Describe Something You Do That Can Help You Concentrate On Work/Study: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

What is it?
When do you do it?
How did you learn about it?
How does it help you concentrate?

40 unique answers with expert feedback

How has meditation changed your approach to studying or working?

Meditation has significantly improved my focus and productivity. It allows me to clear my mind, reducing distractions. As a result, I can tackle complex tasks more efficiently and maintain a positive mindset throughout my studies and work.

Have you tried any other techniques to improve concentration?

Yes, I have experimented with techniques like deep breathing exercises and time management strategies. However, none have been as effective for me as meditation. It provides a unique sense of calm and clarity that enhances my overall performance.

Do you think meditation can benefit others in their studies or work?

Absolutely! I believe meditation can benefit anyone looking to improve their concentration and reduce stress. It promotes mindfulness, which helps individuals stay present and engaged in their tasks, ultimately leading to better outcomes.

Band 7

00:00

Something that helps me concentrate while working is something called the Pomodoro technique. This is when you use 25 minutes to study and then five minutes on break. Now I've adjusted this technique to be one hour of studies and 10 minutes of break. The reason this technique works is actually something I've learned in psychology. It's called interference and this happens because you study too much content in too short of a time and it blocks your recall ability. So Pomodoro allows you to study and focus for a short period of time and then unwind your brain so you can actually process information better. There's also been studies to show that sleep helps with processing. So it's important to get good quality sleep before an exam so you can recall better. The technique works on the same principle. I think it's really good because it prevents your brain from getting overburdened and you from getting burnt out fast. So I can work longer amounts of time and study a range of content without ever feeling like my body is lagging behind because I'm able to keep up with the frequent breaks and then the breaks I can eat and replenish my energy or I can go on the phone and talk to people and this will increase my mood and serotonin levels so when I go back to studying I'll be more focused and concentrated.

Follow up questions

How did you first learn about the Pomodoro technique?

I first learned about the Pomodoro technique from a productivity workshop I attended online. The instructor explained its benefits and how to implement it effectively. I was intrigued by the idea of structured breaks and decided to give it a try in my study routine.

What other techniques do you use to improve concentration?

In addition to the Pomodoro technique, I also use mindfulness meditation and create a distraction-free environment. I find that taking a few minutes to meditate helps clear my mind, and having a tidy workspace minimizes distractions, allowing me to focus better on my tasks.

How do you ensure you get good quality sleep?

To ensure I get good quality sleep, I maintain a consistent sleep schedule, avoid screens before bedtime, and create a relaxing bedtime routine. I also make sure my sleeping environment is comfortable and dark, which helps me fall asleep faster and wake up feeling refreshed.

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.

Yes, I have explored TED talks and podcasts on personal development. They also provide valuable insights and keep me motivated in different ways.

Show all 40 answers

Cue 1:What is it?

Clearly state the activity you do to help you concentrate, such as meditation, listening to music, or taking short breaks.
Provide a brief explanation of what this activity involves.

Example

One activity that helps me concentrate on my studies is listening to instrumental music. I usually choose soft piano or nature sounds, which create a calming atmosphere that allows me to focus better.

Cue 2:When do you do it?

Mention specific times when you engage in this activity, such as during study sessions or while working on assignments.
Explain how often you incorporate this activity into your routine.

Example

I typically listen to music while studying in the evenings, especially when I have a lot of material to cover. I make it a point to do this every day, as it has become an essential part of my study routine.

Cue 3:How did you learn about it?

Share how you discovered this activity, whether through friends, online resources, or personal experimentation.
Mention any specific experiences that led you to adopt this method.

Example

I learned about the benefits of listening to music for concentration from a friend who is also a student. She recommended it to me during our study sessions, and I decided to give it a try. After a few days, I noticed a significant improvement in my focus.

Cue 4:How does it help you concentrate?

Explain the specific ways this activity enhances your concentration, such as reducing distractions or creating a positive mood.
Provide personal insights on how it affects your productivity.

Example

Listening to instrumental music helps me block out distractions from my surroundings, like noise from family members or traffic outside. It creates a peaceful environment that allows me to immerse myself in my studies, ultimately boosting my productivity and retention of information.

Conclusion

Example

In conclusion, listening to instrumental music has become a vital part of my study routine. It not only helps me concentrate better but also makes the studying process more enjoyable. I believe that finding the right method to enhance focus is essential for anyone looking to improve their academic performance.

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: Vague Descriptions

Using unclear or general terms can confuse the examiner. It's important to provide specific details about the activity to make your answer more engaging and informative.

Tip

Use clear examples and specific details when describing the activity. Explain what it is and how it works in your routine.

2: Lack of Personal Connection

Failing to connect the activity to your personal experience can make your response less relatable. The examiner wants to hear your unique perspective.

Tip

Share a personal story or experience related to the activity. Explain how you discovered it and why it matters to you.