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

59 unique answers with expert feedback

How has this conversation influenced your design approach?

This conversation has significantly influenced my design approach by making me more intentional about the purpose behind my designs. I now take the time to clarify the intent before starting a project, which has led to more focused and effective outcomes in my work.

Can you share an example of a project where this insight was applied?

Certainly! In a recent project for a community center, I applied this insight by first defining the community's needs and aspirations. This clear intent guided the design process, resulting in a space that truly serves its purpose and resonates with the users.

What other topics do you find enlightening in your conversations?

I often find discussions about sustainability and user experience in design to be enlightening. These topics challenge me to think critically about my work and push me to innovate while considering the broader impact of my designs on society and the environment.

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 successes. They encouraged me to focus on my strengths and not to give up. Their belief in me helped me regain my confidence, which was crucial for my performance in the tournament.

What role did your coach play in your improvement?

My coach played a significant role by providing me with personalized training and strategies to improve my game. He also gave me constructive feedback and helped me work on my weaknesses, which made a big difference in my performance during the matches.

How did it feel to achieve such a significant milestone?

Achieving a century and being selected for the state camp was exhilarating. It felt like all my hard work and the support from my family and coach paid off. It was a proud moment not just for me, but for my family as well, as they had always believed in me.

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

What topics do you find most engaging in conversations?

I find topics related to philosophy, personal growth, and the meaning of life to be the most engaging. These subjects often lead to deep discussions that challenge my thinking and provide new perspectives.

How do you think conversations can impact personal growth?

Conversations can significantly impact personal growth by exposing us to different viewpoints and experiences. They can inspire us to reflect on our beliefs and values, leading to a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Can you share another memorable conversation you've had?

Another memorable conversation I had was with a close friend about our future aspirations. We discussed our dreams and fears, which helped us both clarify our goals and motivate each other to pursue them more actively.

Practice other cue cards

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Describe a risk you took that you thought would lead to a terrible result but ended up with a positive result

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Describe a difficult task that you completed at work/study that you felt proud of

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Describe a daily routine that you enjoy

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Describe A Difficult Decision That You Made And Had A Good Result

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Describe Something You Do Regularly That Helps You Work And Study Better

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Describe a skill that was difficult to learn

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Describe a book you recently read.

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Describe a piece of advice you recently received.

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Describe a plan that you had to change recently

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Describe Something Healthy You Enjoy Doing

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Describe Something You Do To Keep Fit And Healthy

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Describe Something That Helps You Concentrate

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Describe a habit your friend has and you want to develop.

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Describe an event that ended in failure.

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Describe an achievement/success you are proud of

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Describe a long-term goal you would like to achieve.

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Describe an activity you enjoyed in your free time when you were young.

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Band 7

00:00

One of the most impressive conversations I feel ever had was with my college professor about career guidance and personal development. It happened around a year ago. In my college campus, I had been feeling a bit uncertain about my future after completing my engineering degree. So I decided to ask my professor for some advice. We sat down over a cup of coffee and he started by asking me about my interests and long-term goals. I told him that I was passionate about technology, especially the field of IoT and 5G communication. He listened carefully and then gave me some very practical suggestions about how to build a strong career in that area. He also spoke about the importance of continuous learning, improving communication skills and staying updated with new technologies. What impressed him was not just his knowledge but the way of motivating me. He shared his own journey including the challenges he faced and encouraged me never to give up no matter how difficult things might seem. His words gave me a lot of clarity and confidence about my path. That conversation really changed my mindset. It inspired me to work harder, improve my English and prepare for studying abroad. I still remember his advice and it continues to guide me whenever I feel uncertain. It was truly one of the most meaningful and inspiring talks of my life.

Follow up questions

How did your professor's advice impact your career choices?

His advice made me more focused on my career path in technology. I started exploring opportunities in IoT and 5G, which helped me set clear goals and take actionable steps towards achieving them.

What specific steps have you taken since that conversation?

Since that conversation, I've enrolled in online courses related to IoT, improved my English skills, and started networking with professionals in the field. I also began working on personal projects to apply what I've learned.

Do you think mentorship is important for personal development?

Absolutely! Mentorship provides guidance, support, and valuable insights that can help individuals navigate their career paths more effectively. My professor's mentorship was crucial in shaping my confidence and direction.

Band 7

00:00

I will share one that really struck with me. A while back, I had a conversation with a college student who wanted to become an IAS officer. What impressed me was the clarity and fire in their voice. They talked about how they wanted to serve society, bring positive changes, and stand as an inspiration for others. But at the same time, they were very practical. They mentioned having a back-up plan to become a professor if civil service did not work out. The conversation left a deep impression on me because it was not just about ambition. It was about determination with realism. They were not dreaming blindly. They were preparing smartly.

Follow up questions

What qualities do you think are important for someone aspiring to be an IAS officer?

I believe qualities like determination, resilience, and a strong sense of ethics are crucial. An IAS officer must be able to handle pressure, make tough decisions, and have a genuine desire to serve the public. Additionally, good communication skills and the ability to work with diverse groups are essential.

How do you think having a backup plan can benefit someone's career aspirations?

Having a backup plan provides security and reduces anxiety about pursuing a primary goal. It allows individuals to explore their passions without the fear of failure. In the case of the student I spoke with, it showed their practicality and readiness to adapt, which is important in any career path.

Can you share your thoughts on the importance of realism in pursuing dreams?

Realism is vital because it helps individuals set achievable goals and prepare for potential setbacks. While ambition is important, understanding the challenges and having a practical approach can lead to better outcomes. It ensures that one remains grounded while still striving for their dreams.

Show all 59 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.