The most challenging part of the IELTS speaking section is the cue card task. Many examinees are afraid of not being able to answer this question. Hence, in this blog, we will help you work on your speaking skills with a few sample answers so that you are able to ace the IELTS speaking part 2 and pass with flying colours.
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The speaking module is a part of the IELTS exam. It is further bifurcated into three parts, one of which is the cue card task. In this, the test takers get a cue card that contains a topic followed by three-pointers and a question. For instance, in ‘Describe a Toy You Liked in Your Childhood’, you will get a list of questions that you will have to answer strategically to get a 7+ band. Thus, here are a few samples for you to explore the right way to respond to cue cards.
Understanding the technique to attempt the IELTS speaking part 2 is necessary. Moreover, you should also know the pattern for the cue card task. In this task, you will get a list of questions on a card. You will get a minute to prepare on this subject and the pointers. After that, you need to present your thoughts in about 1 to 2 minutes. The cue card for ‘Describe a Toy You Liked in Your Childhood’ can look like the reference given below:
The following is an image depicting your IELTS cue card.
Samples are an appropriate way for you to understand how you can draft a response in the IELTS cue cards task. So, here is one sample for you.
Toys are an integral part of our childhood and the process of growing up. Moreover, we all have a toy that is close to our hearts. So, I would like to talk about my favourite toy.
I had a pretty porcelain doll when I was 7 years old. The doll had lifelike features and was dressed in an elegant blue dress. It had pale skin with realistic facial expressions.
It was given to me by my mother on my birthday. The doll came wrapped in an eye-catching pink gift paper with a blue ribbon. I opened the box and found this stunning doll.
I was so awe-struck by the doll that I used to carry it with me all the time. I even bathed and fed it with me. It had become my constant companion and a partner in crime during all my mischiefs.
Whenever I was with my doll I never felt alone or scared. Playing with it always left me with a sense of contentment.
When I look back, I realize how happy I was when I played with the doll. I still keep it with me as a reminder of all the sweet memories.
Here is another way in which you can present the given topic during the cue card session.
Toys are symbolic of various memories, joys, and imaginations. I would also like to share a memory of one of my favourite toys from my childhood.
It was a white remote-controlled policeman bike that I got from my uncle. It had a headlight and engine sound and even played a siren. With the help of the remote, it moved easily in all directions.
It was during summer break when my uncle was visiting us that he brought me a small token of love. It was a blue box inside which was this remarkable toy bike.
Whenever I was at a gathering with my friends or cousins, this miniature bike became my play buddy. We used to take turns to steer the bike through our makeshift tracks.
I always felt a sense of satisfaction when I played with that bike. It even helped me build a strong and perpetual bond with my playmates.
This little toy became a tool for sharing laughter and mutual connections. I really love my bike and will cherish it forever.
The third time is always the charm; hence, here is a third alternative for you to consider while attempting part 2 of the speaking section.
When you are a kid, toys are an infatuation that we all enjoy. Sometimes, these toys become an eminent part of our lives. I also had a favourite toy when I was young.
My favourite toy is a teddy bear that has been with me for the past 15 years. It is a soft toy with brown fur and a black bow tie. It also had a white cap that was removable.
When I was 5, my grandparents took me to a fair. This is where I first laid my eyes on this adorable little teddy bear. I requested my grandfather to buy it for me, and so he did.
This little teddy bear became a sibling to me. I could not part with it. I did everything with the bear in tow, including eating, playing, and sleeping.
I was delighted when I got the bear. As an only child, having it as a comrade helped me recover from the loneliness I felt growing up.
The teddy bear is not with me anymore, but the fun times that we had together are a part of my memorabilia.
When you equip yourself with a diverse vocabulary for IELTS, then it becomes easier for you to draft a response that can help get higher scores. Hence, the following is a list of all the tough words that you came across in the above samples, along with their meaning for future use:
| Lexical Resources | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Integral | Necessary to make something complete |
| Close to heart | Very important |
| Porcelain | Hard white substance used for making cups, etc. |
| Elegant | Good style |
| Eye catching | It attracts attention as it is pretty |
| Stunning | Impressive |
| Awe struck | Admiration or respect |
| Partner in crime | Close friend to engage in light-hearted activities |
| Contentment | Feeling of happy satisfaction |
| Symbolic | Used to represent something |
| Remarkable | Unusual in a way that people notice |
| Gathering | Time when people come together |
| Makeshift | Made to be used for a short time |
| Perpetual | Continuing for a longer time |
| Mutual | Done equally by both people involved |
| Infatuation | Strong admiration |
| Eminent | Famous and important |
| Removable | Can be taken off |
| Adorable | Very attractive |
| Sibling | Brother or sister |
| In tow | following closely behind |
| Delighted | extremely pleased |
| Comrade | Trusted companion |
As a part of the next task in the IELTS speaking section, the examiner will invite you for a further discussion on your cue card topic. In this, you will be asked a few follow-up questions. Hence, given below are some of the sample questions that might come up:
Do you think children nowadays prefer similar toys?
In my belief, I think that children today are more drawn to toys that are technologically advanced. They also prefer toys that have configurable elements and interactive capabilities.
Do you think toys really help in children’s development?
Yes, there are several toys that can have a direct effect on the mental, physical and emotional development of a child. The type of toy they play with can give an insight into their personality and character traits.
Why do you think children like toys so much?
The reason why children like toys is because these help them explore a world of imagination and excitement with their friends. They also stimulate their creativity and provide them a sense of control over their surroundings.
How do you think toys will change in the future?
In the coming times, the toys will become more technologically enhanced. They might include features such as AI-powered interactions, AR play, etc.
Do you think there are some toys that are only suitable for girls and some that are only suitable for boys?
In my opinion there is no specific division of toys on the basis of gender. There are girls who like to play with automated toys, action figures, etc. Meanwhile, there are also boys who would rather play house with dolls.
When you are preparing for IELTS speaking part 2, following some tips and tricks can help you ace the task. Hence, below are a few of the expert tips that you can follow:
Suggested to read:
Describe An Energetic Person That You Know IELTS Cue Card
Describe A Successful Businessperson You Know IELTS Cue Card
Describe A Time When You Received Money As A Gift
Describe A Cafe You Like To Visit IELTS Cue Card
Describe An Unusual Holiday You Had IELTS Cue Card
To sum up, the tasks in the IELTS speaking section can be demanding, but they can be subdued with a little determination and lots of practice. In addition, if you are looking for more samples like the ‘Describe a Toy You Liked in Your Childhood’, then feel free to visit Grading.com. Here, you will get various resources for your test preparation, including online IELTS classes and mock tests.
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