IELTS is an integral part of your dream of studying abroad. You will be pleased to know that an ideal IELTS score opens up an array of avenues- be it academic or professional. A good IELTS score demonstrates your ability to communicate in English.
The second assignment in the IELTS speaking test is the Cue Card. You must talk and communicate properly in this activity using the IELTS cue card subject that has been provided. Before this section of the IELTS speaking test begins, you will have a minute to prepare yourself.
What is a Cue Card?
In the IELTS Examination, you will be given an IELTS cue card, also known as a task card, which consists of 3-4 questions, and instructions are provided to guide you through how to answer the questions. You will have one minute to prepare and come up with ideas for a suitable speech; however, you are not allowed to switch topics. To help you recall the points while you talk, you will be given paper and a pencil.
You have to speak continuously for two minutes during the IELTS cue card examination until the examiner instructs you to stop. Including the one-minute preparation period, the IELTS speaking portion 2 lasts around two to three minutes. To avoid having your score deducted, you must thoroughly prepare and practice the cue card subjects.
List of IELTS Cue Card Topics With Answers 2023-24
Below are the several IELTS cue card topic categories. The cue card test in 2021, 2022 and half of 2023 included questions on these subjects. These subjects will be covered in the 2023 and 2024 IELTS exam. As part of your preparation, you can improve your speaking and pronunciation abilities by practising the included cue card.
| August 2023: IELTS Cue Card |
| Describe A Positive Change In Your Life – IELTS Cue Card |
| Describe A Time When You Observed The Stars Ielts Cue Card |
IELTS Syllabus for Speaking Test
Whether you are taking IELTS Academic or IELTS General, the speaking module is common in both English proficiency tests. The speaking section spans over 12 minutes and consists of three parts, which are:
- Part 1 – Introduction
In this speaking section, you will be asked to introduce yourself to the examiner. To assess your proficiency in English better, the examiner may pose a few extra questions. This section lasts for four to five minutes.
- Part 2 – IELTS Speaking Cue Card
For this part of the exam, you will receive a topic card and be asked to give a 3-4 minute speech on that specific topic. After 1 minute of preparation time, you will need to speak independently on the topic for several minutes without any interruption or feedback from the examiner. This is considered a long-turn section, where you must continue speaking for the full allotted response time. Your response should thoroughly address all aspects of the given cue card topic. Most importantly, you will be evaluated on your ability to articulate yourself, covering the various questions and sub-topics outlined on the cue card. All in all, the goal is to demonstrate your English language abilities through an extended, spontaneous monologue on an unfamiliar topic.
- Part 3 – Follow-Up Questions
This an interactive session where a dialogue-like conversation takes place between the examiner and the candidate. The examiner will question you about the topic assigned to you in the second part of the test. This session wraps in around 3-5 minutes.
Conclusion
This article explores the various possible cue card topics that you could encounter in the IELTS speaking test. In order to get the best possible score, it is vital to practice every possible cue card topic. Should you find yourself stranded in the sea that is the IELTS syllabus, book a free IELTS demo with Admissify’s British Council-certified IELTS faculty today.
FAQs
IELTS cue cards: do they repeat?
The IELTS cue card is changed every four months. Every April, September, and December, half of them are changed.
Can I select the topic of the cue card?
No, candidates are not allowed to select the cue card subject on their own. They have multiple cards to choose from. The candidate will receive a cue card from the examiner to speak. Thus, to ace the IELTS Speaking exam, it is crucial to have a holistic study plan.
In the IELTS Speaking cue card, which tense is employed?
The topic’s tense on IELTS cue cards typically alludes to the past. Therefore, while discussing the subject, it would be preferable to talk in the past tense.
Is it okay to go off-topic?
It’s alright, I promise. If you add extra information that is not on your IELTS cue card, it won’t influence your result.
IELTS Speaking only: Can I retake it?
You want to retake any area where you feel like you scored lower. You cannot retake just one portion of the IELTS exam; you must retake the entire test (reading, writing, speaking, and listening).
When speaking on the IELTS, is eye contact important?
Your ability to communicate and use the English language will be evaluated by the examiner, not your body language or gestures. Thus, you can see anywhere you feel comfortable while speaking, and you are not required to keep eye contact with the examiner.
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.
