International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the most widely recognized and accepted English test for non-native speakers. It tests their listening, reading, writing, and speaking abilities in academic English. Cue cards are used in all the speaking tests. A topic is provided, and the candidate must talk for 1-2 minutes. These cards are used to assess fluency, coherence, range of vocabulary, and grammatical accuracy via the IELTS Speaking Part 2.
This blog will discuss a vital cue card - Describe a Development in Your Country. Although it's crucial to talk confidently, candidates might feel anxious because of the limited time. We have provided you with four sample answers. You may get an idea about the questions and how to respond to them.
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- 1. What is an IELTS Cue Card?
- 2. Describe a Development in Your Country: Sample Answer 1
- 3. Describe a Development in Your Country: Sample Answer 2
- 4. Describe a Development in Your Country: Sample Answer 3
- 5. Describe a Development in Your Country: Sample Answer 4
- 6. Follow Up Questions
- 7. Tips to Answer IELTS Cue Card
- 8. From the Desk of Yocket
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What is an IELTS Cue Card?
IELTS cue cards are used in the IELTS testing system for speaking tasks. These cards prompt your topic, usually taking 1-2 minutes to talk. The examiner checks fluency, coherence, grammar, and the ability to vocalize their thoughts in an articulate manner consistent with English vocabulary & grammatical performance.
The breakdown of the duration of the cue card section is added below:
Duration |
11–14 minutes |
Number of Parts |
3 |
Band Score Range |
0-9 |
Test Mode |
Offline/Online |

Describe a Development in Your Country: Sample Answer 1
Introduction
I live in India, and developing a high-speed rail network is a big step in stimulating economic growth for the Indian and foreign tourist population. This has also solved our transportation problems by a significant percentage.
Where is the development?
A High-Speed Rail network is being developed to connect significant cities within the country, such as the capital city, industrial centers, and key economic hubs. It is intended to link both states' northern and southern parts and save considerable travel time between long-distance trailheads.
When did you hear about it?
This move was announced about five years ago when the Govt called a big, bold press conference to launch this "project." The announcement received extensive news coverage, including full details about the proposed routes, benefits, and an ambitious completion deadline.
How did it influence you?
This development had a real impact on me. Of course, professionally, it offered many opportunities in many sectors: construction or engineering and tourism. For me, this high-speed railway network was like traveling between my native city and the capital in a rounded way as it became easier to pay visits to parents or meet with friends. It also pushed me to think about job opportunities in cities that I previously thought were too far away for daily commuting.
Explain how you felt about it.
This was a very positive and encouraging sign. This appealed to the desire for faster travel between cities and the potential economic benefits. Witnessing such a significant development within my nation's infrastructure made me incredibly proud. The high-speed rail network represents progress and is a symbol of the new. It will be one of our national building blocks in shaping the future.
Describe a Development in Your Country: Sample Answer 2
Introduction
A significant development in my country is the installation of Solar Farms. This was introduced just recently, but most farmers have adopted this technique.
Where is the development?
Under development in many parts of the world, these solar power farms are prevalent in deserts and other areas with high sunlight, such as rural regions with large stretches of unoccupied land.
When did you hear about it?
My first exposure to this effort was about three years ago at a national energy summit where the government announced its bold ambition for renewables proliferation across the nation.
How did it influence you?
This bit of news has delighted me. It is a giant leap for the environment regarding reducing our carbon footprint and taking on climate change. Economically, it is poised to drive down energy costs and generate thousands of jobs in clean energy. It sparked my thoughts of exploring career paths within renewable energy and helping to enact more sustainable practices in my everyday life.
Explain how you felt about it.
It filled me with pride and even a little hope. The pledges for renewable energy galvanized the government's modernizing spirit and ecological consciousness. Becoming better stewards of the environment, reducing our reliance on non-renewable resources, and creating power - especially in areas without access to consistent energy sources- was very encouraging. As a patriotic Indian, it gave me hope for what our nation could contribute to the environmental climate programs worldwide.
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Describe a Development in Your Country: Sample Answer 3
Introduction
In India, a significant development occurred in the form of “digital India,” which was launched to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy.
Where is the development?
Country-wide implementation of the Digital India Initiative affects both Urban and Rural areas. It is to improve the country's online infrastructure, internet connectivity, and digital literacy.
When did you hear about it?
The first time I heard about Digital India was in 2015 when the Prime Minister of India announced that he launched it officially. This news went viral on Twitter channels, and all newscasts briefed it on its primary purpose and the benefits to be obtained.
How did it influence you?
This changed me a lot. From a professional perspective, it spelled change as the tech industry boomed and demand for IT professionals soared along with digital services. It helped to digitalize resources from education online to digital payments. It also inspired me to learn more about digital technologies.
Explain how you felt about it.
I was too excited to scroll about Digital India. It was fascinating to close the digital divide and offer equal opportunities for all citizens. I want to be glad to see India modernizing and taking impressive technological strides. With its focus on governance, innovation, and engagement through digital mediums, I was optimistic about the future of France under such an initiative in powering itself for a more active role in the global digital economy.
Describe a Development in Your Country: Sample Answer 4
Introduction
A significant development in India has been the introduction of a comprehensive indirect tax reform, Goods and Services Tax (GST).
Where is the development?
GST is a single tax on the supply of goods and services from the manufacturer to the consumer.
When did you hear about it?
The first time I learned about GST was around 2017, when our government developed a widely covered news article that explained how the tax structure would be simplified and improve the business environment.
How did it influence you?
This was a huge event, and it meant the world to me. The economic objective was to boost the economy by creating a single national market so businesses could work more freely without being taxed by one state. It also influenced my spending and investment based on what I knew of the market at that point. More importantly, my investment strategy and taxes are among them.
Explain how you felt about it.
I was caught up in a wave of excitement with the news of implementing GST. This was a chance to streamline the tax system and combat corruption. It claimed it would deliver growth transparency and a more welcoming environment for foreign investors. There are some challenges, but overall, I was optimistic about a more fruitful economic environment post-GST in our daily lives.
Suggested: Latest IELTS Writing Topics and Questions
Follow Up Questions
To what extent does the development made in your country affect your country's environment?
The development has been welcomed on the one hand but comes with concerns over land use for solar farms and potential ecosystem disruptions. Nonetheless, these regulations are placed to limit the adverse effects on the environment.
What challenges did you face when these developments were forming?
Of course, challenges existed - resistance from entrenched traditional energy sectors and logistical prospects such as establishing infrastructure. Sourcing land to place their solar projects on site took a lot of work. The fact that the first costs were high made it financially unattractive to do so. Still, government support through incentives effectively overcame these barriers alongside well-planned public awareness campaigns.
How has this growth made life better for people in your country?
This, in turn, leads to improved energy levels in rural areas, bringing better living standards and, nonetheless, generating more economic activities. As a result, electricity drives, healthcare provisions, enhanced agricultural output, and more extraordinary delivery of crucial services to the masses have augmented.
Are those shifts potentially happening in other nations as well? Why or why not?
Similar developments can be implemented in other countries with modifications in their local contexts. Counties with ample sunlight can consider solar projects. These countries, which have abundant sunlight and other renewable energy initiatives, might benefit from a different kind of advancement in solar energy.
Tips to Answer IELTS Cue Card
Here are some helpful tips that you should keep in mind when answering the IELTS Cue Cards:
From the Desk of Yocket
When answering the IELTS Cue Cards, it is essential to stay focused on the given topic and not divert to another topic altogether. When asked to speak, you must ensure that all the aspects are answered within 1-2 minutes. Organize your thoughts clearly, and use the critical idea outlined in the preparation time. Speak naturally and confidently. Expand on each bullet point. And you are good to go.
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