The IELTS Speaking test assesses the English language skills of non native English speakers, who wish to pursue further studies abroad. IELTS cue card also known as IELTS speaking part 2, tests the ability of a candidate to articulate their thoughts comprehensively. The cue card is a difficult part of the IELTS speaking test, as here you will have to present your views within a short time.
In this blog, we will discuss an important cue card - describe a time you were very busy. It is important to speak with confidence but students may feel anxious due to the short time. This blog has four sample answers which will help you understand how to answer cue cards.
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What is a Cue Card in IELTS?
A cue card is a subject given by the examiner that the candidate should talk about for two minutes in the IELTS Speak Me test.
It tests the candidate's potential to prepare their mind and communicate at duration with minimum guidance.
After exceeding the cardboard, the candidate is given 1 minute to prepare and might make notes.
The cue card carries the topic and may incorporate factors to cover or questions to reply
Some examples of cue card subjects are "Describe a time you have been very busy," "Talk approximately an early life memory," "Describe an important celebration in your country ." etc.
Suggested: Describe a Time When You Got Up Early - IELTS Cue Card
Why are Cue Cards Important in IELTS?
They test your capability to prepare your thoughts coherently and talk fluently with minimal preparation. You must be able to comprehend the topic, think of ideas, structure them logically, and articulate them under time pressure. The cue card accounts for a sizable portion of the speaking test, and being well-prepared for cue cards can significantly boost your speaking score.To keep your score intact, please finish the 2-minute cue card speech or stammer.
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Suggested: Describe A Popular Person In Your Country IELTS Cue Card
Describe A Time You Were Very Busy: Sample Answer 1
Introduction
In my final year of graduation, I was involved in various extra curricular activities along with my studies. I was organising a charity event and it was the busiest time of my life.
When Was the Time?
The duration of organising the event was from September to November. I was having my final year projects and had to prepare for the examinations as well.
Describe the Tasks That Kept You Busy.
In the charity event, I had to work with sponsors. I had to find venues, manage volunteers, and promote the event through many channels. Along with this, I have to manage my academic studies as well. I attend classes, complete my assignments and prepare for exams.
Explain How You Managed The Time During The Period.
I took a structured approach for time management. For my everyday tasks, I created precise schedules. I set aside time for studying, organising events, and relaxing. Tools like Google Calendar and Trello helped me keep organised. They also assisted me in meeting deadlines.
Share How You Cope Up With The Busy Schedules.
To manage the tight schedule, I made self-care a priority. I get enough sleep each night. I do exercise and meditation regularly to reduce stress. I also looked to my friends and family for help and they always encourage me when needed.
Conclusion
It was tough to manage both academics and extracurricular activities. But, organising the charity event was very satisfying. It helped me learn time management, teamwork and resilience.
Describe A Time You Were Very Busy: Sample Answer 2
Introduction
I was working full-time and decided to pursue a master's degree along with my job. This led to a period where I was very busy in managing both my work responsibilities and academic commitments.
When Was the Time?
The busy period lasted from January to June. It happened as soon as I started my master’s program.
Describe the Tasks That Kept You Busy.
I had to manage graduate-level coursework with a demanding marketing job. This brought with it an abundance of tasks. I managed advertising campaigns. At work, I spoke with clients and analysed market trends. For my master's program, I had to do assignments, attend lectures, and do research. It took the coordinated effort to do this.
Explain How You Managed The Time During The Period.
Time management was essential during this time. I made a schedule to do tasks of work and study. I prioritised tasks based on deadlines and importance. I break my work into several intervals, which helps me stay focussed and productive throughout the day.
Share How You Cope Up With The Busy Schedules.
To cope with busy schedules, I always try to keep a healthy work-life balance. I do regular exercise, take proper sleep, and meditate to reduce stress. When I asked my employer for support in busy periods, they were flexible and understood my situation.
Conclusion
It was hard to balance a full-time job with part-time studies. But it helped me in my professional and personal growth.
Describe A Time You Were Very Busy: Sample Answer 3
Introduction
My marketing internship last summer was one of the busiest periods of my life. It was a unique experience that pushed me to grow and gain experience in the fast-paced corporate world.
When Was the Time?
I was in my last semester at that time. In order to increase my academic performance and get ready for the corporate sector, I concentrated on my professional development during this year.
Describe the Tasks That Kept You Busy.
I was given a variety of responsibilities during my employment, such as creating marketing strategies, conducting market research, and giving client presentations. There were projects that I worked on that had deadlines. I also had to actively coordinate with team members and attend team meetings.
Explain How You Managed The Time During The Period.
I adopted a variety of strategies to effectively manage my time. For example, I've utilised project management software like Asana to track activities and prioritise them based on deadlines. I've scheduled and managed client meetings using software and digital calendars. In addition, I divided difficult jobs into manageable chunks and worked on one at a time.
Share How You Coped With The Busy Schedules.
It was important for me to look after my own health and allow myself enough time to get through those difficult periods. My first concern has always been maintaining a work-life balance, and I take constant care of my health to stay active. To cope with stress and remain active, I engage in a variety of useful activities such as cycling, walking, playing outdoor games, and listening to music.
Conclusion
The internship was difficult, but it gave me valuable experience working in the corporate world and striking a balance between work and personal life.
Describe A Time You Were Very Busy: Sample Answer 4
Introduction
During a hectic time, I led an important project for my company. This project pushed me to my limits as I worked through challenging tasks and short deadlines, requiring all of my attention and dedication.
When Was the Time?
The three months of July through September were the busiest months. It coincided with the project's timeline. I balanced other work obligations throughout this period by giving the project my full attention to ensure its effective completion.
Describe the Tasks That Kept You Busy.
I supervised the project. It was my responsibility to organise work, form teams, create plans, and supervise projects. In addition, I had to control stakeholder expectations. I had to mitigate risks while adhering to project timeframes and budgets.
Explain How You Managed The Time During The Period.
To meet the needs of the project, efficient time management was essential. I set deadlines and divided the work into manageable chunks. Regular check-ins with team members and stakeholders allowed me to track progress and quickly resolve any difficulties or roadblocks.
Share How You Coped With The Busy Schedules.
To keep up with the busy schedule, I prioritised self-care and stress management techniques. I made an effort to maintain a good work-life balance. I achieved this by establishing limits and scheduling fun events. Regular exercise, mindfulness meditation, and quality time with loved ones all helped me refresh and remain mentally robust in the face of project challenges.
Conclusion
I led the high-stakes project, which was both challenging and rewarding. It pushed me to advance in both my career and personal spheres. I overcame difficulties and achieved success for my company. Strategic planning, resilience, and effective time management helped me achieve this. This busy period emphasised the importance of adaptability and perseverance.
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 time you were very busy" include:
Q1. Can you provide examples of tasks that needed immediate attention during your busy period? How did you handle them?
Ans: One example was when we experienced a technical issue just days before the event. In order to guarantee the event ran smoothly, it was imperative that it be resolved. I spoke with the technical team. We then identified the primary problem and delegated tasks to resolve it. We quickly fixed the problem by working as a team and reallocating resources.
Q2. Did any unexpected obstacles arise during your busy time? How did you adapt to overcome them?
Ans: Yes, we did experience unexpected terrible weather on the day of the outside event. It posed a threat to our plans. o adapt, we quickly rearranged logistics. We moved activities indoors and adjusted the schedule. Also, we updated attendees through social media and email. This ensured they were informed and could participate despite the changes.
Q3. How did you keep your team on the same page and focused on goals during busy times?
Ans: The secret to our success was communication. Team meetings were held regularly. We discussed challenges, set priorities, and addressed progress using them. We also used Trello and Slack as project management tools. They provided real-time task tracking and communication. This ensured that everyone was aware of their roles.
Q4. Did you have to make sacrifices or compromises in other parts of your life during the busy period? If so, how did you manage those trade-offs?
Ans: Yes, there were compromises to be made in order to balance employment, school, and personal obligations. I gave up social interactions and relaxation. I had to learn how to manage my time and prioritise my tasks. This required reducing socialising and leisure activities.
Q5. Can you discuss a very stressful moment from your busy period? How did you cope with it?
Ans: One of the most difficult times was when we experienced logistical issues with venue bookings. This was only a few weeks before the occasion. There was a lot of pressure to find alternatives immediately. I managed to remain composed and concentrated. I worked with the team to come up with ideas. In addition, I sought assistance from our network. We communicated effectively and found prompt solutions to issues. This allowed us to identify alternative locations and minimise event disruptions.
Tips to Answer IELTS Cue Card
Answering an IELTS Cue Card may seem difficult, but with practice, you will be able to ace it. Give enough time to the preparation, and follow the following tips to present your ideas :
- Tip 1: Understand the topic. Make sure you address every question.
- Tip 2: Improve your pronunciation and intonation. Speak clearly, without interruptions.
- 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.
- Tip 4: Expand your vocabulary. Present your ideas clearly and avoid repeating the same words.
- Tip 5: Demonstrate your English proficiency by using compound and complex sentences.
- Tip 6: Stay calm. It’s okay to be nervous, but don’t let it overwhelm you. Practise sufficiently to answer the question.
- Tip 7: Be sincere in your engagement with the issue. Personal experiences and examples may help you provide a more persuasive solution.
- Tip 8: Prepare for follow-up questions by adding details to your cue card responses.
Conclusion
The IELTS Speaking Part 2 - Cue Card helps interviewers to evaluate the candidate’s communication skills. It is a challenging task for the test takers due to the pressure to perform in a limited time. To succeed in the IELTS speaking part, thorough preparation is required. You should practise before the examination, as it will allow you to remain calm on test day.
If you want to know more about the IELTS score required for admission at the top institutions, reach out to Yocket Premium. Yocket experts will help you streamline your preparation and will guide you through the complex process of studying abroad. Connect with Yocket experts today!
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