Describe an exercise you know.: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

What is it & how is it done?
When did you first try it?
Why do you think it is a good exercise?

30 unique answers with expert feedback

What other exercises do you think complement planks?

Exercises like push-ups and squats complement planks well. They target different muscle groups while also engaging the core, enhancing overall strength and stability.

How often do you incorporate planks into your workout routine?

I try to include planks in my routine at least three times a week. This consistency helps me maintain my core strength and overall fitness.

Have you noticed any changes in your body since you started doing planks?

Yes, I've noticed improved core stability and strength, which has helped me in other exercises. My posture has also improved, and I feel more energetic overall.

Band 7

00:00

One exercise I do to keep fit is yoga. I usually practice yoga every morning at my home or at a nearby park. I started this routine about 2 years ago. After hearing about its numerous health benefits, yoga has become an integral part of my daily life. I began practicing yoga on the recommendation of my teacher. A certified yoga instructor initially I found some poses challenging, but with consistent practice I improved significantly. I enjoy yoga because it strengthens my body and calms my mind. It is an excellent way to stay physically and mentally fit. I usually start my yoga session with some warm-up exercises and then move on to different asanas like Surya Namaskar, Chakrasan, Vajrasan and Bhujangasan. Additionally Chandra Namaskar also. Each session lasts about an hour. I practice it every morning at 6 am. These benefits are increased flexibility of the body, improved breathing and enhanced mental clarity. Additionally, yoga has helped me manage stress better and has boosted my overall energy level. In conclusion, yoga is a highly effective way to maintain fitness and overall well-being. I encourage everyone to try yoga and experience its benefits firsthand.

Follow up questions

What specific health benefits have you noticed from practicing yoga?

Since I started practicing yoga, I've noticed increased flexibility, better breathing, and improved mental clarity. Additionally, it has helped me manage stress effectively and has significantly boosted my overall energy levels.

How do you stay motivated to practice yoga regularly?

I stay motivated by setting a consistent schedule and reminding myself of the benefits I gain from yoga. Also, I enjoy the peaceful environment during my sessions, whether at home or in the park, which keeps me looking forward to my practice.

Have you ever tried other forms of exercise? How do they compare to yoga?

Yes, I have tried running and weightlifting. While they are great for building strength and endurance, I find yoga to be more holistic as it combines physical fitness with mental relaxation, making it unique and beneficial for my overall well-being.

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.

I've noticed improved stamina and flexibility, and I feel more energetic throughout the day. Additionally, it's a great way to relieve stress and connect with friends who enjoy dancing as well.

Show all 30 answers

Cue 1:What is it & how is it done?

Begin by clearly stating the name of the exercise and its purpose.
Describe the steps involved in performing the exercise, ensuring to include any necessary equipment or specific techniques.

Example

The exercise I want to describe is yoga, specifically the 'Surya Namaskar' or Sun Salutation. It is a series of twelve postures that flow into one another, designed to warm up the body and improve flexibility. To perform it, you start in a standing position, then move through a sequence of poses that involve stretching, bending, and strengthening various muscle groups.

Cue 2:When did you first try it?

Share a personal anecdote about when you first encountered this exercise.
Mention any specific circumstances or motivations that led you to try it.

Example

I first tried yoga during my college days, around five years ago. I was feeling quite stressed due to exams and a friend suggested that I join a yoga class with her. I was curious about it and thought it might help me relax and focus better.

Cue 3:Why do you think it is a good exercise?

Discuss the physical and mental benefits you have experienced from this exercise.
Mention any long-term effects or improvements you have noticed since you started practicing it.

Example

I believe yoga is an excellent exercise because it not only enhances physical strength and flexibility but also promotes mental well-being. Since I started practicing it regularly, I have noticed a significant reduction in my stress levels and an improvement in my concentration. It has also helped me maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Conclusion

Summarize your overall thoughts on the exercise and its importance in your life.
Encourage others to consider trying it for their own well-being.

Example

In conclusion, yoga, particularly Surya Namaskar, has become an integral part of my daily routine. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a holistic approach to fitness and mental health, as it has truly transformed my life.

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: Avoid Vague Descriptions

Using vague language can make your answer unclear. It's important to provide specific details about the exercise to engage the listener and demonstrate your knowledge.

Tip

Use clear examples and specific terms when describing the exercise, such as the equipment used or the steps involved.

2: Don't Rush Through Your Answer

Rushing can lead to incomplete answers and missed details. Taking your time allows you to think and articulate your thoughts more clearly.

Tip

Practice speaking slowly and pausing between points to give yourself time to think and ensure clarity.

Neglecting Personal Experience

Failing to include personal experiences can make your answer less engaging. Personal stories help to illustrate your points and connect with the examiner.