Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
Describe a meeting you remember going to - Cue Card # 481
- Details
- Last Updated: Sunday, 13 April 2025 08:16
- Written by IELTS Mentor
- Hits: 120910
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 meeting you remember going to at work, college or school.
You should say:
- when and where the meeting was held
- who was at the meeting
- what the people at the meeting talked about
and explain why you remember going to this meeting.
[Instruction: You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you're going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.]
Model Answer 1: [A meeting in an office]
Well, I never really enjoy attending any meeting, "period". I didn’t like it when I was going to college, and I don’t happen to enjoy it now either at my work. But, of course, the world doesn’t really care what I think about attending a meeting and neither does my CEO boss. So, when he, my CEO that is, called for an urgent meeting about a few months ago, I just didn’t have any other option but to oblige.
This meeting was held at the huge office chamber of my CEO. In fact, the office room is so huge that it could easily accommodate the seating arrangement of at least 50 people at the same time. And why couldn’t it? (!) After all, he was the owner and also the boss of one of the largest snack-making companies in my country, with an annual business turnover of about US $30 million as well as almost 350 employees.
However, after entering the office room, I could actually see only 12 or 13 people who were attending the meeting. Among them, the majority were the most senior-level managers and a few mid-level managers, including this poor me. Of course, I wasn’t really aware of the agendas of the meeting (usually only the most senior-level managers are notified about the meeting agendas at my work) in advance, but when the meeting actually started, I came to know that the boss was effectively thinking of raising the amount of annual bonus at the end of every year only for those employees who don’t ask for any extra time off other than the scheduled annual holidays and vacation time.
So, what this meeting had to do with my participation in it, or why do I remember going to this meeting? Well, the answer is that I was the first employee to receive the additional amount of annual bonus because I was the one at my office who didn’t take any additional time off outside of the regular annual holidays and time off.
Model Answer 2: [A meeting in College]
Introduction:
Attending meetings is an important part of academic and professional life. Here, I would like to talk about a meeting that I remember attending during my college days. But before I get into the details of this meeting, I'd like to thank you for the time and opportunity you have given me to talk about this topic.
When and where the meeting was held:
The meeting was held during my final year of college, about two months before the end of the academic session. It was held in the college auditorium, and all the final-year students were asked to attend the meeting.
Who was at the meeting:
The meeting was conducted by the head of the college, and all the faculty members of the college were present at the meeting. In addition, representatives from various companies were invited to the meeting to talk to us about employment opportunities.
What the people at the meeting talked about:
During the meeting, the head of the college talked about the importance of being well-prepared for the job market and the need for acquiring additional skills to stay competitive. The faculty members also shared some important tips on how to improve our resumes and prepare for interviews. The representatives from the companies talked about their respective organizations and the various job opportunities available.
And explain why you remember going to this meeting:
I remember going to this meeting because it was very informative and useful. The meeting provided me with a lot of insights into the job market, and it gave me a good idea about what to expect after graduation. I was also able to network with some of the representatives from the companies and got to know more about the job opportunities available in my field of study. The meeting was a great learning experience and helped me in preparing for my future career, and that's the reason I still remember attending it.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card / Cue card topic:
Meetings are an essential part of our academic and professional lives. They can be memorable for many reasons—an important decision, a conflict, or a personal achievement. Below are a few examples of meetings that candidates can talk about based on different contexts and roles.
1. Final year project meeting at university:
I remember attending a final-year project meeting at my university with my supervisor and group members. It took place in our department seminar room. We discussed the progress of our research and upcoming presentation deadlines. I remember it because our supervisor gave us valuable advice that helped shape our final report and boosted our confidence.
2. Staff meeting at my first job:
This meeting was held in the conference room of the tech company where I worked as a junior developer. The managers and all team members were present. The focus was on launching a new client project and assigning responsibilities. It was memorable because it was the first time I was assigned a key task and felt trusted by my manager.
3. Parent-teacher meeting at school:
I attended a parent-teacher meeting at school along with my parents. It was held in our classroom and involved discussions with subject teachers. They shared their feedback about my performance and suggested areas for improvement. I remember this meeting well because it helped me realise the importance of balancing my studies and co-curricular activities.
4. Orientation meeting at a new workplace:
The meeting was organised on my first day at work in a large insurance firm. HR managers, senior staff, and new employees were present. We were introduced to company policies and team structures. I remember this meeting because it marked the beginning of my professional journey and helped me feel more prepared.
5. Crisis meeting during a college event:
This happened a day before our college cultural festival when one of our performers backed out. The meeting included event coordinators and student leaders, and it was held in the college auditorium. We brainstormed quick solutions and rearranged the event schedule. I remember it because of the teamwork and quick thinking it involved under pressure.
6. Online team meeting during remote work:
During the pandemic, I joined an online meeting on Zoom with my marketing team. We discussed adapting our strategy for online campaigns. It was memorable because it was my first experience managing tasks virtually, and it helped improve my communication skills in a remote setting.
7. Class committee meeting in high school:
The meeting was organised by our class teacher to gather feedback on the new timetable. Only class representatives and the teacher were present. I suggested adding short breaks between double classes. I remember it because the teacher appreciated my idea, and it was implemented in the new schedule.
8. Team briefing before a competition:
We had a short but impactful meeting before our inter-school quiz competition. It was held in the school library and included our team members and quiz master. We reviewed our roles and discussed strategies. I remember it because it boosted my morale and helped us win the competition.
More Ideas to talk about for this topic:
Topic: Describe a meeting you remember going to at work, college or school.
1. One of the most memorable meetings I attended was the board of directors strategic planning session, which took place in Singapore last month. Nearly all key executives from the organization were present, and the agenda focused on formulating competitive strategies for the upcoming fiscal year. I remember this meeting vividly because I was entrusted with the role of coordinator. From managing the logistics to overseeing the entire setup, I was responsible for ensuring the event ran smoothly. It was both a challenging and rewarding experience that gave me insight into high-level corporate decision-making.
2. The most memorable annual general meeting I’ve ever attended was held at our company headquarters in Delhi. It was a large-scale event that brought together employees from all departments to reflect on the organisation’s past year and gather grassroots suggestions for future improvements. What made this meeting special for me was the fact that, despite being a junior team member at the time, I received an official invitation to attend. It felt truly rewarding to be recognised and included in such a significant company event—it gave me a real sense of belonging and professional value.
3. Not long ago, I was asked to attend an urgent meeting at our company headquarters in Shanghai. The session was chaired by both the Chairman and Vice-Chairman, and I happened to be the only external participant involved in the discussion. The primary objective of the meeting was to address internal challenges and introduce new policy measures to improve productivity. This meeting holds a special place in my memory because, by the end of it, I was promoted to a higher position with additional responsibilities. It felt like a recognition of my hard work, and it boosted my motivation tremendously.
4. One particularly memorable meeting took place in the conference room of the college where I teach. The focus of the meeting was to address the incomplete academic syllabus and devise a plan to ensure all lessons were delivered before the term ended. The principal chaired the meeting, which was attended by the full faculty. I recall this meeting so clearly because I was given the responsibility of overseeing the progress and ensuring that all departments stayed on track. It was a challenging task, especially since some teachers had fallen behind, but I took it as a leadership opportunity to bring structure and accountability to the process.
5. One of the most exhaustive yet unforgettable meetings I ever attended took place at a restaurant in Paris, upon request from our project director. The session started around 3 PM and stretched well into the evening, wrapping up at nearly 8:30 PM. The agenda was comprehensive—we discussed market entry strategies for our pharmaceutical products in the local region, as well as potential partnerships for importing medicines from Asia. I remember this meeting particularly well because I was assigned several critical follow-up tasks, which significantly increased my workload. Despite the long hours, it was a professionally enriching experience that marked a turning point in my role on the team.
Sample Answer 3: [A meeting in school]
Thank you, Sir/ Madam, for this nice and interesting topic. As I am a full-time employee in a large multinational company, attending or arranging meetings is quite a frequent event for me. But for this topic, I would like to talk about a meeting I had with some of my classmates in my school.
We had this meeting at a public park which was located near our school. As far as I can recall, we went there after school was over. I was in grade 7 at that time and we had this meeting to decide whom we should nominate our class captain between Milton and Rifat. I think we had this meeting just before the day we were supposed to nominate our class leader. The meeting lasted for about an hour.
At least 7-9 of my classmates, who were very close friends and had a great bond, were present at the meeting. Ismail led the meeting and we wanted to come to an agreement about the next day's captain nomination. In this group of 8-10 students, 2-3 were very close friends of mine. There were around 30 students in our class and all would be able to cast their votes for the class captain selection except the three who were candidates for the captain election. Since three students were competing for the election, 27 remaining students would be able to vote. As a group of about 10 students, our votes thus had been very crucial.
The first agenda of the meeting was to note down the pros and cons of Milton and Rafat as the class captain. Then the second issue was to score them both based on 20 criteria that we had already listed. After that, we let every one of us talk for 2 minutes to express his/her opinion. Our final agenda, the most important one, was to come to a decision point to choose a captain in favour of whom we would vote.
Why do I remember this meeting? - Well, this was probably the first important meeting I had in my life. The excitement of having a secret meeting that would influence greatly in deciding our class captain was overwhelming. Moreover, I felt like I was an important part of this meeting since I proposed the idea of having this meeting. This meeting, in reality, greatly influenced the class captain selection the next day and we had our favourite captain, Milton, nominated! This whole event took place when I was only 12 or 13 years old. Due to my age, the agenda for the meeting, and our excitement for it, I still remember this meeting very vividly.
Sample Answer 4: [A meeting in an office]
I vividly remember a pivotal meeting I attended during my early days as a marketing executive at a multinational firm. It was the company’s annual strategic planning session — a high-profile event held at our head office’s sleek glass-walled conference room in London. The meeting was scheduled for noon, but due to an urgent client visit that morning, I found myself racing against the clock, barely managing to arrive midway through the opening remarks.
As I entered the room, I was greeted by a sea of familiar faces — from junior associates to top-tier executives — all dressed sharply and seated in perfect rows. The company Chairman was presiding over the session, while the Managing Director steered the discussion with quiet authority. Even though I was slightly flustered from the rush, the atmosphere quickly pulled me in. The room buzzed with energy — the kind that only exists when big ideas and big decisions are in the making.
The meeting revolved around reviewing the past year’s performance and crafting an ambitious roadmap for the year ahead. Sales figures, client retention strategies, and emerging market opportunities were dissected and debated. One of the major challenges discussed was the company’s struggle to meet last year’s targets due to talent shortages. With a new hiring initiative in place, there was renewed optimism. I was later invited to present a brief overview of my team’s achievements and outline our strategies for improving market engagement in Q1 and Q2. Standing in front of such an esteemed crowd felt nerve-wracking at first, but as I spoke, confidence replaced anxiety.
What makes this meeting so memorable isn’t just the high-level discussions or the lavish lunch that followed — though both were impressive — but rather the unexpected recognition I received. Towards the end, I was publicly acknowledged for exceeding campaign KPIs and was promoted to Senior Marketing Manager with expanded responsibilities. That moment, filled with a mix of surprise, pride, and gratitude, is etched in my memory. It was more than just a meeting. It marked a turning point in my career — a transition from contributor to leader — and reminded me that hard work often pays off when you least expect it.
Sample Answer 5: [A meeting in an office]
A meeting I’ll never forget took place during my postgraduate days in New York - when I was pursuing my MA in Social Science. To support myself financially, I worked part-time as a sales assistant at a Samsung electronics outlet in Manhattan. While juggling studies and work was already a challenge, this particular meeting left a lasting impression on me—not because of its timing, but because of what it represented.
It was held on a chilly Saturday afternoon—our designated day off—which made most of us a little grumpy about attending. The atmosphere was tense when we arrived, as the outlet had consistently been underperforming compared to other local branches, especially with giants like Apple and Sony dominating the tech retail space. The store manager, senior executives, and even a representative from Samsung's regional headquarters were present. It was clear from the beginning that this wasn't just a routine meeting. It was a strategy session—a wake-up call, in many ways.
The purpose was to identify why our outlet was falling short of its sales targets and to brainstorm ideas for turning things around. At first, the tone was critical. Management raised concerns that our customer engagement wasn’t strong enough, and that our product presentation lacked the competitive edge needed to attract buyers. While some of my colleagues were visibly frustrated, the conversation soon became more collaborative. Ideas started flowing. I nervously pitched a concept I had been thinking about for weeks—an in-store interactive demo zone where customers could test Samsung products side-by-side and instantly compare features. To my surprise, the corporate rep was impressed and encouraged the team to implement it. Within weeks, foot traffic improved, and so did sales.
What makes this meeting unforgettable is not just that my idea was acknowledged, but that it genuinely made a difference. As a token of appreciation, the outlet owner gave me a small bonus, which for a student like me felt like a huge achievement. But more than the money, it gave me a newfound confidence in my ideas and communication skills. That meeting taught me that even junior voices can offer valuable contributions—and that showing up, even reluctantly, can lead to unexpected wins.
Part 3 – Two-way discussion:
Discussion Topic: Going to Meetings:
Q. What are the different types of meeting that people often go to?
Q. Some people say that no one likes to go to meetings – what do you think?
Q. Why can it sometimes be important to go to meetings?
Discussion Topic: International Meetings:
Q. Why do you think leaders often have meetings together?
Q. What possible difficulties might be involved in organising meetings between world leaders?
Q. Do you think that meetings between international leaders will become more frequent in the future? Or will there be less need for world leaders to meet?
Answers to part 3 questions can be found in - Speaking Sample 86 - Part 3
Vocabulary for this Candidate Task Card / Cue Card topic:
Meetings are a routine part of professional and academic environments. When describing a memorable meeting, it's important to use the right vocabulary to express ideas related to the setting, purpose, participants, and the emotions associated with it. Below are some useful words and phrases that can help you speak more fluently and effectively about this topic:
Formal setting – A professional or structured environment, often associated with work or education.
Agenda – A list of topics or issues to be discussed during a meeting.
Minutes of the meeting – A written record of what was discussed and decided during the meeting.
Team briefing – A short meeting where members are informed about plans, updates, or tasks.
Round-table discussion – An open discussion where everyone participates equally.
Brainstorming session – A meeting where participants share spontaneous ideas to solve a problem or develop a plan.
Conflict resolution – The process of resolving disagreements or disputes in a group setting.
Consensus – General agreement among a group of people.
Key takeaway – The most important information or message from the meeting.
Follow-up – Actions or communication that happen after a meeting to track progress or decisions.
Memorable – Unforgettable or strongly remembered due to its importance or emotional impact.
Productive – Resulting in positive outcomes, decisions, or actions.
Decision-making process – The steps involved in making a collective or official decision.
Interactive – Engaging and involving active participation from the audience or attendees.
Face-to-face meeting – A physical meeting where participants are present in person, rather than virtually.
If you prepare for the topic "Describe a meeting you remember going to at work, college or school", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe an idea for improving something at work or college.
2) Describe an interesting discussion you have had as part of your work or studies.
3) Describe an important occasion or event that you have attended.
4) Describe a time when you were asked to give your opinion.
5) Describe a memorable event from your school or college.
Report