Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
Describe an exciting sport you know about - Cue Card # 405
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IELTS Speaking Part 2: IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card.
[The topic for your talk will be written on a card which the examiner will hand over to you. Read it carefully and then make some brief notes.]
Describe an exciting sport you know about.
You should say:
- what sport it is
- how you know about it
- whether it is difficult to play
and explain why you think it is an exciting sport.
[Instruction: You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you are going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.]
Model Answer 1:
To tell you the truth, I've a habit of getting into some fierce arguments with my friends from time to time to decide on the most exciting sport that we know of and almost every time, I win the argument. Do you know why that is?
Well, I win because I always opt for “football” (or soccer) to argue because I don’t think that there is any other sport which is more exciting than football. Yes, World Cup football is probably the only tournament in the world that connects almost every single person on this planet. To give some even more jaw-dropping statistics, more than 250 million people in more than 200 countries around the globe play this sport. So, one can only imagine how popular this sport really is!
Anyway, football is a rather easy sport to play because it doesn’t really have that many complex rules. All one needs to do is to send the ball inside the goal post of his/her opponent team without committing any foul, and whichever team scores more “goals” by sending the ball inside the goal post of their opponent team, it becomes the winner.
By the way, I am not sure how or why I actually came to like this sport so much, but I have been lucky to know about this game since my early childhood when my dear uncle used to take me to a football stadium in order to watch him playing like a tiger! Not to mention, back then, I didn’t really know the rules of the game at all, but everything became clear to me soon as I started to play this sport.
Anyway, I find football so exciting, mainly because it is probably the only game in which the winner or loser is not decided until the very last moment. I find it exciting also because it creates such tension and rivalry, both strategic and physical, throughout a match that one actually forgets to even take his or her breath!
Sample Answer 2:
This is a nice topic to talk about, and I thank you for the opportunity. Exciting sports are fun to play or watch, offer a thrilling experience and attract many people, especially the young. Aerobatics, parachuting, skydiving, field archery, badminton, volleyball, basketball, cricket, skateboarding, river surfing and ice climbing are some of the most exciting sports in my opinion. For this topic, I'd, however, like to talk about cricket, which I personally find very enthralling and exciting.
The modern version of this sport dates back to the 18th century, and it is quite popular in Australia, England, South Asia, Southern Africa, and many other countries. Two teams compete to defeat each other, and each team has 11 players on their side. There are three main variations of this sport: One Day International, T20 and Test Series.
I've played this sport almost every day in my high school days. I even had been a part of our high school cricket team. These days I often watch cricket tournaments on sports channels. As our national cricket team plays this sport on the international level and is one of the nine test-playing countries, cricket is the most popular sport in our country. I'd say this is an easy sport once you know the rules. However, being a good batsman or a dependable bowler requires dedication and regular practice. Since I've played this sport for more than 7-8 years, it does not seem difficult to me. Nevertheless, it can be difficult for someone who has never played it before.
The very nature of this sport, the competition between the players of both teams, the uncertainty of the result, the timely decisions and the physical fitness it demands to win are all very exciting and enthralling. This sport offers huge excitement to the spectators who enjoy it either in a stadium or on TV. A simple mistake or a timely decision can alter the result of this sport. Finally, run-chasing is quite unique to this sport and makes it more enjoyable. Millions of people enjoy live cricket tournaments all over the world due to the entertainment, excitement and joy this sport brings. As I've played this sport for a long time, I find it even more challenging, entertaining and exciting.
Sample Answer 3:
I’ve always been fascinated by sports, but the one that stands out to me as truly thrilling is ice hockey. Unlike most sports that are played on grass or hard courts, this one takes place on a sheet of ice, which already makes it unique and challenging. Players wear skates, which means they have to balance, glide, and sprint at incredible speeds while controlling a small rubber puck. Each team has six players, including a goalkeeper, and the objective is simple yet electrifying - to shoot the puck into the opponent’s net.
I had always watched ice hockey on television, but my first live experience completely changed my perspective. A few years ago, I was travelling through Europe and had the chance to watch a professional match in Prague, Czech Republic, between Sparta Prague and HC Oceláři Třinec. The atmosphere inside the arena was absolutely electric, and the crowd was chanting, waving flags, and the sound of skates cutting across the ice was intense. Every time a player struck the puck or made a daring save, the audience roared with excitement. I still remember the moment when Sparta scored in the last few minutes - the energy was unlike anything I had experienced in a sports stadium before.
What makes ice hockey so exciting, in my opinion, is its sheer speed and unpredictability. The puck moves so fast that you can hardly follow it with your eyes, and in just a matter of seconds, the whole game can turn around. It’s also a sport that demands immense physical strength, endurance, and skill. Skating alone is difficult, but doing it while fighting for control of the puck under constant pressure is remarkable.
Personally, I admire the sport not just for its entertainment value but also for its physical and mental benefits. It builds agility, balance, and teamwork. While I don’t play it myself, I can honestly say that watching ice hockey live in Europe was one of the most exhilarating sporting experiences of my life, and that’s why I consider it such an exciting sport.
Idea Generation for this Topic:
This topic asks you to describe an exciting sport you know about. You should explain what the sport is, how you came to know about it, whether it is difficult to play, and why you think it is so exciting. To make your answer stand out, try to include your personal experience with the sport, the energy and thrill it brings, and what makes it unique compared to other sports. Here are a few ideas to help you develop your own response:
1. Football (Soccer):
I know about football because it is the most popular sport in my country, and I started playing it with my friends in school. It can be difficult to play because it requires stamina, teamwork, and good ball control. I find it exciting because the atmosphere during matches is full of energy and every goal brings a wave of thrill.
2. Basketball:
I first learned about basketball by watching NBA matches on television. It is physically demanding since you need to be fast, accurate, and good at jumping. I find it exciting because the game is fast-paced, and even in the last few seconds, the result can change dramatically.
3. Cricket:
I came to know about cricket from my family as they often watch matches together. Playing cricket is a bit challenging because it requires strategy, concentration, and different skills like batting, bowling, and fielding. I think it is exciting because of the suspense - one good hit or delivery can completely change the game.
4. Ice Hockey:
I know about ice hockey from watching international tournaments and highlights online. It is difficult to play because it requires balancing on skates, moving fast, and handling the puck skillfully. I find it very exciting because it is extremely fast and every second is packed with action and intensity.
5. Tennis:
I learned about tennis by watching Wimbledon and other famous tournaments on TV. It is not easy to play because you need stamina, agility, and quick reflexes. I think it is exciting because of the one-on-one competition and the long rallies that keep you on the edge of your seat.
6. Surfing:
I came to know about surfing from a travel documentary I watched. It looks difficult because balancing on waves requires great skill and courage. I think it is exciting because you get to experience the power of nature, and every wave brings a new challenge.
7. Formula One Racing:
I learned about Formula One racing from my cousin who is a huge fan. Of course, it is extremely difficult to play because it demands advanced driving skills, sharp reflexes, and a strong mind. I find it exciting because of the incredible speed, the sound of the cars, and the thrill of overtaking during races.
8. Gymnastics:
I first saw gymnastics during the Olympics, and I was amazed by the performances. It is very difficult because it requires strength, flexibility, and perfect balance. I find it exciting because the routines are beautiful, daring, and unpredictable.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
When describing an exciting sport, using specific vocabulary can effectively convey what the sport is, how you learned about it, its difficulty, and the reasons for its thrilling nature. Thoughtful word choices will help you articulate the high-intensity action, the required skills, and the adrenaline rush that makes the sport so captivating to both players and spectators. Here are some relevant words and phrases:
Exciting: – Causing great enthusiasm and eagerness.
Example: I think basketball is an incredibly exciting sport to watch.
Thrilling: – Causing a sudden feeling of excitement and pleasure.
Example: The final moments of the game were so thrilling that I was on the edge of my seat.
Adrenaline rush: – A sudden feeling of excitement and energy.
Example: The sport gives you an amazing adrenaline rush because of its speed and risk.
High-intensity: – Involving a great deal of effort, energy, or force.
Example: It's a high-intensity sport that requires a lot of endurance.
Competitive: – Of, relating to, or characterised by competition.
Example: The sport is very competitive, with a lot of skilled athletes competing for the top spot.
Skill-based: – Depending on a person's skill rather than chance.
Example: It's a skill-based sport that takes years of practice to master.
Physically demanding: – Requiring a great deal of physical effort.
Example: The sport is extremely physically demanding and requires a lot of strength.
Agile: – Able to move quickly and easily.
Example: To play this sport, you need to be very agile and have quick reflexes.
Mentally challenging: – Requiring a great deal of mental effort.
Example: I find the sport mentally challenging because you have to think and react very quickly.
Spectator sport: – A sport that is interesting to watch.
Example: It's a fantastic spectator sport because of all the fast-paced action.
Fan base: – The fans of a particular person, team, series, or genre regarded collectively.
Example: The sport has a huge fan base all over the world.
Unpredictable: – Not able to be foreseen or predicted.
Example: The unpredictable nature of the game is what makes it so exciting.
Prowess: – Skill or expertise in a particular activity or field.
Example: The athletes' prowess is simply amazing to watch.
Daring: – Adventurous or bold.
Example: The sport involves daring stunts that are both impressive and risky.
Dynamic: – Characterised by constant change, activity, or progress.
Example: The sport is very dynamic, with the situation changing every second.
Exhilarating: – Making one feel very happy, animated, or thrilled; exciting.
Example: The exhilarating feeling of winning a game after a long struggle is amazing.
If you prepare for the topic "Describe an exciting sport you know about", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe your favourite sport.
2) Describe a game or sport you enjoy playing.
3) Describe an exciting competition or sporting event you have witnessed.
4) Describe a sporting event you attended.
5) Describe a new sport or hobby you would like to take up.
6) Describe a game or sport you have participated in.
7) Describe an outdoor activity that you did for the first time.
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