Speaking Cue Card Archives

IELTS Cue Card: Speak about a difficult thing you did

August 1, 2026 IELTS Research Leave a comment

IELTS Cue Card: Speak about a difficult thing you did

Speak about a difficult thing you did.
You should say:

What was that activity?

When and where did you do it?

How did you do it?

And how do you feel after it.

IELTS CUE CARD # Speak about a difficult thing you did

Sample Answer:

We often come across few difficult tasks in our day-to-day lives. Tasks which are practised less often turn into difficult tasks. When we are performing a task for the first time, at that time, the difficulty level is higher. As we practise more and become proficient, the difficulty level decreases and tasks are performed better in less time. Anyways, we almost always remember the struggle we underwent in those difficult times. I, too, remember my efforts in debugging a software program that was infected very severely and damaging our whole server’s data.

Basically, I am a software engineer and work in an MNC based in Dehradun. We have been offering the software solutions to our clients for the last 20 years, who are spread all over the globe. I am a programmer at Core but also deal in security systems and protection. I just have an average, fair knowledge about malwares and debugging, and from no angle am I an expert. A few months back, our chief engineer for software security was on a long leave. His team used to handle the security issues well, even in his absence, but one day, all the systems suddenly shut down like a blackout except the master computer networked directly to the server.

We acknowledged that it was a virus attack injected intentionally in our cloud space. Our existing programmes were inadequate to counter this superiorly coded malware sent into our network. This could have led to the stealing of private classified data if handled erroneously. I had dealt with debugging programmes earlier also, but here, I needed to include one extra loop in my programme to run it successfully. I scratched my grey cells for 10 hrs at a stretch to run the new programme. After a series of successive futile efforts, I finally managed to crack the code and debug the software. Our whole team shouted with a hurray and lifted me on their shoulders.

I was kind of an on-the-spot hero for my colleagues. I am a serious freak about anything that I do. This was a big leap in my programming skills, and I invented that in an exigency. That forged tonnes of confidence inside me, being fit to perform under pressure. My boss promoted me the next day, and I felt very elated.

STRONG WORDS

Word	Meaning
Erroneously	Inaccurately: The Present approach taken by world leaders to combat climate change seems to be erroneous, as there are no substantial results over so many years
Exigency	emergency: One should remember the exigency numbers provided by state administration

Follow-up Questions

Q.1 Do you like to take up difficult tasks? Why?

Sample answer: Yes, quite often I volunteer for the difficult tasks. Since my childhood days, I used to believe in doing the tasks which were not being done earlier or were very difficult to perform. I think this appetite keeps me high and motivated. Tough tasks appear to me as challenges, and the accomplishment of those tasks after my strenuous efforts gives an immense sense of joy and satisfaction.

Q. 2 How can we shed the fear of taking up difficult tasks?

Sample answer: I think we should not take up the most difficult task in the very beginning. We should follow the slow and steady approach in mastering a particular task, and only later on should we venture into the toughest aspects of it. Even the small and easy achievements in the beginning can be rich motivators and brain openers, preparing us for the next difficult task.

Q. 3 Do you believe in punishment as a tool for improvement in performance?

Sample answer: I may not be able to answer this question absolutely. Because on one hand, I believe that even negative reinforcement or punishment can be instrumental in performance improvement if administered properly and without time delays, while on the other hand, I cannot claim punishment to be the only effective option for corrections. I think one should resort to it as the last available option. Positive reinforcements and right encouragement can be highly effective in performing difficult tasks.

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IELTS Cue Card #Describe an art/craft activity that you had had at school

June 30, 2022 IELTS Research

IELTS Cue Card #Describe an art/craft activity that you had had at school

Describe an art/craft activity that you had had at school.
You should say:

What did you make?

When did you make it?

How did you make it?

And what were your reactions then.

IELTS Cue Card #Describe an art/craft activity that you had had at school

Sample Answer :

Art and craft constitute the aesthetic aspects of our environment and plays a vital role in spurring the creativity of human beings. It adds an element of beauty in our lives which becomes a source of inspiration and appreciation. For instance, Taj mahal is a marvellous monument of art, which holds a special significance in the hearts of people all around the world. These activities of art and craft are learnt and practiced since an early age and mastered over a period of time. We have a dedicated department of art and craft in our school, that involves the use of several materials like wood, paper, mud etc. to create objects of aesthetic importance. The school conducts competition in art and craft every year, where students exhibit their diversified talents and carve out various objects by using different materials. When I was in tenth standard, I took part in this competition and designed a rectangular wooden box.

I was actively practicing my woodcraft skills, since when I was in eighth standard. Therefore, by the time I took part in competition, I was well averse with all the techniques and specifications involved in woodcraft. I always had a desire to make a wooden box for my little sister, as she frequently complained to me, of the lack of storage space for her things and belongings. Since I was a novice in fixing clips and bolts in the wood initially, it took me some time to learn that. It was in this competition, that I carved out a perfectly smooth finished box affixed with bolts, by my shovel and razor.

At the end of the day, everyone submitted his piece of art to the judges, who announced the results shortly after an hour. Although I was feeling very good about my creation and was quite confident of a rank among the first three, but announcement of my name as the first winner simply turned me mad with joy and delight. Soon after, I rushed to my home screaming with joy; laden with my artefact and trophy of winner. I informed my sister about the event and presented her the box. I was extremely satisfied and happy with my gift to the sister, which I created on my own.

STRONG WORDS

Word	Meaning
Aesthetic	related to beauty: Poetry constitute the aesthetic part of humans.

Follow-up Questions

Q. 1 What is the use of art and craft in our lives?

Sample Answer: As discussed, art and craft form the crucial aesthetic components in our lives. They are a result of our ever growing creativity and curiosity for novel beautiful creations. These artefacts not only bring delight in our lives by their beauty aspects but are also of immense utilities. For instance, a potter’s pot not only has aesthetic features but also finds its utilities in our homes.

Q. 2 Is there traditional art and culture in your country? What are they and what is the use of them?

Sample Answer: Definitely, we have a wide array of art and craft practiced in our country. We have the different region specific dance, music and craft in different parts of the country. While ceramic pottery and traditional puppetry is practised in Rajasthan, whereas silk sarees and sandalwood products form the craft emblem of south India. On one hand, Madhubani art, all with its natural colours, is taken up in eastern region of Bihar and Bengal while on the other, Mughal and Pahari art flourishes in northern regions. Traditional art and craft not only preserves the rich heritage and culture of our nation but it is also showcased in cosmopolitan fairs to spread the fame of our nation in distant lands. On a commercial scale, export of such traditional art and craft generates the revenue for our country.

Q. 3 Do you consider the depreciation of traditional art and craft with the passage of time? Why?

Sample Answer: Yes, indeed. There has been a significant decline in the extent and quality of art and culture with the passage of time. Traditional art and culture signify the antiquity and over the time, with the breakthroughs in the digital and machine technology, many forms of art have been translated in form of soft products. Designs on fabric, that were done by the skilled craftsmen, have now been replaced with those of them put by machines. Similarly, many handicrafts have, with time, been turned into synthetic crafts. Even the fine arts on canvas is gradually being replaced by sketches and designs created by the software programmes. Therefore, it is the rapid onset of technology that is responsible for the replacement of the skilled workforce and hence the depreciation in traditional art and culture.

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IELTS Speaking Task Cue Card: Describe a plant grown in your country.

June 29, 2022 IELTS Research

IELTS Speaking Task Cue Card:

Describe a plant grown in your country.

What is the name of the plant?

What does it look like?

Where does it grow?

And what are its uses.

neem-tree Best IELTS Band 7 Coaching in dehradun

Sample Answer

There are many different varieties of trees and plants that are specific to our country India. These are highly beneficial due to their practical applications in healthcare, food and other uses. Some plants are rare, while some are very common, and are found all over the country and in other countries as well, such as the tulsi plant.

One such commonly found plant is Azadirachta indica, commonly known as neem plant or Indian lilac. Neem is a fast-growing, evergreen tree, and reaches a height of 20 meters. The branches are long and wide, with toothed, pinnate leaves. It has white and fragrant flowers, and small, olive-like, drupe shaped fruits that are bittersweet in taste.

The neem plant is native to the Indian subcontinent, and not only does it survive, but also thrives in less water. Furthermore, it can grow in different kinds of soil and is a tropical or subtropical tree. This plant can resist high temperatures, but not very low temperatures. Moreover, it can be found almost everywhere in India, growing in gardens, temples, parks, roadsides, and other public places. Known for its thick foliage, it is grown for its shade in different outdoor seating areas.

A highly versatile plant, it has various uses due to its long list of practical abilities and medicinal benefits. The leaves are used in cooking different vegetables, salads, and pickling. Neem is highly beneficial and possesses many medicinal qualities. Its leaves are used to cure skin diseases, and the oil is used to keep healthy hair, for improving liver function, blood detoxification, along with balancing blood sugar levels. Neem twigs are used as natural toothbrushes and tongue cleaners. It has other applications such as in cosmetics and sanitary products.

(286 Words)

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IELTS Cue Card #Speak about a café that you like to visit

June 28, 2022 IELTS Research

IELTS Cue Card #Speak about a café that you like to visit

Speak about a café that you like to visit.
You should say:

Where is it and how did you come to know about it?

What all does it serve in its menu?

When do you visit it?

And what do you like about it?

IELTS Cue Card #Speak about a café that you like to visit

Sample Answer :

Most of us experience this common urge of eating outdoors, in cafes or restaurants, when our appetite is bored with the food cooked at home on daily basis. Therefore, we, either on weekends or on some special occasions, long to take this food break, either in terms of crunchy lip smacking snacks or the spicy regular meal. I am quite fond of having snacks once in a while. Although, in Delhi where I live, we have several cafes serving various appetizers and drinks but my favourite, where I would like to visit frequently is Black Roses, just walking distance afar from my house. It was the inauguration of this café by one of my neighbour friend few months back, where I was invited and it was then, when I came to know about it and had my first meal. I instantaneously liked voguish name of the joint.

This café has a very wide menu having several dishes and snacks in its platter. Some of them are oriental, few are Chinese and some snacks have the exquisite Mexican and Latin flavours. I was even oblivious of many of the menu’s sections and came to know, only after my enquiry from my friend. Typical Japanese sea food and stick noodles is another attraction. They serve vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian dishes. Breads are made out of bran as well as whole wheat grain, which is very tasty. Additionally, they serve a wide array of juices and shakes with dipped ice creams of different flavours.

I generally visit the place in the evenings of the weekends, when you find it lively with the huzzbuzz of frequent footsteps. It has earned the name very soon and people, even from a little far in the city come here to have the wonderful taste and variety. Interiors of the café have been beautifully embellished with arts and dazzling mosaics. Beautiful chandeliers glitter the place in the evening hours. Operator plays the mystically soft music which sends soothing vibes in that beautiful ambience. Moreover, because of my friend, I am always offered the rebates in my meals which suits my pocket too. So, all these things make it a perfect den for me to visit and I love to have my meal there.

STRONG WORDS

Word	Meaning
Vogue	fashion: Working mothers are in vogue nowadays.
Oblivious	unaware: Man is oblivious of the true purpose of his existence.
Mosaic	pattern developed by glass, beads and many other items: Beautiful mosaics decorate the platforms of Delhi metro station.

Follow-up Questions

Q. 1 Do you like to visit alone or with someone in a café?

Sample Answer: Cafes are places where one visits to have some quick tasty food along with some spare time of fun and relaxation. Therefore, I always prefer if I could find a good jovial company along with. Eating food while sharing jokes and discussing funny matters is really very enjoyable.

Q. 2 What do you consider first while visiting a café, money or quality?

Sample Answer: Well, I think I look at both of these aspects. Definitely, ambience of the café and quality of food served is always considered foremost, but then, proportionate cost and expenses are also considered by me. If I can get the same good quality foodstuff without incurring a hole in my pocket, then definitely, I would prefer that one.

Q. 3 Do you think café culture is mushrooming even in small towns? Why?

Sample Answer: Yes, apart from the big metropolitans, one can see the rising no. of cafes even in tier 2 and tier 3 towns. I think we borrow several trends of lifestyle from the west and café culture is one of them. This borrowing has turned convenient and expedient with the latest advances in Information and Communication technologies. One can easily be aware of any western trend in real time in the present times and can easily bring it here. With the expansion of economy and markets along with the higher purchasing power of common man, it is now commonplace to see the cafes in small towns too.

Q. 4 What do you think, are the reasons for spread of cafés?

Sample Answer: As mentioned earlier, western trends are aped by people, especially the youngsters in our country. Tasty snacks and bubbly colas along with few friends in the café ambience make them feel good and cool. Whether it is the corporate discussion of two officials or the rendezvous of young lovers, cafes are considered to be the right spots and this demand spurs the café culture.