Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
Describe a happy family event from your childhood - Cue Card # 449
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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 happy family event from your childhood that you remember well.
You should say:
- what the event was
- when and where it took place
- what you saw or did
and explain why you remember this event so well.
[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:
We have a tradition in our extended family which encourages us to enjoy any kind of event together, whether we are doing it outdoors or just doing it at home. So, thank you for this interesting cue card topic that allows me to talk about an event from my childhood which I remember well.
By the way, having a family picnic was like a regular event, mostly on weekends, for my family when I was still a young boy. Now, I am not quite sure how much the other members of my extended family liked it, but my grandfather just loved it so much.
So, anyway, the family picnic I am talking about was held about 14 years ago when I had just finished elementary school, and I was just ready to have all kinds of fun, and watching movies at a theatre just happened to be one of them. But the problem was that nobody was really there to take me to the cinema because everybody was so busy with their work.
So, I had no other option but to wait till the weekend. Naturally, I felt very bad, but then, my dear grandfather noticed it and decided to come to my rescue. In fact, he offered to go for a picnic with him, except, of course, I wanted to watch a movie instead. Suddenly, my grandfather offered me something which he had never done before - he offered to do a barbecue grill on my own, which I had always wanted to do. Needless to say, I felt so excited that I immediately agreed to go with my grandfather to a nearby public park and had a lot of fun with him.
Well, I remember this event so well because it was during this occasion that I did chicken barbecue grill, all on my own, for the first time in my life, and they tasted delicious! I remember it so well also because my grandfather treated me like a “big boy” for the first time on that day.
Model Answer 2:
Well, I still remember one particular family event from my childhood as if it happened yesterday. It was my elder sister’s wedding, and to a child of eight, it felt less like a ceremony and more like a magical festival. Thank you for this nice topic that enables me to talk about this special childhood event that I still remember vividly.
It took place at my grandparents’ house, which was a big old family home with wide verandas and a courtyard large enough to host hundreds of people. The wedding stretched across several days, but the main celebration happened on a crisp winter evening. Fairy lights were strung across every tree, colourful drapes hung from the ceiling, and the entire place looked like something straight out of a storybook.
As a child, I wasn’t really involved in the serious side of the preparations, so I spent most of my time running around with my cousins, sneaking sweets from the kitchen, and staring wide-eyed at the decorations. I still remember being dressed up in a tiny traditional outfit that I could hardly sit comfortably in, but at the same time, I felt like royalty. The highlight for me was dancing in front of everyone with my cousins - completely off-beat, but everyone clapped and cheered as if we were stars of the show.
What makes this memory so vivid is not just the grandeur of the event, but the atmosphere. Everyone - relatives, neighbours, even distant acquaintances - was genuinely happy, laughing, chatting, and celebrating together. It was one of the few times in my childhood when the entire extended family gathered in one place, and there was such a strong sense of belonging and joy.
When I think about this event, I realise why I remember it so clearly. For a child, being surrounded by so much love and warmth leaves a deep impression. It wasn’t just a wedding; it was the moment I understood how powerful family bonds can be, and that feeling has stayed with me ever since.
Sample Answer 3:
Well, this is an excellent topic for me, and for this topic, I'd love to talk about one of my memorable childhood events that I enjoyed with my family members. The celebration was to welcome a new guest to our family - my nephew - who was born on that day. My eldest sister gave birth to a beautiful and healthy baby boy on that particular day. I was around 8 years old then.
After my father saw the newborn baby for the first time, he declared that this was a special occasion for us. As this is the first baby in our family, he decided that the occasion must be celebrated to welcome the new guest to our family. The event and the celebration both took place in our house, which is in Danville.
As soon as my father affirmed that we would celebrate this very special day, everyone in our family got busy with the arrangements. My parents went to invite guests and to do some necessary shopping. I was so happy and excited that I also called some of my friends to the event. I wanted to be near the newborn baby all the time, and when my mother told me to give some time to the mother and baby alone, I felt quite sad! I could not believe that such a beautiful baby was my nephew, and I wanted to touch him and play with him all the time. However, the sad feeling was so momentary in this case, and I forgot it in a few minutes. Then I started playing and gossiping with my friends who, by the time, had come to visit us.
It was a distinguishable day – in terms of happiness, amazement and celebration that we have had. The arrival of a gorgeous baby and a huge celebration to welcome the event brought us unbounded happiness and reasons to smile. My mother, with her sister, cooked many delicious dishes, and we enjoyed the food with so many friends and relatives. The large cake that my elder brother bought from a pastry shop was another delight and surprise for us.
This was a very happy event for all our family members, close friends, neighbours and relatives. I still remember this special family event vividly for the immense joy and happiness it brought us.
Sample Answer 4:
Thank you so much for this nice topic. Here, I’d like to talk about a Christmas celebration that left a lasting impression on me.
Back in 2017, my parents, siblings, and I travelled to my grandparents’ house in Brisbane for Christmas. It was a big family gathering - my uncles, aunts, and cousins all came together. Since everyone is usually busy with work and rarely gets the chance to meet, this annual celebration was the one time when the whole family could reconnect. My grandparents, who usually lived quietly on their own, were especially overjoyed to have the house filled with children, laughter, and chatter.
The preparations started the day before. We decorated the Christmas tree, wrapped presents, and set up lights around the house. To be honest, as a carefree teenager, I was more focused on enjoying myself than helping with chores. I even overslept on Christmas morning and missed the big family breakfast! But once I joined the others, the whole day was filled with fun, games, and endless conversations.
What made this celebration truly memorable was the warmth of being surrounded by family. I received thoughtful gifts, including a jigsaw puzzle from my grandfather, which I treasured. In the evening, we gathered around a fire in the garden, enjoyed a barbecue, and shared stories late into the night.
Looking back, that Christmas stands out not because of the food or presents, but because it strengthened our bond as a family. Even now, when I think of Christmas, that particular celebration in Brisbane is the first memory that comes to mind.
Idea Generation for this Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card Topic:
This topic asks you to describe a happy family event from your childhood that you remember well. To give a great answer, you should say what the event was, when and where it took place, what you saw or did, and explain why it remains memorable for you. Here are a few ideas to help you develop your own response:
Idea 1: A grandparent’s milestone birthday party:
The first vivid celebration that comes to mind is my grandfather’s 70th birthday at our family home. Relatives arrived from different cities, and we turned the courtyard into a festive venue with lights and handmade banners. I helped arrange chairs, served sweets, and listened to heartfelt toasts that revealed funny stories about his youth. The warmth of everyone gathered around him, the music, and his teary smile made it unforgettable, and I still associate that night with the feeling of being deeply loved and connected.
Idea 2: My sibling’s first-day-of-school ceremony:
One bright morning, our whole family escorted my younger sister to her first day of school, which felt like a small festival. I carried her backpack while my parents took photos at the school gate, and the principal greeted new students with flowers. I remember showing her the classroom and introducing her to a friendly classmate. That day stays with me because I felt proud and protective, and it marked the beginning of a tradition of celebrating each other’s milestones.
Idea 3: A cousin’s wedding at a rural community hall:
The most colourful event of my childhood was a cousin’s wedding held in a village hall decorated with marigolds and bright cloth canopies. I joined the cousins’ dance practice, helped distribute garlands, and sneaked extra desserts from the kitchen. The drummers, laughter, and late-night storytelling created a magical atmosphere. I remember it so clearly because it blended tradition, music, and togetherness, and it was the first time I felt part of something grand.
Idea 4: A festival feast hosted at our home:
During a major religious festival, our house transformed into a welcoming hub for neighbours and relatives. I assisted my mother in arranging diyas and setting the table with homemade dishes, while my father played old songs on the radio. After prayers, we shared stories, exchanged sweets, and set off safe sparklers in the yard. The glow of the lamps, the aroma of the food, and the easy conversation made me feel serene; that harmony is why the memory remains so bright.
Idea 5: A surprise homecoming for an uncle working abroad:
One afternoon, my uncle unexpectedly returned from overseas, and the living room erupted in cheers. I remember jumping into his arms, passing around gifts he brought, and listening to his travel tales as we ate a celebratory dinner. We took a spontaneous family photo that still hangs in our hallway. It’s memorable because the surprise turned an ordinary day into a joyful reunion, reminding me that happiness often arrives unannounced.
Idea 6: A beach picnic with three generations:
On a breezy weekend, we drove to the nearest beach with grandparents, aunts, and cousins. I helped pitch a shade tent, collected shells, and played beach cricket until sunset painted the sky pink and gold. We shared sandwiches, homemade lemonade, and laughter over small mishaps with the kite. The blend of nature’s beauty and family chatter imprinted the day in my mind as the perfect, carefree childhood escape.
Idea 7: My own birthday treasure hunt at home:
For one birthday, my parents designed a treasure hunt that led me through cryptic clues taped to bookshelves, cupboards, and even the garden swing. I teamed up with my cousins to decode riddles, and every solved clue revealed a small prize - stickers, pencils, and finally a new storybook I had wanted for months. The creativity and effort they put in made me feel special, and I still remember the thrill of each solved hint and the final triumphant cheer.
Idea 8: A family road trip to the hills:
We once piled into our old car for a weekend drive to a nearby hill station, stopping at roadside stalls for corn and tea. I kept a little travel diary, noting the winding roads, the mist, and the pine scent as we checked into a simple guesthouse. Evenings were spent playing board games and sharing blankets on the veranda. That trip stands out because it taught me that adventure can be simple - just time together and a change of scenery.
Idea 9: A school award ceremony with the whole family present:
The day I received a school prize turned into a family celebration. My parents and grandparents sat in the front row, clapping as my name was called, and afterwards we went out for ice cream at a small café near the campus. I remember my grandmother’s proud hug and my father’s quiet smile more than the certificate itself. It remains a happy memory because their support made my achievement feel shared and meaningful.
Idea 10: A rooftop kite-flying competition during a local festival:
On a windy festival day, our rooftop became a lively arena where relatives teamed up to fly kites against neighbouring houses. I learned to hold the spool, shout “cut!” at the right moment, and chase fallen kites through the lanes. After sunset, we ate hot snacks and compared the day’s victories. The playful rivalry and teamwork stitched that day into my memory as a symbol of playful unity and childhood joy.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
When describing a happy family event from your childhood, using specific vocabulary can effectively convey what the event was, when and where it took place, what you did, and why it holds a special place in your memory. Thoughtful word choices will help you articulate the joy, warmth, and sense of togetherness you felt, making your response both personal and heartfelt. Here are some relevant words and phrases:
Family gathering: – A meeting or social event of family members.
Example: We had a huge family gathering for my grandmother's birthday.
Happy memory: – A fond recollection of a past event.
Example: This is one of my happiest memories from my childhood.
Special occasion: – A celebration or event that is important to people.
Example: It was a special occasion, so everyone was dressed in their best clothes.
Reunion: – The action of being reunited; a get-together of people who have been apart.
Example: We had a family reunion where all my cousins came to visit.
Joyful: – Feeling, expressing, or causing great pleasure and happiness.
Example: The whole day was incredibly joyful, filled with laughter and singing.
Fondly remember: – To recall something with great affection.
Example: I will always fondly remember that day we all spent together.
Heartwarming: – Causing feelings of happiness, pleasure, and emotional warmth.
Example: The event was a heartwarming experience for everyone involved.
Cherished: – Held dear; valued.
Example: I have so many cherished memories from that day.
Nostalgic: – Characterised by a sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past.
Example: Thinking about that day makes me feel nostalgic for my childhood.
Memorable: – Worth remembering or easily remembered.
Example: It was a truly memorable event that I often think about.
Laughter: – The action or sound of laughing.
Example: The house was filled with the sound of laughter from morning until night.
Sense of togetherness: – A feeling of being in close connection with other people.
Example: That day gave me a strong sense of togetherness with my family.
Treasured moment: – A brief period of time that is held as very valuable or special.
Example: That image is a treasured moment that I will always keep in my mind.
Vividly: – In a way that produces a clear, detailed, and powerful mental image.
Example: I remember the whole day so vividly, as if it happened just yesterday.
Unforgettable: – Impossible to forget; very memorable.
Example: It was an unforgettable moment that I will always cherish.
Bond: – A feeling or force that unites people.
Example: The event helped strengthen the bond between all our family members.
If you prepare for the topic "Describe a happy family event from your childhood that you remember well", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe a memorable childhood event/experience you can remember.
2) Describe a happy experience from your childhood that you remember.
3) Describe a happy event in your life.
4) Describe a party that you enjoyed.
5) Describe an important or memorable day in your life.
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