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

How did you start running as a regular activity?

I started running a few years ago when I wanted to find a way to stay fit and relieve stress. A friend suggested it, and I decided to give it a try. I found that I enjoyed the rhythm of running and the time spent outdoors, which motivated me to make it a regular part of my routine.

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 is perfect for meditation, and I also love to read a book on a bench when the weather is nice. The park offers a variety of activities that help me relax and connect with nature.

Have you participated in any running events or races?

Yes, I have participated in a few local 5K races. They are a great way to challenge myself and meet other runners. The atmosphere is always energetic, and it feels rewarding to cross the finish line after training hard. I plan to join more events in the future to keep pushing my limits.

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 usually play badminton with my friends at least twice a week. We try to schedule our games after work or school, and it’s a great way to unwind and stay active together.

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 when I need to study or work.

What benefits do you think swimming provides?

Swimming is not only a fun activity but also a great workout. It helps improve my stamina, builds muscle strength, and is very refreshing, especially during hot weather. Plus, it's a wonderful way to bond with friends.

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 do you enjoy most about playing cricket?

I enjoy the camaraderie with my friends and the thrill of competition. The strategy involved in the game and the physical activity keep me engaged. It's also a great way to relieve stress after a long day.

Have you ever considered playing cricket professionally?

While I love playing cricket, I haven't pursued it professionally. My focus is on enjoying the game and maintaining a balance with my studies and work. However, I do admire professional players and their dedication.

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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 playing the guitar. Reading allows me to escape into different worlds, while playing the guitar helps me express my emotions through music. Both activities complement my drawing and provide a well-rounded creative outlet.

How has your drawing style evolved over the years?

My drawing style has evolved significantly. Initially, I focused on realism, but over time, I've embraced abstract and expressive styles. Experimenting with different mediums has also influenced my approach, allowing me to combine techniques and create unique pieces that reflect my emotions.

Do you think art can help people in stressful situations?

Absolutely! Art can be a powerful tool for stress relief. Engaging in creative activities like drawing allows individuals to express their feelings and thoughts without judgment. It provides a sense of escape and can help process emotions, making it a beneficial practice during stressful times.

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 boosted my confidence, which has positively impacted my academic performance and career opportunities. It has opened doors for networking and has enhanced my ability to present ideas clearly in both academic and professional settings.

What advice would you give to someone starting with public speaking?

I would advise them to practice regularly, seek constructive feedback, and start with smaller audiences to build confidence. Reading widely and understanding various topics can also help in delivering engaging speeches. Lastly, embracing mistakes as learning opportunities is crucial.

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.

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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

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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.