Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
A popular TV show in your country - Cue Card # 437
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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 a popular TV show in your country.
You should say:
- what type of TV show it is
- what it is about
- what you like/dislike about it
and explain why it is so popular in your country.
[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:
Well, one of the most popular TV shows in the United States these days is "Stranger Things". It’s a science fiction drama series available on Netflix, and it has developed a huge global fan base as well.
To begin with, "Stranger Things" is set in the 1980s and revolves around a group of kids in a small town who encounter supernatural events after one of their friends mysteriously goes missing. The story introduces creatures from another dimension called the "Upside Down", secret government experiments, and a girl with telekinetic powers named Eleven. The combination of mystery, nostalgia, and supernatural elements makes it incredibly gripping.
What I particularly like about this show is the way it blends genres. It’s not just science fiction; it also has elements of horror, adventure, and even heart-warming friendship and family dynamics. The characters are very relatable, especially the kids, who deal with both ordinary teenage issues and extraordinary threats. On the downside, I sometimes feel that the later seasons became slightly over-dramatic and stretched, but overall, the storyline still keeps viewers hooked.
This show is so popular in the United States because it resonates with multiple generations. Older viewers enjoy the 1980s nostalgia, with its music, fashion, and cultural references, while younger audiences love the suspense and action. Moreover, the high-quality production, powerful performances, and cliffhangers at the end of each episode make it a binge-worthy series.
In my opinion, "Stranger Things" has become a cultural phenomenon in the U.S., not just a TV show. It has inspired memes, merchandise, Halloween costumes, and even music trends, which clearly shows its massive impact on popular culture.
Model Answer 2:
I have a soft corner for those TV programmes which try to focus on the life of the country people like us. One such TV show is called “Trailer Park Boys”, which I really enjoy watching, and today I would like to talk about that here.
They are called the “Trailer Park Boys” for a reason, and the reason is that they are foul-mouthed, violent, often drunk, and even more often at least a little stoned (“stoned” is Canadian slang for being “high” or “wasted”).
Be as they may be, but they also may just be Canada’s all-time most successful export. Of course, people, who are not really that much fond of this “mockumentary” (yes, it is indeed called “mockumentary instead of “documentary”) television series, they will most likely disagree with me on that “most successful export” part, but I just don’t have any other way to put it here because this is one of the funniest, in its purest form, programmes I have ever seen on TV.
Anyway, to introduce this TV show a little, it focuses on the misadventures of a group of outrageous trailer park residents (these are the temporary mobile homes which are mostly used by poor people in the USA and Canada), some of whom are ex-convicts, living in the fictional Sunnyvale Trailer Park in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Created and directed by Mike Clattenburg. The comedy mockumentary stars Mike Smith (Bubbles), Robb Wells (Ricky) and John Paul Tremblay (Julian).
There are so many things about this show which make it really interesting, but what I like the most about this show is that the cast in it don’t only try to entertain their audience but also themselves in real-time.
This show is so popular in my country primarily because it is an absolute laugh-fest and its titular characters are endlessly entertaining. It is popular also because the show dared to go outside of the Canadian mainstream comedies, and that too in a very masterful manner, in order to entertain its audience.
Sample Answer 3:
‘Far from the Line’ is a very popular TV show in our country among more than 20 million viewers who enjoy this show a lot. In a recent online poll, this TV programme was selected as the second most popular TV show of all time in our country.
This is an investigative news story programme that deals with crime and unlawful activities in our society, as well as important events in history. Some of the episodes deal with the details and facts on notorious events of history. Other episodes introduce social injustice and crimes happening around us. It also alerts us about the types of crimes common in our country and notifies us about the corruption. Sometimes, this programme interviews famous lawyers, politicians, law-enforcing members, witnesses and victims to give more details about a crime. Finally, some episodes present the backgrounds of a murder or a heinous crime that got media attention. Thus, the topic of this programme has a great variety, but the objective remains the same- to raise awareness among people. To unveil a crime and to raise awareness among people is the main reason this programme is aired, and this is a successful TV programme so far.
I like the way this programme is presented, and the news presenters, anchors and investigators are quite brilliant. The composition of different events in this programme is actually remarkable. I like the idea of informing people about law, crime, criminals and social injustice. In my opinion, this programme is quite helpful to inform citizens about the type of crimes they should be more cautious about. It also explains the basic laws, civil rights and how to inform the authorities in case anyone has information about a probable crime or injustice. The programme ‘Far from theLine’ is a perfect blend of important news, messages, excitement and entertainment. This, in my opinion, is the mantra of its popularity.
Sample Answer 4:
Well, a television show that left a strong impression on me is Underbelly, a highly popular Australian crime drama. It became something of a cultural phenomenon here, and I’d like to explain why I found it so fascinating.
"Underbelly" is based on true events from the Australian criminal underworld. Each season focuses on a different era of crime, from drug trafficking and gang wars to high-profile manhunts. What makes it stand out is that the stories aren’t just fictional thrillers - they’re dramatisations of real cases, many of which were headline news at the time. That connection to reality gave the show a unique intensity and made it resonate deeply with audiences.
I personally enjoyed the series for several reasons. Firstly, it gave me an insight into the hidden world of organised crime in Australia – something most of us only ever hear about in passing. The show revealed how gangs operated, how they interacted with law enforcement, and how their activities shaped society in ways we don’t always realise. The gritty realism, combined with brilliant acting and fast-paced storytelling, made it gripping to watch. Another thing I appreciated was the variety across the seasons. Each season focused on a different time period and different criminal figures, so the show never felt repetitive. For example, one season highlighted drug smuggling networks, while another zoomed in on corruption and revenge killings. This constant shift kept the series fresh and unpredictable.
Underbelly became hugely popular in Australia because it blended entertainment with reality. People here are often busy and don’t always have time for lengthy shows, but this series offered fast-paced drama that felt both thrilling and meaningful. It gave us not just entertainment, but also a glimpse into real history – the darker side of our own society.
Idea Generation for this Cue Card / Candidate Task Card topic:
This cue card asks you to describe a TV show that is widely watched in your country. You are expected to mention what type of show it is, explain its content or theme, talk about your personal likes or dislikes about it, and finally explain why it has become so popular among people. Since TV shows can be very diverse, here are a few different ideas to help you think through possible responses and develop your own answer.
1. A family drama series:
I would talk about a family drama that has been running for years. It is about relationships, conflicts, and values in a joint family. I like the emotional depth of the show, though sometimes it feels a bit too dramatic. It is popular because people relate to family bonds and everyday struggles shown in it.
2. A reality singing competition:
I would describe a talent-based reality show where contestants from across the country showcase their singing abilities. I enjoy the live performances and the excitement of eliminations, although sometimes the judges seem biased. It is very popular because people love music and rooting for their favourite singers.
3. A comedy sitcom:
I would talk about a light-hearted comedy series that revolves around the daily lives of quirky neighbours. I really like the humour and clever dialogues, but sometimes the jokes are repetitive. It has gained popularity because it offers laughter and stress relief after a tiring day.
4. A cooking competition:
I would describe a TV show where amateur and professional chefs compete by preparing unique dishes. I like how creative the participants get with food, but I dislike the occasional unnecessary drama. It is popular because cooking is a common interest and inspires viewers to try new recipes.
5. A historical drama:
I would talk about a show based on important historical events and kings. I like that it educates people about history while being entertaining, though sometimes the facts are exaggerated. It has become popular because people enjoy seeing their cultural heritage dramatised.
6. A talk show:
I would describe a talk show where celebrities and influential people are invited to discuss different topics. I like the candid conversations and the humour, but I dislike the gossip element at times. It is popular because it feels personal and gives people insights into the lives of famous personalities.
7. A reality adventure show:
I would talk about a show where contestants go through extreme challenges in remote places. I like the thrill and the physical endurance it showcases, but sometimes it seems overly dangerous. It is popular because people love excitement and survival stories.
8. A crime investigation series:
I would describe a crime show that portrays detectives solving complex cases. I like the suspense and logical reasoning involved, though sometimes it feels a bit violent. It is popular because people enjoy mystery and want to see justice served.
9. A talent show for kids:
I would talk about a program where children show their skills in singing, dancing, or acting. I really like the innocence and creativity of the kids, though I sometimes feel it puts pressure on them. It is very popular because families love to watch young talents perform.
10. A sports analysis show:
I would describe a program that reviews and analyses matches, especially cricket or football. I like the expert opinions and behind-the-scenes coverage, but sometimes it feels biased toward certain teams. It is popular because people in my country are passionate about sports.
11. A reality marriage show:
I would talk about a show where participants look for life partners on national television. I like how it brings out different cultures and traditions, though I sometimes feel it is more about drama than real matchmaking. It is popular because it mixes entertainment with one of the most important aspects of life - marriage.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
When describing a popular TV show, using specific vocabulary can effectively convey its genre, plot, your personal opinions, and the reasons for its widespread appeal. Thoughtful word choices will help you articulate the show's qualities, from its characters to its popularity, making your response both descriptive and well-reasoned. Here are some relevant words and phrases:
TV show: – A television program or series.
Example: The TV show I want to talk about is a very famous comedy series.
Genre: – A category of artistic composition, as in music or literature, characterised by a particular style, form, or content.
Example: The show's genre is a mix of drama and science fiction.
Plot: – The main events of a play, novel, movie, or similar work, devised and presented by the writer as an interrelated sequence.
Example: The plot is about a family that faces many unexpected challenges together.
Character development: – The changes a character undergoes over the course of a story.
Example: I really like the show's excellent character development and how the people grow over time.
Cliffhanger: – A suspenseful or exciting end to an episode of a fictional series.
Example: The end of every episode has a brilliant cliffhanger that makes you want to watch the next one.
Audience: – The people who watch, read, or listen to something.
Example: The show has a very large and dedicated audience in my country.
Ratings: – A measure of the number of people watching a television program.
Example: The show consistently gets high ratings, which proves its popularity.
Popular appeal: – The quality of being widely liked or attractive to many people.
Example: Its popular appeal comes from its relatable characters and simple, heartwarming stories.
Engaging: – Holding one's attention; fascinating.
Example: The show's storyline is so engaging that you forget about the world around you.
Relatable: – Enabling a person to feel a connection with a person or thing.
Example: The reason it's so popular is that the characters are very relatable.
Captivating: – Capable of attracting and holding interest; charming.
Example: The performances by the actors are so captivating that you can't look away.
Addictive: – Causing or likely to cause a person to become addicted.
Example: The show is so addictive; I ended up watching the entire season in one weekend.
Entertaining: – Providing amusement or enjoyment.
Example: Despite its flaws, the show is extremely entertaining.
Critique: – A detailed analysis and assessment of something.
Example: My main critique is that the later seasons are not as good as the earlier ones.
Cult following: – A small but very enthusiastic and devoted fan base.
Example: The show has a huge cult following of dedicated fans who love every part of it.
Niche: – Denoting or relating to products, services, or interests that appeal to a small, specialised section of the population.
Example: I like the show because it's a niche genre that caters to a specific kind of humour.
If you prepare for the topic "Describe a popular TV show in your country", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe a TV series/show you enjoy watching.
2) Describe a television programme that you watch.
3) Describe your favourite TV channel.
4) Describe a TV documentary you watched that was particularly interesting.
5) Describe an interesting TV programme you watched about a science topic.
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