Last Updated on August 29, 2024
The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is a famous test, used to measure how good people are in English. It mainly focuses on examining the abilities of non-native speakers to understand and use the language correctly. This global examination checks four main parts: listening skills, reading comprehension, writing ability, and speaking proficiency. The exam is administered by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English.
IELTS scoring is done on a scale from 1 to 9, where higher numbers demonstrate better English skills. This exam, known by universities around the world along with employers and immigration departments globally, is seen as one trustworthy method for evaluating an individual’s understanding of English. People who want to study or work in an English-speaking country often need this test.
For IELTS, there are two main types. The first is Academic, which people take if they want to study at a university or college in an English-speaking country. Or, those who need it for professional registration like doctors and nurses. The second type known as “General Training” is suitable for persons planning to work overseas or migrate to places where English speaking is common.
IELTS Test Format
The IELTS test’s organization is typically split into four parts, with each part aimed at measuring a specific language skill: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The usual sequence is to do the Listening and Reading sections first before proceeding to the Writing task; most finish off by completing their Speaking component. These four sections are covered in one session that usually lasts around 2 hours and 45 minutes. The Listening part has four recordings of monologues and conversations that check your comprehension of the main ideas, detailed information, viewpoints, or intentions.
The Reading part is composed of three texts from books, journals, magazines, and newspapers to determine your understanding as well as skills in interpreting and analyzing literature. Academic IELTS includes a Writing task, which entails describing some graph, table, or diagram and then composing an essay. In General Training Writing there are tasks for letter writing as well as an essay. The Speaking part is similar to a personal interview where they examine how well you can speak. They assess how smoothly you speak English by looking at coherence, lexical resources, grammar range, and accuracy. They also consider pronunciation.
IELTS Speaking Part 2 – Cue Card Section
The IELTS Speaking Part 2, also called the Cue Card section, is a significant part of the IELTS Speaking test. In this section, participants are provided with a cue card that contains a topic along with some hints to talk about it. They have one minute for preparation time and after that, they should talk for 1-2 minutes on the subject given.
Usually, the cue card requires candidates to talk about an experience, object, person, or situation in detail. This section examines if the candidate can speak for a longer duration, and utilizes correct vocabulary and grammar while arranging thoughts logically and offering examples/reasons relatedly. Additionally, more questions on the topic will be asked by the examiner to evaluate the speaking skills of the candidate in important detail. For achieving high band scores in the IELTS Speaking test, it is quite beneficial to prepare yourself for this part. Some instances of good preparation are:
- Practicing with provided cue cards. You can find cue card questions to practice on IELTS Cue Card
- Making plans on how to arrange and give a well-structured response
What should you say?
For the IELTS Cue card topic “ Describe the best gift/present you have received”. You must say:
- what kind of present/gift it was
- who gave it to you
- why did he/she give it to you
- Explain why you liked it so much
Sample Questions
Example 1: Describe the best gift/present you have received.
Introduction
Gifts matter because they show a real gesture of care, gratitude, and consideration. They bond people together, make unforgettable memories, and spread happiness to the one receiving it. Gifts can express feelings that words alone cannot convey completely; they help create deeper relationships by showing appreciation and love toward others. For the cue card topic Describe the best gift/ present you have received, I am going to talk about a gift that holds a special position in my heart.
What kind of present was it?
The present I am talking about is a vintage fountain pen. It is a beautiful pen with patterns engraved all over it.
Who gave it to you?
I received this elegant fountain pen from my grandfather as my 21st birthday gift.
Why did he/she give this gift to you?
My grandfather gave this gift to me on my 21st birthday. He knows my passion for collecting beautiful writing instruments, hence he gifted this to me.
Explain why you liked it so much.
I liked this gift a lot as it is an elegant pen that I received from my grandfather on my coming-of-age birthday. Additionally, it is a gem in my collection.
Conclusion
This is a beautiful gift and I will always cherish it.
Example 2: Describe the best gift/present that you received.
Introduction
Gifts are important as they demonstrate true acts of concern, appreciation, and thoughtfulness. They help to form connections between people, leave lasting memories, and bring joy to the person receiving them. Gifts can express emotions that words may not be able to fully communicate; they assist in cultivating stronger bonds by displaying gratitude or affection for another individual. For the cue card topic Describe the best gift/ present you have received, I will talk about a gift that is close to my heart.
What kind of present was it?
I received a present on my birthday which is every girl’s dream. A trip to Disneyland in Hong Kong.
Who gave it to you?
My parents gave me this indescribable experience as a gift to me on my 12th birthday.
Why did he/she give this gift to you?
My parents were aware of my love and obsession with the world of Disney. I was fascinated with their shows and wanted to be one of the princesses. Hence they took me on this wonderful trip on my 12th birthday.
Explain why you liked it so much
I liked this present so much that to date it is one of the best experiences of my life. The entire trip is as fresh to me as yesterday. I met all my favourite characters and clicked pictures with them.
Conclusion
This gift will always hold a special place in my heart as it was a dream come true for me.
Example 3: Describe the best gift/present you have received.
Gifts are important because they demonstrate an actual display of affection, appreciation, and thoughtfulness. They create connections, leave lasting memories, and bring joy to those who receive them. Gifts can express emotions that words alone cannot fully communicate; they assist in forming stronger connections by displaying gratitude and love toward others. On the cue card topic of Describing the best gift/ present you have received, I am going to tell you about a gift that remains dear to me.
The gift was a leather journal, skillfully made and covered in a rustic but refined style. The pages were of good quality paper that encouraged one to write on them, giving an enduring beauty that distinguished it from usual notebooks.
My best friend, Sirohi, gave me this special present. She knows how much I love writing and collecting memories, so she chose this unique journal for my birthday. Sirohi and I have a close connection so she wanted to give me something that matches my passion of putting thoughts on paper.
Sirohi and I would frequently talk about our similar passion for journaling. She identified that I liked to write with a pen on paper more than taking digital notes, so she thought this journal was perfect for me as it matched my preference. On the day of my birthday, she saw it as an excellent chance to give me something special which also symbolizes our close bond.
This leather-bound journal was like another part of me. Its touchable cover and the faint smell of leather turned each writing session into a full immersion. The sentimental value increased greatly because it was a gift from my closest friend who knew well and valued my love for writing. Every page became a board for my thoughts, and after some time, it turned into a memory-filled treasure with sketches and personal contemplations.
This gift was even more unique because it carried thoughtfulness. It wasn’t an ordinary present, but a purposefully selected thing that revealed my character and likes.
Other Cue Card:
Describe A Good Law In Your Country
Describe Your Summer Holidays Or Vacations
Describe The Most Photographed Place In Your Country
Describe A Famous Scientist Or Inventor You Know About
IELTS Follow-up questions for the cue card topic: Describe the best gift/present you have received
1. What was this gift that you received?
The most valuable present that I’ve gotten is a vintage ink pen. This item is genuinely an artwork, with a detailed pattern on the barrel and a smooth, timeless shape. Its nib is made from 18-karat gold which promises effortless writing enjoyment for years to come.
2. Why was this gift so special to you?
This gift has a lot of sentimental value for me. It was given by my grandfather on my 21st birthday and signifies the time when I became an adult. It also symbolizes a strong link to my family’s history because he collected many fine writing tools, and this pen held its spot in his collection for several years. In giving it to me, he was transferring a part of our family’s past and culture.
3. Describe the occasion or circumstances surrounding the receiving of this gift.
The time was my 21st birthday celebration, an important event in our tradition. It happened in a small group with only my family members who are very close to me – we shared stories, laughs, and special times together. Toward the end of the night, Grandfather took me aside and gave me a nicely wrapped present. With a sparkle in his eye and a gentle hug, he showed the fountain pen. He told me about its past and why it means so much to him. It was an emotional moment that I will always remember.
4. What is the significance or sentimental value of this gift for you?
This fountain pen isn’t only a thing I have but also the physical form of my grandfather’s affection, understanding, and heritage. When I take hold of this pen in my hand each time, it reminds me about all that he taught – to work hard no matter what, keep going even when things are not easy and appreciate life’s finer details. For me it is like having an ongoing symbol for always remembering his lessons; how important diligent commitment must be towards any task or goal just as he did throughout life which was truly remarkable.
5. How has this gift influenced or impacted your life since receiving it?
Receiving this gift from my grandfather’s pen has changed me deeply. It has strengthened my link to the roots of our family and motivated me to continue with the customs handed down over many generations. Every time I use this pen, either for making notes in a journal writing letters, or working on creative projects, it gives me a feeling of aim and inspiration. Now, it is like a friend who I value greatly, going along with me in this path of understanding myself better and growing personally. Additionally, it has cultivated my fondness for gathering sophisticated writing tools, letting me admire the skill and creativity involved in making these everlasting pieces.
Aakriti Kumari is a passionate content writer who finds solace in the world of books. An avid reader from a young age, she has cultivated a deep love for the written word. When she’s not crafting compelling content, you can find her lost in the pages of a captivating novel. Aakriti shares her literary adventures and book recommendations on her Instagram account, @aakthereader, dedicated to her love of reading. With a keen eye for detail and a gift for storytelling, she brings words to life, inviting readers on a journey through her writing.
