Describe an interesting traditional story: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

What the story is about
When/how you knew it
Who told you the story
And explain how you felt when you first heard it

54 unique answers with expert feedback

What do you think is the main lesson from this story?

The main lesson from this story is to not jump to conclusions without understanding the full situation. It teaches us the importance of patience and investigation before making decisions, especially when emotions are high.

How do traditional stories influence our values?

Traditional stories often convey moral lessons and cultural values that shape our understanding of right and wrong. They serve as a medium to pass down wisdom from one generation to another, helping to instill important life lessons in a relatable way.

Can you think of another traditional story with a similar theme?

Yes, another traditional story with a similar theme is 'The Boy Who Cried Wolf.' It teaches the importance of honesty and the consequences of lying. Both stories emphasize the significance of trust and the repercussions of hasty actions.

Band 7

00:00

An interesting traditional story that I came to know was about Krishna and Kujjela. Krishna, Lord Krishna, in his youth became the king of a land and Kujjela was his old friend. Kujjela was struggling with poverty and finding one square meal for his family. His wife instructed him to visit Krishna, his good friend. Kujjela was reluctant to meet his friend in this condition, but he still decided to go ahead. His wife prepared some plate rice to take along with him. Once Kujjela visits Krishna, he offers the plate rice that his wife makes. However, he is not confident about what he has to offer to Krishna. Krishna, however, devours the food that Kujjela brings and he is happy that Kujjela is there for him. He rewards Kujjela with a lot of gifts and he realizes the struggles that Kujjela faces. I think I heard the story from my mother when I was very small and at the time I was greatly fascinated by the story as I felt that kindness would be rewarded and I could also relate with Kujjela's sense of dignity and pride as I also had similar feelings.

Follow up questions

What lessons do you think this story teaches about friendship?

The story teaches that true friendship is about support and understanding. Krishna's acceptance of Kujjela's humble offering shows that genuine connections are not based on material wealth but on love and compassion.

How do traditional stories like this one influence cultural values?

Traditional stories often reflect and reinforce cultural values such as kindness, generosity, and the importance of community. They serve as moral lessons that shape the behavior and beliefs of individuals within a culture.

Can you share another traditional story that has impacted you?

Another traditional story that impacted me is about the wise old man who solved a village's problems with simple solutions. It taught me the value of wisdom and the importance of listening to others, regardless of their age or status.

Band 7

00:00

Today, I would like to describe a very famous traditional story from India called the story of King Harishchandra, which is known for its strong message of honesty and sacrifice. I first heard this story when I was a child, probably around the age of 7. My grandmother used to narrate it to me during festivals, especially on Diwali nights when the whole family gathered together. One important part of the story is that King Harishchandra was known for his commitment to truth. This was because he believed that a king must always set the right example for his people. For instance, even when he lost his kingdom and family due to a sage's curse, he refused to lie or take the easy way out. As a result, he became a symbol of integrity in Indian culture. Another significant aspect is the sacrifices he made. He went through extreme hardships, even working as crematorium keeper to pay off his debts. For example, there is a famous scene where he has to take payment for performing the last rites of his own son. Because of this, the story teaches children the value of honesty even in the most difficult situations. Finally, what makes this story truly special is its emotional and spiritual lesson. It shows that truth always wins in the end. When the gods finally restored his kingdom, it provided the patience and righteousness eventually led to justice. Overall, this traditional story has stayed with me for many years because of its powerful message about honesty and moral strength. That is why it is still told in Indian homes even today.

Follow up questions

What other traditional stories do you know from India?

Apart from King Harishchandra, I know several other traditional stories like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. These epics also convey strong moral lessons and are integral to Indian culture. They explore themes of duty, righteousness, and the complexities of human relationships.

How do traditional stories impact children's values?

Traditional stories play a crucial role in shaping children's values. They often teach important life lessons about honesty, bravery, and compassion. By listening to these stories, children learn to navigate moral dilemmas and understand the significance of integrity in their lives.

Why do you think storytelling is important in culture?

Storytelling is vital in culture as it preserves history, traditions, and values. It fosters a sense of identity and community. Through stories, cultural knowledge is passed down generations, allowing people to connect with their heritage and learn from the experiences of others.

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Band 7

00:00

One interesting traditional Bengali folklore that I know very well about is of the Brahmaditya. So the Brahmaditya is said to be the ghost of a Brahmin man who had died and become a benevolent spirit who stays near the family protecting them, sits on the trees since the evening till dawn and just is very big and loves to eat. So I have been hearing this story since I was a child. I was first told about this story by my grandmother. I used to beg her for stories at night and one night she told me this and even scared me saying that even we had a big tree in our backyard which had a Brahmaditya in it. I was just very fascinated with this story and since then I have had an interest in paranormal things. I keep on researching and I still keep thinking if I should believe in it or not. Not only Brahmaditya, just the whole concept of paranormal creatures. I don't believe something until I see it. I just keep on hearing about it all the time. So someday maybe I would like to see if it's not too much of a hassle or if it's not too traumatic of an experience. I would definitely like to physically see and believe in it. Thanks for watching!

Follow up questions

What other traditional stories do you find interesting?

Apart from the Brahmaditya, I find many traditional stories fascinating, especially those that involve moral lessons or cultural values. Stories like 'The Ramayana' or 'The Mahabharata' from Indian mythology also intrigue me due to their rich narratives and the lessons they impart.

How do you think traditional stories influence culture?

Traditional stories play a crucial role in shaping culture as they convey values, beliefs, and history. They help in preserving cultural identity and passing down wisdom from one generation to another, fostering a sense of belonging and understanding among people.

Have you ever shared this story with others? How did they react?

Yes, I have shared the story of Brahmaditya with friends and family. Most of them found it intriguing and some were even scared! It sparked discussions about other folklore and paranormal experiences, and it was interesting to see how different people reacted to the same story.

Band 6-7

00:00

The story is about a festival which is most popular in Muslims, that is Eid or Eid-ul-Fitr. On that day, we make a sweet porridge which is called Kheer and some vermicelli which is called Semiya or Shirkarma. On that day, the younger ones got money from the elder ones. When I was in 4th grade, I went to my grandparents' house. It was my first meeting to my uncles, aunts and so many other relatives. So, we went for Eid-ul-Fitr festival. On that day, we get ready for Eid-ul-Fitr. After eating Shirkarma and greeting everyone, we got money from our elders. At that time, I was like, why are they giving money to us? Although, I was feeling very happy inside but it was my stress.

Follow up questions

What other traditional stories are popular in your culture?

In my culture, there are many traditional stories like the tale of 'The Lion and the Mouse' which teaches kindness and friendship. Another popular story is 'The Clever Farmer' that highlights the importance of hard work and cleverness in overcoming challenges.

How do you think traditional stories impact younger generations?

Traditional stories play a crucial role in shaping values and morals in younger generations. They help instill cultural identity, teach important life lessons, and foster a sense of community and belonging among children as they learn about their heritage.

Can you share a memorable experience related to a traditional festival?

One memorable experience was during Diwali when my family and I decorated our home with lights and rangoli. We also prepared special sweets and shared them with neighbors. The joy and togetherness during that festival created lasting memories for me.

Show all 54 answers

Cue 1:What the story is about

Begin by summarizing the main plot of the traditional story, highlighting its key themes and characters.
Mention any cultural significance or moral lessons that the story conveys.

Example

The story I want to share is about 'The Ramayana', an epic tale from Indian mythology. It narrates the journey of Lord Rama, who embarks on a quest to rescue his wife, Sita, from the demon king Ravana. The story is rich in themes of duty, honor, and the triumph of good over evil.

Cue 2:When/how you knew it

Describe the context in which you first encountered the story, whether it was through reading, storytelling, or media.
Mention any specific time or event that made this story memorable for you.

Example

I first heard this story during my childhood, when my grandmother used to narrate it to me every evening. It was a cherished family tradition, and I looked forward to those storytelling sessions, especially during the festive season of Diwali.

Cue 3:Who told you the story

Identify the person who shared the story with you and explain their relationship to you.
Share any personal anecdotes about how this person made the story come alive.

Example

My grandmother was the one who told me this story. She had a magical way of storytelling, using different voices for each character, which made the tale even more engaging. Her passion for the story made me feel like I was part of the adventure.

Cue 4:And explain how you felt when you first heard it

Express your emotions and thoughts during your first experience of hearing the story.
Discuss how the story impacted you personally or influenced your beliefs.

Example

When I first heard 'The Ramayana', I felt a mix of excitement and awe. The bravery of Lord Rama and the loyalty of Hanuman inspired me deeply. It instilled in me the values of courage and righteousness, which I carry with me to this day.

Conclusion

Example

In conclusion, this traditional story not only entertained me as a child but also shaped my understanding of moral values. It remains a significant part of my cultural heritage, reminding me of the importance of good over evil in our lives.

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 in Story Description

Failing to provide enough detail about the story can make your answer seem vague and uninteresting. It's important to engage the listener with vivid descriptions.

Tip

Include specific elements of the story, such as key characters, events, and settings, to make your answer more engaging.

2: Ignoring Personal Connection

Not sharing your personal feelings or experiences related to the story can make your response less relatable. Personal connections add depth to your answer.

Tip

Explain how the story impacted you emotionally or what it taught you to create a more compelling narrative.

Rushing Through the Answer

Speaking too quickly can lead to unclear communication and missed opportunities to elaborate on important points. Take your time to articulate your thoughts.

Tip

Pace your speech and pause briefly between points to allow the listener to absorb your ideas and to give yourself time to think.

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.