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:
- Read the questions carefully and make notes in sequence to maintain a structured response.
- Ensure that you answer each question in your story.
- 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.
- Be fluent while speaking. Avoid unnecessary pauses like “ummmm” or “aaaaaaa”.
- 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 picture/photograph of you that you like
You should say:
- Where it was taken/drawn
- When it was taken/drawn
- Who took/drew it
- And explain how you felt about it
TOPIC 2: Describe an unusual holiday you had
You should say:
- What holiday it was
- Who you were with
- What you did
- And explain why it was unusual.
Here is a sample answer for your reference:
A few days ago, I was scrolling through pictures from this year’s Holi celebration at my aunt’s house in [location]. My cousin and I woke up early, bought colors and balloons from a nearby shop, and then did a puja ceremony with the family. After that, I started filling balloons with water and colors for the festivities.
Initially, I was hesitant because I didn’t know many people, but within a few minutes, they became good friends. We formed teams of five for a balloon war and ran through the streets with bags full of colors and balloons. The streets were filled with both kids and adults enjoying Holi, and some people even splashed water from buckets on their terraces. I remember having colors in my hair, ears, and all over my face. When I got home, my clothes and shoes were soggy, and I looked like a rainbow from all the colors. My aunt took pictures of all the kids.
But the celebration wasn’t over yet. While I took a bath to get rid of the colors, my aunt prepared a delightful dish called “siddu,” a famous Himachali sweet. It was a round, white cake on the outside, with a stuffing of coconut, cashew, and nuts. In the evening, I went to the market with my uncle and distributed sweets to children and people in the community. Everyone was filled with joy and happiness. By the end of the day, I was tired but content. It was an unusual holiday because it was an unplanned day with strangers, but I enjoyed it so much that I’m looking forward to next year’s Holi celebration.
I hope this helps you!
