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The IELTS and other spoken English tests often incorporate cue card questions to evaluate candidates’ proficiency in the English language. These questions aim to measure vocabulary, coherence, fluency, and the ability to think on one’s feet. A common type of cue card inquiry revolves around discussing an experience or event from daily life. One frequently encountered example is “Describe An Exciting Activity That You Experienced With Someone Else.”
While these questions may seem straightforward to many students, they play a crucial role in the speaking examination in which structure, vocabulary, and clarity are essential factors. To provide a strong response to such questions, clear reasoning, well-organized delivery, and relevant content must all come together.
In this blog post, we will explore how to approach this particular cue card topic, outline a structured response, and offer tips on how to improve your preparation. Together, we will analyze the question, develop a suitable answer, and engage in practice.
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Introduction: Understanding the ‘Describe’ Cue Card Questions
The IELTS Speaking Test includes “Describe” cue card questions that evaluate your capability to talk extensively about a particular subject. You will receive a cue card featuring a topic along with some bullet points to help guide your answer.
You will have one minute to prepare what you want to say and then 1 to 2 minutes to speak without interruption. The criteria for assessment is as follows:
Fluency: The ability to speak smoothly and coherently.
Vocabulary: The use of a diverse range of words and expressions.
Grammar: The variety and accuracy of grammatical constructions.
Pronunciation: The clarity and naturalness of your speech.
Describe An Exciting Activity That You Experienced With Someone Else
1: Most university students ........................ on campus in their first year.
How To Approach “Describe An Exciting Activity That You Experienced With Someone Else”
Start with the Activity and the Companion
Start by explicitly mentioning the activity and the individual you participated in it with. This provides the background for your response.
- Example: “I want to share an experience when I took a hot-air balloon ride with my closest friend, Neha.”
Provide the Context
Describe when, where, and why the event occurred. This provides your narrative with context.
- Example: “Last year, while on vacation in Jaipur, we chose to give it a try since we were looking for an adventurous and unique experience.”
Highlight the Experience
Describe the event in detail, focusing on the aspects that made it exciting or memorable. To make the event more vivid, use sensory descriptions.
- Example: “I had a mixture of anxiety and excitement as the balloon rose off the ground. The city looked beautiful from above, with palaces and forts glowing in the golden sunlight. The balloon’s soft sway increased the excitement.”
Emphasize the Role of the Companion
Describe how the individual you were with enhanced the experience. This highlights the importance of engaging in the activity together.
- Example: “Neha’s excitement added an extra layer of significance to our time. She continually pointed out the landmarks beneath us and motivated me.”
Reflect on the Outcome
Share your feelings about the activity and its significance as you wrap it up.
- Example: “The hot-air balloon experience was truly memorable. It allowed me to conquer my fear of heights and deepened my connection with Neha. It’s a moment I will cherish forever.“
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How To Structure Your Response
Brief Overview
Begin by discussing the activity and the individual you participated with. In one or two sentences, provide the background.
For example: “I’d like to talk about an exciting day I spent ziplining with my cousin, Arjun, during a trip to the mountains last summer.”
When and Where
Give more background information on the behavior, including the date, time, and location, as well as the reasons behind your decision.
Example: “We were on a family trip in Himachal Pradesh when we discovered an adventure park that featured ziplining. Since we had never experienced it before, we decided it would be an exciting activity to try out.”
The Experience
Give a thorough explanation of the activity, emphasizing the aspects that made it thrilling. To make it interesting, provide sensory aspects (sounds, images, and emotions).
Example: “As I waited on the platform, I could sense my heart pounding in my chest. The zipline extended over a deep gorge, with a river glistening beneath it. When I finally released my grip, the exhilarating breeze and the breathtaking sight of the mountains created an experience I would never forget.”
Companion’s Role
Explain the role that the individual you were with played in the event. This adds a personal touch and relatability to your response.
Example: “Arjun shared my nervousness, yet his enthusiasm was infectious. He constantly encouraged me and even made some jokes to help ease my anxiety before it was my moment to step up.”
Reflection
Wrap up by discussing the influence of the activity—what insights you gained, your emotions afterward, or the reasons it held significance for you.
Example: “The ziplining adventure was among the most exhilarating experiences I’ve ever had. It allowed me to conquer my fear of heights, and enjoying it alongside Arjun made it even more unforgettable. It’s a memory that still brings us laughter to this day.”
A Model Response
During a family vacation last year, kayaking with my brother stands out as one of my favorite experiences. Since it was our first time participating in this sport, it was a whole new experience for us.
Clear skies and beautiful trees surrounding us as we traveled down a peaceful river. Our paddling was first difficult to coordinate, which led to some amusing water splashes that made everyone chuckle. But we soon adjusted and started to pick up speed.
The experience’s high point was when we came upon a flock of colorful birds along the river. The scene was both serene and thrilling at the same time. It was even more important because my brother and I worked together and had a great time doing this task. I will cherish that memory.
Tips for Practicing and Preparing for the ‘Describe’ Cue Cards
- Practise speaking every day, by talking to yourself or with a friend.
- Acquire and apply a wide range of vocabulary related to typical IELTS topics.
- Avoid overly complex language and speak in a conversational tone.
- Give short, clear answers to questions without going off topic.
- Practice speaking without hesitation or long pauses.
- Pay attention to native speakers and try to imitate their tone and pronunciation.
- Provide examples and explanations to support the reasoning in your answers.
- Staying positive will help you feel less nervous during the oral exam.
- Take notes during your practice sessions and ask for helpful feedback from your tutor or classmates.
- Gain confidence by practicing with sample questions and understanding the exam format.
