To secure admission at a top university abroad, international students must demonstrate their proficiency in the English language. This can be achieved by taking the International English Language Testing System or IELTS.
The IELTS Speaking Part 2 Cue Card is one of its hardest components. You need to think on your feet and speak fluently. In this blog, we've covered one of the most prevalent cue cards - Describe a toy you liked in childhood. Read on to utilise the sample answers to get an idea of how to keep your speech flowing, and which topics you must cover. Moreover, get clarity on how this section tests your communication skills and language competency.
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What is an IELTS Cue Card?
A cue card is an element of the IELTS Speaking Part 2, which requires the candidate to speak on a given topic for two minutes. In this section, it is important to use accurate vocabulary and content that concisely displays your viewpoints on the given topic. The good point about the cue card is that it does not only mention the topic but also provides pointers that you can cover in under two minutes. The duration of this section is three to four minutes - one minute to structure your answer, two minutes to speak, and another minute to answer follow-up questions.
The breakdown of the duration of the IELTS speaking part 2 is tabulated below.
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Duration |
11–14 minutes |
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Number of Parts |
3 |
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Band Score Range |
0-9 |
|
Test Mode |
Offline/Online |
Why are IELTS Cue Cards Important?
The IELTS cue cards are an essential part of the speaking section of the exam. They are essentially prompts that provide you with a topic to talk about for two minutes. Here's why they are important!
Describe A Toy You Liked In Your Childhood: Sample Answer 1
For my cue card on "Describe a toy you liked in your childhood", I want to talk about a precious item, a big remote-controlled car.
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What kind of toy was it?
When I turned eight years old, my parents bought me this beautiful yellow remote-control car as a gift. Its huge size and vibrant colour immediately won me over.
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When did you get it?
This superb car was added to my collection of toy cars on a sunny afternoon, during my eighth birthday celebration. It was the first gift I unwrapped, as it was from my parents.
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Did you share it with others too?
The yellow toy car became the focal point of shared laughter and delight during playdates with my cousins. As we passed the remote control, we took turns directing our car along made-up tracks, fostering a sense of camaraderie and excitement.
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How did you feel about it?
As I am a single child, sharing the toy car with my cousins and mutually enjoying was very wholesome for me. That has taught me that sharing enhances delight. In retrospect, the yellow car was more than a toy; it catalyzed learning about giving and mutual satisfaction.
Describe A Toy You Liked In Your Childhood: Sample Answer 2
Toys are an integral part of children's lives, frequently providing them with amusement and companionship. A stuffed cat toy is one of those toys that I wish to talk about for my cue card on "Describe a toy you liked in childhood."
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What kind of toy was it?
This plush cat toy was a return gift my brother bought for me from his school trip to Goa. It had large, expressive eyes that exuded love and comfort, and it was soft and cuddly. The most attractive thing about it was that it 'meowed' every time I pressed on its belly.
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When did you get it?
I received this stuffed toy when I was eight years old. It was a bright Sunday morning, and I was eating my cereal. My brother had been away for a week on a school trip, and I was eagerly waiting for him to return. I wondered whether he would get me anything, and surprisingly, he did.
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Did you share it with others too?
As a child, I preferred not sharing my stuffed toys with anybody. I would not throw tantrums if my cousins took it, but crib a lot later. Sometimes, I would even lock up all my stuffed toys if I knew they were coming over.
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How did you feel about it?
I have adored cats ever since I was little. The fact that my brother paid attention to my likes and bought a stuffed cat toy from afar made me extremely happy. Unbelievably, I still have that stuffed toy as a cherished memory of my brother, who now lives abroad. I still take care of it like I used to, and heartily smile every time I see it lying on my bed.
IELTS Score for Different Countries
Describe A Toy You Liked In Your Childhood: Sample Answer 3
Toys, which are commonly valued childhood items, have the potential to foster joy, imagination, and connection. For my cue card on "Describe a toy you liked in your childhood", I would like to talk about one such treasured toy, a Beyblade.
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What kind of toy was it?
Beyblades are spinning top toys. As a child, I watched cartoon series in which young boys competed in Beyblade tournaments. The basic concept of this game was that the owner of the last spinning Beyblade would win.
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When did you get it?
I dedicatedly watched this cartoon series with my brother, and my parents would witness this daily. One random morning, my father bought Beyblades for us. That marked the starting point of my brother and me not just watching others but also competing against one another in our made-up Beyblade tournaments.
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Did you share it with others too?
During my childhood, not everyone knew how to play with beyblades. So, it was just my brother and I who played this game at home, passionately.
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How did you feel about it?
The thing about beyblades was that they were customisable. In a way that their parts could be switched and varied launching techniques could be learned to give players an edge over one another in the game. The fierce and strategic manner with which my brother and I played beyblades taught me sportsmanship in the safest and best way possible.
Describe A Toy You Liked In Your Childhood: Sample Answer 4
Toys play a crucial role in children's lives, presenting them with innumerable memories and teachings. For my cue card on "Describe a toy you liked in your childhood", I would like to talk about the girliest toy ever - a Barbie doll.
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What kind of toy was it?
The coolest thing about Barbie dolls is that they come in all shapes, sizes, and colours. My set of Barbies replicated many different professions, from doctor and astronaut to teacher and rock star. Saying that I had a few of them would be an understatement because I was frequently gifted one as a child.
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When did you get it?
From ages three to eight, I made a collection of approximately fifty Barbie dolls. One of my favourite ones was a dark-haired, light-skinned, and bright-eyed Barbie, which my grandma had gifted me on my seventh birthday. It was special for me because it was newly launched, and I had voiced my desire to have one. I was touched because my grandma remembered my request and gifted it to me.
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Did you share it with others too?
All the girls in my life, be it my friends or cousins, shared a mutual love for Barbies. Hence, I would always share it with them on playdates. We would undress and dress the Barbies with varied clothes, groom them, and happily show off one another’s dolls to the elders.
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How did you feel about it?
As a single child, playing with Barbies back then made me feel a little less lonely. Although I would have plenty of playdates with my friends and cousins, they were always spontaneous. Sometimes I had to wait for weeks before getting another playdate. Then, the Barbie doll served as my greatest companion and made me feel content.
Sample/Follow-Up Questions and Answers
After your response to the IELTS cue card about describing a toy you liked in your childhood, the following questions may be asked:
Q1. Do you believe youngsters today prefer similar toys?
Ans. While remote-controlled cars remain popular, I believe today's children may choose more technologically advanced toys, such as drones or interactive robots. The concept of controlling something persists, but the shape and characteristics have changed as technology advances.
Q2. Do you still have any childhood toys?
Ans. Unfortunately, I do not have all of my childhood toys any more. Most of them experienced wear and tear, so I had to discard them. Although I no longer have those toys, the memories of the infinite hours of joy they provided are far from forgotten.
Q3. Has your favourite childhood toy impacted your later hobbies or interests?
Ans. Yes, my interest in technology and mechanicals was sparked by the remote-controlled vehicle. As I grew older, this interest developed into a passion for engineering, which influenced my academic and professional pursuits.
Q4. Is modern technology influencing children's toys?
Ans. Traditional toys are changing as they incorporate new technologies into today's digital world. Some toys now feature interactive screens, augmented reality, and smartphone connectivity. Smart toys, robotic classes in school, and educational apps have enabled youngsters to engage in more interactive and complex play.
Opinion Essay IELTS – Step By Step Guide
Tips to Answer the IELTS Cue Card
Wondering how you can ace the IELTS Speaking Cue Card section? Find out below!
Conclusion
Although considered one of the hardest sections on the IELTS, speaking part 2 can be aced by planning and practising ardently. Your speech content will give the examiners an assessment of your communication and language proficiency. The four examples of toys aforementioned can be used to share personal experiences and what you have learned from playing or sharing them with others.
Preparing for the IELTS is not a cakewalk. You must be familiar with the format, sections, and duration of the test. Moreover, you must remember that the accepted IELTS scores vary university-wise. If you are overwhelmed with all these responsibilities, we understand and are here to assist you too. Get in touch with our Yocket experts to gain comprehensive support from start to end. From university admissions to standardized test preparations, and scholarship and visa applications, they will guide you throughout!