Describe an exciting activity that you experienced with someone else: IELTS test Cue Card

Bhargavee Sisodia

10 Jul 2024

The IELTS test is the most widely accepted language proficiency test by institutes, employers, and authorities across the globe. If you are prepared to go forward with your study abroad plans, it is a must that you take the IELTS exam beforehand. Since the IELTS test is the standard criteria to measure a candidate’s communication and language abilities, you should groom yourself accordingly to secure high band scores. This can be done by taking IELTS sample tests and doing IELTS practice tests. 

In the IELTS exam, there are four sections, which are reading, writing, listening, and speaking based on which you are given the overall band score. The reading, writing, and listening parts are less challenging compared to the IELTS speaking test part. However, for the speaking test, you have the chance to take control of the content you will speak even if you are assigned topics. Undoubtedly, you will have a fair chance at outshining the IELTS speaking exam with the power of your vocabulary and articulation ability. 

When the speaking test in the IELTS exam is concerned, it consists of three parts:

Introduction:

This is when the examiner will make you feel at ease and will ask you to introduce yourself. Following that, you are to be asked basic questions on simple and familiar topics like hobbies, family, and personal background.

Speaking on a topic for two minutes: 

For the 2nd part, you will be given a topic and a minute to craft your monologue. This will test how fast and clearly you can present your insights in the English language. 

General Discussion:

When the 2nd part ends, the examiner will ask you a few questions based on the ideas that you have communicated. The examiner will expect you to give elaborate answers and reasons which will assess your analytical, and promptness in giving justification based on your viewpoints. 

In this blog, we will talk about the 2nd part of the speaking test in the IELTS exam, i. e. the cue card task. For the cue card, as you might be aware by now, you get one minute to prepare. So, it is on your hands to use this minute smartly. Before learning how to attempt the cue card task, let us look at the general tips to keep in mind while attempting the 2nd part of the IELTS speaking exam:

• Understand the cue card topic. 
• Make notes on the topic, and specify using pointers. 
• Focus on the quality rather than quantity. 
• Try not to sound monotonous or repetitive. 
• Use the right body language, whether facial expressions or hand gestures. 

To excel in the cue card topic part of the IELTS test, you should practice a lot. However, IELTS preparation without a strategy won't give you the best results. Try to take at least one or two IELTS sample tests or IELTS practice tests regularly will help you get used to the structure and pattern of the IELTS test. Also, if you go through answers to frequently asked IELTS speaking topics and IELTS speaking questions, you will never feel nervous about sitting for the IELTS exam. 

How to answer the cue card task? 

We are going to decode the IELTS speaking topic: Describe an exciting activity that you experienced with someone else, and split it into three to four sections, before structuring the answer in a sequence so that each sub-part is covered well. You can focus on these particular aspects:

• What was the activity?
• Who accompanied you for this activity?
• Where and when did it happen?
• Why did you choose it, and how did you feel during the experience?

IELTS exam sample topic 1: Describe an exciting activity that you experienced with someone else. 

Introduction

A year ago, in June, I went on a trip with one of my closest people to a hill station in India. We planned it spontaneously two nights before the trip, and it has been by far one of the best adventures of my life. 

What was the activity? 

When I went to her house, we talked about how through all these years that we grew together, we hadn't had a fun trip to somewhere far. It was then that we decided to go trekking, and we set the destination as Kasol in Himachal Pradesh. 

Who accompanied you for this activity? 

For this exhilarating outdoor activity, my best friend joined me. She has been my solid rock since our kindergarten years. Although we both share contrasting personalities, she is the one who has always been understanding and helpful like no other. She is great to have fun with because I am most comfortable with her. Also, she was excited to come along with me to make it the best trip. 

Where and when did it happen? 

Upon spending the first night at a hotel, we took a taxi to Kasol for trekking. As beginners, we did an easy and short trek for a day. It took us 3-4 hours to complete the 8km trek which started in Old Kasol bridge and ended at Grahan village. 

Why did you engage in it, and how was the overall experience? 

Since our vacations were going on, I wanted us to do a challenging and fun thing for the break since we both were grown-ups. The idea behind doing it was to try out new things that would help build endurance and confidence. I can still feel the excitement and fulfillment imbued inside me when I dared to attempt a new thing with her. As I asked her about her experience, she recalled how she felt the adrenaline rush, and it was a trip filled with a mix of emotions. 

Conclusion

Until today, this trip, particularly the trekking experience is engraved inside my mind. I can picture it clearly and it is quite unforgettable. I treasure it dearly because I got to visit a breathtaking place with my best friend. Spending a lot of time together helped us bond better. 

IELTS exam Sample 2: Describe an exciting activity that you experienced with someone else. 

Introduction

At 15, I had a wholesome experience of unleashing creativity with my friends at a cafe. This memorable day was dedicated to enjoying a collective creative evening together with a creative community 

What was the activity? 

When we came back from school, we took the bus to attend the event that we had booked. The event was themed as a ‘Sip and Paint’ session, in which we could freely do sketching, drawing, and painting, whichever activity we enjoyed doing. We being art enthusiasts and creative thinkers were dedicated to making our art. 

Who accompanied you for this activity? 

My two friends from school, Riya and Shruti, went along with me to participate in the event. Since we three love doing art, and creative stuff, we decided to let our parents know about the event, and we were overjoyed when we could spend a fun-filled evening of making art and crafts together. 

Where and when did it happen? 

I and my friends attended the art-based event during springtime in the evening at a cafe in Ahmedabad named Wabi Sabi, which is known to hold art workshops now and then. 

Why did you engage in it and how was your overall experience? 

My reason for joining such a session was not limited to surrendering myself to a creative evening. For me, it was more of an escape from the daily dose of exhausting days at school, mostly academic-related. It turned out to be calming, and relaxing, and I got to do my favorite thing with my artsy friends while having discussions over a cup of coffee. I considered it as a reboot to flourishing well in school and life. 

Conclusion

Although I have enjoyed many art sessions since then, I felt it was the most captivating as it was the first one. It made me understand how an art session is equivalent to therapy. It was therapeutical, memorable, and eye-opening as it pushed me to continue with art-related pursuits. In the context of the friendship, art made it possible to sustain the connection, and it encouraged me to keep on making art. 

Follow-up Questions for the IELTS test

After you are done with the speaking on the cue card topic, you will face the examiner who will ask you a few questions based on what you have spoken. This is to extract abstract opinions from your end. To impress the examiner, you must keep your answers lengthy and engage in the interaction actively while justifying your statements. Apart from providing comprehensive answers, you should support it with examples. 

Let us help you get some insight into the answering format with some sample answers to probable questions that can be asked for this cue card topic in the IELTS test.

Question 1: Do you believe that doing an activity can help you relieve your anxiety and stress? 

Sample Answer 1: Yes, engaging in an activity that interests one will help boost one's mood and enhance positive emotions like happiness, compassion, and gratitude. Also, trying a new and thrilling activity activates instant relaxation and allows them to stop overthinking or worrying which can be one of the best forms of stress buster. Hence, doing such activities from time to time is essential to balance one's mental well-being along with relaxing their physical body. 

Question 2: Do young people tend to try more adventurous outdoor activities than indoor activities? 

Sample Answer 2: In a general sense, this is absolutely true for most young people. Because they are young and energetic in their bodies and mind, and they are more curious and explorative. Outdoor activities are suited for the younger ones as they enjoy them better without worries. There are young enthusiastic adventure lovers who like to endure challenging situations as they view it to be preparing for hurdles in life. It also ensures that they become flexible, adaptable, and confident to deal with tough situations in life which is why outdoor activities are necessary. In contrast, some prefer doing indoor activities, including creative things because it stimulates their minds and overall well-being. 

Question 3: Can you tell me about other exciting activities that people like to do? 

Sample Answer 3: To name a few, most young people are motivated to have a taste of adventurous stuff like rock climbing, camping, bungee jumping, rafting, etc. to get over their fears, and learn new skills. On the other hand, many like to play sports like cricket, football, and badminton, as well as creative things like designing, painting, etc. 

Question 4: Is it true that participating in group activities boost social skills? 

Sample Answer 4: Taking part in group activities lets an individual foster social skills like cooperation, collaboration, and communication which also helps in forming connections in real life. Suppose a person opts for rafting, he/she will be part of a team and has to cooperate well with one another to reach the destination. 

Conclusion

If you still don’t feel confident about taking the IELTS test, we at D-VIVID will be more than happy to help you thoroughly with your IELTS exam preparation. Our well-qualified trainers will help you sit for the test confidently and comfortably as they can guide you best in solving IELTS practice tests. Our team’s approach is to teach you the best ways to answer IELTS speaking topics and IELTS speaking questions. Apart from that, D-VIVID  will help you with counseling, shortlisting, admission, and visa applications.