IELTS SPEAKING CUE CARD
IELTS Speaking (Part 2): CUE CARD/ Individual Round
General Instructions: In the Speaking module (Part 2), the examiner provides a topic to the candidate, generally referred to as a “Cue Card.” It includes 4-5 questions. The candidate is given only 1 minute to prepare. A paper and pen/pencil are provided by the invigilator for taking notes. It is important to speak about the topic for 2 minutes or until the examiner stops you.
Remember, you have to speak for 1-2 minutes in this round, so don’t worry if the examiner stops you in between.
Key points to keep in mind while attempting:
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Read the questions carefully and make notes in sequence to maintain a structured response.
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Ensure that you answer each question in your story.
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Make your speech sound like a conversation by adding tones and expressions, and by pausing for a second or two at commas and full stops.
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Be fluent while speaking. Avoid unnecessary pauses like “ummmm” or “aaaaaaa”.
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Do not include the examiner in your speech. Avoid using words like “you,” “yourself,” or “us”.
Cue Card Sample Answer #2 in 1
Sometimes, certain samples can be used to answer more than one cue card. These are known as “Jumbo Cue Cards”.
TOPIC 1: Describe a new development in your country or the area where you live ( like shopping center, park etcetera)
You should say:
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What and where the development is
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What it was like before
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How long it took to complete it
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How people feel about it
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And explain how it has improved the area you live in
TOPIC 2: Describe something you did that made you feel proud
You should say:
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What it was
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How you did it
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What difficulty you had
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How you dealt with the difficulty
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And explain why you felt proud of it
Here is a sample answer for your reference:
Recently, I got the opportunity to visit my uncle’s house after almost three years. I had been busy with my studies, so I decided to visit my cousin, ___________. He lives in _____________. My family and I packed our bags to stay there for three days. When I arrived, I did not recognize the place. Everything had changed, and I was amazed by the development made by the authorities. The roads were broad and smooth for driving. There were well-constructed footpaths for people to walk on and separate lanes for bicycle riding to ensure the safety of riders.
I remember when my family used to live there with our uncle, we were never allowed to go for a bicycle ride because of the crowded roads. I felt happy for my younger cousins. The most interesting part was the park with recreational activities just in front of my uncle’s house. There were swings for children, a sitting area for chatting in the evenings, and beautiful flowers and trees.
My cousin ___________ saw the joy in my eyes and told me that the authorities are trying to provide a park for every community, and most likely, the project will be completed by the end of this year. He/ She also told me that in their community, locals meet on weekends in the morning to do yoga.
In the evening, my cousin and I planted a small plant in the park to mark that day. Initially, I was hesitant because I didn’t know the right way to plant. But with my grandfather’s help, I sanitized the roots of the plant with aloe vera gel to make sure it was germ-free. He told me that if I didn’t do that, it would harm the plant’s growth. I felt proud of contributing to this initiative taken by the government, as it will reduce air pollution and provide fresh air for people.
Note: I’ve added placeholders/blanks where specific details (e.g., cousin’s name, place) should be filled in.
When I took my IELTS Exam, I found this book https://amzn.to/3WtWbqe useful for practicing speaking. I hope it helps you too!
