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

60 unique answers with expert feedback

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

The main lesson from the story is about the importance of not jumping to conclusions. It teaches us that our first impressions can be misleading, and we should take the time to investigate a situation before making a judgment. This can prevent unnecessary harm and regret.

How do traditional stories like this one impact our culture?

Traditional stories often carry moral lessons that reflect the values of a culture. They help to pass down wisdom from generation to generation, shaping our beliefs and behaviors. This particular story emphasizes trust and the consequences of hasty actions, which are relevant in many cultures.

Can you think of any other stories with similar themes?

Yes, there are many stories with similar themes. For example, the story of 'The Boy Who Cried Wolf' teaches about the consequences of lying and losing trust. Another example is 'Cinderella,' which highlights the importance of kindness and not judging others based on appearances.

Band 7

00:00

Well, I have come across many fascinating Indian traditional stories like the Jataka tales and Mahabharata, but the one that fascinated me the most is Ramayana, the story of Lord Rama. The story starts from when he was sent to exile for 14 years, and his wife Sita was kidnapped by the demon king Ravana. Then Rama fights a great battle along with his brother Lakshmana and Lord Hanuman and defeats Ravana and brings back Sita. What really excited me the most is the idea of the story, the patience and the things that the story carries which are relevant even today. My grandmother used to tell me this story when I was a child and I had been very passionate about it and I constantly wished to hear that from her, but she used to tell only one or two chapters every night. And the main character that fascinated me the most is Lord Hanuman and his superhuman power. He would carry mountains on his shoulder and his ability, his worship towards Lord Rama. The story is very interesting.

Follow up questions

What lessons do you think can be learned from the Ramayana?

The Ramayana teaches many valuable lessons such as the importance of duty, honor, and loyalty. It emphasizes the significance of righteousness and the consequences of one's actions. The characters' struggles and triumphs provide moral guidance that is still relevant in today's world.

How do traditional stories like the Ramayana influence modern culture?

Traditional stories like the Ramayana influence modern culture by shaping values, beliefs, and artistic expressions. They inspire literature, films, and festivals, and often serve as a source of identity and community bonding. The themes of love, sacrifice, and good versus evil resonate across generations.

Why do you think your grandmother chose to tell you only one or two chapters each night?

My grandmother likely chose to tell only one or two chapters each night to build anticipation and make the storytelling experience more special. This approach allowed me to savor each part of the story, fostering a deeper connection and appreciation for the narrative and its characters.

Band 7

00:00

I would like to talk about a very intriguing traditional story which is very much part of Assamese mythology and that is the story of Bordoisilla. Bordoisilla has always been an integral part of myths and legends that are talked about in Assamese culture and being an Assamese girl myself I have listened to the various versions of this story. However the most popular version of the story talks about Bordoisilla as a woman who visited Assam every time before the monsoon started. That is the period when we get to experience strong winds and heavy rains in Assam and it is believed that it is because Bordoisilla who is a character in our Assamese myth used to visit her mother's place during this period and whenever she was leaving her mother's place to go back to her husband's house or which was her house she would cry and throw tantrums because she wouldn't want to leave her mother's side. This story is very popular and the strong winds and torrential rainfall is associated with Bordoisilla's tantrums and unwillingness to leave her mother's house. The story has always captivated me and also the environmental aspect of it is pretty interesting in my opinion and therefore I always have felt a deep connect with this particular story. My mother was the first person who told me this story

Follow up questions

What other traditional stories are popular in Assamese culture?

In addition to Bordoisilla, there are several other traditional stories in Assamese culture, such as the tale of 'Mikha' and 'Brahmaputra's origin'. Each story carries its own moral and cultural significance, reflecting the values and beliefs of the Assamese people.

How do traditional stories like Bordoisilla influence Assamese culture?

Traditional stories like Bordoisilla play a crucial role in preserving Assamese culture. They are often shared during festivals and gatherings, helping to instill cultural values, foster community bonds, and pass down history and traditions from one generation to the next.

What lessons can be learned from the story of Bordoisilla?

The story of Bordoisilla teaches us about the importance of family ties and the emotional struggles of leaving loved ones. It also highlights the connection between nature and human emotions, reminding us of how our feelings can be reflected in the world around us.

Practice other cue cards

Describe a place in your city you have been to where you can see wildlife (eg, animals, birds, insects, plants)

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Describe a public holiday that people enjoy.

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Describe a city that is very interesting.

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Describe a place in your hometown/city that is different from other places and that you enjoy visiting with your parents/friends.

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Describe A Time When You Saw A Lot Of Plastic Waste

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Describe an important river/lake in your country

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Describe A Crop You Are Familiar With

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Describe a change that benefitted your neighborhood.

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Describe a time when you saw something in the sky

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Describe a person who helps to protect the environment

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Describe a unique animal you've encountered.

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Describe an aquatic animal.

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Describe a place you visited where the air was polluted

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Describe a time when you were fascinated with another culture.

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Describe a place that you would like to learn the culture there (eg, a library, museum, theatre)

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Describe Your Favourite Season

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Describe A New Development In Your Country Or The Area Where You Live (Like A Shopping Centre, Park, Etc.)

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Describe A Person Who Likes To Grow Plants

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Describe a natural place (e.g. parks, mountains)

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Describe an important plant in your country

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Talk About A Traditional Object Of Your Country

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Describe a place in your city you have been to where you can see wildlife (e.g. animals, birds, insects, plants)

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Describe an old tree that you have seen.

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Describe A Street Market In Your City

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Describe A Foreign Country You Have Never Been To

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Describe A Historical Place That You Know About

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Describe A Poisonous Plant You Know About

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Describe a park or a garden in your city

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Describe A Festival That Is Important In Your Country

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Describe a place where there was a lot of noise/ Describe a noisy place you have been to

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Describe A Quiet Place

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Describe a public park or garden.

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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 friendship transcends material wealth, and that being there for each other in tough times is what truly matters.

How do traditional stories like this one influence your culture?

Traditional stories play a crucial role in shaping cultural values and morals. They often convey important life lessons, instill a sense of identity, and connect generations. This story, for instance, emphasizes kindness and empathy, which are essential values in my culture.

Can you share another traditional story that has impacted you?

Another story that has impacted me is about the wise old owl. It teaches the importance of wisdom and patience. The owl helps other animals solve their problems, showing that seeking advice and taking time to think can lead to better decisions in life.

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 your culture?

In addition to the story of King Harishchandra, I know several other traditional stories, such as the tale of Ramayana and Mahabharata. These stories also convey important moral lessons and are integral to Indian culture, often teaching values like duty, righteousness, and the consequences of one's actions.

How do you think traditional stories impact children today?

Traditional stories play a crucial role in shaping children's values and morals. They provide lessons on honesty, bravery, and sacrifice, helping children understand complex concepts in a relatable way. Moreover, these stories foster a sense of cultural identity and continuity across generations.

Why do you think honesty is emphasized in many traditional stories?

Honesty is often emphasized in traditional stories because it is a fundamental value that builds trust and integrity in society. By showcasing characters who uphold truth, these stories inspire individuals to act ethically, reinforcing the idea that honesty leads to positive outcomes, even in adversity.

Show all 60 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.