IELTS cue card: Overview
An IELTS cue card is a topic that the candidates will be asked to speak about for 2 minutes in the IELTS test. Candidates will be given 1 minute to prepare their answer, and then they will be asked to speak for 2 minutes without any interruption. Candidates must speak for about 2 minutes on the topic they receive in the cue card. This topic is known as IELTS Cue Card. The examiner will then ask the applicant a few follow-up questions about their answer.
The IELTS cue cards are designed to assess the candidate's ability to speak fluently, coherently, and appropriately in a given situation. They cover a wide range of topics, such as your personal life, your work experience, your education, and your interests.
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Categorisation of Cue Card Topics:
The IELTS cue card topics are organized into different categories, such as personal life, work experience, education, and interests. The following are some of the latest cue card topics that have appeared in the previous year's IELTS exam:
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IELTS Speaking Cue Card Topics |
Analysis |
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Favorites |
In these kinds of topics, candidates need to write about things that they like. |
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Place |
In these kinds of topics, candidates will be asked about places that they have visited or will visit. |
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Time-based |
In these kinds of topics, candidates will have to talk about things that have occurred in the past, present, or future. |
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Work |
Here candidates need to talk about things related to the workplace. |
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Person |
Here candidates need to talk about a friend, guide, or any person they liked. |
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Study |
These are the topics wherein the candidates have to talk about the courses that they want to pursue or pursued. |
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Object |
These are the topics wherein the candidates need to talk about any sort of object like a mirror, clothes, or any random things. |
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Emotions |
These are the topics wherein the candidates need to talk about emotions such as happiness, sadness, anger, and so on. |
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Occasions |
These topics are often about birthdays, the new year, or more. |
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Cue Card Topics Related To Places:
- Describe a place you would like to visit.
- Describe a place you have visited and particularly liked.
- Describe a place that has a special meaning to you.
- Describe a place that is important to your culture.
- Describe a place that is famous for its natural beauty.
- Describe a place that is famous for its history or culture.
- Describe a place that is famous for its food or drink.
- Describe a place that is famous for its shopping.
- Describe a place that is famous for its nightlife.
- Describe a place that is famous for its sports teams.
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Cue Card Topics Related To Favourites:
- Describe your favourite book.
- Describe your favourite movie.
- Describe your favourite song.
- Describe your favourite TV show.
- Describe your favourite place to visit.
- Describe your favourite food.
- Describe your favourite animal.
- Describe your favourite sport.
- Describe your favourite hobby.
- Describe your favourite person.
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Time-Based Cue Card Topics:
- Describe a time when you were very busy.
- Describe a time when you were very afraid.
- Describe a time when you were stuck in a traffic jam.
- Describe a time when you had to go to a hospital or see a doctor.
- Describe a time when you received some useful advice.
- Describe a time when someone apologized to you.
- Describe a time when you got lost.
- Describe a time when you had to use a foreign language to communicate.
- Describe a time when you missed an appointment.
- Describe a time when you did something which was a waste of time.
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Cue Card Topics Related To Person:
- Describe a person you admire.
- Describe a person who has influenced you.
- Describe a person who is helpful to others.
- Describe a person who is good at public speaking.
- Describe a person who is good at solving problems.
- Describe a person who is good at motivating others.
- Describe a person who is good at working under pressure.
- Describe a person who is good at working as part of a team.
- Describe a person who is good at leading others.
- Describe a person who is good at managing time.
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Cue Card Topics Related To Work:
- Describe a time when you had to deal with a difficult customer.
- Describe a time when you had to work under pressure.
- Describe a time when you had to work as part of a team.
- Describe a time when you had to give a presentation.
- Describe a time when you had to deal with a conflict.
- Describe a time when you had to go above and beyond your job description.
- Describe a time when you were praised for your work.
- Describe a time when you made a mistake at work.
- Describe a time when you had to learn new skills to do your job.
- Describe a time when you had to work with someone from a different culture
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Cue Card Topics Related To Study:
- Describe a course you like to study and found useful.
- Describe a piece of work you did quickly.
- Describe your dream/ideal/perfect job.
- Describe something that you want to learn more.
- Describe a time when you had to study for a difficult exam.
- Describe a time when you had to work on a group project.
- Describe a time when you had to give a presentation.
- Describe a time when you had to learn something new.
- Describe a teacher from your past that you remember.
- Describe a school you have studied in.
Cue Card Topics Related To Object:
- Describe an object you find particularly beautiful.
- Describe something you have bought recently.
- Describe a gift you recently gave to someone.
- Describe an object that you made yourself.
- Describe something you bought but do not often use.
- Describe an electronic machine you want to buy.
- Describe an antique piece at your home.
- Describe something you lost and found again.
- Describe something you would like to buy but can't afford.
- Describe something you like very much that you bought for your home.
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Cue Card Topics Related To Occasion:
- Describe a recent occasion when you had to wait a long time for someone or something to arrive.
- Describe a special occasion in your life that you will never forget.
- Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision about attending an important occasion.
- Describe a time when you had to organize a special occasion.
- Describe a time when you had to help someone with a special occasion.
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Cue Card Topics Related To Emotions:
- Describe a time when you felt very happy.
- Describe a time when you felt very sad.
- Describe a time when you felt very angry.
- Describe a time when you felt very scared.
- Describe a time when you felt very proud.
- Describe a time when you felt very grateful.
- Describe a time when you felt very surprised.
- Describe a time when you felt very relieved.
- Describe a time when you felt very disappointed.
- Describe a time when you felt very jealous
Preparation Tips for Cue Card Topics:
Here are some tips for preparing for the IELTS cue cards:
- Read the cue card carefully and brainstorm ideas. What do you know about the topic? What are your thoughts and feelings about it? What examples can you share?
- Organize your ideas. Decide what you want to say and in what order. You can use a mind map or an outline to help you organize your thoughts.
- Practice speaking about the topic. The more you practice, the more confident you will feel on the day of the test. You can practice by yourself or with a friend or family member.
- Don't memorize your answer. The examiner wants to hear your own thoughts and ideas, so don't try to memorize a script.
- Be confident and speak clearly. Make eye contact with the examiner and speak in a natural voice.
- Use a variety of vocabulary and grammar structures. This will show the examiner that you have a good command of the English language.
- Be prepared to answer follow-up questions. The examiner may ask you some questions about your answer. Be prepared to answer these questions in a clear and concise way.