January 2026 - Page 4 of 7

IELTS Cue Card – TALK ABOUT A TIME YOU WERE TRAVELLING BUT WERE DELAYED

January 15, 2026 IELTS Research

IELTS Cue Card

Talk about a time you were travelling but were delayed.

You should say:

Where were you travelling to?

Why were you delayed?

How did you overcome the delay?

And describe the entire episode in detail.

Sample Answer

My story happened quite a while ago; I believe it was in December 2017. I was going to Sri Lanka for a vacation with my family. We were set to arrive at the airport at 4 pm so we could board our 7 pm international flight on time. A tip for travel I always keep in mind is to be as unhurried as possible, be it driving or train travel. Having extra time is always better as it takes away the unnecessary stress.

We reached the airport on time. As we entered the terminal gates, we were greeted by the classic coffee scent that permeates most airports. So far, the situation was looking good. We managed to get past check-in, baggage, security and customs with no hiccups at all with an hour to spare. Boarding, too, went on smoothly.

Everyone was waiting for the flight to take off. All of a sudden, there was an announcement. That’s when the trouble started. We were asked to deboard as the flight was facing technical issues. So, we boarded the airport bus and were all relocated to a new flight. Our baggage relocation took us another hour. At this point many people were getting very antsy, and for good reason too. This was supposed to be a short 3-hour flight and we already had to endure more than 2 hours of waiting time. It was annoying.

My family and I dealt with it by simply getting out our travel pack Uno game. That’s another great tip for anyone who’s travelling with kids; always bring travel-friendly games along because the kids will get bored. We played the original Uno and a couple of other games my kids came up with. Finally, the announcement of the flight being ready for take off came.

We arrived very late in Sri Lanka. It took us some more time to find our waiting cab and reach the hotel. The journey ended up pretty smoothly despite the technical delay we faced. As the saying goes, “all is well that ends well”.

Speaking part 3 follow up questions:

Q.1 What are the most common reasons that cause travel delays?

I think severe weather conditions and technical defect are the two biggest causes of travel delays. Traffic congestion, diversion of routes due to accidents or repair work also lead to travel disruptions.

Q.2 Do you think too many people are dependent on cars as a means of transport?

Definitely, yes. The number of people who depend on cars for commuting and travelling has gone up considerably in the past few decades.

Q.3 Why do people prefer to travel by car?

I think there are two main reasons why people prefer to travel by car. Firstly, public transport systems like buses and trains are poorly maintained in many parts of the world. Secondly, cars have become a status symbol. Nobody wants to wait for hours and board an overcrowded bus or train. Those who can afford tend to avoid using public transport facilities and prefer their own mode of transport. It not only saves their time but also gives them comfort and privacy.

antsy	very nervous, worried, or unpleasantly excited
annoying	making you feel slightly angry

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IELTS CUE CARD – Type of books you enjoy

January 14, 2026 IELTS Research

IELTS CUE CARD #BOOKS

Give your opinions on books.

You should say:

What type of books do you enjoy

What is your favourite book

Why is it your favourite book

and explain how you feel about your favourite book.

Sample Answer:

I am a great lover of books, movies, novels, plays and poems alike. Thus, it is no wonder that I absolutely adore any and all forms of fiction. In fact, my favourite past time is joining various authors on their beautifully illustrated ventures or travels.

Some of my childhood favourites are Enid Blyton, Ruskin Bond, Rick Riordan, Suzanne Collins and of course, J.K.Rowling.

Likewise, my favourite book is Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. The reasoning behind my choice is that this book, in particular, stood out to me. It stands at a point where childhood innocence starts to develop into something a bit darker. The transition is beautiful to witness. Most if not all of the most prominent characters have been introduced, and none, have thus far died.

This seemingly innocuous and largely unassuming story teaches all who flick through its pages, that adults are hypocrites, the authorities don’t always deserve the power they wield so freely, and hope isn’t as elusive as it appears.

But far more importantly, this book series really has the best world-building I have ever seen for any fictitious universe. The Magical Governments of different countries are introduced, how they function and clash. Fantastic creatures, mythical beasts come to life, working in tandem to test the skills of the champions. It truly is a magical journey to witness, one that I would recommend everyone partakes in.

I have read many a novel before and after, but I feel, none can come close to the vibrant imagination of J.K.Rowling. I concede that she might not have the best writing style out there, but her originality rings true.

Feel free to call for suggestions and queries.

IELTS BAND7

8439000086

8439000087

7055710004

IELTS BAND 7 Dehradun, Best Coaching in Dehradun
323 GMS Road, Near Ballupur Chowk, Dehradun

email: info at ieltsband7.com

IELTS online simulator

The officially registered trademark ‘BAND7’ (Trademark No. 4717489) is allocated to Anuj Kumar.No.

IELTS Cue Card – Talk about a special date in your country history

January 13, 2026 IELTS Research

Talk about a special date in your country history.

You should say:

Which date is it?

Why is it special?

What do you do on this date?

What impact has it had on your country?

Sample Answer

My country has been through a lot of tough and great times. Our calendars are marked with many important dates which correspond to key historical events that India has witnessed. In my opinion, the most special date in my country’s history is the 15th August 1947. It signifies a very strong feeling of patriotism for each and every Indian. It was on this day that India got independence from the then 200-year-old British rule after innumerable sacrifices.

My grandparents have told me various stories about the British rule. I have always been awestruck while listening to them and getting to know the struggles and hardships of the people back then. Thousands of important and influential people from villages, towns, and cities all over India had come together holding hands and raising their voice in unison against the oppressive British rule during the time. Certainly, it was their efforts and the encouraging support of the common public that had led India to achieve its freedom.

For its importance and positive impact on the country, this day is celebrated as a national festival in India. Schools and government organizations organise special cultural programs on this day. I enthusiastically take part in Independence day celebrations held at my school.

As a whole, Indians embrace this day not only to celebrate the country’s freedom but also to pay homage and tribute to the sacrifices of all the freedom fighters who gave up their lives for their motherland. This day teaches us to envision a better India with each passing day of our lives and motivates every Indian to work towards it as a common goal. It also inspires us to make our country proud and help it stand out on the world map.

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8439000087

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IELTS BAND 7 Dehradun, Best Coaching in Dehradun
323 GMS Road, Near Ballupur Chowk, Dehradun

email: info at ieltsband7.com

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The officially registered trademark ‘BAND7’ (Trademark No. 4717489) is allocated to Anuj Kumar.

IELTS Cue Card – Something that you made by hand to give to your friend

January 12, 2026 IELTS Research

Something that you made by hand to give to your friend.

You should say:

What did you make?

How did you make it?

Why did you give it to your friend?

How did you feel about it?

Sample Answer

Art and craft are highly engaging and entertaining activities, and many people work on different arts and crafts during their leisure time. I also like doing art and craftwork such as pottery, origami, and painting. I am more involved with craft work, especially with toys and trinkets, and I have made a lot of small toys for toddlers.

I have a young friend in my neighborhood who plays cricket with me. While we were speaking one day, he told me about his fondness for cars. He also told me that almost all of his toys were cars, and he played a lot with them as well. At that moment, an idea struck me. I came back to my home and quickly took out a small battery operated motor that was lying around unused. My idea was to use that motor to make a homemade toy car and gift it to him. I went around the house in search of materials such as cardboard, nuts, bolts, bottle caps, wires, and batteries. After collecting all the items, I assembled the car and worked on it until I was satisfied with the result.

It took me two days to complete the toy car, fortunately in time for his birthday on the weekend. Thinking that it would be a sensible gift, I had painted it and gift wrapped it as well. On his birthday, I gave him the car as a gift, and he liked it a lot. He said that the gift meant a lot to him. Due to this, I felt elated and proud of my skill and my idea.