Describe a speech you gave - IELTS Cue Card

Introduction to IELTS Cue Cards

Under theIELTS speaking section, students are given the cue card topic on which they have to speak for 2 minutes. Thee section is followed by a discussion with the interviewer. Through IELTS cue cards the expert checks the fluency, brainstorming, English vocabulary, grammar and thought organization of candidates. The IELTS speaking part 2 contains 1 main question along with 4 pointer questions that you have to answer while giving a speech. Additionally, IELTS section 3 consists of follow-up questions based on the previous section.

How to Answer the Cue Card?

IELTS cue cards or candidate task cards give students 1 minute to prepare for the mentioned topic. The specifications to direct your speech are mentioned on the card given by the interviewer. Furthermore, you can also note the points stated on the card and use them while answering on the given agenda. For example, the pointers to “describe a speech you gave” can be as follows:

• When and to whom did you give the speech?
• What was the speech about?
• Why did you give the speech?
• How did you feel about it?

Let’s look at the image representation of the candidate task card that you will get on the topic “Describe a speech you gave.” Refer to the picture below.

With image representation, let's read the compatible strategies by which you can answer them. The given samples will help you understand the grammar, English fluency and vocabulary for IELTS exam. Also, the mentioned illustrations will assist you in understanding the structure of the answer.

Describe a speech you gave - Sample 1

Read the first sample for “Describe a speech you gave.” You can implement the following structure for answering your question.

When and whom did you give the speech?

The speech took place during my schooling when I was pursuing my 11th standard. At that time, my professor organized an intra-class speech competition to boost our self-reliance and polish our speaking skills. I spoke in front of my entire class for the foremost time and vanquish my stage fear.

What was the speech about?

My speech agenda was centred around the pros and cons of social media among young adults. It assisted me in representing my viewpoints about the application of social media. I also highlighted social media's significant impact on youngsters' lives and minds, empowering the audience with the knowledge to make informed decisions.

Why did you give the speech?

As previously mentioned, I grappled with stage fear and experienced self-consciousness when addressing large audiences. However, subsequent experiences proved instrumental in surmounting this fear. Despite initial apprehension, buoyed by the fervour of my peers and educators, I successfully delivered presentations. Furthermore, these instances imparted invaluable lessons on asserting one's perspective in public forums.

How do you feel about it?

Initially, I was apprehensive about addressing such a sizable audience, but my confidence soared as they began to cheer me. Following the speech, I felt grateful for the chance. It bolstered my self-assurance and diminished my public speaking anxiety.

Describe a Speech You Gave - Sample 2

Below is another illustration of “Describe a speech you gave.” You can use this model to practise the IELTS speaking section.

When and whom did you give the speech?

During my undergraduate studies, I seized the chance to engage in an inter-college debate competition spanning multiple institutions. It constituted a moment of immense pride to be chosen as the ambassador of my college. The event drew the attendance of esteemed faculty, principals, peers, and fellow students from diverse institutions.

What was the speech about?

The speech topic assigned to me focused on the dichotomy of AI: boon or bane. I chose to delve into the negative aspects, highlighting the adverse effects AI has wrought on society. I elaborated on individuals' exploitation of AI for fraudulent purposes. Furthermore, I outlined the necessary precautions for navigating the world of AI.

Why did you give the speech?

It was a privilege for me to deliver the speech, as my college entrusted me with the responsibility to represent it among my peers. Throughout my academic journey, I actively engaged in numerous speech and debate contests, achieving success in several. This track record equipped me to seize this opportunity and confidently represent my college in front of others.

How do you feel about it?

As a student, I feel a profound sense of responsibility towards my college. Moreover, this opportunity afforded me the platform to demonstrate my proficiency and prowess in English in front of other people. Furthermore, it bolstered my confidence to address such a large gathering.

Describe a speech you gave - Sample 3

Here is another sample for “Describe a speech you gave” to better understand the pattern of it.

When and whom did you give the speech?

On the occasion of Mental Health Day, a modest gathering was arranged in my community on October 10th. All members of my family and society convened to discuss the significance of mental well-being. I was also afforded the opportunity to articulate my viewpoint on the matter alongside others.

What was the speech about?

In my speech, I spoke about the importance of mental health and the role it plays in the lives of people. I also talked about the misconceptions people hold about mental well-being and illness.

Why did you give the speech?

In today’s time, where people deal with stress and depression, discussing about mental health has become quite important. I also feel the same and give my speculation on it. Through this event, I got the chance to convey the significance of discussing about mental stability.

How do you feel about it?

As I talked about mental stability, I felt a sense of consciousness and indispensability, which should be assimilated to discuss. Also, I feel accountable for eradicating the taboo associated with mental breakdown and stability.

Lexical Resources

Below, a list of words with their explanation is stated that are mentioned above in the sample answers for your better understanding.

Lexical Resources	Explanation
Self-reliance	The capability of doing things without anyone’s help.
Vanquish	To gain victory over an emotion, temptation or passion.
Empowering	The action or act of empowering something or someone.
Agenda	List of things to be talked about.
Grappled	To hold something or somebody.
Illustrations	Another name of example.
Implement	Start using a system or plan.
Application	Practical use of something.
Spotlight	Highlight or marking the important things.
Conscious	Aware or knowing.
Enthusiasm	Something creating active interest and excitement.
Standpoint	Mental state where things are seen or viewed. Another name for it is opinion, viewpoint, etc.
Enhanced	To improve or make something better.
Self-possession	Controlling reactions or emotions when under stress.
Surmounting	To deal effectively with an issue or problem.
Collegiate	Relating or belonging to college.
Accentuate	Make something simple to notice.
Fraudulent Activities	An activity which is dishonest, untrue or deceitful.
Buoyed	To keep people confident and happy.
Fervour	Opinion or attitude towards something.
Misconceptions	An inaccurate or wrong conception or idea.
Speculation	Guesses or thoughts about something.
Soared	To fly high in the sky.
Consciousness	A situation of something realizing or noticing.
Indispensability	Essential, a fact that someone and something is so important or good.
Assimilate	To allow something to be a part of society, group or country.
Eradicate	To delete or get out of something completely.
Bolstered	To improve or support something.
Spanning	To calculate or measure as or by if by with thumb extended and with hand fingers.
Esteemed	Admired or respected, favorably of regarded highly.
Dichotomy	Division between two contradictory entities or group.
Wrought	To do something that require mental and physical effort.
Prowess	Exceptional ability or skill.
Articulate	Ability to show feelings and thoughts clearly and easily.

The following list will assist you in enhancing your vocabulary for the IELTS exam and guide you to use the right words that represent your English fluency and skills.

Follow-up Questions

This section provides you with the follow-up questions that your examiner can ask after the IELTS speaking part 2.

• Why people are not able to give speeches in public?
• By what ways they can improve their public speaking skills?
• What speech events or programs have you attended in your life?

Tips to excel in IELTS cue card

These are some points you should consider while preparing for the IELTS cue card part.

• Carefully read the cue card and properly understand the question.
• Write down the keywords and ideas relevant to the topic.
• To achieve good marks, structure your answer in an organized and logical manner. Also, keep the 4 pointers in mind while answering the question.
• Use both complex and simple sentences. Also, use idioms and cohesive words like conjunction and transition words.
• Use correct tenses and grammar structure.
• Practice speaking English daily so that you do not fumble during the exam.
• For time management, set a time of 1 minute for organizing and brainstorming thoughts.
• Take advantage of two minutes time to focus on ideas associated with the topic.
• For more details and expansion of your main points, concentrate on follow-up questions.
• Enhance your test preparation by taking online IELTS classes.
• Practice speaking on different topics to improve your fluency and vocabulary in English.
• Polish your speaking skills by recording your speech and know the areas in which you need to improve.

The following are tips that can help you achieve good marks on your IELTS test.

Also read: 

1. Describe Someone Who Often Helps Others- IELTS Cue Card
2. Describe a Long Car Journey You Went On - IELTS Cue Card
3. Describe an Actor or Actress Whom You Admire - Cue Card
4. Describe an object that you think is beautiful - IELTS Cue Card
5. Describe an Area of Science That Interests You- IELTS Cue Card

Conclusion

Lastly, preparing for the IELTS speaking section can be a little bit challenging, but with the right guidance and practice, you can score good marks. Furthermore, in this blog, you get to know about the model answers for the cue card topic "Describe a speech you give", with the follow-up questions that the interviewer can ask in section three. In addition, you also learned about the tips that you can use while preparing for your IELTS test. Moreover, you can enroll yourself in an IELTS online class for expert guidance and acing the IELTS exam.