Describe an impressive talk/conversation you had that you remember well: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

Who you talked to
When and where you had the talk
What you talked about
And explain why it was impressive

78 unique answers with expert feedback

What did you learn from that conversation?

I learned the importance of resilience and the value of education. Her story highlighted how pursuing education can empower individuals, especially women, to lead independent lives despite challenges.

How do you think conversations with elderly people can benefit young people?

Conversations with elderly people can provide young individuals with wisdom, life experiences, and different perspectives. It helps bridge generational gaps and fosters respect for the struggles and achievements of previous generations.

Have you had similar conversations with others? How did they compare?

Yes, I have had similar conversations with other elderly individuals. Each conversation is unique, but they all share themes of resilience and the importance of life experiences, which enrich my understanding of history and human spirit.

Band 7

00:00

One of the most impressive and enlightening chat that I had was with one of my senior at work. It was related to design of a building. The way that the chat progressed was basically on top of a current project that we were working on. The concept of deriving a design actually depends on the intent of the design. This basic fact was so much enlightening to me that it has remained in contact with me for a long time now. So this has engaged me in actually practicing this in my current design strategies and always is there at the back of my mind to incorporate a strong intent towards design because a good and clear intention towards what the outcome and desires are for a design actually helps in shaping it for a better outcome.

Follow up questions

How has this conversation influenced your design approach?

The conversation has significantly influenced my design approach by instilling the importance of intent. I now always consider the purpose behind my designs, which helps me create more meaningful and effective outcomes. This shift in mindset has improved my overall work quality.

Can you share an example of a design where intent played a key role?

Certainly! In a recent project, I designed a community center. By understanding the community's needs and the intended use of the space, I was able to create a layout that fostered interaction and accessibility, which ultimately made the design more successful and appreciated by the users.

What other conversations have impacted your professional growth?

I've had several impactful conversations, particularly with mentors who shared their experiences. One notable discussion was about the importance of feedback in design. It taught me to embrace criticism as a tool for growth, which has been invaluable in my career development.

Band 7

00:00

I was participating in the HCA tournament, which is also known as Hyderabad Cricket Association tournament, which is held in India for district level cricketers. My performance was going worse day by day, so I decided to talk about it with my parents. They helped me a lot in this issue. They gave me motivation, they supported me, they inspired me so much, that the very next match, I got a 100. Previously, I didn't even score above 10 runs in each and every match, but after having a chat with my parents, everything changed and I successfully got selected for the state camp for Telangana Cricket Association, which is an honor for me. It was a very special moment for me and my family. Besides my parents, my coach also helped me a lot for this journey, which led me to the national camp too.

Follow up questions

How did your parents motivate you during your tough times?

My parents motivated me by reminding me of my potential and past achievements. They shared stories of their own challenges and how perseverance led to success. Their belief in me helped me regain my confidence and focus on my game.

What role did your coach play in your improvement?

My coach played a crucial role by providing personalized training and constructive feedback. He helped me identify my weaknesses and worked with me on specific techniques. His guidance and tactical advice during matches were invaluable in my improvement.

How did it feel to achieve a century after your struggles?

Scoring a century felt surreal and incredibly rewarding. It was a moment of triumph after facing so many challenges. I felt a rush of joy and relief, knowing that my hard work and the support from my family and coach had paid off.

Practice other cue cards

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Describe a book you recently read.

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Band 7

00:00

This was a conversation that I had with my uncle. We had visited a resort as a family where we wanted to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. What I loved about this conversation was how easily it flowed. Not many conversations have a certain flow to it, have the beginning and the end properly defined. But this conversation had it. I personally really enjoy talking about abstract stuff, abstract things that would include a lot of philosophy, the meaning of life, and where exactly are we going, what is this rat race we are in, things like that. So what I got out of this conversation, because my uncle is obviously older than me and he has better experience in this game called life, I could learn a lot from him, starting with how he learned to trust people, how he began inculcating certain values in him that was not taught to him, that was not drilled into him, but something that he had taken along the way. So me as a wide-eyed young adult was personally impressed by this conversation. It left me enlightened in certain things and left me questioning certain parts of life, which I think is a fitting end.

Follow up questions

How do you think conversations shape our understanding of life?

Conversations can significantly shape our understanding by exposing us to different perspectives. They allow us to reflect on our beliefs and values, challenge our assumptions, and gain insights that we might not have considered before. This exchange of ideas can lead to personal growth.

What topics do you find most engaging in conversations?

I find topics related to philosophy, personal experiences, and life lessons to be the most engaging. These subjects often lead to deeper discussions and allow for a more meaningful exchange of ideas. Conversations about abstract concepts can be particularly enlightening and thought-provoking.

How do you maintain a good flow in conversations?

Maintaining a good flow in conversations involves active listening, asking open-ended questions, and being genuinely interested in the other person's thoughts. It's important to create a comfortable environment where both parties feel free to express themselves, which can lead to a natural and engaging dialogue.

Band 7

00:00

I would like to talk about an impressive conversation I had with my father, who has been my biggest source of motivation in life. This conversation took place about two years ago at our home, late at night. I was feeling confused and anxious about my career and future, especially regarding computer exams and whether I was capable of achieving my goals. During the conversation, my father shared his own life experiences, including the struggles, failures, and sacrifices he went through to support our family. He advised me that success is not about immediate results, but about discipline, consistency, and patience. He also explained how staying focused and maintaining a routine can completely change a person's life. What made his conversation truly impressive was his calm and practical approach. It did not force his opinions on me, instead, he listened carefully and gave realistic advice. His words boosted my confidence and changed my mindset. After that talk, I became very disciplined and serious about my preparations. Even today, whenever I feel demotivated, I remember that conversation. It left a lasting impact on me and helped shape my attitude towards challenges in life. So yes, I would additionally like to express that these were my precious or we can say as golden days of my life. My father had taught me a lot about discipline, as well as he sent me to the Army Hospital to build up confidence and a great level of discipline in my life, which I admire till date. So yes, he is my biggest inspiration.

Follow up questions

How has your father's advice influenced your daily routine?

My father's advice has significantly influenced my daily routine. I now prioritize discipline and consistency in my studies and personal life. I set specific goals and create a structured schedule to ensure I stay focused and motivated, which has improved my productivity and confidence.

Can you share a specific challenge you faced after that conversation?

After that conversation, I faced a challenging computer exam that I was anxious about. However, remembering my father's words about discipline and patience helped me approach my studies more methodically. I broke down the material into manageable parts and stayed committed to my study plan.

What other life lessons have you learned from your father?

Apart from discipline, I've learned the importance of resilience and adaptability from my father. He taught me that setbacks are part of life and that it's crucial to learn from them rather than be discouraged. This mindset has helped me navigate various challenges more effectively.

Show all 78 answers

Cue 1:Who you talked to

Introduce the person you had the conversation with, mentioning their relationship to you.
Share a brief background about them to give context to the conversation.

Example

I had an impressive conversation with my uncle, who is a successful entrepreneur. He has been running his own business for over a decade and has a wealth of experience in the industry.

Cue 2:When and where you had the talk

Describe the time and place of the conversation to set the scene.
Mention any relevant details about the environment that made the conversation special.

Example

This talk took place last summer during a family gathering at my grandparents' house. The atmosphere was relaxed, with everyone enjoying good food and laughter, which made it the perfect setting for a meaningful discussion.

Cue 3:What you talked about

Outline the main topics discussed during the conversation.
Highlight any specific stories or advice shared that stood out to you.

Example

We talked about the challenges of starting a business and the importance of resilience. He shared a personal story about a time he faced failure but learned valuable lessons that ultimately led to his success.

Cue 4:And explain why it was impressive

Reflect on what made the conversation impactful for you personally.
Discuss how it influenced your thoughts or actions moving forward.

Example

This conversation was impressive because it opened my eyes to the realities of entrepreneurship. His passion and determination inspired me to consider my own career path more seriously, and I left feeling motivated to pursue my dreams.

Conclusion

Example

In conclusion, that conversation with my uncle was not just a casual chat; it was a pivotal moment that encouraged me to think differently about my future. I realized the value of learning from others' experiences and how impactful a single conversation can be in shaping our aspirations.

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 Detail

Providing vague answers without specific details can make your response less engaging and memorable. It may fail to demonstrate your language proficiency and storytelling ability.

Tip

Include specific details about the person you talked to, the setting, and the topics discussed to create a vivid picture for the examiner.

2: Ignoring the Impressive Aspect

Failing to explain why the conversation was impressive can leave your answer incomplete. It’s essential to highlight the significance of the talk to showcase your reflective thinking.

Tip

Clearly articulate what made the conversation impactful for you, whether it was the insights gained or the emotional connection established.

Poor Structure

A disorganized response can confuse the listener and detract from the overall quality of your answer. It’s important to present your ideas in a logical sequence.

Tip

Follow the cue prompts in order: introduce the person, describe the setting, discuss the conversation, and conclude with its significance to ensure clarity.

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.