What Are IELTS Cue Cards?
IELTS speaking is divided into three parts, with the cue card section being part two. In this part of the exam, the candidate is given a topic and asked to speak for 1-2 minutes. While the task sounds simple, it can be tricky if you’re not prepared for the variety of topics that may arise. The cue card will provide several prompts related to the topic, which you need to address while speaking. Here are few recent cue cards which can help you achieve your desired band score. For Ielts/ Pte and Spoken English classes, visit Euro Ielts Academy, best ielts academy in Jalandhar.
Recent IELTS Cue Cards with Answers
Let’s take a look at a few recent IELTS cue cards, complete with extended model answers. These answers will help you structure your response while ensuring you sound natural and confident.
- Describe an Important Decision You Made in Your Life.
Sample Answer:
One of the most significant decisions I made in my life was when I decided to pursue higher education abroad. After completing my undergraduate studies, I was in a dilemma whether to stay in my home country and start my career or move to another country for further studies. After careful consideration, I decided to study in Canada. There were several factors that influenced my decision. Firstly, I was looking for more diverse career opportunities that would provide me with global exposure. I also wanted to experience a new culture and environment, which I felt would help me grow both personally and professionally.
At first, the idea of leaving home was daunting, but as I researched the universities, the programs, and the lifestyle in Canada, I realized that it was the right choice. I applied to a few universities and was fortunate enough to receive an offer from my top choice. Looking back, it was the best decision I’ve ever made, as it has opened many doors for me and broadened my perspective on life. It taught me the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing change. Indeed I faced hurdles initially but gradually I came to know the power of freedom in life.
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Describe a Time When You Helped Someone.
Sample Answer:
Helping someone is a great therapy when it comes to the needy ones. I always try to give hand to others whenever anyone is in need. One instance when I helped someone was during pandemic. The corona period was so challenging for everyone that hardly any people were able to survive. That time my house help was facing financial problems. She was not able to manage her basic expenses like food so I decided to help her as much as I can.
Moreover, I started assisting her with grocery and necessary items for the household as her small kids were hungry. That little initiative taken by me gave her strength in that daunting time period. Even my family supported me in this and we decided to help other people also who were hungry and had no source of income. So that was the time when I helped someone and I am really proud of that moment.
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Describe a Book You Recently Read.
Sample Answer:
Books are a great source of knowledge and considered as best friends by many people. I personally feel that books are my greatest companion. Whenever I get leisure time, I prefer reading books mostly based on positivity and success. I love reading books on entrepreneur’s life and how they thrive in their life. Recently I have completed one book named “The magic of thinking big “ by David J. Schwartz. I must say this is a book full of positivity and faith.
The message of this book is that you don’t need to be super intelligent and exceptionally well in your subject, though you need to be confident and faithful towards your journey. Some people have extraordinary skills but they lack confidence and start thinking negatively and end up with failure. Meanwhile, people who are average but have a focused mindset towards their goal earn well and succeed in their life. The book depicts how our inner self makes us creative and builds a path towards success. So we should always think big and try to visualize our success. That was a book that I have read recently and that has changed my mindset completely.
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Describe a Place You Would Like to Visit.
Sample Answer:
Well, I am a person who loves to travel to new places and till now I have visited numerous places in India. But one place that I haven’t visited yet but that is in my bucket list is Kerala, also known as “God’s own country”. I have heard a lot about this state and it is known as one of the best tourist places in India. So, I would love to visit this place whenever I get a chance. Kerala is known for greenery and beautiful natural places even the south Indian food is quite famous.
I want to explore different places over there. This place is known for its landscapes, beaches, hill stations and cultural experiences. Moreover, I want to visit tea plantations there and explore nature. I love meeting different people associated with distinct cultures. Thus, Kerala is my next destination to wander and I am sure this trip will be a memorable trip for me.
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Describe a Hobby You Enjoy.
Sample Answer:
Hobbies are the heartbeat of a joyful life. Different people have different hobbies according to their choices. One of my favorite hobbies is singing. I have been passionate about singing for as long as I can remember. I first got interested in singing when I was in 3rd standard and my mother sang a song for me on my birthday. My mom’s voice is so mesmerising that I got fascinated towards singing. At first, I had cold feet but slowly and gradually I found my feet in singing.
I started pursuing my hobby and taking part in singing competitions. Afterwards, I won many prizes in competitions and gained much confidence. Whenever anyone praises my voice, I feel jubilant. Nowadays, I have a hectic lifestyle but to deal with my stress, I used to sing in my free time and record myself to memorise how good I was in singing in my childhood. Moreover, I still try to continue this hobby as much as I can.
FAQs on IELTS Cue Cards (Speaking Part 2)
1. What is a cue card in the IELTS speaking test?
Answer:
A cue card is a task given in Part 2 of the IELTS Speaking test. It contains a topic with bullet points and a question like “Describe…” that you must speak about for 1–2 minutes.
2. How much time do I get to prepare for the cue card?
Answer:
You get 1 minute to prepare your answer. During this time, you can make notes on the paper provided.
3. How long should I speak on the cue card topic?
Answer:
You should speak for 1 to 2 minutes. The examiner will stop you after 2 minutes if you are still speaking.
4. Can I choose the topic for the cue card?
Answer:
No, the topic is given to you randomly by the examiner. You cannot choose or change it.
5. What should I do if I don’t have experience with the cue card topic?
Answer:
You can imagine a story or experience. It doesn’t have to be real—as long as your answer is relevant, fluent, and coherent, it’s acceptable.
6. Can I look at my notes while speaking?
Answer:
Yes, you can refer to your notes while speaking. It’s a good idea to use them as a guide.
7. Will the examiner ask follow-up questions after the cue card?
Answer:
Yes. After you finish speaking, the examiner will ask 1 or 2 short follow-up questions about the same topic to move into Part 3.
8. What types of topics come in IELTS cue cards?
Answer:
Common topics include:
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Personal experiences (e.g., a memorable trip, a teacher, a gift)
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Objects (e.g., a book, a gadget)
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Events (e.g., a celebration, a challenge you faced)
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Descriptions (e.g., a place, a person, a dream job)
9. How can I practice cue card topics effectively?
Answer:
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Practice speaking for 2 minutes on random topics.
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Record yourself and listen for fluency and grammar.
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Use past IELTS cue card topics.
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Practice with a timer and take notes in 1 minute.
10. Will I lose marks if I speak for less than 2 minutes?
Answer:
Not necessarily, but speaking too briefly may affect your fluency and content score. Aim to speak for at least 1.5 minutes with well-developed ideas.
11. Is grammar important during the cue card task?
Answer:
Yes. Grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, fluency, and coherence are all assessed. Try to use a variety of sentence structures.
12. Can I use informal language during the cue card?
Answer:
Yes, especially if the topic is about personal experiences. But avoid slang and maintain clear, polite speech.
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