IELTS Cue Card Sample and Answers (2025 Guide)

If you want to study, work, or relocate there, there’s a strong chance you’ve heard of the International English Language Testing System, or IELTS exam. Because it is the most reliable English language test available, governments, educational institutions, and corporations worldwide choose it as their top choice. An essential component of the speaking portion of the test is the IELTS cue card. A cue card with a specific activity or topic will be supplied to you before the spoken interview with the examiner.

The format of the IELTS cue card is designed to analyse your proficiency in the English language in a number of areas, including vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, fluency and coherence, and grammar. Topics for IELTS cue cards typically come from abstract concepts, personal experiences, or opinions. IELTS cue card topics and questions evaluate your ability to plan, organise, and convey clearly and succinctly in the allotted time. For those getting ready for the 2024 IELTS exam, we will go over cue card tasks, a list of cue card subjects, and some sample questions and answers in this article.

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What IELTS Cue Card Tasks?

IELTS cue cards, sometimes referred to as “task cards” or “topic cards,” are a component of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (IELTS) speaking session. There are three sections to the IELTS speaking examination, which is administered in person with an examiner. Part 2 of the speaking exam is where cue cards are explicitly employed. The speaking cue card on the IELTS contains questions concerning the subject you should talk about. You have two minutes to discuss the subject and one minute to compose your answer.

A cue card with a topic and some prompts is provided to the candidate. After having a minute to gather their thoughts and take notes, students must talk for one to two minutes on the assigned subject. The cue cards usually cover personal experience issues, like describing a person, place, or event or talking about a certain circumstance or viewpoint. The aim of the assessment is to appraise the applicant’s capacity to communicate clearly, concisely, and with an adequate vocabulary regarding a specific subject.

As they complete the cue card activity, candidates ought to try to:

• Talk about all that is stated in the prompts.
• Communicate clearly and arrange their thoughts logically.
• Make proper use of a variety of vocabulary and grammar structures.
• Continue speaking without hesitations or lengthy pauses.
• Speak for the required duration (1-2 minutes).

IELTS Speaking Test

An interview is conducted during the IELTS Speaking Test to gauge your level of spoken English fluency. The interview starts with open-ended questions, followed by a Cue Card round when participants are given a minute to discuss a certain topic. Three primary components make up the IELTS Speaking Test. These consist of the question, the topic, and structuring cues for your answer.

Analysing IELTS Speaking Cue Card Topics

Here are some samples of IELTS Speaking Cue Card topics arranged into several themes. This year’s IELTS exam’s most recent themes are covered in these cue cards.

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List of IELTS Cue Card Topics

The following are some typical IELTS cue card formats that you can encounter when taking the test. Make sure you have the necessary preparations.

1. Describe a course that you want to learn in future.

• What the course is about?
• What did you like about the course?
• When do you want to start learning?
• From where you can learn the course?
• Why do you want to learn it?

2. Describe a memorable event from your childhood.

• Describe the event in your childhood
• Describe when and where did it happen?
• Who were the participants?
• Why does it stick in your memory?

3. Talk about your favourite book or movie.

• What is the name of the film or book?
• Describe the narrative and genre?
• Why is that your best choice?
• Would you recommended for others to use it? Why?

4. Describe a place you would like to visit.

• Which location is it?
• How much do you know about the location?
• Why do you wish to go there?
• Which activities are you interested in doing there?

5. Discuss a person who has had a significant impact on your life.

• Who is that individual?
• Where did you meet this individual?
• What effects have they had on you?
• In what ways have they impacted your life?

6. Talk about a hobby or activity you enjoy.

• What activity is it?
• How and when did you begin doing it?
• What parts of it appeal to you?
• What are the benefits or how does it make you feel?

7. Describe a recent travel experience.

• How far did you go?
• With whom did you travel?
• What actions did you take there?
• What was your favourite part of the trip?

8. Talk about a technological device you find useful.

• What kind of device is it?
• How is it applied in your day-to-day life?
• What advantages does it offer?
• Would you recommend for others to use it? Why?

9. Describe an achievement you are proud of.

• What has been accomplished?
• What time did it occur?
• How did you manage to do that?
• Why does it matter to you?

10. Discuss a cultural event or festival you have attended.

• Which festival or event was it?
• Where and when did it happen?
• Which aspects of the event stood out the most?
• What emotions did the encounter evoke in you?

11. Talk about a challenging situation you faced and how you dealt with it.

• What was the circumstance?
• In what way did it test you?
• How did you go about getting past it?
• What insights did the experience give you?

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IELTS Cue Card Sample Questions and Answers 

A few sample cue card questions and sample responses are shown below:

1. Cue Card Topic: Talk about a person who has had a great influence on your life.

Answer:

• My grandfather’s presence has had a significant influence on my life. Throughout my life, he has supported me in every circumstance. He has had a significant influence on me since he has always gotten me help when I get lost. and I sincerely appreciate his counsel and assistance.
• My grandfather has always served as an inspiration to me. He is the most selfless, kind guy I have ever seen, and he never puts himself first. He has taught me the importance of hard work, integrity, and unity. He has motivated me to pursue my dreams and never give up.
• My grandfather has taught me the value of listening skills, which is one way he has impacted me. Every time I talk to him, he listens careully and he encouraged me ver well. He has also impress in me the dignity of tolerance and knowledge.

Finally, make sure you have addressed every points in the Cue Card by summarising your response.

• My grandfather has had a significant impact on my life in numerous ways. He has assisted me into a better person and given me the self-assurance to go after my objectives. I hope to be able to return the favour eventually. I am thankful for his love and support.

2. Cue Card Topic: Describe one of the most memorable journey that you have had.

Answer:

• I remembered that I had spent months gathering all of the information before going on this trip with a small group of friends. Our first beautiful location was London, the vibrant city. The city greeted us with neon lights, futuristic architecture, and energy as soon as we arrived.
• The highlight of our trip was definitely our visit to London Bridge. The stunning vistas of the surroundings made the arduous walk to the summit worthwhile. It will always seem strange to me to be standing in front of London Bridge as the sun is rising over the horizon.
• We were able to really immerse ourselves in the rich cultural background of the United Kingdom after touring London Bridge.

Finally, make sure you have addressed every points in the Cue Card by summarising your response.

• All in all, I had a fantastic trip to London that deepened my appreciation for many cultures and broadened my perspective. It was a journey filled with experiences, new friendships, and priceless memories that I will always cherish.

3. Cue Card Topic: Describe a memorable event had in your life.

Answer:

• The University graduation ceremony was one of my most significant life experiences i ever had. And the day was one of the best memorable day throughout my life. Graduation ceremony made up of celebrations, feelings of emotion, and immensive achievements that i had in my journey.
• One of the most and best memorable event had in my life was the graduation ceremony in the last year that I had attended. It was the best day of my life combination of mixed emotions, happiness, and success.
• The graduation ceremony was gives me unorgettable memorable one the end of that time. As I walked across the platform to receive my gratitude, I felt a strong sense of satisfaction and achievement. Seeing my family and friends cheering me as the audience was made me joyful and grateful.

Finally, make sure you have addressed every points in the Cue Card by summarising your response.

• The culmination of my four years of intensive effort, during which I worked nonstop to obtain my degree, was the graduation ceremony. I had a great sense of pleasure and success when I walked across the platform to receive my degree. Seeing my loved ones cheering me on from the stands made me very joyful and appreciative.

4. Cue Card Topic: Describe a skill you would like to learn in future.

Answer:

• Photography is one o the best thing I’ve always wanted to learn in my future. The ability of taking pictures to summarize moments, bring out my feelings, and conveying stories has always attracted me very immersly.
• Becoming a skilled photographer would also, in my opinion, open up new job opportunities for me, such as working in the creative industry. The joy is in utilising my skills to seize significant moments in both my life and the lives of those around me.
• Choosing photography as my career, in my opinion, it would help me see the world from a fresh point of view in addition to allowing me to express my creativity. Technology has made photography more attainable than ever.

Finally, make sure you have addressed every points in the Cue Card by summarising your response.

• I envision myself learning the principles of composition, lighting, and exposure in photography before delving into more advanced techniques like landscape or portraiture. I find it fascinating that using photography to tell stories and show others the beauty of everyday life.

5. Cue Card Topic: Describe something healthy you enjoy doing.

Answer:

• I’m not the healthiest person in the world, as you can probably tell by looking at me, but hiking is something I like to do and it’s fairly healthy. I reside in a region of Northern Ireland that is well-known throughout the world for its breathtaking natural beauty.
• We have beaches, two lovely woodland parks, a lovely lake, and a walkable mediaeval castle all right outside our door. This implies that there is a great diversity of locations, and even within each of those locations—for example, woodland parks—there are several paths you can take.
• You never grow bored because you’re constantly exploring new areas. I enjoy doing this on my own because it benefits both my physical and mental health, in addition to my bodily health.
• In Northern Ireland, we say that being able to simply step outside and take a natural bath allows you to get your head showered. This is in reference to my hectic and demanding job. If you don’t want to take a bath, just be in nature.

Finally, make sure you have addressed every points in the Cue Card by summarising your response.

• Not only does it support cardiovascular health, but it also helps reduce tension and anxiety. The only issue with trekking in Northern Ireland is the generally poor weather here. While snowfall is possible in the winter, it mostly consists of rain. It’s not fun to walk in the rain, especially when it’s windy and freezing outside.
• However, we frequently have stretches of lovely, dry weather in the summer—two or three weeks at most—and that is a fantastic time of year. During those times, I try to work a lot less and go on one of the hiking trails every day. Even if the weather can be difficult, trekking has incalculable advantages for me.

6. Cue Card Topic: Describe a place you want to visit for a short period.

Answer:

• So, Istanbul, Turkey, is a destination I’d love to visit for a little while. That is for a very precise reason: the Champions League final will be held there in a few weeks. Eight-year-old Tom, my little kid, has an obsession with Man City.
• He really adores the Champions League, which is why we watch every Man City game together at our home. I would thus be thrilled to take him to the Champions League final if they advance.
• Although I am aware that Istanbul is a fantastic destination, I don’t think my child should go there or that it’s appropriate for kids in general. An eight-year-old is just not that interested in the things that I would like to do in Istanbul, like sample the amazing cuisine, visit historical monuments, places of worship, and engage in cultural activities.
• Thus, we would most likely just take a plane, spend the night before, attend the game, and then depart. Because of the heat, I believe the matches are played there rather late. It is likely that we will return by plane the next day.
• We might be able to go, but I’m not sure because tickets are quite hard to get by. But I would really like to go if we have the chance. I wouldn’t stay there more than a few days with him.

Finally, make sure you have addressed every points in the Cue Card by summarising your response.

• For the reasons I mentioned earlier, I would like to bring him back to Turkey, although most likely not to Istanbul. Large cities don’t really appeal to him, but beachside resorts do.
• Furthermore, there are locations in the south of Turkey like Antalya, and I’d like to take him there for a week or two, just to give him a better taste of Turkey and all the amazing things that kids can do there. For the sake of my son, I hope we can make it to the Champions League final in Istanbul despite the obstacles.

7. Cue Card Topic: Describe an interesting person you met recently.

Answer:

• I recently met this amazing dude a few months ago, back in December. I was swimming off the west coast of Barbados in the Caribbean Sea. An elderly man was lounging in the waves and enjoying himself.
• After he struck up a conversation with me, I learned that he resided in the hamlet where I was staying, at a house that was directly on the beach. I found out that he was almost eighty years old and that he had spent almost every day of his life in the sea.
• That place is among the most gorgeous spots in the universe, in my opinion. Meeting someone who was accomplishing what I hoped to accomplish was really amazing. That was what he had always done.
• I was really taken aback by this man’s tranquil and calm demeanour. Upon more reflection, I realised that he was essentially a product of his surroundings. So, ever since I met him, I’ve wondered if he would be that person if he had grown up in, say, a harsh inner city neighbourhood in a place where there was a lot of poverty.

Finally, make sure you have addressed every points in the Cue Card by summarising your response.

• Thus, it’s considering the nature vs. nurture controversy. Speaking with him about the village he grew up in on Barbados was very fascinating. He stated that he believed his grandmother possessed the majority of the land surrounding the settlement.
• She was really a beautiful woman. And she merely handed out land parcels to those in need. Because she had recently given that land to everyone, the village grew up around her, and he got to know everyone there. They were all extremely close.
• The man was an interesting character, living in such a picturesque region and witnessing the impact of his grandmother’s kindness on the close-knit neighbourhood where he was raised.a

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FAQs

Q. How to crack cue card?

Ans: Observe the Instructions and Format: You should adhere to the format and instructions provided on the IELTS cue card in order to receive a high score. You should rationally and cogently address every topic listed on the card. Additionally, make sure your grammar, pronunciation, intonation, and vocabulary are proper.

Q. Do IELTS topics repeat?

Ans: Questions in the Listening and Reading portion of the IELTS never repeat. The responses are both yes and no for writing and speaking.

Q. Can you choose the Cue Card topic?

Ans: No, the cue card topic cannot be selected by the pupils themselves. Examiner will give applicant a cue card to start speaking. To succeed in the IELTS Speaking test, it is crucial to prepare in every way.

Q. How many cue cards are there in IELTS?

Ans: Every April, September, and December, 50% of the themes on the IELTS cue cards are revised. The cue cards are updated every four months. Because of this, it is nearly hard for pupils to memorise and get ready for all 50 possible test cards.