The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores are necessary for non-native English speakers to pursue higher education or a career in native English-speaking countries like the US, UK, Australia, and more. IELTS is an English language test accepted by universities and employers. It is accepted by more than 140 countries globally.
IELTS cue card also known as IELTS speaking part 2, tests the ability of a candidate to articulate their thoughts comprehensively. This section has a duration of 4-5 minutes. When you get a cue card with a topic, you get 1 minute to prepare, and then you need to speak on the topic for about 2 minutes.
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What is an IELTS Cue Card?
The IELTS speaking part 2 requires the candidate to convey their experiences or viewpoints about a certain topic, based on a cue. They are used to assess the candidates' eloquence, confidence, and vocabulary. As the duration given for it is just two minutes, you must smartly convey a wholesome answer by including important points only. Luckily, the cue cards also have 3-4 pointers that you can expand on.
|
Task |
Duration |
|
Preparation |
1 minute |
|
Speaking |
Up to 2 minutes |
|
Follow-up questions |
Up to 2 minutes |
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Why are IELTS Cue Cards Important?
IELTS Cue Cards are important for several reasons:
- The weightage of Cue cards is more in the IELTS speaking test. Out of the 9 bands in IELTS Speaking, cue card weightage is of 4 bands.
- The cue card tests enable examiners to evaluate your English language proficiency by assessing how confidently and fluently you speak.
- It tests your ability to think within 1-minute duration.
- Your Cue Card task score affects your speaking score. This score is crucial for meeting language requirements in top institutions.
- The follow-up questions required you to use a wide range of vocabulary to discuss the answer in detail.
Describe Something That You Picked Up That Was Thrown By Someone Else: Sample Answer 1
Where was it?
There was an incident that took place at the local park in my neighbourhood. People here come for morning walks and fresh air as it has a lot of greenery.
When was it picked up?
One day I was having a walk in the park in the evening. There weren't many people around, so it was peaceful and quiet. But then, I saw something that made me sad—a plastic bottle lying on the ground.
What did you do after you picked it up?
I didn’t like seeing the litter, so I picked up the bottle and looked for the trash bin around. I didn’t find it anywhere so I carried the bottle with me. On my way, I found a dustbin and dropped the bottle there.
How did you feel?
At first, I felt upset that someone had thrown their trash on the ground. But when I picked it up and put it in the bin, I felt proud that I had helped keep the park clean. It made me realise how important it is to take care of our environment and our community spaces.
Describe Something That You Picked Up That Was Thrown By Someone Else: Sample Answer 2
Where was it?
One day while walking in my society, I saw a broken flower pot lying on the ground. Its once-bright blossoms lay among broken pottery pieces. Due to the carelessness of someone, it was broken.
When was it picked up?
I started collecting the shattered pieces to avoid any injury to anyone. I soon picked up the broken flower pot and collected the pieces and kept it aside.
What did you do after you picked it up?
After scooping up the broken flower pot, I carefully gathered and disposed of the broken parts. I then made sure everything was tidy and safe by cleaning the surroundings. I planned to replace the pot with a new one and plant new flowers since I was determined to bring beauty back to the area.
How did you feel?
Resolved to restore the neighbourhood's beauty, I felt a mix of sadness at the damage caused by negligence and determination as I picked up the broken flower pot and cleaned the area. When I took action, I felt a sense of pride and commitment to improve the neighbourhood.
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Describe Something That You Picked Up That Was Thrown By Someone Else: Sample Answer 3
Where was it?
During a trip to the beach with my family, I observed a pile of plastic wrappers and empty bottles spread around the shore. The beach, known for its beauty, was ruined by the garbage left behind by careless tourists.
When was it picked up?
As I walked along the sandy beach, the sight of rubbish among the natural beauty upset me. Without hesitation, I began picking up the dropped objects, determined to restore the beach to its previous cleanliness.
What did you do after you picked it up?
After gathering plenty of rubbish, I looked for nearby trash cans to dispose of it. Despite the lack of trash bins, I kept collecting litter, determined not to leave it behind. In the way, I found a dustbin and dumped all the collected litter there.
How did you feel?
Initially, I was disheartened by seeing the pollution on the beautiful beach. But then I felt a sense of responsibility and duty to take action. I felt empowered when I picked up the litter. I knew that my efforts were contributing to preserving the natural beauty of the beach and protecting the marine life that calls it home.
Describe Something That You Picked Up That Was Thrown By Someone Else: Sample Answer 4
Where was it?
On a warm summer evening in Mumbai, I walked along the shoreline of Juhu beach. I was enjoying the gentle sea breeze and the vibrant atmosphere.
When was it picked up?
As I admired the scenic view of the beach and the iconic skyline of Mumbai, I noticed a group of children playing cricket on the sandy beach below. A cricket ball unexpectedly landed at my feet.
What did you do after you picked it up?
Without hesitation, I picked up the ball and tossed it back to the excited group of kids, who greeted me with joyful smiles and passionate waves of thanks.
How did you feel?
I felt a sense of warmth and connection in that spontaneous exchange despite the interruption to my peaceful walk. The joyous interaction with the children filled me with nostalgia for the carefree days of childhood, and I smiled at the unexpected turn of events.
Sample Follow Up Questions
Candidates must answer follow-up questions about the discussed topic after completing the cue card task. Potential questions for "Describe Something That You Picked Up That Was Thrown by Someone Else" include:
Q1. Do you think a simple deed helped to create a happy environment?
Ans: Yes, even simple actions, such as picking up a ball thrown by someone else, can contribute to a positive environment. In India, such gestures are frequently interpreted as acts of compassion and charity, building a sense of community and belonging. Individuals who respond positively to the circumstance might cause a ripple effect of positivity and kindness, ultimately improving the whole atmosphere.
Q2. Why do you think picking things is important?
Ans: In the Indian context, picking things up is important since it reflects cleanliness and responsibility. Individuals who maintain public spaces clean and litter-free help to create a healthier and more sanitary environment for everyone. Picking up items left by others also shows respect for community places and regard for fellow residents, which fosters a feeling of civic duty and pride.
Q3. Have you ever been in a similar circumstance when you had to pick something?
Ans: Yes, during a community cleanup effort, we were tasked with picking up litter along a nearby riverside. Despite the initial hesitation, our group immediately participated, and as we picked up rubbish, we observed a positive change in the environment. The act of picking up rubbish improved the neighbourhood and instilled a sense of unity and responsibility in the participants. It was encouraging to see how a simple effort like picking up trash might have a tangible impact on improving our environment.
Q4. Do people deliberately throw things?
Ans: Some people try not to pollute their surroundings, however many people do pollute the environment by throwing things in the environment. You have the potential to save the environment if you are committed to doing so.
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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 section is difficult for the test-takers. The candidates have pressure to perform within the allocated time. The IELTS speaking test is of lesser duration than other parts of the IELTS exam. But equal weightage is given to all four sections: writing, reading, speaking, and listening. Practising the important cue cards beforehand will help you to stay calm on the test day.
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