Latest Cue Cards Sep to Dec 2023

Latest Cue cards September to December 2023 complete questions.

1.Describe An Exciting Activity That You Experienced With Someone Else
You should say:

What the activity was.- Who you were with

When and where it happened.

Why you went for it.

And explain how you felt about it.

Describe A Successful Person Who You Once Studied Or Worked With

Who this person is

When you studied/worked with this person

What you did together

What this person did to become successful

And explain how you felt about studying or working with this person

3.Describe a park or a garden in your city
You should say:

When you often go there
Where it is
Who you often go there with
What it is like
And explain why you like to visit it

. 4.Describe a beautiful city
You should say:

Where the city is
How you knew the city
What buildings the city has
What it is famous for
And explain why you think this city is beautiful

5.Describe a difficult task that you completed at work/study that you felt proud of
You should say:

What the task was
How you completed it
Why the task was difficult
Why you were proud of the completion of the task

6.Describe a time that something changed your life in good ways

You should say:

When and where it happened
What happened
How you felt about it
And explain how it changed your life in good ways

7.Describe an interesting person that you have not met in person and would like to know more about
You should say:

Who this person is
How you knew him/her
What interesting things he/she has done
And explain what you would like to know more
about him/her

8.Describe a foreigner who speaks your native language (hindi) very well
You should say:

Who this person is
Where he/she is from
How he/she learns Hindi
And explain why he can speak Hindi well

9.Describe a person who always has interesting ideas or opinions
You should say:

Who this person is
What this person does
How you knew him/her
And explain why you think his/her ideas or opinions are interesting

10.Describe a successful businessperson you know (e.g. running a family business)
You should say:

Who this person is
How you knew him/her
What business he/she does
And explain why he/she is successful

11.Describe an area of science (biology, robotics, etc.) that you are interested in and would like to learn
more about
You should say:

Which area it is
When and where you came to know this area
How you get information about this area
And explain why you are interested in this area

12.Describe a drawing/painting that you like
You should say:

When you first saw this painting
What the painting is about
Who drew/painted it
And explain why you like this drawing/painting

13.Describe a piece of good advice that you gave
to someone
You should say:

Who you gave the advice to
What the advice was
Why you gave the advice
And explain how he/she followed your advice

14.Describe a rule that is important in your school or at work
You should say:

What the rule is about
What happens when people break the rule
Why you think it is an important rule
And explain how you feel about the rule

15.Describe a good advertisement that you think is useful
You should say:

Where you can see it
What it shows
Why you think it is useful
And explain how you feel about it

16.Describe a bad service you received in a restaurant/shop
You should say:

When and where it happened
What happened
How it was solved
And explain how you felt about the experience

17.Describe a party that you enjoyed
You should say:

When and where the party was held
Who attended the party
What kind of party it was
What you did in the party
And explain why you enjoyed this party

18.Describe an occasion when you waited a long time for a nice thing
You should say:

When it happened
What the nice thing was
How long you waited
Why you waited for a long time
And explain how you felt about the experience

19.Describe an activity that made you feel tired
You should say:

When and where it took place
Why you took part in it
What the activity was
And explain why it made you feel tired

20.Describe a time when you had a problem with using the computer
You should say:

When it happened
Where it happened
What the problem was
And explain how you solved the problem at last

21.Describe a person who enjoys cooking for others
You should say:

Who this person is
What he/she likes to cook
Who he/she cooks for
And explain why he/she enjoys cooking

22.Describe a place in your country that you think is interesting
You should say:

Where it is
How you knew it
What special features it has
And explain why you think it is interesting

23.Describe a (long) car journey you went on.

You should say:
Where you went?
What you did at that place?
Who you went there with?
Explain why you went on that journey by car?

24.Describe a book that you have read many times.

You should say:

When you read it for the first time?
What kind of book it is?
What the book is about?
And explain why you like read it again.

25.Describe a speech you gave.

You should say:

When and to whom you gave the speech?
What was the speech about?
Why you gave the speech?
How did you feel about it?

26.Describe a new store/shop in your town/city.

You should say:

Where is it?
What is sold there?
Who goes there?

27.Describe a place away from your home and you want to visit in the future.

You should say:

Where you would like to go?
When you would like to go?
Who you want to go with?
And explain why you want to visit the place.

28.Describe an adventure you would like to go on.

You should say:

With whom do you want to go?
When do you want to go?
What do you want to do?

29.Describe an invention.

You should say:

What the invention is?
How you use this invention?
Whether it is difficult to use it?

30.Describe a popular person.

You should say:

Who this person is?
What he or she is like?
Why you think this person is popular?
How this person influences the public?

31.Describe the game you enjoyed playing when you were younger.

You should say:

What is that game?
Who you played it with?
Where did you play the game?
Explain why you enjoyed playing that game.

32.Describe someone you know who has recently moved to a new place.

You should say:

Who he/she is?
What the new place is like?
Why he/she moved to a new place?
And explain whether his or her move has a positive impact on you.

33.Describe an occasion when you got incorrect information.

You should say:

When you got it?
How you got it?
How you found it was incorrect?
And how you felt about it?

34.Describe a valuable item that you would like to give as a gift.

You should say:

To whom you would like to give?
What do you want to gift?
Why do you want to give it?
How long would you need to save for it?

35.Describe a piece of clothing you wear most often.

You should say:

What it is?
How often you wear it?
What it is like?
And explain why you enjoy wearing it.

36.Describe an occasion when you spent time with a young child.

You should say:

When was it?
Who the child was?
Why did you spend time with the child?
Explain what you did and how did you feel.

37.Describe a sports program you like to watch.

You should say:

What is it?
Who do you watch it with?
When do you watch it?
Why do you like to watch it?

38.Describe a job that you think is interesting.

You should say:

What is it?
Why do you think it is interesting?
How do you know it?
What neccessary skills does it need?

39.Describe your idea of a perfect home or dream house where you want to live.

You should say:

Where this place would be?
What it would look like?
When you would like to live there?
Explain why it is ideal to you?

40.Describe a movie you that recently saw and that disappointed you.

You should say:

Why did you hate it?
What genre was the movie?
When did you watch it?

41.Describe someone you know who often helps others.

You should say:

What he/she is like?
How he/she helps others?
Why his/her help is beneficial?
And explain why he/she helps others?

42.Describe a time when you lost your way.

You should say:

When and where did it happen?
How did you feel when you were lost?
How did you find your way out?

43.A happy memory from your childhood.

You should say:

What that happy memory is?
Who did what and why?
Why do you remember it so fondly?

44.Describe an important decision you made.

You should say:

What was the decision?
When you made it?
How you made the decision?
Why was it important?

45.Describe a water sport you would like to try in the future.

You should say:

What is it?
Where you will do it?
Whether it is easy or difficult?
Why would you like to try it?

46.Describe a crowded place you have visited.

You should say:

Where is it?
When you went there?
With whom you went there?
And explain how you felt about being there?

47.Describe a festival that is important in your country.

You should say:

When the festival occurs?
What you do during it?
What you like or dislike about it?
And explain why this festival is important?

48.Describe a person with whom you like to study or work with.
You should say:

Who is that person?
Why would you like to study with him/her?
What will you study?

49.Describe a daily routine that you enjoy.

You should say:

What it is?
Where and when you do it?
Who do you do it with?
Explain why you enjoy it.

50.Describe a place you visited where the air was polluted.

You should say:

Where the place is?
When you visited?
Why the air was not good?
And explain how you felt about the place.

51.Describe an actor or actress whom you admire.

You should say:

Who he/she she is?
What he/she looks like?
What kind of movies he/she appears in?
And explain why you admire this actor/actress.

52.Describe a person you would like to study or work with.

You should say:

Who is that person?
Why would you like to study with him/her?
What will you study?

53.Describe a time when you were late.

You should say:

When it was?
Why you were late?
How you felt about being late?

54.Describe an advertisement that you don’t like.

You should say:

When it was?
Why you were late?
How you felt about being late?

55.Describe a person who inspired you to do something interesting.

You should say:

Who the person is?
For what he/she inspired?
Why he/she inspired?
How did you feel about it?

56.Describe a website which helped you to do something / website you visit often/ use regularly.

You should say:

Which site is it?
How did you know about it?
How did it help?
Why do you visit it often?

57.Describe a piece of good news you heard from others.

You should say:

What it was?
When you received this news?
How you received this news?
Why you feel it was a good news?

58.Describe a place where there was a lot of noise.

You should say:

When this happened?
Where it was?
Why there was a lot of noise?
Explain what you did when you heard the noise?

59.Describe something you taught to your friend/relative.

You should say:

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

60.Describe your experience when you changed your school/college” or Describe an experience about moving to a new school or house/ Describe your first day at school

You should say:

Why did you change your school/college?

When was it?

Was that helpful?

What were the consequences after that?

61.Describe a place/ country in which you would like to live/ work for a short period of time

You should say:

Where you would like to live/work?
What you want to do there?
When would you like to go there?
Why you want to live there

62.Talk about an interesting old person you met recently

You should say:

Who is this person?
How you met him?
How you know him?
What you do with this person (optional)?
Why you found him interesting?

63.Describe a piece of technology that you find difficult to use.

You should say:

When did you get it?
What did you get it for?
How often do you use it?
How do you feel about it?

64.Describe a historical period you would like to know more about.

You should say:

What period do you want to know about?
Why do you want to know about it?
How do you think you can know about it?

65.Describe an unusual meal that you had.

You should say:

When did you eat it?
Where did you eat it??
With whom you had the meal?
Why do you think it was unusual?

66.Describe an achievement/success you are proud of.

You should say:

What you did?
When did you do it?
How did you feel about it?
Why did that achievement make you proud?

67.Talk about a thing you complained about something but finally got a good result.

You should say:

What did you complain about?
Who you complained to?
When it happened?
What was the result and why you were satisfied with the result?

68.Describe when someone gave you something you really wanted /a gift your received.

You should say:

Who gave it to you?
What was the thing?
When you received it?
Why you needed it?
How you felt about it?

69.Describe a development in your country like shopping centre, park etcetera.

You should say:

What is the development?
When did you hear about it?
How did it influence you?

70.Describe a development in your country like shopping centre, park etcetera.

You should say:

What is the development?
When did you hear about it?
How did it influence you?

69.Describe a person you met at a party and enjoyed a conversation with.

You should say

Who was the person?
What topics did you discuss?
How did you feel?

70.Describe an area in your home where you feel relaxed.

You should say:

In which area/room do you feel relaxed?
Why do you feel relaxed there?
What do you do to feel relaxed?

71.Describe a situation when you enjoyed free time/ Describe something you did in your spare time during childhood

You should say:

When it was?
Where you were?
What you did?
How you felt about it?

72.Describe a course that you want to learn / study you would like to do in future.

You should say:

What this course is?
When you want to learn it?
Where you can learn it?
And explain why you want to learn it?

73.Describe a character from a movie.

You should say:

Who is this character?
When did you watch the movie?
What was the character?

74.Describe an English class/lesson that you enjoyed.

You should say:

What was taught in the class?(Past Tense)
When did you take the class?(Past Tense)
Where it was?(Past Tense)
What did the teacher do that made you enjoy it?(Past Tense)

75.Describe a difficult thing you did and succeeded.

You should say:

What it was?(Past Tense)
How did you complete it?(Past Tense)
Why it was difficult?(Past Tense)
And how you felt about doing it?(Past Tense)

76.Describe an object you find particularly beautiful (For example, a painting, sculpture, piece of jewellery/furniture, etc.).

You should say:

Where the artwork/object is?(Present Tense)
How it was made?(Past Tense)
What it looks like?(Present Tense)
And explain why you find it particularly beautiful?(Present Tense)

77.Describe a time you used your cellphone/smartphone to do something important.

You should say:

What happened?(Past Tense)
When it happened?(Past Tense)
How important the cellphone/smartphone was?(Past Tense)
And explain how you felt about the experience?(Past Tense)

78.Describe an important thing you learned, not at school or college.

You should say:

When did you learn it?(Past Tense)
How did you learn it?(Past Tense)
Why did you think it was important to learn it?(Past Tense)
How you felt when you learnt it?(Past Tense)

79.Describe something that surprised you and made you happy.

You should say:

What it was?(Past Tense)
Who did this?(Past Tense)
How you found out about it and what you did?(Past Tense)
And explain why it surprised you and made you happy?(Past Tense)

80.Describe a photo that you are proud of.

You should say:

When did you take this photo? (Past Tense)
What is the photo about?(Present Tense)
Why you feel proud of the photo?(Present Tense)

81.Describe a problem you had while shopping online or in a store.

You should say:

When it happened?(Past Tense)
What you bought?(Past Tense)
What problem you had?(Past Tense)
And explain how you felt about the experience.(Past Tense)

82.Describe a time when you saw a lot of plastic waste (e.g. in a park, on the beach, etc.).

You should say:

Where and when you saw the plastic waste?(Past Tense)
Why there was a lot of plastic waste?(Past Tense)
What you did do after you saw it?(Past Tense)
And explain what your thoughts were about this.(Past Tense)

83.Describe a time when you needed to search for information.

You should say:

What information you needed to search for?(Past Tense)
When you searched for it?(Past Tense)
Where you searched for it?(Past Tense)
And explain why you needed to search for it.(Past Tense)

84.Describe a person you know who is from a different culture.

You should say:

Who he/she is?(Present Tense)
Where he/she is from?(Present Tense)
How you knew him/her?(Past Tense)
And explain how you feel about him/her.(Present Tense)

85.Describe a time you made a decision to wait for something.

You should say:

When it happened?(Past Tense)
What you waited for?(Past Tense)
Why you made the decision?(Past Tense)
And explain how you felt while waiting.(Past Tense)

How can I improve my Speaking skills for the test?

There is no denying this conviction that all modules for the IELTS test are essential, and it is vital to score well in all to pass your exam with flying colours.

Many students need help with speaking tests, and the real reason is that in this module, you need to produce English, and here, the examiner is in front of you, unlike in other modules.

To do good in this module, you need more skills besides good English knowledge. This article will apprise you regarding the tips which will help you to score well in the speaking section of the IELTS test,

1. Rehearse speaking English regularly to produce fluency and conviction.

Just speaking is not enough. You need to show command over language coupled with confidence, and to achieve this lethal combination; it is worthwhile to do gours off practice to handle all tricky questions with tremendous ease.

2. It is worthwhile to record your response and listen carefully to look for areas of improvement, such as pronunciation and grammar. We have numerous gadgets to handle our conflicts adroitly in the current era.

For improvement, cross-checking is imperative, and we can make prudent use of the voice recorders in our laptops and mobile phones. By repeatedly listening to our errors, we can train our brains not to commit errors in the next attempt. There is no denying that this particular exercise works like a charm to improve your speaking score.

3. To have a decent jump in speaking test scores, we must engage in discussions with native or advanced English speakers. Because when we communicate with someone whose communication skills are better than ours, we push ourselves beyond our limits and try to do things out of the box. This paradigm shift encourages us to think beyond the conventional domain for generating out-of-the-box ideas.

4. Although there is no syllabus for the IELTS speaking test, it is worthwhile to prepare for every day topics that might come up in Part 1, like recreation, family, holidays and business, etc.

You need to work on sufficient questions for common topics with determination, dedication and discipline so that you can confidently answer any question during exam days.

5. Last, just providing answers doesn’t fit the bill. You need to structure your answers coherently while speaking. Otherwise, you will lose marks on the task achievement.

How to make mind maps for preparing for Cue Card?

Using the mind map technique is worthwhile for preparing and organizing your ideas before you commence speaking on a cue card topic presented to you in the IELTS Speaking test. Follow the following steps to prepare for your cue card with tremendous ease.

Step 1: Understand the Cue Card Topic; It is vital to read between the line of your cue card topic. It is essential to get a high score in task achievement. Sometimes the test seekers need to diagnose the topic better, start speaking, and get a good score. Hence, thoroughly reading the question is prudent.

Step 2: Begin with the Central Idea. In the middle of the page, which the examiner provides to you, write the central idea or theme of the cue card topic. This particular practice is the primary step in cue card preparation. If done wrong, it can jeopardize the entire presentation.

Step 3: Make branches with Key Points considering the central idea; create branches of the topics you will expand on in your presentation. Each branch symbolizes an essential point or factor related to the main idea. These branches let you complete all points while speaking on the cue card.

Step 4: Frame Sub-Points The branches you draw are incomplete without the sub-points.Hence you need to add sub-branches with clear sub-points, instances, or particulars that back the primary key point. These sub-points will provide you with unabated support in case you are about to miss any questions.

Step 5: Use Keywords and Short Phrases: There is no denying this conviction that the provided one minute for preparation is not enough to prepare for the topic. Therefore, we must use keywords and short phrases to prepare to deliver our speech in the stipulated time.

The test seeker needs to consider that the goal of a mind map is to assist you in framing your thoughts, not to design a script. It is worthwhile to speak in a natural and optimistic tone, so concentrate on comprehending the topic, recollecting the main points, and communicating your ideas consummately while speaking on the provided topic in the IELTS Speaking test.

Frequently asked questions on IELTS Speaking

Q1: How long does the IELTS Speaking test last?

The IELTS Speaking test usually gets over between 11 to 14 minutes. There are three sections in this test. The first part is the Introduction and Interview (4-5 minutes), the second is the cue card (3-4 minutes), and the third one is the discussion (4-5 minutes).

Q2: Can I pause and think during the Speaking test?

Regarding pauses, the examiner gives you a moment to assemble your thoughts before answering questions. However, taking long pauses can adversely impact your fluency score. The prudent approach is to use fillers like “It’s an interesting question, “I vividly remember,” or “I faintly remember”.

Q3: Can I ask the examiner to repeat a question if I don’t understand it?

To answer the questions adroitly during the speaking test, it is worthwhile to understand them. Sometimes we do not get the question, and in such a scenario, requesting the examiner to repeat the question is prudent. However, we must refrain from using this privilege umpteen times during the speaking test.

.Q4: Is there a specific accent I need to use during the Speaking test?

Regarding the accent, it is prudent to follow your natural accent because if you try to copy some other accent, that would look unnatural, and you will lose marks because of that. Try to change if there is a mother tongue influence in your pronunciation through regular practice, but refrain from using a fake accent because that could jeopardize your overall IELTS speaking test score.

Q5: Can I use informal language during the Speaking test?

Unlike writing, you can use idioms and phrases in the speaking test but refrain from using slang because that is not recommended.

Q6: Will the examiner ask about my personal opinions in the Speaking test?

There are numerous questions in the IELTS speaking test regarding your personal experiences, like “Do you work or study?”.

Q7: Can I bring notes or a script to the Speaking test?

No, the test seekers cannot take any notes or study material. However, for cue card preparation, the examiner provides them with a notepad and a pen to jot down the main points.

Q8.Is it advisable to use templates while answering cue cards?

Although using templates provides many benefits to students, especially those who are not native English speakers, it is an imprudent approach to use them, and there are many reasons for this.

Firstly, regarding flexibility, while delivering your answers is concerned, that goes for a toss when you use templates because it takes away your potential to make changes.

Moreover, if, according to the question and the topic you are speaking about, the format prescribed in the template is not synchronized. In such a case, your overall score could drop if you use the template.

Furthermore, everyone has a style. You do not look natural, and your answer may sound artificial while using a template.

Apart from this, in some instances, when you use your speaking style, you feel more confident; however, when you use a template, your confidence declines.

Pronunciation Tips for IELTS Cue Cards:

There is no denying this conviction that vivid and proper pronunciation plays a vital role in the IELTS speaking test, especially in the cue card section. Effective pronunciation creates a good first impression and improves overall communication; for the examiner, it becomes easy to comprehend your answers. Below are time-tested tips and insights to improve your pronunciation skills for IELTS cue card answers.

1. Enunciate Clearly: Express each word and syllable vividly. Refrain from running through your replies, and expend engagement to pronunciation, even if you feel pushed for time.

2. Stress and Intonation: Comprehend English’s stress patterns and intonation. In sentences, specific words obtain more focus than others. Do rigorous practice utilizing the accurate stress patterns to transmit meaning accurately.

3. Vowel Sounds: It is a gospel truth that English has various vowel sounds, some of which do not have any place in our native language. Hence, you must familiarize yourself with multiple vowel sounds and leave no stone unturned to practice them regularly.

4. Consonant Groups: English frequently incorporates consonants in groups (e.g., “spl” in “splash”). It is worthwhile to practice these clusters regularly to make them flow smoothly in your speech so that they work like a charm.

5. Silent Letters: As compared to other languages, English possesses numerous silent letters (e.g., “k” in “knife”). Awareness of them is paramount as it helps you modify your pronunciation accordingly.

6. Homophones: English has a wide range of homophones, words that sound alike though have distinct meanings (e.g., “beer” and “bear”). If you practice distinguishing and pronouncing them perfectly, you will get a better score on your IELTS speaking test.

7. Stress on Content Words: In sentences, we mostly stress excessively on content words (nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs) instead of function words (prepositions, articles, pronouns). Leave no stone unturned to rehearse, emphasizing content words suitably.

8. Listen and Imitate: Listening to native English speakers is a prudent approach. You can do so by listening to podcasts, watching movies, or conversing. Emulate their pronunciation and intonation patterns to experience a paradigm shift in your speaking.

9. Record Yourself: Unlike today, we have numerous devices at our disposal where we can record our voice. Utilize the facility you have to register your cue card answers and listen critically. Identify areas where your pronunciation can be clearer and work on them.

10. Seek Feedback: Seeking feedback from educators, native speakers, or language professionals who can deliver direction on your pronunciation is a worthwhile proposition.

Effective pronunciation serves two benefits. Firstly, it enhances your IELTS score; moreover, it also guarantees that your responses are easy for examiners to comprehend examiners. Regular practice with determination, dedication, and discipline is the optimum method for enhancing your overall speaking performance in the IELTS cue card task.

What are the common topics for IELTS Cue Cards?

As far as the IELTS speaking test is concerned, it has the Cue Card section, also known as Part 2, which gives test-takers a subject on a cue card. The test seekers get one minute to organise and take notes before speaking for up to two minutes on the provided topic. While the specific issues on the cue cards can differ from one test to another, several common problems and subjects repeatedly come up in the IELTS speaking test. Below is the list of the most common issues:

Describe a Person: It could be your neighbour, friend, teacher, relative or someone with special attributes like intelligence, creativity, discipline and other qualities.
Describe a Place: In this type of question, you must provide details of a place or city like a garden, shopping centre or a polluted or scientific city.
Describe an Event: In this question, the examiner asks you to describe the time you spend in an event like a wedding celebration, a college reunion, a retirement party or a birthday bash.
Describe an Object: This question type deals with the objects we use daily, like a computer, laptop, furniture, or any other equipment that is an integral part of our life.
Describe a Book/Movie/TV Show: This topic is extremely easy to prepare. Here, it would be best to speak on certain aspects of the book you read, the movie and the TV show you watched.
Describe a Hobby/Interest: This question type asks about your daily hobbies and interests.
Describe a Childhood Memory: We need to answer this topic in the past tense. It asks for details of your good and bad experiences of your childhood.
Describe a Decision: In such type of question, the focus is on the good and bad choices made by you. Mostly, such questions need to be answered in the past tense.
Describe a Recent News Event: This category deals with ongoing events. Like last year, the question was regarding a natural disaster because many places experienced floods.
Describe a Challenge: This question type asks you specific details regarding your challenges.

Although the above list contains most of the categories for IELTS Cue card topics, sometimes a question that is out of this list can arise. Hence, the thumb rule is to do rigorous practice with determination, dedication and discipline so that you can easily answer any question.

What is the PPF Technique for the IELTS Cue Card?

The full form of the PPF technique is Point, Proof, and Future. There is no denying this conviction that it is a useful framework for handling IELTS cue card topics or any speaking test. It provides you with unabated support to structure your answer coherently and organized. Please find below the content to use the PPF technique for IELTS cue cards:

1. Point (P):

Start by instantly addressing the cue card topic. Express the central point or topic you are going to elaborate on. It is the first and foremost step to leave a good impression in front of the examiner.
For instance, if the cue card topic is “Describe a businessman,” your starting sentence might be: “I’d like to talk about a businessman who has achieved tremendous success.”

2. Proof (P):

Provide clear details, instances, and reasons that sustain your point. It is where you present proof or stories connected to the topic.
Persisting with the example, you might provide evidence by telling the business he does, his activities, and the people who work with him. Moreover, it depicts his successes and failures to describe his personality.

3. Future (F):

Conclude your response by elaborating on his future plans, his impact on your life, and how he is a source of inspiration for others.

By answering your cue card through the PPF technique, you delivered a well-planned and holistic answer to IELTS cue card topics. Leave no stone unturned to retain a natural speaking tone, refrain from overfilling your reply with a boatload of information, and organize your time effectively to speak on all three parts (Point, Proof, and Future) within the stipulated speaking time. Practising this technique can work like a charm to improve your speaking mastery for the IELTS exam.

What is the STAR Technique for the IELTS Cue Card?

Using the STAR technique for answering IELTS cue card topics is prudent. It provides the candidates with unabated support to assemble their thoughts and deliver extensive answers within 1-2 minutes. The full form of the STAR technique is Situation, Task, Action, and Result.

Situation: Begin by fixing the context for your reply. Briefly explain the details asked in the cue card by having a central focus on the main question. It should be a straightforward opening that delivers basic background information.
Task: Following the stop, one proceeds to the next step by depicting the job or contest you faced in the given circumstances. Be clear about what the expectations and requirements asked of you in that given situation. It enables the examiner to comprehend the context of your answer.
Action: In the next step, explain your measures to handle the assignment or circumstances. Elaborate on your activities, your thinking process, and any choices you made. Describe a clear picture of your actions in a consummate manner.
Result: In the final step, complete your answer by elaborating on the repercussions of your actions. Exhibit your achievements, how they influenced the problem or task, and any knowledge acquired from the experience. Leave no stone unturned to form a relation of your answer to the cue card topic.

By strictly adhering to the STAR technique, you have the best opportunity to deliver a well-structured and complete answer that indicates your capability to express your thoughts vividly and logically. It guarantees you handle all aspects of the cue card topic while preserving a coherent and systematic answer. It is worthwhile to rehearse this technique with different cue card topics to improve your speaking skills for the IELTS speaking test.

Please find below an example of an IELTS cue card topic coupled with an answer utilizing the STAR technique:

Cue Card Topic: Describe a memorable journey you have taken by train.

Sample Answer using the STAR Technique:

Situation: Last summer, I took a sabbatical and undertook a fascinating train journey from Mumbai to Goa. This trip was on my bucket list for a long time, but I couldn’t have it due to my hectic schedule.

Task: The task of the trip was to unwind and enjoy the scenic beauty of the area lying on both sides of the railway track. In short, it was a trip to do something unconventional.

Action: To fetch the maximum out of the journey, I wrote a journal to write up my thoughts. To pamper my appetite during the trip, I also purchased some eatables and juices to stay rejuvenated. Through my contacts, I managed to get a window seat, which let me cherish the scenic landscapes as the train ventured via the hinterlands and clean and pristine fields. I engaged in a chitchat with a fellow passenger to gain significant input by reading local culture and folklore. Additionally, I researched on the internet to find worthwhile places in Goa.

Result: The journey was an enchanting one. I not only enjoyed the train ride but also amassed a useful understanding of the region’s culture. The wonderful moments I had during the journey will remain etched in my memories.

In this answer, we have used the STAR technique to describe a memorable train journey. It starts with establishing the context (Situation), framing an outline of the task and anticipations (Task), representing the steps taken during the journey (Action), and finishing with the results and effect (Result). Following this structured technique, you can pass your IELTS speaking test with flying colours.

What is the Comparative Analysis Technique for the IELTS Cue Card?

Using the comparative analysis technique is a worthwhile proposition for handling cue card topics adroitly, especially when the examiner asks you to examine various factors, prospects, or perspectives. This technique compares and contrasts various aspects connected to the case to deliver a complete and balanced reply.

When using comparative analysis effectively, you consider the merits and demerits, advantages and disadvantages, resemblances and contrasts, or numerous viewpoints clubbed with the cue card topic. This technique empowers you to deliver a well-rounded perspective, exhibiting your capability to regard various angles and make knowledgeable judgments.

For example, if the cue card topic is about deciding between two career tracks, you can utilize comparative analysis to examine the advantages and pitfalls of each trajectory. You might compare aspects like a job guarantee, monthly earnings, targets, and personal satisfaction, emphasizing the trade-offs and concerns involved in making a decision.

This technique displays your analytical talents and adds profundity to your answer. It provides a solution with format and transparency, making it more comfortable for the examiner to track your logic. By using phrases like “on the one side… on the contrary,” “I am in solidarity,” or “likewise,” you can comfortably move between points of comparison, forming a coherent and compelling statement.

The comparative analysis technique empowers you to investigate nuances inside the cue card topic, encouraging you to present a more insightful and effective answer during the speaking task. It displays your capability to think critically and make informed decisions or conclusions, which are the need of the hour in all language proficiency tests.

Enhancing pronunciation for cue cards

Enhancing pronunciation for cue cards in language proficiency exams such as IELTS or TOEFL is essential for precise and productive communication. Here are some techniques to improve your pronunciation:

Practice regularly with determination, dedication and discipline: It is unequivocal to say that regular practice is the need of the hour. It is worthwhile to have dedicated hours each day to work on pronunciation. Concentrate on sounds, words, and phrases in which you commit errors.
Pay excessive attention to phonetic awareness: You should leave no stone unturned to acquire knowledge of phonetics and the sounds of the language. Comprehend to distinguish between sounds that do not occupy any place in your native language.
Utilise phonetic transcriptions: Use phonetic transcriptions in dictionaries to provide unabated support to pronounce words accurately. Have enhanced focus on stress patterns and syllable priority.
Listen actively to even small details: Whenever you can listen to native speakers, use it through podcasts, news, and films by concentrating on their pronunciation. It is worthwhile to imitate their intonation and rhythm.
Make effective use of speech recognition tools: We have many online tools and mobile phone applications to help you pinpoint pronunciation mistakes. They usually provide you with well-researched feedback and recommendations for improvement.
Record Yourself as and when you require: Use the gadgets at your disposal using various recording devices or smartphones to record your speech. Listen attentively to these recordings to compare with native speakers to recognize areas requiring progress.
Practising tongue twisters is prudent: Tongue twisters are perfect for enhancing articulation. Begin with the easier ones and advance to more problematic ones as you gain more proficiency.
Join accent reduction classes: Taking accent reduction or pronunciation classes is worthwhile to speed up the process. These classes are usually available online and are an optimum method to receive personalized feedback.
Be bold in receiving feedback: Take advantage of every opportunity to get feedback from educators, language exchange partners, or language trainers. There is no denying this conviction that constructive criticism can provide you with unabated support to identify specific pronunciation problems.
Consider slowing down: Many experts express solidarity with the fact that speaking too quickly increases the likelihood of making pronunciation errors. Hence, it is worthwhile for you to rehearse speaking slowly and vividly to guarantee accurate articulation of sounds.
Have dedicated time for mouth and lip exercises: Performing exercises focusing on the mouth and lip muscles to enhance articulation is a discerning approach. Easy activities like stretching and tongue twirls can provide you with unstinted support.
Practice Cue Cards: Last, use cue card topics to practice pronunciation. Record yourself answering cue cards and work on particular words or sounds that are an uphill task for you.

PEEL TECHNIQUE

Another effective technique that makes it easier to speak cue card topics is the PEEL (Point, Explanation, Example, and Link) technique:

Point: Make a good first impression by stating the main point of the topic, as it provides unabated support in setting the tone for your reply and leads to a vivid focus.

Explanation: Proceed to the next step by briefly explaining or elaborating. In this step, your central focus must be providing context or background information that helps the examiner comprehend your viewpoint.

Example: Quoting an example in cue card speaking is a prudent approach because, firstly, it helps you to pass the stipulated time with ease, and secondly, it empowers you with enough content. To present it effectively, try to speak about a personal experience of yours or someone you know well. It is worthwhile to share a suitable story or circumstance.

Link: Lastly, link your example to the main point you spoke in the first step. This step will make your answer sound good and relevant; moreover, it will help you to get a decent score for a coherent and cohesive answer.

Using the PEEL technique for cue card explanation can provide you with unstinted support to present your responses consummately, making it more comfortable for the examiner to comprehend your answer.

Important tips to manage time during speaking test

As far as cue cards are concerned, there are various ways to prepare for them.

First and foremost, whenever you get a cue card topic, think of a situation from your real life that you can use for that cue card, like if the question is to describe a famous person.

So these days, all first meet certain famous people daily. You can use any experience out of them for your cue card topic and frame your answer accordingly, and that’s the first way.

The second is to speak on the question’s description at last. Suppose there’s a question with the describe part in the first, and there are three other questions.

For the last three questions, you need to answer them in the first minute and use the balance of one minute to describe. So, you must answer all questions except the description part in 1 minute. Whatever time is left, you try to answer the described part of the question.

For example, if the topic is to describe a speech you gave, when, where you gave it, why you gave it, and how it was experienced. Refrain from describing the speech in the beginning. Cover all other questions first.

And then start describing it, as we know the clock is not in front of us, so we need to know how much we have covered and how much time is left. Hence, we can only cover some of the questions in 2 minutes.

So, in that case, what happens is that we lose the marks because of the task response because one area of one of the criteria of marking in IELTS speaking is Task achievement, which means that you need to speak on all the points provided in the question in 2 minutes.

If we are answering as per the chronological order of the questions, sometimes we spend more time on part three of the question, and part 4 is left out. Hence, if you speak all parts in the beginning and then describe them, that is a worthwhile way to score well in the cue card section of the IELTS test.

What to avoid during your IELTS speaking test?

While speaking the cue cards, we must avoid certain things; the first thing to avoid is going off-topic. It is essential because when you stay focused on the topic that the examiner provides you, it helps you to get a higher score, and it helps you get full marks on the task achievement part of the cue card question.

On the other hand, staying off-topic would decline your score considerably because you will get fewer marks in one of the four criteria.

The second thing is to avoid short one-word answers as much as possible; if you provide yes or no answers, the examiner concludes that you do not have enough content to answer the questions.

And the third one is not to give memorized answers. These days, YouTube and many blogs are filled with various templates, and the content creators predict that these templates will help you increase your score considerably. However, that’s not possible because the examiners who check your speaking skills have heaps of experience, and for them, it is a simple task to check whether an answer is memorized. So refrain from using templates and avoid memorization as much as you can.

The fourth is to speak slowly. Although you get a good score for fluency,
speaking too quickly makes you eat words. Your message needs to be correctly delivered to the examiner.

The next is the delivery of your answer needs to be varied. So that means if you need to put stress on certain words, put stress so the tone shouldn’t be at the same level throughout the speaking test.

And the sixth is to avoid fillers as much as possible. Do not use words like umm, oh, like, well, etc, because that means you need more content and are trying to pass the time.

Regarding complex vocabulary in speaking, your fluency, pronunciation, and task achievement are more critical; no doubt, vocabulary is also essential, but do not focus too much on using complex words because relying too much on them could kill the essence of your answer.

And eighth one is avoiding negative language. Try to stay positive during the answer because positivity is contagious. It moves from you to the examiner. So, if you exhibit a positive attitude, your examiner will also feel positive and give you good marks.

And another is to avoid rushing through your points. If you have three points, try to cover them slowly. Take your time and answer them individually in a way you like, that you are quick and have enough content and sufficient time to answer.

Next is to be clear in your pronunciation and avoid grammar mistakes as much as possible, especially subject-verb agreement mistakes. Do not say, “I likes to go to the park”; instead, you should say, “I like to go to the park”.It is a standard error that most of our students make.

Lastly, sometimes, you need to agree with what the examiner sees. So, in such a case, there’s no point arguing with the examiner.
So, refrain from indulging in altercations.

How to remain confident during the IELTS cue card task?

It is worthwhile to remain confident during the IELTS speaking, and you need to consider a few points.

Firstly, it is prudent to pause in between if you find it challenging to answer a particular question. This way, you can assemble your thoughts and move ahead again.

The other one is whether your interview is through video conferencing or face-to-face while sitting in front of the examiner; you should maintain eye-to-eye contact because that exhibits your confidence.

Apart from this, body language is another area we must take care of because it helps you fetch good marks. While sitting in the exam, maintain a good posture, which exhibits your confidence, and use only a few natural gestures.

Just before the exam, think that you have done enough preparation and you have enough content to speak, and in case you are feeling nervous or having anxiety, then take a deep breath; it helps calm your nerves.

Moreover, while delivering your answer, stay on the topic. Do go straight to the point, do not move here and there, and look at the points the examiner provided to answer.

Furthermore, these days, we usually get a list of cue cards. Every trimester, there is a list with around 80 to 85 topics, so have enough practice and get proper feedback from your teachers or peers who study with you.

Whether you have joined an institute or are studying online, have mock interviews with the teacher to get a feel of the actual exam environment.

Apart from this, sometimes we do not have the answer, so in that case, you should know how to redirect if you are moving away from the topic; you should know how to get back to the topic, which is also essential and another one do not try to imitate or do not try to fake your accent be yourself and that would help you.

Lastly, every exam is stressful, whether you are in the first standard or appear for a very high-rank competitive exam, so stress is everywhere. The only thing you need to do is manage it properly. For that, you can use various relaxation techniques.

The best thing you can do is stay positive and focused during your test, so considering all these things will help you fetch a good score.

How to have the IELTS speaking mock test at home?

Regarding preparation for the IELTS speaking test, most students prepare independently, so they do not have the luxury of having a trainer. That doesn’t mean you cannot do the mock test alone; you can do it effectively.

You can follow various steps to have IELTS speaking mock tests at home.

The first one is to use official materials now. Follow the official material test, especially the sample speaking tests provided in them. So the questions which we are going to come in your exam will be more or less the same, there could be differences. Still, the pattern would remain the same.
The second is constantly working with the timer. The speaking section is divided into interview questions, cue cards, and follow-up questions. All these three paths have specific time limits, and you must honor them.
. Using a timer or stopwatch to prepare yourself well to answer within tight time constraints is worthwhile.

And if we talk about all three parts, part 1 lasts about 4 to five minutes. For the cue card, 1 minute you get for preparation and two minutes to speak, so a total of three minutes for the cue card, and part 3 ranges from four to six minutes, so in totality, it is a 5 + 3 plus 6, and it comes around to 14-15 minutes. So you need to perform accordingly.

It is advisable to record your voice as we have gadgets where the voice recording option is there, such as listening to what you have said and then seeing what errors are there. You can check those errors online and work on them. For example, if you have the subject of an agreement error, work on that in two exercises. There are websites where you type, “I want to practice the subject-verb agreement,” and you get a list of numerous web pages, and you can practice online there.

4.. If any of your friends are better than you at speaking, you can call that friend at your place, or you can do it online, so let your friend ask you questions, and you keep giving the answers to him. This method works like a charm.

There are common speaking topics on which you can practice. Many students who appear for the exam tell the questions through a video or on various platforms like Instagram, Telegram WhatsApp. They transmit information so you can use that for your benefit.
Apart from this, practice speaking aloud. It is essential because if you answer the questions aloud, your vocal cords become more apparent, and when you sit for the test, you will speak your answers more clearly, which would help you fetch a decent score.
Focus on different part types, and you need to have a specific plan for handling Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3, so side by side, do the full speaking test too.
Do regular self-assessment. Whenever you take a mock test, self-assess whether you have given your 100 percent and how you can improve it because this is your fight. You are the first person who can help yourself, so use your brain’s faculties correctly and do it with proper concentration. For that, self-assessment is highly recommended.

Typical problems faced while speaking cue card

As far as speaking the cue card is concerned, many students encounter numerous problems, and we’ll discuss what could be those problems.

The first one is how I can organize my answer for the cue card. Many students think of starting their arms with a fancy line, which they

call a pattern statement, and in doing so, they need more focus. So the best way to structure your cue card is to follow the order of the questions, like starting with a bit of introduction and then covering one topic one by one and trying to finish questions in one minute and 30 seconds and balance 30 seconds. We focus on question one, and if you follow this advice, then your task response will be done, and you will get work scored.

The second out is what if I have a little idea about the topic given on the cue card. In such a scenario, it is best to recall any moment related to that topic that you had in your life and try to speak based on that. Remember, speaking has four criteria, so if you lose mask on task achievement, you can still score well on frequency, pronunciation, and grammatical accuracy.

The third issue is how can I extend my speaking time for the full

two minutes, it is more reasonable to focus on all questions one by one, as I mentioned, so this helps you to speak for two minutes. In the describing part, you should focus more on the main question. You get some questions like when it happened and where it happened, so you can’t speak at length on these types of questions. However, if it is describing a live concert you attended so describing live concert attended part, you can drag a lot, so put more time into this, and your two minutes won’t be a worry for you.

Latest Cue Cards Sep to Dec 2023

Latest Cue cards September to December 2023 complete questions.

You should say:What is it?Where you will do it?Whether it is easy or difficult?Why would you like to try it?

How can I improve my Speaking skills for the test?

How to make mind maps for preparing for Cue Card?

Frequently asked questions on IELTS Speaking

Pronunciation Tips for IELTS Cue Cards:

What are the common topics for IELTS Cue Cards?

What is the PPF Technique for the IELTS Cue Card?

What is the STAR Technique for the IELTS Cue Card?

What is the Comparative Analysis Technique for the IELTS Cue Card?

Enhancing pronunciation for cue cards

PEEL TECHNIQUE

Important tips to manage time during speaking test

What to avoid during your IELTS speaking test?

How to remain confident during the IELTS cue card task?

How to have the IELTS speaking mock test at home?

Typical problems faced while speaking cue card

You should say:

What is it?
Where you will do it?
Whether it is easy or difficult?
Why would you like to try it?