Review the IELTS cue card topics and samples with answers 2023 that appeared in the actual exam. During the IELTS speaking test, you have exactly one minute to prepare for a topic.
Numerous English proficiency tests are taken by students all over the world in order to study in foreign institutions. The International Language Testing System tests a candidate's ability to communicate in English and includes four fundamental skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
The IELTS Speaking test includes an evaluation of the candidate's pronunciation, fluency, grammar, and vocabulary as a crucial part of the test. The test is divided into three phases, and the candidate must use cue cards to accomplish each.
This article will discover everything you need to know about IELTS speaking Cue Card topics with answers, including sample questions, tips, and more.
IELTS Speaking Test Syllabus
IELTS is divided into two categories: Academic and General. The Academic Module is for those seeking further education abroad, whereas the General Module is for those seeking to immigrate to English-speaking countries for either training or employment.
However, the speaking test remains the same for both types and whether the candidate can effectively communicate in English with native English speakers. The test takes around 11-14 minutes, and the syllabus is listed below:
Introduction & Interview
: At the beginning of the interview, the interviewer and the candidate will usually ask each other questions about generic topics such as family, education, hobbies, and work. This part lasts four to five minutes.
Speak on a cue card:
Here, the test-taker selects a Cue Card of IELTS and speaks on the topic for at least 2 minutes. The test-taker must jot down notes on the topic and finish doing so within the allotted time. After the allocated time has elapsed, follow-up queries are asked about the same subject. In this phase, the candidate's ability to express himself without hesitation is measured in addition to his language ability. Usually, this lasts for three to four minutes.
Long conversations:
The Cue Cards of IELTS subject matter must be covered in detail. Questions such as more abstract issues will be discussed and may involve asking questions such as:
What, in your opinion, makes the subject important?
Related inquiries about the subject
The main focus of the task is to determine whether the candidate can defend his or her position or expand on the topic. This part of the test lasts four to five minutes.
Cue/Q Card IELTS
Many people mistakenly assume that a cue is the letter "q" from the alphabet. However, this is not the case. In the Speaking part 2 of the exam, you will be presented with a specific topic to address. This designated topic is referred to as a cue, meaning this section of the test can also be considered a cue test.
What is a Cue Card in IELTS Speaking?
When you take the IELTS test, they will provide you with a cue card containing 3-4 questions and some guidelines regarding how to answer them. It's not possible to pick and choose which topic you want to respond to, although you will have a minute to ponder your response. Additionally, you'll be given a pencil and paper to jot down notes if you can't remember the points you made during the one-minute time limit.
In the IELTS speaking exam, you will be given one minute to prepare for your presentation on a predetermined topic, referred to as the Cue Card. You have to speak uninterruptedly for two minutes until the examiner requests you to stop. The examiner will then ask you some related questions. The entire test, including one minute of preparation, will take between two to three minutes.
IELTS Speaking Cue Cards
The test takers will be given IELTS Speaking cue cards, which will include 3-4 questions. However, the marks will be distributed across four categories ranging from 1 to 9.
It is important to pronounce words correctly:
The candidate's pronunciation of words, intonation, clarity and single phonetic sounds will be evaluated.
Lexical resource
: The candidate's vocabulary proficiency is assessed by checking whether she employs different words to express the same idea. Even paraphrasing is accounted for.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy
: The structure of sentences and how they are formed are evaluated. This must not sound forced and must be accurate.
Being fluent and coherent is important:
This test aims to see whether the candidate can speak fluently and coherently or not. Pronouns, conjunctions, and other grammatical devices are tested in addition to the candidate's ability to speak for a long time.
Therefore, candidates should be careful to:
Never memorize answers
Understand the topic
Make a note of the keywords and speak using them.
Writing vocabulary
Divide the themes into introductions, transitional phrases, description, and perspective for the paper.
Never use unfamiliar terms.
Don't use phrases
No pauses
How to Answer Cue Card in IELTS?
List the 6 question cue keywords and write bullet points for each.
Try to be calm while answering.
Your body language says a lot, so focus on them as well.
Don’t be in a hurry, try to utilize the allotted time to frame a perfect answer.
Try to avoid monotone while speaking
Don’t panic if you make mistakes
Try to answer the 5 Ws, What, Where, Who, When and Why
Strategies for Planning Cue Card in 60 Seconds
Be sure to quickly consider the topic you will be discussing so that you can expand on it when the time comes.
Clearly understand the topic. Although they speak a lot, sometimes students speak meaninglessly and misunderstand the topic of the cue card.
When speaking, keep in mind all the written keywords.
Write down factual information as your keywords, being more precise in connection with the focus question.
While you are writing the keywords, the examiner can be looking at your sheet. Focus just on the cue card without becoming tense or conscious.
To save time, avoid writing complete sentences. Instead, use a few words or sentences.
Keep coming up with ideas and avoid going wordless when writing keywords.
When it comes to cue card topics, it is important to draw from your own knowledge and experiences. This can include prior conversations you've had, films you've seen, and books you've read. Doing this will help you to be comfortable and will give you plenty of material to talk about.
Make sure you clearly remember the keywords while writing. Do not take too much time on any one question, and make sure to answer the main points in the cue card.
Instead of using random phrases, use bullet points to highlight keywords.
To come up with better ideas, start visualizing the scenario or painting a picture in your head.
You might write down some words you can use when speaking.
Once you have finished writing your keywords, take a quick look around before responding to the examiner's questions.
Set of Speaking Cue Cards Topics with Answers for the Upcoming IELTS exam
Many candidates are intimidated by the speaking portion of the exam because they are unfamiliar with the types of questions that will be asked. Because of this, their self-confidence is lowered and they pause more frequently, resulting in a lower band score.
Here is a list of IELTS latest cue cards for the IELTS exam in 2023 for candidates to practice beforehand and self-assess. This will enable them to grasp what is required in each section. On the other hand, memorization is not beneficial in any way and should be avoided at all costs.
List Of Expected IELTS Cue Cards
A part-time job you would wish to pursue abroad
The shopping experience in a street market
An interesting thing you saw on social media
A city where you want to live in the future
Talk about your favorite singer
A piece of local news that intrigued you
A new public-private building you would want to visit
Moving to a new school or shifting to a new home
One of the most difficult things you have done
A book that you enjoy reading
A café you would like to visit
A leisure activity that you would want to try near or in the sea
Art and craft activity that you had at school
An occasion where you did not use your time properly
A quiet place you would like to visit
A movie you liked
A time when you helped your friend
Describe a time when you were late for some work
A company that you wish to be employed at
A website that you often use
An idol who you looked up to when you were a child
A risk that led to a positive outcome
A gadget that is your favorite
A movie that is your inspiration
An experience that you found the most exciting
A practical skill you have learned
A family member with whom you bond well with
An aspect of science that interests you
A short journey that you had taken but ended up disliking it
Experience of visiting a farm
Your favorite author
A song or poem on the history of the country
The habit your friend has and why you would like to develop that
Explain what would you do if you won a large prize money
An advertisement that remained in your memory
Experience in solving a puzzle
A creative personality whose work you look up to
A friend who has played a pivotal role in your life
Explain why you admire the certain businessman
A poisonous plant that exists in your homeland or country
An electronic device you wish to own
Describe an occasion which you were afraid of
An ambition that you have harnessed over a long period of time
Description of a dream that you wish to come true
An experience where you had been cheated
An important decision you made
Your favorite politician
An application made through AI
A pandemic that you experienced
A time which made you revisit your opinion and change it
Want to study abroad? Get FREE guidance!!
Category Wise List of Cue Card Topics
Check out best cue cards for IELTS that you must consider:
Favourite
These are cue cards topics that ask you about things you like.
Describe your favourite picture or photography you like
A song that has special meaning to you
A story/ novel interests you
Describe a special or favourite toy you liked in your childhood
Describe a favourite song that you like
Describe a restaurant you like (to go to)/ that impresses you
Exciting sport
Describe an indoor game that you would like to play
Describe an area of science you like or interested in
Describe a free time activity you like to do after study or work
Time-based
These cards provide prompts to discuss occurrences that have happened in the past, are happening in the present, and will take place in the future.
A subject at school
Things you want to buy in the future
An age/stage in your life you enjoyed most
Person
These are types of cue cards where you will ask about your friend or a guide.
A person you admire/love essay
Describe someone you consider a good leader
Describe one of your family member you spend the most time with
An occasion you unexpectedly met someone for the first time
Describe someone in the news you like to meet
Someone/something made a lot of noise
An older person who you admire
A good/best friend
Describe an old friend
Describe a family member
An interesting neighbor you like
Talk about an interesting conversation you had with a stranger
A person speak a second (foreign) language well
A time when you waited for something or someone to arrive
Family
On these kinds of cue cards, you will be asked to discuss your family.
Describe your family
Describe a family event you are looking forward to
Describe a family picnic or tour you have had
Object
These cue cards will query you about various items such as objects.
Describe a picture or photograph in your home
A gift you gave that took a long time to choose
Describe a piece of electronic equipment that you find useful
A time you borrowed something useful
A house/apartment you like to live in
A product you were happy with
An item of clothing that someone bought for you
Describe a painting or work of art
Describe a time someone or something made noise
Place
These are the cards that prompt you to talk about places that you plan to go to or have already been.
A place you remember well that is full of color
A country you have not been to yet
A street that you like to visit
Describe a polluted place
A place near water you visited
Describe a place where you often go to relax
Work/study:
A project at work or homework assignment
A course you like to study and found useful
Describe a piece of work you did quickly
Describe your dream/ideal/perfect job
Describe something that you want to learn more
Emotions/aspirations:
Ambition you have not yet achieved
Describe something a child that made you laugh
A paid job you/a friend enjoyed doing
An experience you had as a member of a team
A disagreement you had with a friend
A recent activity or event that made you happy
A difficult decision you made in your life
A tv program that made you laugh
A goal that you have
Describe the best and exciting experience in your life
Describe an exciting or interesting thing you did
Describe an advertisement which you found very persuasive
A time you use your imagination
A time you need to use imagination
A book that had a major influence on you
Describe a success your friend has had or achieved
A special and memorable meal you have had
A situation made you angry
Describe an experience you spent time with a child that you know
A positive experience when you were a teenager
Describe an unusual/ an unforgettable or memorable meal
Describe a time you were friendly to someone you didn’t like
Describe an ambition you have not achieved yet
Occasions
:
An occasion when you got up very early in the morning
Describe a birthday party celebration that you attended
Recall:
Describe a teacher from your past that you remember
Describe a photograph that you remember
Describe a garden you remember visiting
Describe a dream you remember well
Popular:
Describe a story popular in your country
Describe a popular musical instrument in your country
Activity:
Describe a leisure activity (a game, hobby, or sport) that is popular in your country
Describe an indoor game you have enjoyed playing in your free time
Describe an indoor game that you played in your childhood
Something important:
Describe an important change in your life
Describe something you own which is very important to you
Describe a festival that is important in your country
Life
:
Describe an invention that has changed people's life
Describe life in a particular period of history
Describe a typical day in your life when you were a child
Event:
A memorable event from your school days
Describe an event you felt unhappy about
Someone
:
Describe something kind that someone did for you
Talk about a situation when you taught something to someone
More someone cue cards>>
Child
:
Describe a child whom you know
Who you admire:
Describe an artist or entertainer you admire
Describe the person in your family who you most admire
Useful:
Describe a useful plant you know about
Describe a useful website you have visited
App/mobile
A program or an app in your computer/ phone
Describe an app you use on your mobile phone
Business:
Describe a successful small company or business that you know
Describe a successful businessman you know
Movie:
Describe a movie or performance you recently watched
Film/movie that you watched and did not enjoy
Famous:
Describe a famous person that you are interested in
Describe a famous building/landmark
Interesting:
Describe an interesting talk or a lecture you have heard
Describe an interesting story you have read or heard
Gift
:
Describe the best gift you have ever received
Change:
Describe a change that will improve your local area
Your country:
Describe a serious environmental problem in your country
Health:
Describe a health problem you once had
Describe something healthy you enjoy doing
Other cue cards:
A law about environment
An article about healthy living that you read from magazine or online
A film you watched at home or in a cinema
The first time you used a foreign language to communicate
Local news people interested in
Describe something you learned in a place or from someone
A meal you had with your friends in a restaurant
A sport you have learned
Describe a family you know
Describe a skill
Describe a natural landscape scenery
Describe a bicycle/bike/ car trip
Describe a language other than english you would like to learn
Describe a game/ sport
Describe a big/large company you are interested in
A time you miss an appointment
Something you did which was a waste of time
An important letter or email you wrote
Art or craft activity you did at school
Describe something you do that keeps you fit and healthy
Describe a time when you were looked at the sky
IELTS Speaking Cards Topics
To achieve a high score, it is crucial to be familiar with the common topics in IELTS conversation.
Here is a list of common IELTS q card topics in the speaking test. Students can practice these topics to master this section:
A person you know
Someone you know well.
To give; to hand over.
Memories
A childhood event that made you happy
A photograph that is really close to your heart
Routine
Your favorite part of the day
Sports
A sport you enjoy playing
A gathering you had been to
Any activity you want to try
Travel
A place you desire to visit.
A recent trip you took
A place you consider to be contaminated
Experience
A time when you imagined something
Any situation that had made you grumpy or angry
Family
Discuss your family.
Describe the family picnic you attended.
Describe a time when you had borrowed something valuable from someone
A family occasion that you are looking forward to
Food
Delicious supper anything you ate outside
Reading
Your preferred book
A website that you frequently visit
Entertainment
Funny comedian who you find entertaining
Your favorite television programs
Buildings
A building which you like
News
Any good news that you have received recently
Check out IELTS cue card topics with answers that will help you understand it more.
“Do you like to travel?”
Whether or not they enjoy traveling, the candidate must explain here. They can also express their preference for a certain location and explain why.
"What activities do you enjoy during your free time?"
The candidate can begin by talking about their favorite destinations. For example, "I love going to museums, and the last time I was in Rome, it was wonderful. It was an exciting experience!".
Speaking Part 2 Cue Card
The candidate should try to divide the question into smaller parts while answering using an IELTS part 2 cue cards. For example:
Tell them about a decision that altered their life.
The student should begin by explaining their decision and whether other choices were available. Furthermore, the student must explain why they decided in the first place.
"No one in my family had ever studied abroad before me, but my parents hoped I would become a member of their family business. On the other hand, I wanted to study marketing in the UK. I am pleased and confident that this will assist me in my profession. When I return to my country, I want to increase our family business using the knowledge we've gained."
Answering these questions requires knowledge of a past event. To answer them, candidates should be able to:
They use a variety of tenses.
rephrasing the question
Avoiding using words like actually.
To answer the question directly, the line of best fit is straight.
A summarizing sentence ends the answer.
What is your favorite vacation of all time?
You can first introduce the topic and then write down IELTS Cue Card topics with answers.
Where they took their vacation.
It was taken.
Several people went on this excursion.
IELTS Part 3
IELTS speaking test part 3 asks you to discuss questions related to topic area in part 2. The topic will be discussed in a more abstract manner, moving away from the more familiar topics discussed in parts 1 and 2.
"What kinds of things give people status?"
People may use certain possessions to indicate their status in certain situations, for example, a Mercedes Benz car. The candidate can begin by saying, "People might regard a Mercedes Benz vehicle as a symbol of status, for example, because most people would not be able to afford one at all. Furthermore, one's property is an indication of status".
"Have the same possessions always been considered valuable?"
A person running for office can compare how the items in the present compare with those in the past and express his opinion.
"Why do people seek status in society?"
Individuals are driven by human nature to display success and wealth. Therefore, societal pressure and the connection between displaying status and earning respect can be acknowledged by candidates.
Conclusion
The IELTS Speaking Cue Cards are a great way for students to practice for the IELTS test. These IELTS Speaking Cue Cards feature a variety of different topics that students may be asked about on the IELTS test and can help students get a better idea of what types of questions they may be asked on the test. By going through the IELTS Speaking Cue Cards, students can prepare for the IELTS test and get a better understanding of the kinds of questions they may be asked on the exam. With the help of the IELTS Speaking Cue Cards, students can improve their English speaking skills and increase their chances of passing the IELTS test.
Do you have more question about IELTS Cue Card? Get in touch with our Edmissions experts at
edmissions.com
to learn more about studying abroad!
For a quick overview related to study abroad,
click here
Blog FAQ's
Three prompts and one question are typically included on a cue-card.
You must ensure that you answer every question on the cue card and that your speech lasts for at least two minutes.
It is not possible to change a cue-card question.
Use of umms and aahs lowers your band score. If you are using fillers, make sure they are quality ones.
The cue card you receive must be shown to the examiner.
31206 Views
