Category: Cue Card

Gone are the days when people were born in one place and died at the same place. We are in times when people are always on movement, always shifting, changing places, friends and so much more. This time we are looking at a cue card that talks about how one feels when moving to a new school or home.

Talk about a time when you moved to a new school.

• What were the reasons for moving to the new school?
• explain how did you feel about it
• do you think it is a good idea to change schools frequently?

SAMPLE ANSWER

Over the period of my school days, I have changed schools three times. Sometimes the shifting was because of my father’s transfer, the other time because of my education. Changing schools has always been a piece of cake for me because I do gel up with people. But one time that I really did not enjoyed changing school was when I came to Dehradun for my higher studies. Usually changing schools meant going along with parents, this time it was all new, making the experience entirely different.

Having changed so many schools, I think they do help in developing the personality of a child. It teaches how to gel up with people and be ready for change. But, then it also takes away the stability that sometimes we need in life. Children who frequently go to new schools are often not able to make lasting friendships which are required later in life.

Phrases

Over the period

Meaning – an amount of time

piece of cake

Meaning – something that is very easy to do

Synonym – child’s play, doddle, snap, nothing, breeze, cinch, gift

lasting friendships

Friendships that stay for a longer period of time

IELTS BAND 7

In recent times, people have become more social, making them to attend conferences and meetings, social gatherings and so much more! This time we are looking at a cue card that was recently asked in the IELTS exam about an interesting conference that a person attended.

Describe an interesting conference that you attended. You should say –

• why it was interesting
• who the speaker was
• what was talked about

Also, explain why you found it interesting and educating.

SAMPLE ANSWER

I have recently joined the Toastmasters community and it is all about public speaking and leadership. Last Friday, I attended a meeting held in my office. It was a district level conference and people from all of the communities in the district came to attend it. Like in all meetings, there were two main speakers and lot of table topics. But the one thing that made the meeting different from others was the quality of the speakers.

There were two main speakers. The first speaker explained how in the latest of times we have philosophized life to an extent that we have stopped living. It was a humorous speech and in the end the message was clear, life is about doing what you love and letting everything else pass by. The second speaker talked about dreams. How dreams have been the driving force for so many eras and the beautiful concept of understanding the present circumstances through dreams.

I really loved the speakers and the way they presented their thoughts. There was drama in the speech and one could visualize the words of the speakers making it impactful.

philosophized

Meaning – speculate or theorize about fundamental or serious issues, especially in a tedious or pompous way

Synonyms – theorize, speculate, pontificate, preach, sermonize  moralize

circumstances

Meaning – a fact or condition connected with or relevant to an event or action

IELTS BAND 7

Have you ever wondered how your life would be without any TV or radio? How the cricket matches must have felt without the amazing commentary of Ravi Shastri? And those amazing shows that we watch on television. Have you ever thought if you have liked them even without their presenters. This time we are looking at a cue card that talks about the television presenters.

Describe a TV or radio presenter.
You should say:

• who is s/he
• what programme s/he presents
• how s/he presents the program

and explain why you like / dislike him/ her.

SAMPLE ANSWERS 1

The one name that hits me when thinking about presenters is of Oprah Winfrey. I think she has been one of the best and the most successful anchors of our times. Her show “The Oprah Winfrey Show” has been the highest rated television program of all times. It was on top 1 for around 25 years and it does need some talent to pull that off.

The reason I liked the show and its entertainer was because it was not just about having a talk and letting people relax over a cup of tea. The show told people inspiring stories, featured book clubs, had self-improvement segments, and philanthropic forays into world events. It was not just about making money but more of using the powerful tool of media into something good.

The reason Oprah was successful was because when she says with expressions. In her talk shows, it feels as if two friends are sharing a story over a cup of tea and we get to listen to it. The emotional connect that she is able to make, I think makes her and her show amazing.

SAMPLE ANSWERS 2

Talking of radio, Ameen Sayani is the person who has pulled off a great deal with Indian radio. He is known for the Binaca Geetmala program of hits over the airwaves of Radio Ceylon. People remember him and imitate him for his “Behno or Bhaiyo” meaning sisters and brothers. Not only Binaca Geetmala, Ameen Sayani has presented over many shows nationally and internationally.

Binaca Geetmala was a weekly show that initially played seven songs but then started ranking them. The show was India’s first countdown show and one of the most successful being played. People used to glue themselves to the radio because of the interactive way in which he aired the show. It felt as if everyone is having their own conversation with him.

I think the reason he became so popular and the show was so successful was because of his voice and his conversation skills. He made people not just hear the song but listen to it.

IELTSBAND7