Describe something you taught to your friend/relative.: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

What you taught him/her?
When it was?
How long it was for?
And explain how you felt about it.

9 unique answers with expert feedback

What specific math topics do you find most challenging to teach?

I find topics like calculus and trigonometry to be the most challenging to teach. They require a strong understanding of concepts and often involve complex problem-solving. I try to break them down into simpler parts and use real-life examples to make them more relatable.

How do you keep your students motivated during lessons?

I keep my students motivated by incorporating fun activities and games related to math. I also set small goals for them to achieve during each session, which helps them feel a sense of accomplishment. Positive reinforcement and celebrating their progress is key to maintaining their interest.

What skills do you think are important for a good tutor?

A good tutor should have strong communication skills to explain concepts clearly. Patience is also essential, as students may take time to grasp difficult topics. Additionally, being adaptable to different learning styles and maintaining a positive attitude can greatly enhance the learning experience.

Band 6-7

00:00

One soft skill which I taught my friend is planning. I taught him during our college days and this was and it was mainly used during our n semester exams. He was a topper by general but he lacks in planning of what to study and when to study. So I taught him how to plan accordingly to study each subject irrespective of what we are learning and because of that he was able to achieve more marks than me to be honest. He got more marks than me during the n semester and I really felt like I taught someone a good skill. So that was very proud for me.

Follow up questions

How did you learn the skill of planning yourself?

I learned the skill of planning through trial and error during my own studies. I realized that without a structured approach, I often felt overwhelmed. I started creating schedules and setting specific goals for each subject, which helped me manage my time effectively.

What other skills do you think are important for students?

Apart from planning, I believe skills like time management, effective communication, and critical thinking are crucial for students. These skills not only help in academics but also prepare them for real-world challenges and teamwork in future careers.

How did your friend react to your teaching method?

My friend was very receptive to my teaching method. He appreciated the structured approach and found it helpful. Initially, he was skeptical about planning, but after seeing the results in his grades, he became more committed to using the techniques I shared with him.

Band 6-7

00:00

There are multiple friends, but recently one of my friend Rajesh joined my organization. As he was new to this organization, he is not aware about lots of software, but as he is my friend, I have taught him about the softwares and their working process. Recently this process, we are working in the MAV field and it's a huge kind of software, so it takes a long time, it almost takes 2 months to drive through the softwares and daily on a daily basis, we can sit together, discuss, we have some gossips and work together on a same platform. So on a daily basis, we learn something new, we taught them each other and we can keep on growing. It took me almost 2 years to reach at this platform, but yeah, he has recently joined, so currently he has covered 6 months of GAP and like this, by explaining to each other, we keep on gossiping, we keep on explaining and we keep on working and at the same time, we can feel comfortable in a field of organizations, also at the same time, we can grow. So that's our main understanding.

Follow up questions

What challenges did you face while teaching your friend?

While teaching Rajesh, I faced challenges like his initial lack of familiarity with the software. Sometimes, he struggled to grasp complex concepts quickly. I had to find simpler ways to explain things and be patient, ensuring he felt comfortable asking questions without hesitation.

How do you think teaching someone helps you learn better?

Teaching someone reinforces my own knowledge. When I explain concepts to Rajesh, I have to clarify my understanding and think critically about the subject. This process often reveals gaps in my own knowledge, allowing me to learn and grow alongside him.

What other skills do you think are important when teaching someone?

Apart from knowledge of the subject, patience and communication skills are crucial. It's important to be able to break down complex information into digestible parts and to encourage a supportive environment where the learner feels comfortable making mistakes and asking questions.

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Band 6-7

00:00

So I was a tutor, a maths tutor to my father's friend's son and I used to teach him math over the video call because he was in Singapore and I am in India. I used to teach him, he was in the sixth grade and I used to teach him the basics of algebra, math and fractions. It was a very difficult task at first because to coordinate maths and to work out problems over the video call is quite a difficult task. I understood the plight of my teachers and what they went through during the pandemic. I was put in the same situation. I had to use a whiteboard with just a mouse to draw out all the equations and to type out everything. I had to conduct practice test and mock test so that I could gauge his level of understanding. Thankfully, he was a quick learner so he could grasp on to my teaching and he was well versed enough to ask questions or speak up in the class if he didn't understand any concept. He was a very good student and it's his understanding that made my task easier because I could communicate topics more easily and his level of effectiveness and learning helped that a lot. I also used to teach him Hindi because he was planning to move to India and Hindi was a second language so he was not familiar with a lot of terms. So I had to teach him a lot of the vocabulary required for Hindi education in India which is at sixth level grade. I had to start with the grammar.

Follow up questions

What challenges did you face while teaching online?

Teaching online posed several challenges, such as ensuring clear communication and engagement. I had to adapt my teaching methods to make sure he understood the concepts without being physically present. Technical issues sometimes arose, and I had to find creative ways to explain complex topics using a whiteboard.

How did you motivate your friend/relative to learn?

I motivated him by setting achievable goals and celebrating small successes. I also encouraged him to ask questions and express any difficulties he faced. By making the lessons interactive and relevant to his interests, I kept him engaged and motivated to learn both math and Hindi.

What did you learn from this teaching experience?

I learned a lot about patience and adaptability. This experience gave me insight into the challenges teachers face, especially in online settings. It also improved my communication skills and reinforced the importance of understanding a student's perspective to tailor my teaching approach effectively.

Band 6-7

00:00

So I would like to describe about this time where I taught my younger sibling of cutting vegetables in a specific way. Me being a fanatic, I like my things to be done in a certain way and if I am unable to do few things at the same time, I would like somebody to help me around. So specifically when the Ganesh Chaturthi festival used to come around, we used to have an idol worshipping for almost 7 days and we basically helped our elders by doing as many things as possible. But we being kids, we were not involved in cooking, making it a thing in the mind that we may burn our hand or any untoward event may happen. So we were taught to cut vegetables under supervision and me being a quick learner, I took up that opportunity to teach all of my siblings to do this. So I caught up on this cutting vegetables quite fast as compared to the other siblings and as soon as I knew that what is to be done, I taught the same thing to my younger sibling and we carried out. On the first two days, the cutting out of the vegetables was way too different but as the days passed by, like on the third and the fourth day, I started getting better and looking at me, my siblings had a boost like if she can do it, I can do it too. After I taught these things to my siblings, I felt a sense of pride like the things which we carry out.

Follow up questions

What other skills do you think are important to teach younger siblings?

I believe teaching skills like basic cooking, cleaning, and time management are essential. These skills help them become more independent and responsible. Additionally, teaching them how to communicate effectively and solve problems can greatly benefit their personal development.

How did your siblings react to learning from you?

Initially, they were a bit hesitant and unsure, but as they saw me getting better at cutting vegetables, they became more confident. They started to enjoy the process, and it turned into a fun activity for us. It was rewarding to see them gain confidence and improve their skills.

What challenges did you face while teaching your siblings?

One challenge was their initial fear of handling sharp knives, which made them hesitant. I had to be patient and encourage them. Additionally, coordinating our efforts in the kitchen was sometimes tricky, but we managed to work together and support each other, which made it a great learning experience.

Show all 9 answers

Cue 1:What you taught him/her?

Clearly state the skill or knowledge you imparted, making it relatable to your friend or relative's interests.
Provide a brief context for why you chose to teach this particular skill.

Example

I taught my cousin how to cook traditional Indian dishes, specifically biryani. She had always been curious about cooking, and I thought it would be a great way for her to connect with our culture.

Cue 2:When it was?

Mention the specific time frame when you taught this skill, such as a particular day or during a holiday.
Include any relevant details about the occasion that made it special.

Example

It was during the summer holidays last year, when my cousin came to visit for a month. We had plenty of free time to experiment in the kitchen together.

Cue 3:How long it was for?

Indicate the duration of the teaching session, whether it was a one-time event or spread over several days.
Explain how you structured the learning process.

Example

We spent about two weeks cooking together, with each session lasting around two to three hours. I would demonstrate a recipe, and then she would try it herself while I guided her.

Cue 4:And explain how you felt about it.

Share your emotions during the teaching process, highlighting any challenges or successes.
Reflect on the impact this experience had on your relationship with the person you taught.

Example

I felt incredibly proud to share my culinary skills with her. It was rewarding to see her confidence grow as she mastered each dish. This experience brought us closer, and now she often calls me for cooking tips.

Conclusion

Summarize the key points of your teaching experience.
Express any lasting effects this experience had on both you and the person you taught.

Example

In conclusion, teaching my cousin how to cook not only helped her learn valuable skills but also strengthened our bond. I cherish those moments in the kitchen and look forward to more cooking sessions in the future.

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: Avoid Vague Descriptions

Using vague language can make your answer unclear. It's important to provide specific details about what you taught and how it impacted your friend or relative.

Tip

Use clear examples and specific details to illustrate what you taught, when it happened, and how long it took.

2: Don't Rush Your Answer

Rushing through your response can lead to incomplete answers. Take your time to cover all the cues thoroughly and thoughtfully.

Tip

Pace yourself and ensure you address each cue fully, allowing for a more comprehensive and engaging response.

Avoid Overly Complex Language

Using complicated vocabulary or structures can confuse the listener. It's better to use simple, clear language that effectively communicates your ideas.

Tip

Stick to straightforward language and sentence structures to ensure your message is easily understood.

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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.

All Answers

Here are all the answers by real-users practicing speaking for IELTS Cue Cards on our IELTS Prep App.

Band 7

Band 6-7

Today, I would like to talk about how I taught something to my brother. My brother name is Akash. He lives in Canada. He actually could not do hard work. But the thing is that I actually taught him how to do hard work. So what really happened was that he was just chilling with his life doing these odd kind of things and odd kind of jobs. So there was this time when I just told him like you need to study hard and work so that you can have a better life. So that was the word that I told him which made him change the way that he thinks. So it was more like a suggestion rather than teaching. So from that day onwards, he started doing his work seriously, started studying hard and doing so many things and he actually did his B.Tech in Bhimvaram and then after that he pursued his post graduation in Canada in University of Toronto. So from there onwards, his life had changed. It actually helped him a lot. It was the one thing that I told him. So he means a lot to me. He was the only guy that listened to me when I told him. This made him change his life. Although other guys did not listen to me, they were also successful.

Band 6

So, I taught the importance of time management to one of my friend named Pranav. So, like Pranav is my friend from my school days, we did our primary school, high school and college together. Later on, we both got jobs in a different multinational company. So, I excelled in my work due to the important personal time management skills that I learned during my undergraduate studies and I saw like when we were talking, Pranav asked me for help for the time management. So, I helped him, I taught him like how he can keep up time and he can excel in his professional life too. So, I taught him the importance of using Google Calendar and the technique of time boxing which he implemented in his professional life and was able to improve the skill. So, Pranav, he is a very dear friend of mine and I feel grateful that I have been helpful to him in order to come up from the situation and I believe he is also grateful to me for solving this misery of his and I believe this will be one of the key skills that I can teach to anyone.

Band 5-6

As I'm more inclined towards sports and games, I find it very happy to teach my friend or relative how to play a game. I have been playing badminton for the last 12 years, and I find it fascinating because I taught my close friend, Anila, how to play badminton. And when it happened when I was...

Band 5-6

I have taught my friend a cooking recipe that I have known for a long time and it is called caramel pudding so this is a recipe usually very popular in the internet and it is a very easiest recipe so when my friend asked me to teach it for her I have gladly did it and it didn't take a long time it is a for about an hour or so so when it was started cooking it she is kind of nervous because if things might go wrong if it is a little overburnt or overcooked or anything so so we started it slowly and then I have explained clearly on how to make it and by the end of the cooking session we have completely understood the process and it took about an hour or so and the process is very smooth and the explanation everything is went so good that she explained she understood it clearly coming to how it felt I felt so good because cooking is not my cup of tea I've never cooked anything ever since I was a kid so that is the only recipe I could make very good and so teaching my friends the same like teaching my friends the whole recipe that I'm very good at like I'm an expert in has made me a little bit confident that I can make it if I wanted to and it also improved my memory obviously because teach explaining something to someone also improves or boosts our memory so I kind of it kind of helped me to not only her but also me so it helped both ways and sometimes I feel like I should try more recipes and