The International English Language Test Systems (IELTS) is conducted to assess the English language proficiency of a non-native speaker of English. The examination evaluates four skills: speaking, reading, writing, and listening. It 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 most popular cue cards - where you have to describe/ talk about your childhood friend.
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What Is an IELTS Cue Card?
A IELTS cue card is provided to the candidate by the examiner that references a specific cue, on which you have to speak. It evaluates your ability to talk and organise ideas by using various vocabulary and grammatical structures. The card also includes 2-4 pointers that you can expand on. This section lasts three to four minutes - two minutes for speaking and one to two minutes for answering follow-up questions.
Your Speaking scores are given as band scores, ranging from band 0 to 9. Every whole and half band score represents a proficiency level in English. Remember that part 2 has more weightage than part 1. Below is a breakdown of the duration of the cue card section.
|
Task |
Duration |
|
Preparation |
1 minute |
|
Speaking |
Up to 2 minutes |
Suggested: IELTS Introduction Sample
Why are IELTS Cue Cards 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 Your Childhood Friend: Sample Answer 1
Who is this person?
I'd like to talk about my childhood friend Raghav, who holds a special place in my heart. Raghav and I grew up in the same neighbourhood in Surat, Gujarat. We've been friends since we were toddlers and have countless memories together.
How did you become friends with this person?
Our bond began when we were toddlers. We lived in the same building, and our mothers would take us to the nearby park to play.
What kinds of things do you like to do with this person?
Our friendship strengthened as we spent more time together, during cricket and otherwise. Raghav and I always had common interests. We enjoy exploring the outdoors, particularly going on exciting bike trips near Surat. We'd pack our backpacks with snacks and drinks and head off on our little adventures. We also love reading and would frequently exchange and discuss our favourite novels.
Explain why you like him/her.
There are several reasons why I value Raghav's friendship. Firstly, he is a great listener. Whenever I faced difficulties or needed someone to confide in, he would listen patiently and provide helpful advice. Raghav's positive approach to life had a significant impact on me since he constantly finds a silver lining in every situation. Furthermore, his sense of humor is awesome, and we've shared many laughter-filled moments.
Conclusion
Raghav has been an integral part of my life since childhood. His friendship has enriched my experiences and taught me the value of trust, empathy, and loyalty. From playing cricket to embarking on exciting adventures, our shared memories will forever hold a special place in my heart.
Describe Your Childhood Friend: Sample Answer 2
Who is this person?
I have many childhood friends, but Rishikesh has been one of my closest friends for many years. Rishikesh is the son of a family friend and is around the same age as me.
How did you become friends with this person?
We have known each other for several years but have become friends in school. Rishikesh and I were in the same class and soon started spending time together. We go to school together, participate in sports activities, and do mischief together.
What kinds of things do you like to do with this person?
Though Rishikesh and I spent most of our time at school together, we often got together with other neighbourhood friends for activities like playing cricket, flying kites, creating homemade go-karts from old bicycle parts, and other typical childhood stuff. We also frequently visited each other's homes to watch movies or hang out.
Explain why you like him/her.
Rishikesh is one of the sweetest people I know. His outgoing attitude attracts people quickly, which has helped me widen my social circle. He always motivated me to do my best in academics, sports, and everything else, and he never failed to encourage me to smile no matter what happened.
Conclusion
Despite the changes in our lives, we are still in touch. We both do our things but we always catch up when time allows. It's amazing that we still remember the childhood memories we shared and frequently laugh about them when we get together.
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Describe Your Childhood Friend: Sample Answer 3
Who is this person?
It feels exciting and satisfying to talk about our friends, especially if they are friends from our childhood. I’d like to talk about one such childhood friend of mine. His name is Shreyas. I met him first at an inter-school debate competition. Here, students from several districts were invited to my school to compete against each other.
How did you become friends with this person?
Shreyas was the star performer for one of our rivals, so I reached out to him to get some friendly advice. Even though we don't see each other as frequently as we did during school, we are still friends today.
What kinds of things do you like to do with this person?
Shreyas and I visit each other’s homes whenever we get free time. We would engage in various activities such as kite flying, swimming, hanging out in cafes and restaurants, watching movies, etc.
Explain why you like him/her.
Shreyas appeals to me for various reasons, but his cheerful and friendly approach stands out above the others.
Conclusion
We share a close friendship and are always there to support one another whenever necessary.
Describe Your Childhood Friend: Sample Answer 4
Who is this person?
I want to talk about my cousin Shreya, who is not just my cousin but a good friend. We've never grown up in the same neighbourhood or attended the same school, but our relationship has developed over time.
How did you become friends with this person?
We met for the first time during a family function. There was a special occasion and our extended family gathered to celebrate it. It allowed us to connect and form a bond that has grown stronger over each passing day. Over the years, due to family events, gatherings, and occasional family vacations, our friendship has developed organically.
What kinds of things do you like to do with this person?
We had started interacting with each other more frequently. Whenever we meet we share our experiences, aspirations, and challenges. We also stay connected through technology, maintaining a supportive and understanding friendship despite our physical distance.
Explain why you like him/her.
Despite this, we don't meet each other as often as we used to meet our school or neighbourhood friends. But whenever I face any tough time she is always there with me. Talking to her makes me feel comfortable and relaxed.
Conclusion
Despite the distance between us, the bond that we share is pure. She is an essential and precious part of my life.
Sample Follow Up Questions
Candidates must answer follow-up questions about the discussed topic after completing the cue card task. Potential questions for "Describe Your Childhood Friend" include:
Q1. How can people make new friends?
Ans: People enjoy making new friends. They meet people at school, in the neighbourhood, in clubs, in the gym, and on social media. Social media is the modern method of creating new friends.
Q2. What do you think causes people to build long-lasting friendships?
Ans: The pillars of honesty and trustworthiness are the solid foundations on which friendships are built. This promotes the formation of strong relationships and long-lasting friendships between two people.
Q3. Is it easier to be friends with someone who shares your interests?
Ans: Certainly, two persons who share similar interests will communicate often. I believe that people with similar interests attract one another, which builds good relationships since they can spend time together engaging in their favourite activities, discussing ideas and perspectives, and supporting one another's success.
Q4. As adults, how do you manage your responsibilities and friendships?
Ans: Balancing responsibility and friendship in adulthood requires effort and time management. Maintaining meaningful connections requires prioritising, communicating freely, and making deliberate decisions about how to do it. Clear boundaries and the flexibility to refuse when asked can help prevent excessive commitments.
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Tips to Answer IELTS Cue Card
Answering an IELTS Cue Card may seem difficult, but with practice, you can 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 Cue Card is more than just a test instrument. It provides examiners insight into an individual's ability to formulate thoughts concisely. The way you narrate your viewpoints will reflect your communication skills and vocabulary. Mastering the most commonly asked 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 standardised tests, and much more. Leap towards realising your educational dreams today!