"Dеscribе an activity that you do aftеr school/work" is a popular cue card topic asked in thе speaking section of thе IELTS exam. You can dеscribе any activity you regularly do after your school or work hours. This topic allows you to еxprеss your interests and hobbiеs and strеss rеliеvеrs or ways to socialisе and havе fun after a long day.
In this article, we will first understand what is askеd in this cuе card topic. Then, we will look at a sample answer with follow-up questions. We have also included additional sample answers, helpful vocabulary, and common IELTS-speaking FAQs to help you prepare well for this topic.
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What is IELTS?
IELTS, or International English Language Testing System, is an exam for identifying the language proficiency of people willing to work or study in countries that speak English as the official language. The test, IELTS, which is designed by the British Council, IDP Education, and Cambridge Assessment English, contains listening, reading, writing, and speaking sections. This test is highly credible and is viewed favourably by educational institutions, employers, and immigration bodies across the globe.
What is an IELTS Cue Card?
IELTS Cue Card or Task-2 of the Speaking module is the most challenging section because the students are given a card containing a topic and the prompts. The students are given 1-2 minutes to present the topic in a statement. A Cue Card is used to check the candidate's ability to speak, use different words that are more appropriate, and express ideas fluently. The topics can range from autobiographical stories to sharing my thoughts or discussing an issue.
Why Are IELTS Cue Cards Important?
The cue card segment evaluates your spontaneous speaking abilities without any preparation. So it is extremely tough. However, it is a crucial component that prepares you for real-life scenarios. Here are some advantages of cue cards in IELTS Exam:
- Improves speaking fluency - you learn to speak spontaneously on a subject for 2 minutes.
- Develops vocabulary - You need a solid vocabulary to talk exhaustively about any subject for 2 minutes. Cue cards assist in increasing vocabulary.
- Grammatical structures: You must use accurate grammar to communicate coherently for 2 minutes. This enhances your grammatical range.
- Thinking on your feet: You have only 1 minute to collect thoughts before speaking; this promotes your rapid thinking.
- Real-world skills: In everyday life and professional situations, you frequently need to talk spontaneously on a specific subject. Cue cards prepare you for such circumstances.
So, to acquire a high band score, the preparation of cue cards is quite crucial. Even though the specific themes may differ, studying concepts and vocabulary on common topics can aid you enormously in the IELTS exam.
The test-takers are provided with a minute to prepare their answer, and following that, they can highlight key points they want to cover. The Cue Card section is tailored to evaluate not merely the proficiency in the language but also the candidate’s ability to organise his thoughts, sustain a coherent dialogue, and use language correctly and effectively to express one’s ideas. Generally, the IELTS Cue Card plays a big part in determining how well one has a command of English based on the assessment of the individual’s overall language proficiency.
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Understanding the Cue Card Topic
The examiner will give you one cue card with the topic "Describe an activity you do after school/work." You will have 1 minute to prepare your answer and make notes. Then you have to speak about this topic continuously for 2 minutes.
While speaking on this topic, you should cover the following aspects:
- What is the activity you regularly do after school or work?
- Who do you do this activity with (friends, family, colleagues, etc)?
- Why do you enjoy doing this activity at your school/work?
- How does this activity help you?
The examiner wants to see how well you can organise your thoughts and ideas while speaking spontaneously on a given topic. They test your English speaking skills like grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and fluency.
Sample Answer
Here is a sample answer for this cue card topic:
Introduction
After my college classes get over in the evening, I like to go to the gym for my workout routine. Working out helps me relieve all the stress and tiredness from the hectic day.
Describe the activity
I have been going to the gym regularly after college for the last two years. I do weight training exercises and cardio for about 1-2 hours at the gym. Exercising keeps me fit, energetic, and focused.
Who do you do the activity with?
At the gym, I usually work out with my best friend. We have enrolled in the same fitness program and gym batch. My friend and I spot each other during weight lifts and often take turns using the cardio machines.
Reasons for doing the activity
I mainly work out after college because it works as a stress-buster for me. Lifting weights and doing cardio boosts my happy hormones and relieves any anxiety or tiredness. I also get some much-needed "me time" after classes, where I can zone out and focus on my health.
Conclusion
Working out at the gym after college helps me maintain fitness and mentally relax. I find exercising with a friend also motivates me to keep going to the gym regularly.
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Follow-Up Questions
After your 2-minute talk, the examiner may ask some questions related to your cue card topic. For example:
1. What other "activities" do college students in your country like doing after classes?
Many college students in India like to hang out with friends, go to cafes, or see movies after classes. Some also play team sports like cricket and football or go cycling and running. They see it as a time to destress and catch up with friends.
2. Should classes finish earlier so students get time for activities?
Colleges should finish classes by 4 or 5 pm. It leaves students with 2-3 hours to pursue hobbies, do part-time work, or just relax after a long day of studying. Having this free time activity cue card improves their productivity and mental health.
3. What new activity would you like to take up in the future?
I've always wanted to learn a new dance form, like salsa or hip hop, in my free time. Dancing helps improve fitness, and learning choreographed dance routines will be a fun new activity for me. I plan to attend a dance class next month.
Additional Sample Answers
Sample Answer 1
After I finish my office work by 6 pm, I like to spend some time at a nearby café with my colleagues. We work hard all day, so meeting over coffee after work lets us unwind and catch up socially. Chatting there with my teammates helps strengthen our bonds as we get to know each other better. I also feel more motivated to work when I share a laugh with them.
Sample Answer 2
My favourite way to relax after a busy day of college is by reading novels. I get so wrapped up in daily lessons and assignments that I rarely get 'me time'. So, I look forward to settling down with a gripping novel for an hour after I'm home. Reading stories transports me into another world and is a great stress reliever. It also expands my vocabulary and creativity.
Vocabulary and Phrases to Use
Here are some vocabulary and phrases you can use for this cue card topic:
- My ideal way to unwind after work is...
- After college, every evening, I like to...as it helps me relax and recharge.
- Nothing beats ____ for me at the end of a hectic day.
- To steam off after school, I often...
- I'm an avid fan of ___ing after my classes because...
- My comrade/partner for this activity is...
- I find this activity entertaining/rejuvenating because...
- This hobby/sport is my favourite stress-buster as...
- I always look forward to ____ing with my friends after work.
- After a crammed day at college, this activity helps clear my head.
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Benefits of Having a Hobby or Activity After Work/School
Having a hobby or activity you enjoy after school or work hours provides many benefits beyond relaxation and entertainment. Devoting time to an activity you love can refresh your mental state, develop new skills, expand your social circle, and lead to many other positives.
Relieves Stress
One of the most significant advantages of having a hobby after work is that it relieves stress and mental tiredness. During nine-to-five jobs or hectic school days, our minds constantly process information and multitask. This can gradually induce stress, anxiety, and burnout. Engaging in hobbies like gardening, painting, or even fun gaming sessions initiates your body's natural relaxation response. It lowers blood pressure, slows heart rate, and clears mental clutter. Starting your evenings with this relaxation time helps you stay calm and focused.
Acquire New Skills
Many hobbies allow you to learn new abilities and add fresh skills to your repertoire. For example, those taking pottery classes after college can unleash their creative side while gaining ceramic art skills. By joining photography clubs, one can pick up intriguing techniques. Even a hobby like jewellery making teaches you design principles and fine motor skills. Being a beginner again brings back the excitement of learning. Expanding your skillset ultimately boosts your personal growth.
Socialise and Bond
Shared interests and activities are great ways to meet new people and forge deeper connections. If you join a book club or sports team after work, you interact with like-minded folks regularly. Or if you invite colleagues to play chess after work hours, it cultivates friendships. Studies show that more social interaction and community bonding promote well-being and extend your support system. It can also help you unwind better than solitary activities.
Discover Passions
Having free time activity cue cards to explore hobbies and activities lets you get in touch with what truly makes you happy. You may realise cooking, gardening, or dancing gives you joy and a sense of flow. Finding these passions outside work gives you a creative outlet to express yourself. It also gives meaning to your leisure time by doing what resonates most with you. You might uncover a new lifelong passion this way.
Maintain Work-Life Balance
You'll burn out when your evenings and weekends revolve solely around office projects or school. Having scheduled time for a hobby prevents your profession from taking over your identity. It forces you to switch off and do something unrelated to the nine-to-five. Whether painting, volunteering, or gaming, these activities carve out the all-important time from daily stresses. They allow you to pursue personal goals and have an identity beyond just work.
In today's high-paced world, consciously pursuing a hobby or interest after your main workday is vital to enjoying a balanced, fulfilling life. It offers many benefits that boost your health, expand your social circle, and bring out your buried talents!
Fun Hobby Ideas to Pursue After School or Work
There's an endless array of enriching hobbies and activities one could take up after college or work hours. Besides, these can help you gain valuable skills, make friends, and unlock newfound passions. Here are some fun hobby ideas you could pursue:
Team Sports
Joining a recreational soccer, basketball, or badminton league is a fabulous way to exercise and foster team spirit. You get the dual benefit of fitness and friendships. Most cities have local clubs where you can join evening and weekend matches. It's enjoyable to train together toward shared goals with other sports enthusiasts.
Board Game Groups
Game nights aren't just for children! In many communities, adults form board recreation agencies that join to play classics like Scrabble, Monopoly, and Chess or new video games like Settlers of Catan. Besides playing the actual gameplay, you get to socialise and experience a sense of belonging.
Drawing or Painting classes
Have you usually wanted to flex your innovative muscle mass? Sign up for art training in your locality. Sketching isn't sketching in pencil or watercolour painting. Learning foundations like perspective, shading techniques, and colour mixing build your artistic skills. Completing finished work leaves you with immense satisfaction.
Volunteering Initiatives
Offer time for a good cause on weekends, like serving at a soup kitchen or teaching kids English at a nonprofit, and using your free time to volunteer uplifts your mood and sense of purpose. And connecting with people from all walks of life broadens your worldview.
Gardening or Home Projects
If you experience working with your fingers, attempt to begin a small garden on your balcony or terrace. Nurturing plants and seeing them blossom is healing. Or pick small DIY projects to build something unique, like shelves, photo frames, or decor items. These hands-on hobbies release stress.
Dance or Yoga
High-energy dance styles like hip hop, Zumba, salsa, etc., make staying fit enjoyable. You learn fun choreography while burning calories. Restorative yoga is ideal for winding down and gaining flexibility. Most studios offer classes in the evenings or weekends that are suitable for working folks.
Baking or Cooking
Enrol in evening cake-decorating or pasta-making classes if you love cooking delicious things! Baking from scratch develops your culinary skills. Cooking a new cuisine exposes you to different herbs, spices, and techniques. Plus, you get to treat yourself and others to the tasty results!
With so many engaging hobbies to try out, you'll be spoiled for choice after college or work! Pick what excites you and start pursuing it to recharge yourself. Rotate between a few if needed to get a good mix of skills, socialising, and physical activity in your spare time.
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Conclusion
The cue card topic "Describe an activity you do after school/work" is every day in IELTS Speaking. Use the ideas and tips provided in this article to prepare. Learn relevant vocabulary array words and practice sample answers to this question. Also, review other common speaking topics to be fully ready for this section of the test and achieve your desired band score.
With thorough preparation using resources online and taking mock tests, you can successfully clear the IELTS speaking module and improve your overall band score. Manage your time well during the test and stay calm. Speak fluently with good pronunciation. This will help you effectively describe an activity you do after school or work and respond well to follow-up questions.
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