Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
Describe a poem or a literary work that you really like - Cue Card # 543
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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 poem or a literary work that you really like.
You should say:
- what it is
- when you first read it
- how you felt when you first read it
and explain why you like it so much.
[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:
I'm fond of poems as well as other great literary works, as they help me spend my spare time and give me immense joy. Of course, by saying this, I am in no way suggesting that I'm qualified enough to be a good critic of any kind of literary works. But, still, I will go ahead and try my best to talk about a work of fiction, which I really like, without sounding like a complete layman.
The literary work I want to talk about is called “The Old Man and the Sea”. It is a famous novel which was written by the American Nobel Laureate Ernest Hemingway in 1952.
I first read it when I was a 2nd-year college student, at a time when I was really depressed and down because of some family problems. But, of course, when I read it for the first time, I couldn’t really understand the philosophical nature of the novel, perhaps because I was a bit too young and restless as a college student. But, as I read it a few more times after that, I figured out that it certainly deserved to be called a classic and allegorical piece of literature.
Anyway, the plot of this classic literature tells the story of an epic struggle between an old, impoverished and seasoned fisherman and the greatest catch of his life. For eighty-four days, Santiago, an aged Cuban fisherman, has set out to sea and returned to the shore empty-handed, even though he caught the biggest fish of his life, only to find it, of course, to be eaten by a huge shark. Essentially, ''The Old Man and the Sea'' examines man's place in the world in a very succinct manner while exploring his need for survival.
Anyway, I like this literary work, primarily because it is a short story, would only take a part of the day if you read it at a stretch, and yet it is one of the few beautiful stories mankind will ever get a chance to read. Besides, I like this work because with every word we read, we actually become silently inspired.
Model Answer 2:
Oh, I’m really very glad that you gave me this topic to talk about, and I know exactly what piece of literary work I am going to talk about.
“The Prophet” by Kahlil Gibran holds a very special place in my heart, and I would like to talk about this great work. I first came across this masterpiece in my early twenties, at a time when I was a bit depressed and searching for meaning and guidance in life. A teacher handed me the book, saying, “You won’t just read this, you’ll feel it.” And the teacher was right.
The book is a collection of poetic essays, each one exploring a universal theme like love, work, freedom, pain, and joy. The language was so lyrical and profound that I felt like I was having a gentle conversation with a wise soul. I remember reading the whole book in just tw odays and revisiting some of the chapters soon after. The way Gibran speaks about in this book touched me deeply. It was raw, truthful, and humbling.
When I first read it, I felt as though every chapter was speaking directly to something I had experienced but never put into words. The part on work, for instance, changed the way I thought about my career - he talks about working as if you are “in love with life,” which made me realise how important passion is in what we do.
I love “The Prophet” because it’s timeless. It’s one of those rare works that we can revisit over the years and find new layers of meaning each time, depending on what we’re going through. And even though it was first published almost a century ago, the wisdom feels fresh, almost as if it were written yesterday.
Sample Answer 3:
Thank you so much for giving me this chance to talk about one of my favourite pieces of literature. The poem that instantly comes to mind is “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost. It’s one of the most famous poems in English literature, and I first read it when I was in high school as part of our English syllabus.
I still remember sitting in the classroom, the monsoon rain tapping against the windows, when our teacher read it aloud. The imagery of “two roads diverged in a yellow wood” immediately caught my attention. It felt like Frost was speaking directly to me - about choices, uncertainty, and the paths we take in life. Even though I was just a teenager, I could sense the depth behind those simple yet profound lines.
The first time I read it, I felt both inspired and curious. Inspired because it gave me the idea that choosing an unconventional path could lead to unique experiences. Curious because I kept wondering if the poet really meant that his choice “made all the difference,” or if he was gently questioning our tendency to romanticise our decisions after the fact. That little bit of ambiguity made the poem even more fascinating to me.
I like this poem so much because it’s timeless and deeply relatable. Everyone, at some point, stands at a crossroads in life and has to choose a direction without knowing where it will lead. The poem captures that universal moment in a beautifully simple way, without overcomplicating it. Its rhythm, the vivid imagery, and the thoughtful tone make it a piece I can read again and again.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
This topic asks you to describe a poem or literary work that you genuinely enjoy. To make a great answer, you should clearly mention the title and type of the work, recall when you first read it, share your feelings at that time, and explain in detail why it appeals to you so much. Here are some ideas to help you develop your own answer:
1. "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost:
This reflective poem about choices in life captured my imagination when I read it during high school. Its imagery of diverging paths made me think about decisions and consequences. I liked it because it encouraged me to embrace unique paths and trust my instincts.
2. "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen:
I first read this classic novel during a summer holiday. The witty dialogue, memorable characters, and exploration of love and social norms drew me in immediately. I still enjoy it because of its timeless commentary on human behaviour and relationships.
3. "If—" by Rudyard Kipling:
I discovered this poem in a school anthology, and its inspiring verses stayed with me. It spoke about resilience, patience, and personal integrity in a way that felt deeply motivating. I like it for its life lessons and for the calm confidence it instils.
4. "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee:
I read this novel for a literature project and was moved by its themes of justice, empathy, and moral growth. Its portrayal of courage in the face of prejudice left a strong impression on me. I like it because it teaches compassion in a way that feels real and powerful.
5. "Ode to Autumn" by John Keats:
I first encountered this lyrical poem in a college literature course. Its vivid descriptions of the season made me feel like I was walking through golden fields. I appreciate it for its beauty and its reminder to find joy in life’s transitions.
6. "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho:
This novel came to me through a friend’s recommendation, and I read it in one sitting. Its message about following one’s dreams and listening to one’s heart resonated deeply. I like it for its simple yet profound storytelling that inspires self-discovery.
7. "Invictus" by William Ernest Henley:
I first read this poem while researching motivational literature. Its lines about being the master of one’s fate gave me a sense of strength and independence. I admire it because it encourages perseverance in difficult times.
8. "Macbeth" by William Shakespeare:
I studied this play in secondary school and was fascinated by its mix of ambition, power, and tragedy. The dramatic plot and memorable language made a lasting impact. I like it for its exploration of human ambition and moral choices.
9. "The Prophet" by Kahlil Gibran:
I came across this collection of poetic essays in a small bookshop. Its reflections on love, work, and freedom felt both gentle and wise. I value it for its timeless spiritual insights and its poetic beauty.
10. "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" by Robert Frost:
I first read this poem in a winter-themed anthology, and its quiet, contemplative tone stayed with me. The imagery of snow-covered woods was both calming and thought-provoking. I like it for its subtle reminder of life’s responsibilities and promises.
11. "Les Misérables" by Victor Hugo:
I read this epic novel over several weeks and was captivated by its sweeping story of redemption, love, and justice. The detailed portrayal of human struggle and compassion made it unforgettable. I like it because it combines history, philosophy, and storytelling into one powerful narrative.
Now, if you are wondering what exactly a literary work is, here is a definition with examples.
A literary work is any written or oral piece of art that expresses ideas, emotions, or stories through language. It typically includes works such as novels, poems, plays, essays, short stories, or other forms of creative writing that have artistic or intellectual value. For example, Romeo and Juliet by Shakespeare is a literary work because it tells a story with artistic expression and emotional depth.
Here’s a list of 20 famous poems along with their writers:
1. "The Road Not Taken" – Robert Frost.
2. "If—" – Rudyard Kipling.
3. "Ode to a Nightingale" – John Keats.
4. "Daffodils" – William Wordsworth.
5. "Still I Rise" – Maya Angelou.
6. "The Raven" – Edgar Allan Poe.
7. "How Do I Love Thee?" – Elizabeth Barrett Browning.
8. "Ozymandias" – Percy Bysshe Shelley.
9. "Because I Could Not Stop for Death" – Emily Dickinson.
10. "Annabel Lee" – Edgar Allan Poe.
11. "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" – T. S. Eliot.
12. "Invictus" – William Ernest Henley.
13. "A Psalm of Life" – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
14. "Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night" – Dylan Thomas.
15. "Sonnet 18" ("Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?") – William Shakespeare.
16. "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud" – William Wordsworth.
17. "Kubla Khan" – Samuel Taylor Coleridge.
18. "The Tyger" – William Blake.
19. "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" – Robert Frost.
20. "Phenomenal Woman" – Maya Angelou.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
When describing a favourite poem or literary work, using specific vocabulary can effectively convey its title, your first encounter with it, your initial emotional response, and the reasons for its lasting appeal. Thoughtful word choices will help you articulate the work's themes, style, and personal impact, making your response both insightful and passionate. Here are some relevant words and phrases:
Literary work: – A piece of written literature, such as a novel, poem, or play.
Example: My favourite literary work is a classic novel from the 19th century.
Poetry: – Literary work in which special intensity is given to the expression of feelings and ideas by the use of distinctive style and rhythm.
Example: I was introduced to poetry at a young age, which sparked my love for it.
Prose: – Written or spoken language in its ordinary form, without metrical structure.
Example: The author's prose is incredibly beautiful and descriptive.
Themes: – The subject of a talk, a piece of writing, a person's thoughts, or an exhibition; a topic.
Example: The poem explores themes of love, loss, and memory.
Metaphor: – A figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable.
Example: The poem is rich with metaphors that give it a deeper meaning.
Imagery: – Visually descriptive or figurative language, especially in a literary work.
Example: The vivid imagery used in the poem helped me to visualise every scene.
Rhythm and rhyme: – The pattern of beats and sounds in poetry or music.
Example: The beautiful rhythm and consistent rhyme scheme make the poem a joy to read aloud.
Profound: – (Of a state, quality, or emotion) very great or intense; (of a person or statement) having or showing great knowledge or insight.
Example: The message of the book had a profound effect on my worldview.
Evocative: – Bringing strong images, memories, or feelings to mind.
Example: The language used by the author is very evocative, stirring strong emotions.
Resonate: – (Of an idea or statement) to meet with agreement or to have a profound effect on someone.
Example: The story's message about hope and resilience really resonated with me.
Nostalgic: – Characterised by a sentimental longing or wistful affection for a period in the past.
Example: Reading the poem now gives me a nostalgic feeling, reminding me of my youth.
Thought-provoking: – Stimulating careful thought or discussion.
Example: It's a very thought-provoking piece that made me question my own beliefs.
Allure: – The quality of being powerfully and mysteriously attractive or fascinating.
Example: The book's timeless allure is what makes it a classic.
Timeless: – Not affected by the passage of time or changes in fashion.
Example: I believe the themes in this literary work are timeless and relevant to any generation.
Aesthetic: – Concerned with beauty or the appreciation of beauty.
Example: The author's unique writing style has a certain aesthetic appeal that I adore.
Insight: – The capacity to gain an accurate and deep understanding of a person or thing.
Example: The novel offered great insight into the human condition.
If you prepare for the topic "Describe a poem or a literary work that you really like", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe a book that you enjoyed reading because you had to think a lot.
2) Describe a book or movie that had a major influence on you.
3) Describe your favourite subject in your academic life.
4) Describe something you enjoyed reading recently.
5) Describe a book that had a major influence on you.
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