Describe a historical period you would like to know more about: IELTS Exam Cue Card

Bhargavee Sisodia

10 Jul 2024

The IELTS exam has been reputed for being one of the most well-structured, and appropriate standards to test English language proficiency across the world. If you pass the IELTS exam, it will help you earn a global advantage, and as you might know will give you the privilege of securing international opportunities since IELTS test is a requirement to get admitted into an institute.

Well, if you are thinking of sitting for the IELTS exam, you might be nervous and excited while you are on with your IELTS exam preparation. It is quite a piece of cake if you are devising a strategy and devoting time to practicing each of the sections thoroughly. 

Through this blog, we will be highlighting the IELTS speaking test part as this is regarded to be challenging by most IELTS test takers. Since there are three parts to the IELTS speaking test, i.e. Introduction, Cue card task, and two-way discussion round, we are going to work on the 2nd part, which is the cue card task, including topics like the historical period cue card, and acquaint you with a little bit of information on the follow-up questions round of the IELTS exam.

How to do the Cue Card Task of the IELTS test? 

In the cue card task of the IELTS exam, the examiner will give you a specific topic and ask you to speak on it for around 2 minutes at a go. You should make use of the paper and pencil to jot down what you feel needs to be inculcated in your monologue. This will help you in formulating a speech that shows a connection to the topic, and integrate the key points to make it cogent.

Now let's review a few samples on the topic: Describe a historical period you would like to know more about, so that you can understand the purpose and goal of preparing a speech, especially for a historical period cue card.

• Introduction

In the introduction, you will briefly point to the historical period you are choosing to talk about. Also, specify the significance of that period. 

• Responding to the prompts:

1. What has made you curious about this historical period? 
2. What are the changes, and developments that happened during this period?
3. How have the events led to subsequent changes for the future? 
4. Why do you want to explore this period in detail? 

This will help you give not only an overview of the period but also lay forth your personal opinions on the historical period. 

• Concluding thoughts:

For your conclusion, you can sum up, recapitulate your interest, and justify how it has helped you to emphasize the importance of different historical periods. 

Let's not wait any further and help you skim through these samples. 

IELTS exam sample 1 for cue card topic:

“Describe a historical period you would like to know more about”.

Introduction

I have loved history since my school years. I enjoyed hearing stories from my grandmother as well, who used to talk to me about the historical affairs and situations during her time. At the same time, I used to spend quality time with my history books and bought many beyond academic textbooks to read about the histories of India and other countries. However, today, I am about to share my fascination with the period before Indian Independence, or we call it the Indian independence movement. 

What has made you curious about this historical period?

This particular period makes me curious because it was the first ever fight for independence from the colonial forces and making it a free nation. 

What are the changes and developments that happened during this period? 

Since it was a struggle against European conquest, and the British Raj's exploitative policies, Indian leaders, and masses were there for a long haul.  It all started in the year 1857 when the Sepoy Mutiny took place and led the Indians to embark on a journey to establish a free India. The  Indian National Congress was formed, which was a major player in the movement alongside the Muslim League. Although freedom fighters like Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru were responsible for leading the movement at the start, they inspired others to stand together and initiate movements like non-cooperation, and civil disobedience movements to end British rule. 

How have the events led to subsequent changes for the future? 

From Sepoy Mutiny to the Non-cooperation and Civil disobedience movement, it was an exhaustive fight where non-violence was emphasized and promoted as they had wanted to pressure the Britishers to leave with a more liberal approach. However, there was lots of bloodshed, and torment, and even repressive laws were set to curb the civil liberties of locals which fueled the masses and the events started to take a violent turn in different places.

With unity and integrity, people were engaged in mass movements to disobey and boycott their system and rule. This is why we can enjoy constitutional rights and hold democratic forms of elections, due to the formation of an independent nation. 

Why do you want to explore this period in detail? 

As a young adult, I aspire to dig deep into the socio-cultural movements that took place that led to declaring India a free nation. Also, I want to know about those who were privileged enough to attend institutions and became powerful enough to question the unfair means, while digging into the mindsets of the masses on how they perceived scientific and logical education. 

Concluding thoughts

Indian independence was a significant event in their Indian history, and the events altogether brought a new sense of identity to the nation. This was not a day's work and a person's contribution, but the united ideology to overthrow the British Raj which highlighted the aspects of brotherhood, and patriotism.

IELTS exam sample 2 for cue card topic

“Describe a historical period you would like to know more about”.

Introduction

I have been fascinated with memories relating to the past, including cultural and social events that had happened in the world. If I am asked about how much I adore history, I don't have words to explain it. Every time I visit a bookstore or a book fair, I seize the opportunity to buy books on history. My last experience led me to buy a book on the Golden Age of India, and I am stoked to share about it. 

What has made you curious about this historical period? 

The advancements that took place during this period in the fields of arts, science, literature, and medicine were tremendous which made me develop an interest in learning about this period. I was keen to know about how the Guptas' efficient administration and contribution made it the Golden Age of India. 

What are the changes and developments that happened during this period? 

During the reign of the Gupta monarchs, there were exceptional developments like advanced mathematical systems, astronomical theories, and Sanskrit prose, poetry, and drama. There were many architectural advancements whether in temples, or sculptures, as well as in metalworking. Even their unique cave architecture is revered today. On top of that, there was development in religion, and scholars contributed to a wide range of religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. 

How have the events led to subsequent changes for the future? 

The Gupta kings were focused on patronizing various religions which led to the construction of splendid architecture, monasteries, and temples that added to the rich cultural richness heritage of India. Similarly, in the field of science, and literature, there were discoveries on the number zero, the decimal system, infinity concept, surgical practices, and literary epics. The system of benign administration and decentralized governance was started under the Guptas which inspired Indian societies in the later era. 

Why do you want to explore this period in detail? 

It is my personal interest to look into the anecdotes and achievements comprehensively to form an idea of their way of perceiving and fostering ideologies which I believe enabled them to contribute to politics, religion, culture, science, and other fields wisely. Traditional societies usually encountered disruption from other conquerors, but under the Guptas, they were successful in maintaining safety and a peaceful environment for a long time. 

Concluding thoughts

Apart from what I could learn in the book, I am driven to decode every aspect of the Golden Age, even the socio-cultural norms to understand how everything was in balance to form a progressive society. 

Follow-up questions for the IELTS speaking test

After you are done speaking about the topic, you will get asked specific follow-up questions based on what you have spoken. The examiner will dig into your content, and see if you can form prompt and thoughtful responses, and can understand the questions well. Hence, while doing IELTS exam preparation, especially for the IELTS speaking test, you should go through a variety of IELTS speaking topics, and even be involved in attempting IELTS speaking questions to enhance your speaking competence. It is a clever move when you provide a detailed explanation to draw attention and support your answers, particularly when discussing a historical period cue card. 

Question 1: Were there women participants in the Indian Independence movement? 

Answer: There was active participation from women who showed courage, resilience, and patriotism in the movement. From mobilizing masses to leading protests, they were capable of boycotting British goods and laws. Women like Sarojini Naidu and Kamala Nehru, assumed responsible positions in the salt march, non-cooperation, and even in the Quit India movement. 

Question 2: Were there social organizations during that time in India that fought against social evils? 

Answer: Many societies fought against social evils actively. As far as I can remember, there was the Brahmo Samaj that fought against Sati, child marriage, and polygamy. Some disapproved of idol worship, caste oppression, and superstitions and advocated widow remarriage and education among women. 

Question 3: Do you believe that most children in today's world are not interested in history? 

Answer: Nowadays, there are only a handful of children who are interested in digging into historical facts and events in the world. This may be due to the influence of social media and technology that keeps them away from learning about rulers, and empires. 

Question 4:  Is it true that knowing the history of a community or nation gives you an insight into their cultural heritage? 

Answer: If one is familiar with a community's historical background, it is easier to associate their current situation with their belief systems, traditions, and rituals, which eventually help in comprehending their way of living, and cultural norms. 

Conclusion

At D-VIVID Consultant, our team is prepared to provide you with assistance for the IELTS exam. Through flexible formats with customized and personalized guidance, you will gain access to a set of IELTS practice tests, and take IELTS sample tests. Even for honing and strengthening your verbal ability, we will prepare you on the ways to present on IELTS speaking topics and teach you how to attempt IELTS speaking questions, and ensure that you feel confident to sit in the IELTS exam. Our team of expert trainers at D-VIVID  can ensure you an excellent band score in the IELTS test if you join our IELTS courses, which can be taken either offline or online. 

You can also look into these blogs on several cue card topics for IELTS:

Describe a person you would like to study or work with

Describe an interesting activity that you remember enjoying most in your primary school

Describe a skill that you learned in your childhood