To secure admission at a top university abroad, international students must demonstrate their proficiency in the English language. This can be achieved by taking the International English Language Testing System or IELTS.
The IELTS Speaking Part 2 Cue Card is one of its hardest components. You need to think on your feet and speak fluently. In this blog, we've covered one of the most prevalent cue cards - Describe a person who is good at making people feel welcome in his/her home. Read on to understand how this section tests your communication skills, cultural awareness, and language competency. Moreover, utilise the sample answers to get an idea of how to keep your speech flowing, and which topics you must cover.
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What Is an IELTS Cue Card?
The IELTS speaking part is divided into three sections. The cue cards are included in section 2, lasting 3 to 4 minutes. The cue cards assess a candidate's ability to voice their viewpoints coherently, using good vocabulary and grammar. It includes prompts upon which the candidate needs to speak for 2 minutes.
The card also contains pointers that can be used to structure your thoughts. Once you complete the answer, the section will continue for another minute where you must answer related follow-up questions.
Below is a breakdown of the duration of the cue card section.
|
Task |
Duration |
|
Preparation |
1 minute |
|
Speaking |
Up to 2 minutes |
Suggested: IELTS Introduction Sample
Why are IELTS Cue Cards Important?
IELTS cue cards encourage students to speak coherently by highlighting the most important aspects of a topic. Here is why they are one of the most important sections on the IELTS!
- The IELTS cue card section tests your language skills. It assesses your fluency, pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar while speaking.
- It enables examiners to test the candidate's ability to speak and think spontaneously.
- The Cue card section score affects your overall Speaking test score. This score is important to meet the admission requirements in the top institutions abroad.
Describe a Person Who Is Good at Making People Feel Welcome in His/Her Home: Sample Answer 1
Who is this person?
I'd like to talk about my aunt, Mrs. Gupta. Her home reflects warmth and welcome, making visitors feel like they are part of the family. Mrs. Gupta is the heart and soul of her home. With her positive personality and friendly attitude, she effortlessly creates an engaging atmosphere that draws people in and makes them feel relaxed.
How Do You Know Them?
I've known Mrs. Gupta for many years. She is a beloved member of my extended family.
Whenever I visit her home, I am greeted with open arms and a genuine smile, which immediately puts me at ease.
How Do They Make You Feel Welcome?
Mrs. Gupta's hospitality has no bounds. She goes out of her way to make her guests feel at ease and enjoy themselves from the moment they arrive. She always goes the extra mile to make everyone feel special, whether by making a delicious dinner, providing a comfortable spot to sit, or engaging in friendly conversation.
Explain How You Feel About This Person.
I adore Mrs. Gupta, whose warmth and generosity make her home a welcoming haven for those who visit. Her genuine compassion and hospitality leave a lasting impression on everyone she encounters, and I am grateful to have her in my life.
Describe a Person Who Is Good at Making People Feel Welcome in His/Her Home: Sample Answer 2
Who is this person?
If I had to describe one person who is good at making others feel comfortable in his or her home, I would surely mention my best friend, Sanya. We often forget that friends are the people who make you feel at home, no matter where you are. I met Sanya in 2018 when I was attending college. We quickly became friends because of our shared enthusiasm for and interest in commercial arts.
How Do You Know Them?
Sanya and I began talking when we were assigned our first Fine Arts project. We were asked to understand 3D dimensions and sketch a flower pot from two perspectives. Since then, we've bonded over art and other topics.
How Do They Make You Feel Welcome?
The first time I spent the night at her residence, I felt just at home. She made sure I had my favourite candy, ice cream, and movies to watch together. Not only that, her family members also treated me like a family.
Explain How You Feel About This Person.
I feel comfortable when I am around her. She is always willing to help those around her, which distinguishes her. She always attempts to make people feel comfy around her and remembers details, which makes a big difference. Sanya taught me that making something pleasant in your home does not have to be limited to the four walls. It can also be about making others feel comfortable in your presence by demonstrating empathy and compassion.
Suggested: Different Types of IELTS Exam to Study Abroad
Describe a Person Who Is Good at Making People Feel Welcome in His/Her Home: Sample Answer 3
Who is this person?
I've met many people in my life who are great at making others feel welcome in their homes. Here, I'd want to discuss someone close to my heart. I'm talking about Rihaan, who lives near to my house. It only takes 5 minutes to reach his house. He is an English instructor who currently teaches at a private school. In 2012, I met him for the first time.
How Do You Know Them?
We met at a party hosted by a mutual friend; he was also present, and one of my friends introduced us. I was impressed by his style of handshake. After our initial meeting, we became good friends. Many factors contributed to his exceptional ability to welcome people. First and foremost, I admire him for being an excellent listener who is always interested in what people have to say.
How Do They Make You Feel Welcome?
He is an excellent cook and often talks about it and welcomes people to his home. He invited me to his home with genuine care and interest to meet everyone, and it was quite difficult for me to refuse.
Explain How You Feel About This Person.
His body language is very positive; he is constantly full of life and never gets wrinkles on his face while speaking with others. His approach to welcoming everyone is amazing, and I am drawn to his style and behaviour with others.
Describe a Person Who Is Good at Making People Feel Welcome in His/Her Home: Sample Answer 4
Who is this person?
One such person who immediately comes to mind is my Nani. I've seen her nurture everyone from a young age, ensuring that everyone is taken care of, especially during vacations when all the cousins gather.
How Do You Know Them?
I've known my grandmother all my life. We visited her house during summer vacations and festivals when we were quite young. It was a kind of ritual to visit her during vacations and remain with her for a certain period.
How Do They Make You Feel Welcome?
My nani has a very warm personality. Over the years, I have seen her greet everyone with a big, genuine smile. She is always happy whenever she hears about guests coming to the house. She always makes an effort to make something special for everyone to make them comfortable, including food and much more.
Explain How You Feel About This Person.
I love and respect my nani. She has taught me the value of remaining calm and welcoming, and she has set an example for everyone in the family for the future. My nani's ability to be friendly has influenced my thinking for future generations. It has now become my habit to greet people with a big smile and kindness.
Sample Follow Up Questions
Candidates must answer follow-up questions about the discussed topic after completing the cue card task. Potential questions for "Describe a Person Who Is Good at Making People Feel Welcome in His/Her Home" include:
Q1. Is inviting people to stay at home a good skill?
Ans. Inviting people to stay at one's house can be a useful skill because it fosters connections and deepens relationships. It demonstrates hospitality and kindness, leaving guests feeling respected and cared for. Furthermore, it allows for meaningful connections and memorable experiences, which promotes a sense of community and mutual support.
Q2. What role does food play in making guests feel comfortable at someone's home?
Ans. In Indian households, good cuisine makes people feel at home and serves as a conversation starter. Serving good cuisine boosts the host's confidence in hospitality.
Q3. In your opinion, what characteristics are most important for establishing a pleasant atmosphere in a home?
Ans. Warmth, kindness, and attentiveness are, in my opinion, the three most important aspects of a welcome house. A courteous host should greet visitors pleasantly, offer refreshments, and start a conversation. Paying attention to their wishes and preferences, and ensuring they have all they need to feel at home, may make guests feel valued and at peace.
Q4. How do you believe the person you described would react to unexpected or unwelcome guests?
Ans: The person I described as warm and friendly would be pleasantly surprised but would greet unexpected guests with the same radiance and warmth. They would rush to make all of the arrangements and do their best to make them feel at home.
Suggested: What is the IELTS Full Form & Its Significance?
Tips to Answer IELTS Cue Card
Answering an IELTS Cue Card may seem difficult, but with practice, you can ace it. Give enough time to the preparation, and follow the following tips to present your ideas :
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Tip 1: Understand the topic. Make sure you address every question.
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Tip 2: Improve your pronunciation and intonation. Speak clearly, without interruptions.
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Tip 3: Be conscious of your pace. Speaking very fast can lead to mistakes. Speaking slowly may make it seem like you're struggling to speak.
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Tip 4: Expand your vocabulary. Present your ideas clearly and avoid repeating the same words.
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Tip 5: Demonstrate your English proficiency by using compound and complex sentences.
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Tip 6: Stay calm. It’s okay to be nervous, but don’t let it overwhelm you. Practise sufficiently to answer the question.
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Tip 7: Be sincere in your engagement with the issue. Personal experiences and examples may help you provide a more persuasive solution.
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Tip 8: Prepare for follow-up questions by adding details to your cue card responses.
Conclusion
It is important to know how to answer the cue card section as its scores will affect the IELTS speaking test score. Most of the universities emphasise the IELTS speaking test scores for securing admission abroad. Consider reading books and watching Hollywood movies to expand your vocabulary. Learn one or two new words every day, and try using them in your daily conversations. Moreover, practise the popular IELTS speaking part 2 cue cards beforehand, as it will boost your confidence and help you relax on the test day.
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!
