Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
When you heard about a riot, protest or commotion - Cue Card # 545
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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 time when you heard about a riot, protest or commotion.
You should say:
- what you heard
- when you heard about it
- how you learned about it
and explain how you felt after hearing about the riot or commotion.
[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 like to remain updated with the latest news and views of the world, and for that, I use different kinds of news outlets like newspapers, TV and radio. But, of course, when we learn about any kind of news on these media outlets, the last thing we want to know is some news about violence or riots, just as I learned about it a long time ago in 2002.
The communal riot, I am talking about, took place in the state of Gujarat in India. But, since I was really young at that time, I couldn’t really get to the core of the news as much conflicting information was coming out from different kinds of news media. But, whatever the news was, I could very well understand that many innocent people were being killed in a devastating communal riot between 'the majority Hindu citizens' and 'the minority Indian Muslim' population.
A little later, it became abundantly clear that it was a terrible event that should have never happened in the first place. By the way, different news media attributed this terrible and tragic incident to some unfortunate misunderstanding between the Hindu people and the Muslim people, after the burning of a train that took place in the city of Godhra on the 27th of February, 2002, killing many people.
However, the riot had continued for about three months, and people with a conscience from both sides tried to end the violence through constructive dialogues. But, such noble efforts couldn’t really affect the outcome of this terrible incident, leaving 1044 people dead.
Anyway, my heart really felt very heavy after hearing the tragic news. I wanted to do something to stop the riot and violence, but who would care what I had to say? After hearing the news, I also kept asking myself as to what could have possibly turned some humans, the greatest creation of God, so violent!? But I knew that I couldn’t do anything to stop the riot, so I just kept praying to God to stop it as quickly as possible.
Sample Answer 2:
I still remember that afternoon vividly. I was walking back home from the local market when I overheard two shopkeepers talking in an unusually animated tone. Curious, I slowed down, and that’s when I first heard about the sit-in protest happening in the city centre. People were gathering to oppose the cutting down of a row of century-old trees to make way for a new shopping complex. I'd like to thank you for the opportunity to talk about this interesting topic here.
It was about three years ago, and at first, I thought it was just another small gathering, but when I got home and turned on the news, I realised it was much bigger. The local TV channels were showing live footage: students, environmentalists, and even elderly citizens were sitting peacefully under the shade of those massive trees, holding placards and chanting slogans. It wasn’t the kind of chaotic protest you often see; rather, it was calm, determined, and full of emotion.
I learned more about it through social media, where photos and live streams from the protest site were going viral. The images were striking: sunlight filtering through the leaves, children drawing pictures of trees on cardboard, and banners with messages like “These trees are older than our city’s tallest building.” It was clear that this wasn’t just about trees - it was about preserving a part of the city’s soul.
Hearing about it stirred a mix of emotions in me. On one hand, I felt proud that so many people cared deeply about the environment and were willing to take a stand. On the other hand, I felt a sense of sadness, knowing that without enough public pressure, those trees might still be lost. But most of all, I felt inspired. It reminded me that even in a fast-paced, modern city, people can unite to protect something as simple yet irreplaceable as a tree.
Sample Answer 3:
For this topic, I’d like to talk about a piece of news I heard a couple of years ago while I was on a business trip to Dubai. It was a deeply disturbing incident - a communal riot that had broken out between two local groups in a part of my country. I was away from my country, and the news was quite shattering.
I was in Dubai, attending a meeting with a local company that was interested in importing some goods my company produced. We were in the middle of discussions when a man suddenly walked in, looking visibly shaken. He explained that serious violence had erupted in my hometown, and it was growing.
Naturally, this news completely shifted the mood in the room. A television was switched on, and a local news channel was broadcasting the event live. The images were shocking - large groups of people attacking each other with sticks and stones, streets filled with chaos, and smoke rising from burning shops. At one point, the reporter on the scene had to take cover to protect himself from the violence.
We abruptly stopped the meeting as we were worried about our family members. Fortunately, I and two of my colleagues found that our family members were all doing fine. The whole situation felt tense and surreal. Later, I learned that several people had lost their lives and many more were badly injured. The police eventually brought the situation under control, but by the time they arrived, the damage had already been done.
I remember feeling an overwhelming sadness for the victims and their families. Even though I wasn’t directly impacted, witnessing such news unfold in real time was a stark reminder of how quickly situations can escalate and how fragile peace can be. It’s a piece of news I’ll never forget.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
This topic asks you to describe a time when you heard about a riot, protest or commotion. To build a great answer, you should clearly state what you heard, when you heard about it, how you came to know about it, and explain how you felt after learning about it. Here are some detailed ideas to help you develop your own answer:
1. University campus protest:
I remember hearing about a large student protest at a major university calling for reduced tuition fees. I first heard about it on a morning radio show during my commute. The report described students chanting slogans and blocking the main gate, and it made me feel concerned about the rising cost of education and the frustration it causes young people.
2. Workers’ strike in a garment factory:
News about a massive strike at a garment factory reached me through a friend whose sister worked there. It happened a few years ago when workers demanded higher wages and better safety measures. Hearing it made me reflect on how challenging factory conditions can be and the importance of fair treatment for workers.
3. Protest against environmental destruction:
I read an article online about thousands of people gathering to oppose deforestation in a protected area. The report included photos of banners and speeches from environmental activists. It left me feeling inspired by the unity of the community and hopeful that the protest would influence government action.
4. Riot after a football match:
I heard from a colleague about a riot that broke out after a heated football match between rival teams. It took place just last year, and videos of fans clashing were circulating on social media. I felt disappointed that sports, which should unite people, sometimes turn into a reason for violence.
5. Women’s rights march:
My cousin sent me pictures from a massive women’s rights march she attended in the capital. It was held on International Women’s Day, and thousands of people joined to demand gender equality. I felt proud seeing so many voices come together to support an important cause.
6. Public transport fare hike protest:
I recall watching live TV coverage of a protest against a sudden rise in public transport fares. The protest took place during rush hour, causing huge traffic jams. It made me think about how price changes can deeply affect low-income commuters.
7. Farmers’ protest for fair crop prices:
A few years ago, news channels reported about thousands of farmers marching to the capital city to demand fair prices for their crops. The images of tired but determined faces stayed with me and made me appreciate the struggles farmers face to make a living.
8. Anti-corruption rally:
While scrolling through social media, I came across a live stream of a rally demanding action against political corruption. It was held outside the parliament building, and the passionate speeches drew my attention. It made me realise how important civic participation is in holding leaders accountable.
9. Protest against land eviction:
A neighbour told me about a protest in a nearby district where families resisted eviction from their homes due to a development project. Hearing about it made me empathise with those facing displacement and wonder if there could be fairer solutions.
10. University faculty strike:
I heard about a strike by university teachers demanding better pay and resources from a friend studying there. Classes were suspended for weeks, and it created a lot of frustration among students. I felt concerned about how such disputes disrupt education.
11. Road blockade after an accident:
One evening, while watching local news, I learned about residents blocking a highway after a tragic road accident to demand better traffic control. It made me understand their anger and frustration, as road safety should be a priority for everyone.
12. Students protesting exam cancellation:
A relative mentioned a protest by students after their final exams were abruptly cancelled. It happened due to an administrative dispute, and the uncertainty left students feeling helpless. I could relate to their anxiety because education shapes one’s future.
13. Sit-in against cutting down old trees:
A friend posted about a sit-in in a park to stop the cutting down of century-old trees for a road expansion. The photos showed people holding hands around the trees. It left me feeling admiration for those defending nature.
14. Protest after a controversial court verdict:
I watched television footage of people gathering outside the courthouse to express dissatisfaction with a verdict they believed was unjust. The mix of anger and sadness in the crowd was intense, and it made me think about how crucial trust in the legal system is.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
When describing a riot, protest, or commotion you heard about, using specific vocabulary can effectively convey the nature of the event, the timing and source of the information, and your emotional response. Thoughtful word choices will help you articulate the intensity of the situation and the impact it had on you, making your response both descriptive and empathetic. Here are some relevant words and phrases:
Riot: – A public disorder or violence, especially a rowdy demonstration or disturbance of the peace.
Example: The news reported on a major riot that broke out in the capital city.
Protest: – A statement or action expressing disapproval of or objection to something.
Example: I heard about a large-scale protest organised by university students.
Commotion: – A state of confused and noisy disturbance.
Example: There was a huge commotion in the street outside, and I went to see what was happening.
Demonstration: – A public meeting or march to express a strong opinion.
Example: I learned about the demonstration on social media from a friend who was there.
Unrest: – A state of dissatisfaction, disturbance, and agitation in a group of people, typically involving public demonstrations or disorder.
Example: The news anchors spoke about the growing social unrest in the region.
Turbulence: – Conflict, confusion, or lack of stability.
Example: The political turbulence in the country was a topic of conversation everywhere.
Broadcast: – To transmit (a program or some information) by radio or television.
Example: I first learned about the event from a news broadcast on television.
Word-of-mouth: – The passing of information from person to person by oral communication.
Example: I heard about the protest through word-of-mouth from a neighbour.
Breaking news: – Information about an event that is currently developing or happening at the moment.
Example: It came up as a breaking news notification on my phone.
Distressed: – Suffering from anxiety, sorrow, or pain.
Example: I felt deeply distressed after hearing about the violence that occurred.
Anxious: – Feeling or showing worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome.
Example: The news made me feel anxious about the safety of people in that area.
Alarmed: – Frightened, disturbed, or worried.
Example: I was alarmed by the intensity of the commotion described in the news.
Sympathetic: – Feeling, showing, or expressing sympathy.
Example: I felt very sympathetic towards the people who were affected by the riot.
Tense: – (Of a person) unable to relax because of nervousness, anxiety, or internal conflict.
Example: The atmosphere felt very tense and uncertain as the news unfolded.
Shocked: – Causing to feel surprised and upset.
Example: I was absolutely shocked to hear that such a thing could happen.
Concerned: – Worried; troubled.
Example: I was very concerned for the well-being of the people involved.
If you prepare for the topic "Describe a time when you heard about a riot, protest or commotion", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe an event when many people gathered to protest something.
2) Describe a time when you protested about something with a group of other people.
3) Describe a law that you think should be changed.
4) Describe a time when you felt afraid.
5) Describe a sad experience that you have had.
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