Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
Describe an important historical event in your country - Cue Card # 581
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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 an important historical event in your country that you know about.
You should say:
- when it happened
- what happened
- who were the most important people involved
and say why it is/was important to 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're going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.]
Model Answer 1:
We have a number of important historical events in our country, Bangladesh, and all of those events have played an important role in making our country great. But, the “Victory Day” undoubtedly is the most important event of all in the historical context of my country as it gave us the “freedom” which we sought for more than a thousand years.
This victory day is celebrated all over my country on 16th of December every year because that’s the day when my country defeated the occupying/enemy forces in order to gain its full independence from “Pakistan”. By the way, before 1971, Bangladesh used to be called "East Pakistan" while the other part of it was called “West Pakistan”. But, unfortunately, there was a lot of discrimination against East Pakistan as far as its economic development was concerned. Even politically, the people of East Pakistan enjoyed very limited power when it came to taking any important decision in order to bring some positive changes or developments in our part of the country.
In fact, East Pakistan had become a safe ground for economic exploitation for the West Pakistani ruling elites. Things got even worse when the military ruling junta of Pakistan refused to hand over power to a democratically elected government, led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1971. Eventually, people in East Pakistan started a non-violent movement to seek independence from Pakistan, and then a war broke out between the two parts of Pakistan. By the way, apart from Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, some other key political figures like Taj Uddin Ahmed, Syed Nazrul Islam, and Major Ziaur Rahman (one of the 11 war sector commanders) actively took part in achieving the war victory on 16th December 1971.
Anyway, it was an important historical event for my country, as it gave us a new identity as a new nation on the world map so that we could manage our own affairs as a nation. Besides, it also gave us an opportunity to achieve a more symmetrical economic development in our country which was not present under the rule of the Pakistani military junta.
Model Answer 2:
Australia is a great country that has gone through several significant events in its history in order to become the country it is today. However, no other events are probably as significant in this country’s historical passage as the one that I am about to describe very shortly, as this very event actually helped in creating Australia.
This particular significant event took place on the 26th of January in the year 1788 when the first fleet of British ships arrived at Port Jackson of New South Wales. Besides, the raising of the flag of Great Britain at Sydney Cove by the then Sydney governor, Arthur Phillip, also took place on this same day, which essentially paved the way for the creation of a country called “Australia”.
Later on, after a century or so, of course, this day was declared as the “national day” of Australia even though the Aboriginal Australians think otherwise about this particular historic event. In fact, the Aboriginal Australians consider this day, when this historic event took place, as a “national day of mourning” or “invasion day”. Of course, other European traders and explorers had started to make contact with the indigenous Australian people 250 years earlier, but they didn’t claim any land until after Captain James Cook formally had claimed New South Wales for the British. This Aboriginal land was taken over by British colonists, on the premise that the land belonged to no one (‘terra nullius’), either by using “force” against the indigenous people or purchasing their lands from them.
Anyway, it is a significant historic event for my country because in the aftermath of this event, on New Year's Day 1901, the British colonies of Australia eventually were able to form a federation, marking the birth of modern Australia. Besides, this is a significant historical event because it allows us to reflect on our history and mistakes as a nation and then rectify them by calling for national unity among the people of a very diverse Australian society.
Model Answer 3:
Well, thank you for this intriguing topic that would allow me to talk about an important historic event in our country. In my opinion, one significant historical event in Canada is the Battle of Vimy Ridge, which occurred during World War I. The battle took place from April 9 to 12, 1917, in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region of France.
During the battle, four divisions of the Canadian Corps, fighting together for the first time, succeeded in capturing Vimy Ridge from German forces. The ridge had previously been considered an impregnable fortress due to its strategic location and heavily fortified defences. However, through meticulous planning, innovative tactics, and coordinated artillery barrages, the Canadian soldiers managed to overcome the formidable defences and secure victory.
The Battle of Vimy Ridge holds great significance for Canada for several reasons. Firstly, it marked a pivotal moment in Canadian history, as it was the first time that all four divisions of the Canadian Corps fought together as a unified force. This achievement fostered a sense of national pride and identity, as Canadians from different regions and backgrounds came together to achieve a common goal.
Secondly, the success at Vimy Ridge is often regarded as a coming-of-age moment for Canada on the world stage. The victory demonstrated Canada's military prowess and earned the country recognition as a formidable fighting force. It also helped to solidify Canada's reputation as a respected member of the international community.
Furthermore, the Battle of Vimy Ridge is remembered for its heavy toll on Canadian troops, with over 10,000 soldiers killed or wounded during the four-day battle. The sacrifices made by these brave men are commemorated annually on April 9th, known as Vimy Ridge Day, as Canadians honor their courage and valor in defence of freedom and democracy. The event also serves as a reminder of Canada's contributions to the Allied victory in World War I and continues to hold a special place in the hearts of Canadians as a symbol of national pride and identity.
Sample Answer 4:
The assassination of Abraham Lincoln is one of the most significant events in the history of the USA. Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes, an actor of that time, who was a sympathizer of the Confederate, and it was an act of vengeance for him to kill Lincoln - according to his testimony. Interestingly, a couple of weeks ago, Lincoln dreamt of an assassination event and shared it with some of his security officials. But finally, he could not survive the day. This is an interesting topic, and thank you for that.
The assassination of Abraham Lincoln took place on April 14, 1865. It was a gloomy day when John Wilkes killed the then-president of the United States. It was a kind of revenge for him as he believed that Lincoln was the root cause for damaging the South. The assassin thought that Lincoln dishonoured the people and the institutions of South America. So, he planned to kill Lincoln. The president was delivering a speech before audiences when he was shot.
It was one of the saddest moments for the nation when Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. He was a great leader who loved his countrymen and underwent many "complex situations" but handled most of them successfully. His assassination was a big loss for the country. Abraham Lincoln was shot in the back of his head, and he went into a coma for around nine hours. He did not wake up from the coma and finally succumbed to death.
It was an influential historical event for the USA. Abraham Lincoln tried to unite the country, played an important role in abolishing slavery, and took many other great initiatives. In line with the assassination, some other prominent events also took place to destroy the administration of Abraham Lincoln. Sadly, it was a great loss for us as a nation.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card / Cue card topic:
Every country has witnessed key historical events that have shaped its identity and future. This topic asks you to describe a major historical event from your country that holds national significance. When answering this question, it's helpful to include the exact date, the country, what led to the event, who played a crucial role, and what impact it had. Here are some detailed ideas to help you structure your response:
1. The Liberation War of Bangladesh (1971):
This significant event took place in 1971 and led to the independence of Bangladesh from Pakistan. The conflict lasted nine months and involved intense fighting and humanitarian crises. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father of the nation, played a crucial role by leading the call for independence. The war ended on 16 December 1971 with the surrender of Pakistani forces. This event is remembered for the sacrifices made by millions and is celebrated annually as Victory Day in Bangladesh.
2. The Salt March in India (1930):
This event was part of India’s struggle for independence from British rule. It began on 12 March 1930, when Mahatma Gandhi started a 240-mile march to protest the British monopoly on salt production. The movement gained nationwide attention and sparked widespread civil disobedience. Gandhi’s non-violent approach influenced global movements for justice. This march played a key role in uniting Indians and pressuring British authorities to negotiate reforms.
3. The Vietnam Declaration of Independence (1945):
On 2 September 1945, Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence of Vietnam in Hanoi’s Ba Dinh Square, marking the end of French colonial rule. Inspired by the U.S. Declaration of Independence, this speech laid the foundation for the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. It was a turning point that sparked decades of resistance against foreign occupation and shaped Vietnam’s national identity.
4. The Partition of British India (1947):
The partition occurred on 14 and 15 August 1947, leading to the creation of two separate nations: India and Pakistan. It was a significant but traumatic historical event, marked by mass migration, communal violence, and political upheaval. Leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Muhammad Ali Jinnah were central figures in this transition. While it granted independence to both nations, it also left lasting scars and complex relations between the two countries.
5. The Great Fire of London (1666):
This historic event occurred from 2 to 6 September 1666 in London, England. A fire broke out in a bakery on Pudding Lane and spread rapidly through the wooden buildings. Although the fire destroyed much of the city, including 87 churches and thousands of homes, very few lives were lost. It led to major changes in city planning and fire safety laws. The rebuilding of London after the fire had a lasting impact on British architecture and infrastructure.
6. The Battle of Dien Bien Phu (1954) in Vietnam:
Fought between the French colonial forces and the Viet Minh, this battle marked the end of French colonial rule in Indochina. Lasting from March to May 1954, it was a major victory for the Vietnamese, led by General Vo Nguyen Giap. The event shifted global attention and led to the Geneva Accords, which temporarily divided Vietnam into North and South. This battle is considered a turning point in the anti-colonial movement in Southeast Asia.
7. The Fall of the Berlin Wall (1989), Germany:
Although not from one of the countries with many IELTS candidates, this global event is well-known. On 9 November 1989, the Berlin Wall, which had divided East and West Berlin for nearly 30 years, was torn down. It symbolised the end of the Cold War and the reunification of Germany. The event was led by public protests and diplomatic changes across Eastern Europe. It holds global importance in the history of democracy and human rights.
8. The Creation of Pakistan (1947):
On 14 August 1947, Pakistan emerged as an independent Muslim-majority nation following the end of British colonial rule in India. This creation was a result of the two-nation theory and years of political struggle led by Muhammad Ali Jinnah. The event is celebrated as Independence Day in Pakistan and is a reminder of the country’s religious and political roots. It holds deep significance for the Pakistani people as the foundation of their national identity.
9. The May Fourth Movement (1919) in China:
This political and cultural movement began on 4 May 1919 in Beijing, as a student protest against the Treaty of Versailles, which gave Chinese territory to Japan. It later evolved into a larger movement advocating modernisation, science, and democracy. Intellectuals like Chen Duxiu and Hu Shih played key roles. It is considered a cultural awakening in modern Chinese history and influenced the future development of Chinese nationalism and political thought.
10. The 21st February Language Movement (1952) in Bangladesh:
This movement was a protest against the imposition of Urdu as the only state language in then East Pakistan. On 21 February 1952, several students sacrificed their lives while demanding that Bengali be recognised as one of the national languages. This historic event led to the recognition of Bengali as a state language and is now observed as International Mother Language Day worldwide. It is deeply symbolic of the fight for cultural identity and linguistic rights.
11. The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (1919) in India:
On 13 April 1919, British troops under General Dyer opened fire on unarmed civilians gathered in Amritsar, killing hundreds. The people had assembled to peacefully protest against colonial laws. This brutal event shocked the world and intensified the Indian independence movement. It played a major role in changing Indian public opinion against British rule and marked a significant turning point in history.
12. The Pakistan Resolution (1940):
Passed on 23 March 1940 in Lahore, this resolution demanded the creation of independent states for Muslims in north-western and eastern British India. It laid the ideological foundation for the establishment of Pakistan. The event was led by prominent leaders of the All-India Muslim League, including Muhammad Ali Jinnah. It is celebrated as Pakistan Day and marks a pivotal moment in the country’s national history.
13. The Battle of Bạch Đằng (938) in Vietnam:
This historic naval battle took place at the Bạch Đằng River where Vietnamese forces led by General Ngô Quyền defeated the invading Southern Han navy. By placing iron-tipped wooden stakes in the riverbed and using tidal knowledge, the Vietnamese trapped and destroyed the enemy fleet. This decisive victory marked the end of Chinese domination and the beginning of Vietnam’s independence. It remains one of the most celebrated military achievements in Vietnamese history.
14. The Suffragette Movement in the UK (early 1900s):
This movement was led by women in the United Kingdom fighting for the right to vote. Spearheaded by leaders like Emmeline Pankhurst and the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU), it included protests, rallies, and hunger strikes. After years of struggle, British women over the age of 30 gained the right to vote in 1918, and full voting rights followed in 1928. This movement transformed the role of women in society and reshaped democratic representation in the UK.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
When describing an important historical event in your country, using specific vocabulary can effectively convey the timeline, the key occurrences, the pivotal figures involved, and the event's lasting impact. Thoughtful word choices will help you articulate the significance of the event and its role in shaping your nation's identity, making your response both informative and emotionally resonant. Here are some relevant words and phrases:
Historical event: – A past occurrence that is considered significant, often with a lasting impact on a country or its people.
Example: The establishment of the new republic was a pivotal historical event.
Commemorate: – To recall and show respect for (someone or something) in a formal or solemn way.
Example: We commemorate this event annually to honour the sacrifices made.
Era: – A long and distinct period of history with a particular feature or characteristic.
Example: This event marked the end of one era and the beginning of another.
Pivotal moment: – A crucial point in time that is very important to the outcome of a situation.
Example: The signing of the treaty was a pivotal moment in our nation's history.
Patriotic: – Having or expressing devotion to and vigorous support for one's country.
Example: The spirit of the people was incredibly patriotic during that time.
Sovereignty: – Supreme power or authority; the authority of a state to govern itself.
Example: The event was a struggle to achieve national sovereignty.
National identity: – A sense of a nation as a cohesive whole, as represented by distinctive traditions, culture, and language.
Example: This event played a key role in shaping our national identity.
Revolution: – A forcible overthrow of a government or social order in favour of a new system.
Example: The country went through a peaceful revolution to achieve independence.
Liberation: – The act of setting someone or something free from imprisonment, slavery, or oppression.
Example: The final battle led to our nation's liberation.
Forefathers: – People from an earlier time who founded or established something, such as a country or a movement.
Example: We owe our freedom to the courage of our forefathers.
Legacy: – An amount of money or property left to someone in a will; something that is a part of your history or that remains from an earlier time.
Example: The event left a lasting legacy of resilience and unity.
Martyrs: – People who are killed because of their religious or other beliefs.
Example: The martyrs of this event are remembered and honoured every year.
Enduring: – Lasting over a period of time; durable.
Example: The principles established during that time have an enduring impact on our society.
Pivotal figures: – Important people who were central to the development or outcome of an event.
Example: The president and military leaders were the pivotal figures involved.
Unforgettable: – Impossible to forget; very memorable.
Example: The day the country was declared independent was an unforgettable moment.
Transformative: – Causing a marked change in someone or something.
Example: It was a transformative event that completely changed our country's trajectory.
Your preparation for this cue card topic would help you talk about the following cue card topics as well:
1. Describe an important historical event you know about.
2. Describe something you learned in school.
3. Describe a national day in your country.
4. Describe something you think most people in your country know about.
5. Describe a historic event that changed the fate of your country.
6. Describe a special day in your country's history.
7. Describe a celebration that is important in your country.
8. Describe a historical event that you find interesting.
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