The IELTS exam, particularly its speaking section, will present you with a cue card comprising 3-4 questions. You have 1 minute to prepare, after which you must speak about the given topic for approximately 2 minutes. Subsequently, the examiner may ask additional follow-up questions that assess your English proficiency. Remember, IELTS is an important aspect of your study-abroad application. Hence, to help you ace the test, here is an example cue card on “Describe a uniform you wear”
School: Describe a uniform you wear at your school or company
Introduction
Uniform, in most parts of the world, serves a set of distinctive dress codes followed by members of the same organization. Doing so allows for ease of identification and helps distinguish the said member from the crowd. However, if you were to ask me, a uniform can mean so much more, depending on the context of when and where it was first worn.
When did you wear it?
You see, growing up in a family with limited access to education, wearing the uniform—specifically, that of Don Bosco School—marked a life-changing moment for me. Contrary to the conventional notion, it was not about feeling different; instead, it fostered a sense of belonging. For the first time, I did not see myself as a kid from a rundown neighbourhood without any friends. Wearing the said uniform cast me in the only role that mattered—that of a student who now will be studying at one of the nation’s most prestigious schools.
Who bought it for you?
I vividly remember the first time my mother brought home the white shirt uniform, paired with grey pants. For a long time, I used to look forward to early mornings just because of my uniform.
What does it look like?
Looking back, although the colour combination may not have been the most aesthetically pleasing, I paid it no mind. To me, it symbolized the lengths my parents went to, providing me with the opportunity to pursue dreams they themselves never knew existed.
How do you feel about it?
It was in that moment, for the first time, that I acknowledged, among other things, the responsibility that came with being able to wear the uniform. Every action I would take henceforth would not merely reflect upon me but also upon the institution that afforded me this opportunity. While one might argue about the magnitude of the responsibility in retrospect, I believe that my presence here before you serves as a clear answer to that very question.
Indian Army: Describe a uniform you wear at your School or Company
Introduction:
A uniform that I would like to talk about today is one that I wore during my time with the National Cadet Crops (NCC).
When did you wear it?
During the initial days, the importance of this uniform for me was rooted in its association, as I had observed many of my family members in the army donning khaki green. However, as time passed, the significance matured into values of discipline and punctuality. These qualities were few of the many that one needed to uphold when representing the youth wing of the Indian Armed Forces.
Who bought it for you?
Having joined as an Army Cadet, I received my uniform, typically available in shades of khaki, white, and sky blue, a week after being selected.
What does it look like?
I was issued the Khaki green uniform, a symbol of the Indian Army, along with various accompanying accessories. These include the “Beret” cap and a “Hackle,” which must be fixed to the Beret in an L-shape pattern. Additionally, there is a “Name Plate” and a Line Yard that should be positioned inside the buckle on the left backside of the shirt. Finally, the uniform is made complete with black shoes and black socks.
How do you feel about it?
The entire process of putting on the uniform and adhering to its specific regulations significantly influenced my understanding of discipline. These would include rules such as maintaining a two-finger gap between the eyebrows and the Beret and ensuring the nameplate is positioned above the right pocket in a straight line. I believe that the daily commitment to follow these regulations, irrespective of my mood, played a crucial role in shaping me into the disciplined and self-sufficient individual that I am today.
Company: Describe a uniform you wear at your School or Company
Introduction
The uniform I have consistently worn throughout the majority of my professional career is the formal attire of “Synopsis” – characterized by a light blue shirt and black trousers.
When do you wear it?
I follow this dress code on most workdays, excluding weekends. This practice aligns with the company’s strict no-work-on-weekends policy. However, on the rare occasion that work arises during the weekend, I am permitted to wear casual attire to the office.
Who bought it for you?
The company provides the uniform to every new recruit. Additionally, they offer compensation for any alterations or adjustments needed to tailor the clothing to your specific requirements.
How do you feel about it?
I strongly believe that adopting a uniform dress code truly emphasises “uniformity,” regardless of gender, background, or otherwise. This creates a welcoming and inclusive environment, which then allows everyone to work harmoniously towards common shared objectives.
Follow Up Questions
Why should students wear uniforms?
In my experience, donning a uniform during my school years helped me feel a sense of belonging. I believe this holds true for most students, as uniforms not only reduce discrimination but also enhance the feeling of being part of a team.
On what occasion should people wear uniforms?
People should wear uniforms on any occasion or setting where a sense of togetherness or team membership is required.
Should companies ask employees about the design of their uniforms?
Although open communication is important, asking for input on uniform design might introduce conflicting opinions. I believe this to be the case because employees may have diverse views on what constitutes an appropriate dress code.
Other Cue Card Topics:
Describe a Time When You Used a Map IELTS Cue Card
Describe A Period When You Were Busy IELTS Cue Card
Describe a person you know who likes to talk a lot IELTS Cue Card
Describe an interesting conversation you had with a very old person
Describe a place where you would like to go to relax IELTS Cue Card
Neha Sharma is an IELTS faculty with a decade of experience in teaching IELTS. She holds a PhD in English from Stanford University, USA. Excelling in tailoring her teaching to individual student needs, she has helped over 50,000 students achieve their target scores. Actively involved in research, she ensures that her methods remain effective and innovative.
