The International English Language Test Systems (IELTS) is conducted to assess the English language proficiency of a candidate. It does this across four skills: speaking, reading, writing, and listening. The IELTS can be taken on paper or a computer and is one of the most challenging language exams for studying abroad.
The IELTS Speaking Part 2 contains cue cards that require you to communicate your ideas cohesively, in a short time. This may make many students anxious. But worry not, in this blog, we've broken down one of the uncommon cue cards - where you have to describe a time that something changed your life in good ways.
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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 expound on.
A breakdown of the duration of the cue card is provided below:
|
Duration |
11–14 minutes |
|
Number of Parts |
3 |
|
Band Score Range |
0-9 |
|
Test Mode |
Offline/Online |
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Why are IELTS Cue Cards Important?
IELTS cue cards are an essential part of the speaking section of the IELTS exam. They are prompts that provide you with a topic to talk about for two minutes. Here's why they are important!
IELTS cue cards encourage students to speak coherently by highlighting the most important aspects of a topic. Here is why they are one of the most important sections on the IELTS!
- The cue card tests your English language proficiency by assessing how confidently and fluently you speak.
- It enables examiners to evaluate a candidate’s ability to think and speak spontaneously.
- The Cue Card task score affects your IELTS speaking score. This score is important for meeting language requirements in top institutions.
Describe A Time That Something Changed Your Life In Good Ways: Sample Answer 1
For my cue card on "Describe a time that something changed your life in good ways," I'd like to discuss my first experience as a volunteer at a medical camp, in the village of Badgaon, Rajasthan. This occurrence set my entire career, impacting my whole life.
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When and where did it happen?
Then, I was a first-year medical student, so attending medical volunteer camps was thrilling. Every time, we sought to provide essential medical assistance, such as immunity screenings and disease detection, which the villagers were deprived of and unaware of. Seeing their high spirits despite having limited access to medical facilities was shocking.
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What happened?
Living in the village was difficult at first, but I eventually adjusted and felt like a member of the group. I also mingled with the villagers, learning about their daily lives and valuable experiences.
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How did you feel about it?
Seeing the illiteracy about life-threatening diseases among villagers, and their inaccessibility to basic medical care often teared me up. I felt angry about the situation but proud of the field I chose to pursue, which is medicine.
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Explain in what positive ways this event changed your life.
The precious time spent with the villagers has taught me significant things, like the importance of caring for others and making a positive difference in our society whenever possible. Back then, I decided to open more clinics in rural areas, than in urban settings. Today, I still stand by that plan.
Describe A Time That Something Changed Your Life In Good Ways: Sample Answer 2
I am a mountain person, so trekking is my favourite activity. For my cue card on "Describe a time that something changed your life in good ways," I would like to talk about a fifteen-day-long trek and camping I went to, back in 2019.
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When and where did it happen?
It was a trek to Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh arranged by experienced trekkers. It was scheduled from 1st to 15th December, the peak of the winter season in India.
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What happened?
Throughout the fifteen days, the temperature fluctuated between 3 degrees Celsius to -15 degrees Celsius. The snow-capped mountains, bonfires and soupy noodles, zero internet access, ghost stories under starry skies, blissful mornings, unexpected friendships, and shared experiences from that trek - have all become a core memory for me.
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How did you feel about it?
Today, when I browse through the innumerable pictures and videos from that trek, a different level of warmth entrenches my body. I can recall the victory of climbing the highest peak and persevering in the cold, but the major victory was the experience as a whole.
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Explain in what positive ways this event changed your life.
That trek taught me resilience and adaptability. It taught me to be self-reliant and resourceful for others, whenever applicable. Moreover, it changed my perspective regarding internet necessity and material things in my life, and left me more appreciating towards nature and the appreciate nature and human connections.
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Describe A Time That Something Changed Your Life In Good Ways: Sample Answer 3
For my cue card on "Describe a time that something changed your life in good ways," I would like to discuss how reading this one book has changed how I deal with obstacles and people in general.
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When and where did it happen?
I was touring the local market on a Saturday night when I noticed a poster regarding a sale ongoing in Crossword. I am an avid reader, so that was like hitting the jackpot. Without giving it a second thought, I headed straight to the nearby Crossword, in Lower Parel.
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What happened?
I was browsing through the bookstore, deciding which books to pick. Recently, I have been interested in the motivational and self-enhancement genre. So, I picked a book on mindfulness and well-being, read the contents page and the back cover, and bought it.
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How did you feel about it?
As soon as I started reading the book, I felt a sense of clarity in my mind. It made me realise that my experiences, although unique to my situation, are shared by many individuals. That increased relativity and made me feel normal.
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Explain in what positive ways this event changed your life.
By practising the mindfulness techniques mentioned in the book, I have led a happier and healthier life. It has made me more positive and accepting of life's difficulties, helping me resolve them more easily.
Describe A Time That Something Changed Your Life In Good Ways: Sample Answer 4
Life is a journey filled with encounters that mould and help us grow. I had one such experience that changed my life while I was in my second year of degree college. That is what I wish to talk about for my cue card on "Describe a time that something changed your life in good ways".
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When and where did it happen?
I had the opportunity to work as an intern at a famous tech company based in Bangalore while pursuing my degree in Information Technology from Delhi University. Since it was my first time meeting people in the business sector, this was a major deal for me.
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What happened?
I was both anxious and eager to relocate to Bangalore. The city, which is called the "Silicon Valley of India," is a hub for technology and creativity. I was going to work with seasoned professionals on real-world projects, which would help me familiarise myself with the field and network with people who could increase my professional prospects.
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How did you feel about it?
Although challenging, the internship experience was fulfilling. I was part of a team that was working on developing a new software. It helped me gain practical knowledge about the intricacies of tech, new problem-solving techniques, and programming languages - everything that I had studied only theoretically.
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Explain in what positive ways this event changed your life.
This internship left a lasting impact on my life. It enhanced not only my technical skills but also my understanding of time management, teamwork, and work ethics. It helped me realize my potential and gave me greater self-assurance. Moreover, living alone in a new city helped me become more independent and adaptable. Overall, this experience influenced my professional and personal development.
Sample/Follow-Up Questions and Answers
Following your response to the IELTS cue card about describing a time that something changed your life in good ways, the following questions may be asked:
Q1. How do you think this positive change has influenced your general attitude toward life?
Ans. The positive improvements in my life have made me more enthusiastic about the future. They taught me to be calm during difficult times and to look on the brighter side of every difficulty. They've also helped me face obstacles and solve problems effectively.
Q2. Have you seen any unanticipated or unintended consequences of this change?
Ans. This positive change has also improved my work life. It has allowed me to reflect and identify areas where I can excel. This experience has helped me identify my career goals and pursue them with greater energy and excitement.
Q3. In what ways do you think this change has helped your personal growth and development?
Ans. This change has turned my mindset around. It has enabled me to take on new tasks without hesitation, conquer my fears, and face new difficulties confidently. With these beliefs, I have seen significant growth in my life.
Q4. Can you describe any techniques or methods you employed to adapt to changes?
Ans. One effective way of adapting to changes is to approach them with an open and learning mindset. I make regular efforts and rely on the support of my family and friends, who guide me along the road. I also direct my time and strength on one thing at a time, rather than overburdening myself with multiple things.
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Tips to Answer the IELTS Cue Card
Understandably, the cue card section can be a little unnerving. To speak on a topic within just two minutes can be difficult. Hence, presented below are some tips to ace the IELTS Speaking Cue Card section!
Conclusion
The Cue Card is more than just a test instrument. It provides examiners with insight into an individual's ability to formulate thoughts concisely. Undeniably, the way you narrate your viewpoints will reflect your communication skills and vocabulary. Preparing the most commonly asked cue cards, like describing a festival in your country, is smart, but mastering uncommon cue cards like the one discussed above, will allow you to communicate confidently and clearly.
As you navigate your way through the language competency tests, keep in mind that each university's IELTS band requirements vary. If you wish to learn more or require assistance with studying abroad, schedule A FREE video consultation call with Yocket experts. They will guide you through the arduous process of shortlisting and applying to universities, practising for standardized tests, and much more. Leap towards realising your educational dreams today!