Describe an occasion when someone or something made noise: IELTS exam cue card

Bhargavee Sisodia

25 Jun 2024

Describe an occasion when someone or something made noise: IELTS exam cue card

The IELTS test ensures that you are suitable to become part of an English-format study program and capable of communicating in English. Also, through the IELTS test, you will prove that you can be valuable to the institute and society as your ability is the asset that can help you initiate projects or innovations. If you pass the IELTS exam, you are seen as being efficient in navigating your life in a foreign country. Moreover, the IELTS test opens up global opportunities as it is accepted by every organization, and institution in the world.

Is it hard to attempt the IELTS exam with self-preparation? No. However, to score high, you must have a good grasp on each of the four sections which are reading, listening, writing, and speaking tests. So, here are some key tips that you need to pay attention to while appearing for the IELTS test, including the IELTS speaking test:

Understand information, and stick to the topic.
Practice writing to increase your speed and correctness.
Use various grammatical structures to be more expressive.
Try to read a variety of texts, from newspapers to books, to broaden your vocabulary knowledge.
Engage in practicing speaking regularly to improve your fluency.
Last but not least, you must be confident while speaking.

Let's now directly dive deep into the IELTS speaking part so that you can build your confidence, and do not end up getting tensed while participating in the speaking test.

In the IELTS speaking test, you must be smart enough to manage time well and be ready to convey explanatory and abstract personal opinions when speaking on topics or responding to the examiner's questions. Since you sit in a face-to-face interaction, you should be aware of making appropriate eye contact with the examiner to show that you are enjoying the session, while giving extended answers.

Giving lengthy answers in the IELTS speaking test will provide the examiner with an in-depth insight into your ability to structure your thoughts clearly for conveying to others. Also, if you are unable to speak with coherence and clear pronunciation, no matter how much you speak sense, it will turn against you. Hence, wait no longer if you feel you need to work on all of these areas with the help of our IELTS trainers at D-VIVID. And, never underestimate the power of regular practice because only it can ensure you attain excellent results in the IELTS test.

Having given you a comprehensive idea of the weightage of specific areas to focus on during the IELTS speaking test, you should now know about what are the parts of the speaking test. Those are the introduction, cue card task, and discussion round.

Here, we will help you identify the core points to speak and how to apply specific strategies to deal with the cue card task of the IELTS exam. Take the topic of “Describe an occasion when someone or something made noise” of which we have prepared two samples that you can learn if you are planning to start with the IELTS exam preparation. Here are the steps to answer this topic:

Begin with hinting about the occasion.
Try addressing the following prompts:
- Who/What was responsible for that noise?
- When and where did it happen?
- What did you do?
- How did you feel about it?
Wrap your monologue with an overview by speaking on the impact of the noise, on the surroundings and you.

IELTS Exam Sample 1: Describe an occasion when someone or something made noise.

Introduction

On a winter evening last year, I was relaxing in my bed when I heard a mild noise emerging from somewhere nearby. My curiosity made me get up from my bed and walk to the windows where I pushed aside the curtains to see what was happening.

Who/ What was responsible for that noise?

As I looked down from my building, I could see a band party playing bollywood numbers. The so-called noise was the sound of shehnais, dhols, trumpets, and clarinets that emerged from the location where they were playing instruments in sync.

When and where did it happen?

The rhythmic melodies that I got to hear were coming from a traditional Indian wedding happening just a few blocks away from our residential complex. I could see the wedding was fun-filled as the attendees were gathering together to celebrate.

What did you do?

Being curious, I waited by the window for a while to see what was going on. While I was watching the scene, I called my mother and sister to join me in watching the wedding party. Drawn to the sounds, a few of our neighbors were enjoying it from their balconies too. I stopped for a while to observe the scene where the guests and relatives were swaying to the rhythm of the beats. It was interesting to see how the young attendees formed groups and immersed themselves in cheering for the bride and groom while singing their hearts out, and dancing in merriment.

How did you feel about it?

If I recall the feeling, I was at first distracted, and surprised, but it was quite an experience to feel the vibrant aura that set the mood for the whole wedding. Beyond the lights and visual aesthetics, the sounds evoked a festive, joyful, nostalgic, and celebratory feeling not only for those who were part of the wedding, but it impacted the vibe of the neighborhood. I realized how the wedding not only left space for the bridegroom's family to celebrate but also captivated the guests to feel a sense of belongingness. I could comprehend the significance of the sounds in creating an engaging ambiance.

Conclusion

With the approaching night, the sounds turned out to be stimulating to keep the fun and people in place. Along with the band sounds, the rituals that followed added some substance to the air, thereby serving as a testimony to the prosperous union of the couple.

IELTS Exam Sample 2 for the topic “Describe an occasion when someone or something made noise.”

Introduction

Sounds and noise are part of our lives and most of us are used to these. However, there are some unexpected days when we might encounter a noisy situation that would drive us out of our minds.

Who/ What was responsible for that noise?

It was daytime, five years back, and not long into the day, there was a commotion outside, and the experience was exasperating. It was the odd hour at which the disruption happened, and there were vehicles lined up honking every second on the road. I got to know that a cricket match was being held at a nearby stadium, and people were flocking using this route as the shortcut, as other roads were blocked.

When and where did it happen?

This happened during my winter study break in my neighborhood when I used to be a high school student. Talking about where we live, it is a traffic-free zone, and only residents living in this area travel by this road. While I was sitting on the table, and concentrating on my lessons, this racket happened and diverted my focus.

What did you do?

Initially, I was perplexed wondering what had happened. As I got up from my table, and ran outside hurriedly, with a worried look on my face, I asked one bike rider about what was going on. He remarked that it was happening because of the cricket match that would take place that evening. With nothing to do about it, I went inside, with utter disappointment.

How did you feel about it?

Since I had my exams in three days, I was feeling distressed and anxious as I had planned my day already. Being aware that I had to put a halt to my study time for a while, I spent all of my time feeling bothered and tired. Having sensory issues, the loud noises that came from the honking, and people shouting to make it worse, I was overstimulated. Besides, I was more worried-sick about my grandfather, who used to live with us, as he was struggling with hyperacusis.

Conclusion

As soon as the noise simmered down, I felt relieved. Despite the disturbance and chaos, on a deeper level, this incident was an eye-opener to understanding how life is full of unpredictable surprises, both good and bad. It also enlightened me about how being patient in upsetting scenarios and trying hard to find solutions to tackle the problem can help save the day.

We hope that you have become familiar with the strategy you can use to respond to the cue card task. So, let's now look at a few sample answers to certain probable follow-up questions on this specific topic.

Follow-up questions in the IELTS speaking test

In this follow-up questions part, you will have to convey lengthy explanations with reasons and examples for each question that you will be asked.

Sample Question 1: Is it justified to use sounds at a party or event celebration? If so, why and how?

Answer 1: In Indian culture, it is considered to be okay to make use of sounds, including instruments, and sound systems in festivals, events, and parties. Here it is a common tradition to play dhols and such instruments for festivals as it is believed to enrich the auspiciousness of the event and set the right mood in place. Rather than staying silent, and dealing with awkwardness, it helps in gathering together to sing, dance, and talk with one another. However, the organizer or organizing party must ensure that the loud noise does not cause disturbance to people's well-being and daily functioning.

Sample Question 2: Can living in a noisy environment affect an individual's physical, mental, and emotional well-being?

Answer 2: Living in a noisy environment may lead to ailments like hearing loss, high blood pressure, and heart disease, on a physical level. Also, it may cause anxiety, stress, depression, and behavioral problems in children if they are exposed to it consistently.

Sample Question 3: What do you think can be done to make India traffic-free?

Answer: India as an overpopulated nation has seen a rise in people using personal cars instead of public transportation most of the time. This has been a major factor in causing traffic, and hence, noise pollution. Initiatives can be taken to build noise barriers, as well as promote the use of buses, trains, and metros, and even cycling to reduce the number of vehicles coming out every day. Although strict rules can be enforced, people must act responsibly to cut down the noise levels by not honking recklessly, or unnecessarily.

Sample Question 4: State a few reasons that might cause noise pollution.

Answer: Construction and urbanization stand as the most significant reasons besides traffic noise, and industrial activities causing noise pollution. Also, the events that are organized now and then where loudspeakers are used make the surroundings chaotic.

Conclusion

Our team at D-VIVID can ensure you go through a successful IELTS preparation before appearing for the IELTS test. We offer the flexibility in choosing offline or online IELTS test packages, and you can choose whichever is convenient for you. In our IELTS training, you will get to take IELTS sample tests and IELTS practice tests. This will cover even IELTS speaking topics, and IELTS speaking questions which will let you shine in the IELTS speaking test. To avail it all, and secure your study abroad dream, feel free to contact us.