct thing of sending me to art school. And it created a very good base for me. So now whenever I feel like drawing, I don't have to see a video to learn a technique. I can just sit without my phone or any screen and draw from whatever comes to my mind.

Follow up questions

What other hobbies do you enjoy besides drawing?

Besides drawing, I also enjoy reading and hiking. Reading allows me to explore different worlds and ideas, while hiking helps me connect with nature and stay active. Both activities provide a nice balance to my life after work.

How has your drawing style evolved over the years?

My drawing style has evolved significantly. Initially, I focused on realistic representations, but over time, I've embraced more abstract and expressive styles. This evolution reflects my personal growth and the freedom I feel in my artistic expression.

Do you think art can help people cope with stress?

Absolutely! Art can be a powerful outlet for emotions and stress. Engaging in creative activities like drawing allows individuals to express their feelings and find solace. It's a therapeutic way to process experiences and can lead to improved mental well-being.

Band 7

00:00

The best activity that I have done after my schooling was that to do public speaking. I practiced a lot to do public speaking and I engaged with public speaking with political parties, meetings and going to colleges and in functions also I used to make public speaking related to various topics, topics all these things the organizers will provide and I will speak at least for half an hour or 45 minutes it took and the audience will cover more than 30 to 40 audience and at times it may go around 50 persons. So I could gather more confidence and I could improve my communication skills a lot. I got the habit of reading a lot of books, watching televisions, watching BBC news, reading newspapers, watching movies and conducting group discussions among our students, among the experienced teachers I could gather a lot of knowledge and I could impart it in front of a group of audience that really improved my confidence level for public speaking. Especially, especially in front of when I was speaking in front of a group they were asking questions in English and without any fear I could answer all the questions they have raised in that group and right now I am engaged with training people, training students to speak in front of a public group. That right now I am a public speaker trainer and I am giving training to more than 30

Follow up questions

What challenges did you face while learning public speaking?

Initially, I struggled with stage fright and organizing my thoughts clearly. However, with practice and feedback from peers, I learned to manage my anxiety and structure my speeches effectively. Engaging with experienced speakers also helped me overcome these challenges.

How has public speaking influenced your career or studies?

Public speaking has significantly enhanced my career prospects. It has improved my communication skills, making me more confident in interviews and presentations. Additionally, it has opened opportunities for networking and collaboration with professionals in various fields.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start public speaking?

I would advise them to start small, perhaps by speaking in front of friends or family. Practicing regularly, seeking constructive feedback, and watching experienced speakers can also help. It's important to be passionate about the topic and to engage with the audience.

Show all 173 answers

Cue 1:What it is?

Begin by clearly stating the activity you engage in after school or work.
Provide a brief explanation of why you chose this particular activity.

Example

After school, I love to play cricket with my friends. Cricket is not just a sport for me; it’s a passion that brings us all together.

Cue 2:When and Where do you do it?

Mention the specific days and times you usually play cricket.
Describe the location where you play, such as a local park or a cricket ground.

Example

We usually play cricket every Saturday afternoon at the local park, which is just a 10-minute walk from my house. The park has a nice open space and a few trees that provide shade.

Cue 3:Who you do it with?

Identify the friends or group you play cricket with.
Share a little about your relationship with them and why you enjoy their company.

Example

I play with my close friends from school. We have been playing together for years, and our bond has grown stronger through our shared love for the game.

Cue 4:And how you feel about it?

Express your feelings about playing cricket and what it means to you.
Mention any benefits you gain from this activity, such as relaxation or teamwork.

Example

Playing cricket makes me feel incredibly happy and relaxed. It’s a great way to unwind after a long week of studies, and it also helps me stay fit. I love the thrill of competition and the joy of spending time with my friends.

Conclusion

Example

In conclusion, playing cricket after school is not just an activity for me; it’s a vital part of my life that brings joy, friendship, and a sense of belonging.

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: Giving Vague Answers

Avoid providing unclear or general responses. Vague answers do not give the examiner enough information about the activity, making it difficult to assess your speaking skills.

Tip

Be specific about the activity. Include details such as what you do, where and when you do it, and who you do it with.

2: Neglecting Emotional Connection

Failing to express how you feel about the activity can make your response less engaging. Emotions help to personalize your answer and connect with the examiner.

Tip

Share your feelings about the activity. Explain why it is enjoyable or meaningful to you, which adds depth to your response.

Ignoring Structure

A disorganized response can confuse the listener. Without a clear structure, your answer may lack coherence and flow, making it hard to follow.

Tip

Follow the cue prompts in order. Start with what the activity is, then discuss when and where you do it, who you do it with, and finally, how you feel about it.

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.