cue cards for ielts

IELTS Speaking Skill

Chapter ThreePARTICULAR TOPICS (CUE CARDS) o About Part 2 of Interviewo Types of cue cardso Talking about a topico Asking questions o Interviews with follow-upso How to plan a cue cardo Cue cards plus planning diagramo Sample cue cards plus speech scriptso Cue cards plus sample speech and follow-up

questions

Try to add footnotes to the pages indicating expressions and phrases along with special vocabularies and collocations.

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Particular Topics (Cue Cards)

Chapter ThreePARTICULAR TOPICS (CUE CARDS) ABOUT PART TWO OF INTERVIEW__________________________

In the second part of the interview the examiner gives you a card which

tells you what topic you should talk about. Bear the following important

facts in mind:

1. The cue cards will give you some prompts- questions and situations-

about what you should add to your speech.

2. You are given one minute or a bit more to read the cue card and plan

your speech.

3. You are also given a paper and a pencil to plan what you want to say.

(Jot down some notes and use them while talking about the card)

4. The examiner will tell you when to start and when to finish.

5. The normal time for section two is 2 minutes but you ought to practice

sample cue cards in a way to be able to talk at least for 3 miniutes.

6. You may be asked one or two questions about the card before the

examiner moves on to part three of the interview.

Here is an example for you to look at:

Describe your school life.

You should say:

How long your school day was

What subjects you studied

Who your favorite teachers were

…and explain whether or not you think that your education was useful.

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TYPES OF CUE CARDS__________________________________

Cue cards are ususally divided up into three types:

Type One: Talking about a topic

The card starting with a sentence describing a particular issue such as a

person, an entity, an object, a place, a situation, an event, a memory, a

time in the past or present, or an activity. The theme of such cards is

usually social issues. Such a cue card is very common in IELTS real

interview.

Sample Card

Describe a day you spent with you friends in the country

You should say

When/where you went

Who you were with

Why you remember this day

Type Two: Asking questions

The card starting with a topic and a description about a particular issue

like a club or group, membership terms and conditions, extension of a

research project, excursion, academic services, internet services, or book

clubs and book stores. The purpose of such cards is to make the

candidate to ask questions about the academic issues. The examiner

waits for the questions and tries to give short answers. This is the

candidate’s duty to ask as many questions as possible to prove his/her

abilities to the examiner. Look at the sample cue card below:

Describe a wild animal that can be found in your country.

You should say:

What it looks like

Where it lives

What you like/don’t like about it

And explain how people in your country generally feel about it.

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Sample Card

AN ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP

You are interested in joining a group of students at the university who work

to protect the environment.

Ask the examiner about:

The name of the group, Action that they take

The cost of membership, What members have to do

Number of members, When the group was founded

Type Three: Cue Cards with follow-ups

These cue cards are not given to the candidates in time of real

examination. You can find such cards in IELTS preparatory books and

articles. We have prepared some of this type to help you predict what the

examiner may ask you after you finish your talk. The themes of such

cards are both academic and general. Here is a sample for you to

consider:

Describe a child you know.

How old is he or she?

What does he look like?

How are you related?

________________________________________________

Describe a museum

How often do you visit the museum?

Which type of museum is popular in your country?

Why do you want to visit the museum?

Follow-up:

What do you think of the importance of museums in history?

How do you think of the heritage of a country?

Compare the museums nowadays and in the past.

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HOW TO PLAN A CUE CARD______________________________

Based on the type of cue cards described above, you can plan any card

before you start talking about it. Cards are easy to plan if you:

1. Think about the topic

2. Know about the topic

3. Have information about the questions

4. Know how to maneuver if you don’t have a good answer

5. Know how to digress (beat about the bush and deviate from the point in an

intelligent way) and to get back to the point with ease.

6. Be quick in digression

7. Draw a flowchart for questions

8. Draw pictures by dramatizing the topic in your mind

9. Start your plan with major topics and then go to minor ones

10. Be fast and brief but informative in taking notes and planning

11. Knowing how to draw a simple tree diagram like this one

Planning phases are as follows:

Put the main title of the cue card on top of the tree diagram. Then on three or

four main nodes and branches of the diagram quickly write some answers to WH

words and whatever word or small phrase coming to your mind. The last step is

the conclusion which is normally a word or a phrase. Always try to start with a

Major topicAnswers to

Question oneAnswers to

Question twoAnswers to

Question three

CONCLUSION

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nice motivator (ice-breaker) such as “Oh, well let me see”, or “Basically

speaking”, “When it comes to ...”, “Let’s turn the clock back to 20 years ago when

I was only 10 years old”, etc.

Check the tree diagram below and try to form the same shape in the

empty box following the tree diagram:

Describe your hometown

You should say

Where it is

What it looks like

Why you like/dislike it

Describe the happiest day of your life

You should say

Where you were

What you were doing

Who was there

Why that day was so happy

Tehran

Where looks like why like why dislike

Iran, capital crown patriot busy, crowdedAsia big and nice Various Culture pollution, population

Enjoying city life

CONCLUSION

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SAMPLE CUE CARDS PLUS PLANNING DIAGRAM________________

CUE CARD 1. GOING PICNIC

Describe a day you spent with your friends in the country.You should say about

When/where you wentWhat you did in that dayWho you were withWhy you remember this day

CUE CARD 2. WILD ANIMAL

Describe a wild animal that can be found in your country.You should say about

What it looks likeWhere it livesWhat you like/don’t like about it

And explain how people in your country generally feel about it.

Day-picnic

When/where? To do who with? Why so nice?Last year cooking my brother sunnyNames? Fishing school friends clean airSea eating

Feeling free and happy

Iranian leopard

Looks like place to live like/dislike people’s attitude

Beautiful skin north of Iran fast, wild, rare no feelingLike other cats dangerous no information

Extinction of rare animals

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CUE CARD 3. MUSIC

Describe a song or a piece of music you like.You should say about

What the song or music isWhat kind of song or music it isWhere you first heard it

And explain why you like it.

CUE CARD 4. JOB

Describe your favourite job.You should say about

What the job isWhere you like to workHow much you like to earn

And explain why you have chosen such a job.

A piece of music

The piece of music Music type first heard Why like

The Four seasons Classical music my brother’s house heavenly likeAntonio Vivaldi Baroque time Satellite channel MEZZO UniqueItalian

The effect of music on human personality

Teaching English

What kind job where to work money to earn why I like it

English teacher institutes and schools the more the better refreshing Teaching adults private students quality no price alive

Teaching is energizing and fun

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CUE CARD 5. WHERE TO LIVE

Describe where you are living at the moment.You should say about

What the size of that place is How to get to school or work What the type of neighborhood would be

And explain the best or worst part about it.

CUE CARD 6. SOMEONE INFLUENCED YOUR LIFE

Describe somebody who has influenced your life in a positive way.You should say about

Who they are How you came to meet them What makes you admire them

And explain why this person is important to you.

My house

Size of place distance from work neighborhood type de/merits

Small but cozy quite a drive quiet and green full of children Heavy traffic full of trees friendly families

Tight parking/ clean pool

My grand parents

Who how to meet reasons to admire special features

Grandmother since childhood lovely and honest supportiveGrandfather disciplinary intelligent and wise

Learning to be independent

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CUE CARD 7. A NICE PLACE TO VISIT

Describe a place you have enjoyed visiting.You should say about

Where it isHow you came to go thereWhat makes you like to go there

And explain why others might enjoy it too.

CUE CARD 8. TRIP

Describe an enjoyable trip.You should say about

Where you went Why you particularly liked the tripWhat made it worth remembering

And say what features of this trip you would repeat.

SAADABAD palace

Where how you got there why like it why others like it

Tehran, Niavaran by chance Iranian majesty Iranian prideA nice garden a friend mine Iranian dignity splendor of the king

The reminiscence of Iran’s power

Trip to north of Iran

Where why like it remembrance of what features

Talesh very nice jungle the quiet Gisoom seaside clean airNear the border kind people a special chicken food (LAVANGI)

Trip to places people do not know

about

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CUE CARD 9. HEALTH PROBLEM

Describe a health problem.You should say about

The nature of the health problemWhy the problem occurredWhat you (or the other person) could not do because of the problemWhat you (or the other person) had to do to get better

CUE CARD 10. WEBSITE

Describe a useful website.You should say about

What the website wasHow you found the address for this websiteWhat the website contained

And explain why it was useful to you.

Hypertension

Nature why it occurred disability how got better

High blood pressure Eating too much exercise, eat freely healthy dietPosing serious health risk red meat eye damage, stroke walking

Good health is a gift of God

A4esl

Web’s name how you found it web contents why useful

www.a4esl.org while surfing internet language exercises encouraging All skills informative

Good to be autonomous in learning English

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http://www.a4esl.org/


SAMPLE CUE CARDS PLUS SPEECH SCRIPTS_________________

CARD 1 EDUCATION SYSTEM (TRACK 01) ♫

SPEECH SCRIPT

INSTRUCTIONSPlease read the topic below carefully. You will be asked to talk about it for 1 to 2 minutes. You have one minute to think about what you’re going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.

Describe a feature of the education system:You should say about

What it isWhy you find it interestingWhat makes it important and note-worthy

And say how this feature might be used elsewhere.

When it comes to education, one might consider many factors that may contribute with the promotion of education in a country.

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CARD 2 TEACHER (TRACK 02) ♫

SPEECH SCRIPT


Describe a teacher who has influenced you in your education.You should say:

Where you met them What subject they taught What was special about them

And explain why this person influenced you so much.

Teacher is for certain the dearest of all. I was a college student and I met a professor whose words were so inspiring. For the first time in my life in a class, I felt like a real human.

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CARD 3 BEST FRIEND (TRACK 03) ♫

SPEECH SCRIPT


Describe your best friend:You should say about

How long you have known each otherWhere you metWhat you like about her/him

And explain what friendship factors you consider for a best friend.

Some people might think of finding a good friend to be with. I think that I should be a good friend first for others then I can expect them to be a good one for me. When I first met Amir, a side kick of mine now, I was walking in the park

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CARD 4 PROPERTY (TRACK 04) ♫

SPEECH SCRIPT


Describe something you own which is very important to you.You should say:

Where you got it fromHow long you have had itWhat you use it for

And explain why it is so important to you.

Everyone has something valuable and precious to be happy with. I have a small boat and I inherited it from my grandfather who lived in England.

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CARD 5 SPORTS (TRACK 05) ♫

SPEECH SCRIPT


Talk about your favorite sport;You should include:

What kind of sports girls and boys are interested in? Why football is most wanted? Football or other sports Your favorite sport, and why

A sport of any form and kind is refreshing. I personally believe that sports are the indispensable part of human life.

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CARD 6 FASHION (TRACK 06) ♫

SPEECH SCRIPT


Describe your favorite style of dress;You should include:

What kind of clothes you like to wear What fabrics and colours you prefer What (or who) influences you in your choice of clothes

And explain whether clothes are important to you or not.

Basically speaking, one’s outfit may be the indicative of one’s personality. The choice of dress is quite dependent on the context we are in.

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CARD 7 CHILDHOOD (TRACK 07) ♫

SPEECH SCRIPT


Describe a memory of your childhood.You should include:

What was that? When did it happen? How did it affect your later life?

And explain whether you remember it as a pleasant or unpleasant memory

Let’s turn the clock back to the time when I was a teenager.

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CARD 8 TV PROGRAMME (TRACK 08) ♫

SPEECH SCRIPT


Describe a TV programme you like very much.You should include:

When it is on Why you like it What it is about

And explain whether the other family members of yours like or dislike it

To tell you the truth, I am not a TV fan, but I think that there should be some good TV programs, because people spend a great deal of time watching them. This show box allures us with its colorful programs

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A FILM OR A THEATRE (TRACK 09) ♫

SPEECH SCRIPT

CARD 9CARD 10CARD 11CARD 12CARD 13


Describe a film, theatre or TV performer you admire.You should include:

What they look like What they do What you like about them

And mention a performance you particularly enjoyed.

To me, films of any kind can be interesting. Film directors try to make films for all tastes.

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CARD 10 EVENT (TRACK 10) ♫

SPEECH SCRIPT


Describe an organized event that you have attended (a concert, a show, etc.)You should include:

When you attended the event and what you saw Where the event was held Why you chose to see this event

And what you remember most about the event

A few months ago I was in receipt of an email from an old friend indicating a concert by one of the greatest Jazz stars, David Glimore.

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CUE CARDS PLUS SAMPLE SPEECH AND FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONS____

CARD 1 Describe a museum1) How often do you visit the museum? 2) Which type of museum is popular in your country? 3) Why do you want to visit the museum?

Follow-up: What do you think of the importance of museums in history? How do you think of the heritage of a country? Compare the museums nowadays and in the past.

CARD 2 Describe your favourite photograph1) Where was the photo taken?2) Who took the photo? 3) What can be seen from the photo?4) Explain why it is the favourite photograph for you.

Follow-up: How can we take a good photo? When do people use camera? How can the new technology put cinema’s skill advanced?

CARD 3 Describe a party1) What is the party?2) Why was the party held?3) Who attended the party?4) What did you do for that party?

Follow-up: What are the differences between a formal party and a friendly/casual

party? Why are some people late for parties intentionally? Why do some people like parties while others hate them? What would you do if the guests feel bored? Will there be more and more people to attend parties?

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CARD 4 Describe a subject taught in your school?1) Who teaches it?2) How is it taught?3) What do you learn from the class?Follow-up: Are there any differences between the traditional and modern educational

systems? What are the pros and cons of the current educational system in your

country? Do you think it is necessary to give comment or criticism to teachers?

CARD 5 What is an important invention before the age of computer?

1) What is the invention?2) Why do you think it is very important? 3) What are the advantages and disadvantages of the invention?

Follow-up: What is the significant impact of modern inventions on life? Which skills do you want to study in the future? Do you think it’s necessary to develop modern invention in the

countryside?

CARD 6 Describe a foreign country you have never been to

1) Where is the country?2) When will you go there?3) Why would you like to go there?

Follow-up: Say something about the tourism development in Iran, facilities, services

and the effects on environment. What is the importance of travel and tourism industry? What do you think about the role of tourist guides?

CARD 7 Describe your favourite film/movie

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1) What’s the name of the film/movie?2) What’s the theme of the film/movie?3) Why do you like it?

Follow-up: Describe a type of movie you like. What are the major differences between Iranian and American movies? What do you think of the violent films/movies (Hollywood films/movies)? Why films/movies need computer techniques? Can you provide any

examples of film/movie using computer techniques Which parts of cinema/the movies are the most important and describe

how it can be improved?

CARD 8 Describe a newspaper or magazine1) What kind of newspapers/magazines do you usually read?2) What are the advantages of reading magazines?3) What are the main differences between newspapers and magazines?

Follow-up: What do you think the important qualities of news reporters are? What are the important functions of reports in the society? What kinds of newspapers/magazines do Iranian adolescents and young

people read? With the popularity of Internet, do you think newspapers and magazines

will disappear?

CARD 9 Describe a children’s game (sports not suggested)

1) How is it played?2) What can you learn from the game?3) What impact does it bring on your growth?

Follow-up: What do you think of the benefits of children’s games? Nowadays children have less and less time for game, what do you think

about it? What do you think the difference between games nowadays and in the

past? What’s the negative aspect of games?

CARD 10 Describe a happy event in your life?

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1) When did it happen?2) Where did it happen?3) What was it?

Follow-up: Tell me how you organize your study time? What do you think is important in achieving happiness? How do Chinese celebrate some happy events? What do the camera and video play in celebrating?

CARD 11 Describe a thing which is important to you

1) Who gave it to you?2) What is the thing?3) What does the thing mean to you?

Follow-up: What are the changes of city between now and past? Does money represent happiness and why? How do you regard as the things people want to earn?

CARD 12 Describe one of your neighbours1) When did you become neighbours?2) Do you often meet?3) State whether your neighbour is a good one

Follow-up: What is the difference between neighbours and friends? Why do people like to watch TV serials in their houses? How do you think of the relationship in the city? How to improve the neighbourhood?

CARD 13 Describe one of the shopping centers you often go to

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1) Where is the shopping center?2) How often do you go to the center?3) Why do you often go to it and its characteristics?

Follow-up: Will smaller shops survive in the current business system? What are the characteristics of shopping malls and smaller shops and

their difference? What is the trend of future shopping centers? Talk about Internet shopping

CARD 14 Describe your favourite animal1) What kind of animal is it?2) Describe it briefly3) Why do you like the animal?

Follow-up: What do you need to do to take care of it? What’s the future trend of the animal? How do you think of the poaching of some precious animals such as

pandas?

CARD 15 Describe a historical place1) What is the place?2) Where is it located?3) What is the historical meaning of the place?

Follow-up: What do you think of the future trend of historic places? Will government strengthen its protection toward historic places? What are the changes brought about by the historic place in local

economy, people, etc? What is the effect of tourists on the place?

CARD 16 Advertisement1) What are the forms of advertisement?2) What are the functions of advertisement?

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3) What is the effect of advertisement to people?

Follow-up: Do you feel bored and disgusted about advertisement? What do you think are the criteria of assessing a good piece of

advertisement? What will happen if unauthoritative advertisements prevail in the market?

CARD 17 Describe an important letter1) When did you receive the letter?2) From whom did you receive the letter?3) Explain the reasons why it is important

Follow-up: What is the significance of handwriting? Does your country have handwriting lesson now? Compare the handwriting now and past With the popularity of computers and Internet, will people lose their ability

to write letters?

CARD 18 Describe the best present you have received

1) Who sent it to you?2) When did you receive it?3) Detailed information about the present

Follow-up: Do you think that present giving will play an important role in Chinese

daily life? Why? Do you think that the brand name is very important for sales? In terms of the media, which do you think will play a main role in present

giving, television, newspaper or Internet?

CARD 19 Describe your holidays

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1) Where do you go for the holidays and how long do them last?2) Who do you go with?3) Talk about any interesting thins happening during your holidays

Follow-up: What do the Chinese people mostly do in their leisure time? What's the difference between holidays today and 5 years ago and the

reasons for the change? Do you think people will spend more time on leisure or working in the

future?

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cue cards for ielts

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