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Describe a Course That You Want To Learn - IELTS Cue Card

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The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores are a prerequisite for non-native speakers of English to pursue higher education or a career in a native English country.

One of its sections, the IELTS Speaking Part 2, which uses cue cards,  is one of the most difficult. Here, you must use good language and communicate your views in two minutes. In this blog, we will discuss one of the most popular cue cards touching on the candidate's ambitions - describe a course you want to learn. Read on to understand how this section tests your communication skills, cultural awareness, and language competency. 

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Table of Contents

What is an IELTS Cue Card?

A cue card is used to assess the candidates' eloquence and vocabulary. On the day of the IELTS speaking test, you will be given a cue card mentioning a topic for approximately two minutes. The card will also include 2-4 pointers that you can expound on. Before speaking, you can take a minute to organise your thoughts and structure your answer by jotting the important points on paper. Following the one-minute preparation period, the examiner will ask you to begin answering.

A breakdown of the duration of the cue card is provided below:

Duration

11–14 minutes

Number of Parts

Band Score Range

0-9

Test Mode

Offline/Online 

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Why are IELTS Cue Cards Important?

IELTS cue cards are an essential part of the speaking section of the IELTS exam. They are prompts that provide you with a topic to talk about for two minutes.  Here's why they are important!

Describe a Course That You Want To Learn: Sample Answer 1

A good answer for the IELTS cue card section should include a strong introduction, some context, reasons to support your answer, and how you relate to the topic. The examiner will assess your answer based on your ability to communicate in English. Normally, a skilful person is regarded by others. Whether it is driving, swimming, or painting, learning new skills can elevate an individual's personality. For my cue card on "Describe a course that you want to learn", I would like to talk about this one skill that I wish to become proficient in for quite some time.

  • What is this course?

I am a psychology student, so research is an integral part of my curriculum. I am good at conducting research and statistics. However, academic writing is a whole different ball game. When it comes to skillfully conveying the hows and whats of the research under different subheadings, I often need assistance from my professors and friends. Hence, I wish to take a short course on academic writing.

  • Where and when can you learn it?

Recently, I submitted a research paper which took months of hard work and sleepless nights to complete. When I received my grades on it, I was devastated. Upon confronting my professor, she said that although the research results were fair, there was unclarity in how I delivered the content. Then, I knew I needed to improve my academic writing skills. To learn this, I have explored Coursera and related sites. The academic writing courses on Coursera allow self-paced learning, some are free of cost, and take a minimum of 12 weeks to complete. I appreciate the flexibility and skills it offers, and so I will pursue the course soon.

  • Please explain why you want to learn it.

Academic writing can enable me to express ideas, construct arguments, and participate in scholarly conversations. Overall, my writing skills can strengthen with this training, ultimately helping me improve the overall quality of my future dissertations and research proposals.

Describe a Course That You Want To Learn: Sample Answer 2

A course is a planned course of study on a specific topic. It can help one elevate their skills, improve their cognitive functioning, or just allow them to explore their passions. On my cue card on "Describe a course that you want to learn", I wish to talk about one that I have been persuaded to learn due to its various advantages.

  • What is this course?

Currently, I am interested in taking a course on digital marketing strategies. I first heard about such a course by social media influencers. Later, I researched more in-depth and discovered that the course can be used to improve one's skills in copywriting, SEO, data analysis, graphic design, and multimedia content creation.

  • Where and when can you learn it?

I have explored several online means to pursue this course, and have decided to learn it from Google's courses. The course's name is "Fundamentals on Digital Marketing", a beginner's level course. It will take 40 hours to complete, and I plan to get the knowledge and my certification within a week, by dedicating 5 hours of study every day.

  • Please explain why you want to learn it.

Learning digital marketing strategies is essential for me as I work as a full-time content writer. Investing in this course will not be a waste as it targets the skills necessary for my profession. Moreover, skilful digital marketers are in high demand in today's business market. The flexible learning techniques and opportunities to gain practical skills will make it an excellent investment in my professional development.

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Describe a Course That You Want To Learn: Sample Answer 3

I'm a quick learner, so I often look for opportunities to improve my skills in varied subjects. Taking a course is an excellent way to do it. For my cue card on "Describe a course that you want to take", I would like to talk about one such course I have set my mind on.

  • What is this course?

Recently, I heard about data science through recommendations from peers, which highlighted its importance in today's data-driven world. Since then, I've decided to sign up for the "Data Science for Beginners" course.

  • Where and when can you learn it?

I am motivated to take this course because I want to learn the fundamentals of data science. I have perused several sites to learn the same, and most cover topics such as data analysis, statistical ideas, and machine learning fundamentals. The course includes online lectures, practical projects, and interactive activities. I plan to devote a significant amount of time to the course to gain the most benefit from it.

  • Please explain why you want to learn it.

I want to pursue this data science course because it is in high demand in the job market which will consequently help me explore more careers. Furthermore, the interactive and practical learning method, combined with the significance of data science skills, make this course worthwhile. 

Describe a Course That You Want To Learn: Sample Answer 4

My college has mandated its third-year students to earn credits in varied areas, such as social and vocational. Although I have the social credits covered, I am lagging in the latter. Taking value-adding courses is one way to gain credits in the vocational area. For my cue card on "Describe a course that you want to learn", I would like to talk about one such course I have zeroed in on.

  • What is this course?

I did not want to invest in a course just because it would get me the necessary credits to become a graduate. So, I explored several courses related to my major, which is psychology. After hours of searching for enriching yet inexpensive courses, I decided to pursue a course on Mental Status Examination and History Taking.

  • Where and when can you learn it?

I follow several social media handles that offer guidance to psychology students regarding potential universities for the same, career opportunities, internships, and courses. I will be pursuing this course on mental status examination and history-taking from one such Instagram page called Socially Souled. I wish to begin this course during my mid-semester after the CIA's are complete. Fortunately, it will only take 8 weeks to complete, much before I graduate. By then, not only will I learn a psychology-related skill but also gain vocational credits!

  • Please explain why you want to learn it.

Throughout my college degree, regretfully, I have not had the practicals to learn these skills. As an aspiring clinical psychologist, I know that mental status examination and history-taking skills are necessary to learn and become proficient in, as they provide a structure of the client's behaviour, affect, cognition, and more. Hence, I wish to take this course.

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Sample/Follow-Up Questions and Answers

The IELTS speaking sections 2 and 3 are connected. The examiner will ask you questions about the content covered in part 2 in part 3, which can last for 4-5 minutes. For the IELTS cue card on "Describe a course that you want to learn", you can be asked the following questions:

Q1. What influences the young generation more when selecting a course, income, or interest?

Ans. The relative influence of income, interest, and practicality (course selection) on young people's choices can vary depending on several factors. Some people choose a course they are passionate about, even if it has a lower prospective salary. Contrarily, even if it's not their dream field, some people put financial stability first and enrol in courses with high employment prospects.

Q2. Which courses and skills are the most in-demand these days?

Ans. Although the courses and skills people wish to learn are influenced by personal and professional objectives, these days the most sought-after courses vary as per cultural trends. Digital marketing, foreign languages, and data skills like coding are among the in-demand courses.

Q3. Which kinds of courses are beneficial for university students?

Ans. The kind of courses university students pursue can vary per their majors or their desire to acquire transferable skills. However, per the ongoing demand, students can choose to take courses that help them improve their communication, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and digital adaptability. Moreover, students can also take courses on self-defence and personal finances.

Tips to Answer the IELTS Cue Card

Here are some tips to ace the IELTS Speaking Cue Card section!

Conclusion

The IELTS Speaking Part 2 Cue Card is more than just a test instrument; it provides examiners with insight into an individual's ability to formulate thoughts concisely. Achievement on the IELTS speaking test relies on planning, performance, and attitude. Remember that effective communication necessitates a pleasant blend of vocabulary and grammatical knowledge, so focus on building those aspects. You can do this by familiarising yourself with English books and watching Hollywood movies.

Scoring on the IELTS as per the requirements of varied universities can get stressful, we know. So, let Yocket assist you with that and other steps involved in studying abroad. From university shortlisting and applications to getting the visa and scholarships for your country and course, our Yocket experts are here to guide you from start to end. Schedule A FREE Video Consultation Call Today!

FAQ's on Describe a Course That You Want To Learn - IELTS Cue Card

What does the IELTS Speaking Part Two Cue Card mean in an English Language proficiency test?

Do IELTS cue cards repeat?

Do I have to follow the prompts on the cue cards?

Can I use informal language during my cue card task?

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