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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 prize, award or medal you have ever won.

You should say:

• what it was
• what you had to do to win it
• how many other competitors were there

and explain how you felt after winning it.

[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:

I haven’t really won that many things in my life, perhaps because I haven’t really been that competitive in life. However, there were a few occasions when I managed to win a thing or two by defying all the odds, and today I would like to share one such story. 

The prize I won was a “book”, a novel by Jules Verne called "Master of the World", when I was a high school student about 8 years ago. I wasn’t exactly a very bright student during my high school days, but I still somehow managed to get admission to one of the best government high schools in my country. It was all good at my high school, but it certainly had a different culture, as everything was very competitive there. Even meeting new friends or mingling with other fellow students was not an easy thing to do, especially for an average student like me.

So, I was essentially a “backbencher” or some kind of “outcast” there. Feeling a bit dejected, I wanted to prove something - my worth - to them.  So, I started to wait for an opportunity, and it came on my way after almost waiting for 6 months in the form of an “essay” writing competition. It was an open competition, so all of my fellow brilliant classmates were able to take part in it.

Anyway, we had only two days to submit the essay, so I forgot about eating or taking a shower in order to collect enough information on the essay writing skills and techniques. Finally, after a marathon 2-day effort, I did submit my essay and wished to achieve some “big” success, and I wasn’t disappointed as I got the 2nd-best prize in that essay writing competition.

Anyway, after winning the competition, I felt like I was flying to the moon with so much joy and happiness. In fact, it was for the first time that I felt that I could actually be as good as any other person if I really tried hard. Besides, after winning my first-ever prize, I felt like I earned some “bragging rights” to boast about my success among my friends.

Sample Answer 2:

My participation in a chess competition brought me one of the best prizes of my life, and I am going to tell you about this event and the award I won. The competition was held in my college in Berlin, Germany, approximately three years ago. The chess competition was arranged as part of the annual sports events in our college. Though several other contests were included in this event, I picked chess because of my love and passion for the game.

The battle of the mind is one of the most exclusive types of combat, I believe, and this is more prevalent in a chess competition. I had to compete and outwit my competitors in several stages to win the competition. The first stage of the competition took three days, and the final competition was held a couple of days later. The final stage took another two days to finish. I played with vigour and determination to become the champion, and my determination paid off. But fighting the competitors with outstanding talents and skills was extremely difficult.

Among the other competitions, chess was comparatively less preferred by the participants. I think the sluggish nature of the game discouraged many from enrolling in it. So, we were eight players altogether in the entire competition. The rivalry and tension of the games were truly amazing. A blanket of joy surrounded me after winning the prize in this chess competition. I defeated the former champion and became the new champion of the inter-department chess championship of our college. My parents were happy to learn that I became the new champion. This was a remarkable event in my life.

To illustrate the prize, it was insignificant to me considering the achievement. The real reward is in the glory of the title, not the money or the trophy. However, I still have the trophy that I won, and I used the prize money, which was 500 euros, to buy some books and a few gifts for my parents and my young sister.

Sample Answer 3: 

Introduction:
Thank you for this great topic! I’d like to talk about an award I won a few years ago during my university days. It was an academic excellence award for outstanding performance in my major, and it’s one of the achievements I hold most dear.

What it was:
The award I received was the Best Student in my major in Economics, which was given to the student with the highest overall grade point average at the end of the academic year. It was a prestigious award within my department, and winning it meant a lot to me as it acknowledged the hard work and dedication I had put into my studies.

What you had to do to win it:
To win this award, I had to maintain the highest GPA in my course throughout the entire year, which involved not only excelling in exams but also performing well in assignments, projects, and presentations. It wasn’t an easy task - there were many other talented students in my department, and the competition was fierce. To ensure I won, I spent countless hours studying, reviewing materials, and participating in class discussions. 

How many other competitors there were:
There were quite a few competitors - about 30-40 students in my department who were all equally capable and hardworking. Each of us had different strengths, but in the end, the award came down to consistency and overall performance. The competition wasn’t just about being good in one subject or exam but about excelling in all aspects of the course.

And explain how you felt after winning it:
When I found out I had won the award, I was ecstatic! It was a mix of pride and relief. The feeling of having my hard work recognised in such a meaningful way was incredibly fulfilling. I had put in so many long hours, and seeing it pay off was a huge boost to my confidence. I felt a deep sense of achievement, and it motivated me to continue striving for excellence in everything I did.

Idea generation for this Candidate task card / Cue card topic:

This topic asks you to describe a prize, award, or medal you have received in the past. You should explain what the award was, what effort or competition was involved, how many people you competed against, and how you felt when you won it. Below are several detailed ideas to help you prepare your answer:

1. First prize in a school debate competition:
I won first prize in a debate competition held during my final year of school. The topic was about whether technology has improved human relationships. I had to prepare arguments, respond to counterpoints, and speak confidently before a panel of judges. There were about 12 participants from different classes. I felt extremely proud and validated, especially because I had spent days preparing and practising. Winning that prize gave me a strong boost in confidence and public speaking skills.

2. Gold medal in a regional athletics meet:
I received a gold medal in a 100-metre sprint race organised at a regional sports meet. To win it, I trained consistently for several months, focusing on both speed and endurance. There were more than 20 competitors from different schools and sports clubs. I was nervous at the starting line but gave it my all. When I crossed the finish line first, I was filled with excitement and a sense of achievement. It was one of the most thrilling moments of my life.

3. Best performer award in a college drama festival:
During my first year at university, I acted in a college play and received the Best Performer award at the annual drama festival. I played a complex character in a social-themed play and had to memorise long monologues and perform with strong emotions. There were several other actors competing for the same recognition, and most of them were seniors. When my name was announced, I was surprised and deeply honoured. It motivated me to pursue more creative opportunities in the future.

4. Science fair certificate of excellence:
I participated in a school science fair and won a certificate of excellence for presenting a model on renewable energy. I worked with solar panels and created a small prototype of an eco-friendly home. The competition had about 30 entries, and many were from students who had more resources or team support. I felt proud because I worked independently and explained the concept clearly to the judges. Winning the award showed me that ideas and effort matter more than fancy materials.

5. Writing contest award for short story:
I entered a national-level short story competition and won third place. I had to write an original piece within a limited word count, focusing on creativity, language, and emotional depth. There were hundreds of participants from across the country. I was thrilled when I received the email congratulating me. It was the first time my writing was recognised on such a scale, and it encouraged me to take writing more seriously as a hobby and skill.

6. Medal in a chess tournament:
I won a silver medal in a city-level chess tournament. The competition lasted two days and included players of various age groups. I had to win multiple rounds and maintain focus under pressure. There were over 50 participants, and many were quite experienced. After finishing second, I felt a mix of pride and determination. It was a reminder that mental discipline can be just as rewarding as physical strength.

7. Art competition trophy:
In middle school, I participated in an art competition and won a trophy for creating a nature-themed painting. I used watercolours to depict a forest scene with animals and plants. There were around 15 other competitors, and everyone’s work was displayed in a small exhibition. When the results were announced, I was overjoyed to see my name on the winner’s list. The recognition helped me believe in my artistic abilities.

8. Quiz competition medal:
I won a bronze medal in a general knowledge quiz competition held at a regional level. It required preparation in history, science, current events, and logic. There were multiple rounds, including buzzer rounds and team-based questions. About 25 teams participated. Winning felt amazing, especially because it was a team effort. I enjoyed the competitive atmosphere and the challenge of thinking under time pressure.

9. Volunteer appreciation award:
I was given an appreciation award by a local community centre for volunteering during a public health campaign. I helped distribute flyers, organise small awareness events, and assist elderly visitors. There were many volunteers involved, but only a few were selected for special recognition. I felt honoured and grateful to be acknowledged, and it made me realise the value of community service and social contribution.

10. Essay writing award from my school principal:
I once wrote an essay on the importance of education for a school competition and received a special award from the school principal. Though the competition was informal, there were more than 40 entries, and the principal personally praised my clarity and originality. I felt deeply appreciated, especially since I wasn’t expecting to win. That simple certificate remains one of my favourite achievements even today.

Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:

When describing a prize, award, or medal you've won, using specific vocabulary can effectively convey the nature of the achievement, the effort required to win it, the level of competition, and your emotional response. Thoughtful word choices will help you articulate the significance of the accomplishment and the feelings of pride and satisfaction it brought, making your response both personal and inspiring. Here are some relevant words and phrases:

Prize: – A thing given as a reward to the winner of a competition or contest.
Example: I won the first prize in a regional public speaking competition.

Award: – A prize or other mark of recognition given in honour of an achievement.
Example: I received an award for academic excellence at the end of the school year.

Medal: – A small metal disk given as a prize in a competition or as an honour.
Example: I won a gold medal for my performance in the annual athletics meet.

Recognition: – The action or process of recognising or being recognised; a mark of acknowledgement or appreciation.
Example: The award was a form of recognition for my hard work throughout the year.

Merit: – The quality of being particularly good or worthy, especially so as to deserve praise or reward.
Example: The prize was awarded based purely on merit and dedication.

Competition: – The activity or condition of striving to gain or win something by defeating or establishing superiority over others.
Example: The competition was fierce, with many talented participants.

Contest: – An event in which people compete for supremacy in a certain activity.
Example: I had to participate in a series of rounds to win the contest.

Participant/Competitor: – A person who takes part in something.
Example: There were over fifty participants in the final round.

Rigorous: – Extremely thorough, exhaustive, or accurate.
Example: The selection process was rigorous, involving multiple interviews and tests.

Perseverance: – Persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.
Example: The medal was a testament to my perseverance and hard work.

Dedication: – The quality of being committed to a task or purpose.
Example: Winning the award was a culmination of my dedication to the project.

Culmination: – The highest or most climactic point of something, especially as attained after a long time.
Example: The award was the culmination of months of preparation and effort.

Overwhelmed: – Completely overcome or overpowered by emotion or a feeling.
Example: When they announced my name, I was completely overwhelmed with emotion.

Elated: – Ecstatically happy.
Example: I felt absolutely elated and proud to receive the prize.

Sense of accomplishment: – A feeling of pride and satisfaction at having completed something successfully.
Example: Winning gave me a profound sense of accomplishment.

Validation: – Recognition or affirmation that a person or their feelings or opinions are valid or worthwhile.
Example: The award felt like a validation of all the sacrifices I had made.

Humbling: – Causing a feeling of low self-importance or a deep sense of modesty.
Example: It was a humbling experience, knowing that my efforts were appreciated.

More Ideas to talk about this Cue Card topic:

Cue Card Topic: Describe a prize, award or medal you have ever won.

1. Recently, I took part in a video game competition. The competition took place at my college in China, and I participated in a racing game. It took around twenty minutes for me to complete the entire race, and I won the third prize. It was quite an exhilarating experience for me, especially because the competition included a game that I was good at.

2. My pet has brought me a grand prize this year at the annual pet show held in Frankfurt. I have a pet dog, Tom, and I trained it gradually, aiming to take part in the competition. I am happy to win this prize.

3. The annual badminton competition in my college, here in New York City, took place last month, and I was a participant. I won the second prize in the tournament. It was tough to beat the other contestants, and I was so happy to become one of the winners.

4. When I was a school student in Montreal, Canada, I got a prize for art and craft activities. The project aimed to increase the capacity of the students, and so, there was no specific theme at all. I won several other prizes afterwards, but this was one of the most inspiring for me as a child.

5. I took part in an online competition and it was for to-be-mothers. By answering all the questions correctly, I won a prize. It was a spa treatment for free near the outskirts of Thailand. I was so happy to have won.

6. After submitting a photo in a photography competition, I won a prize. Actually, it was a recognition for me. Though I am a fashion photographer in Spain now, my passion for photography intensified after winning the prize.

7. Our college in Mumbai organised an annual competition a few months ago, and I took part in it as a singer. To my utter surprise, I was awarded a nice complimentary prize for my performance. I was glad indeed with the prize.

8. Winning the first prize is really impressive, and I won it just a few months ago. It was a camping event, and I took the lead for the hiking team. For my successful accomplishment, the college authority awarded me the prize.

9. Recently, I have won a two-night all-paid, complimentary hotel stay for my successful answers to a quiz competition. Now I am planning to visit Thailand to avail myself of the reward. I am going to Thailand next month, and I have completed all the preparations to make the trip. In fact, this is the award I won ages ago, and all others date back to my high school days. I am so excited about it.

Your preparation for this cue card topic would help you talk about the following topics as well:

1. Describe a recent happy event.
2. Describe something you own which is important to you.
3. Describe a prize or gift that you really like.
4. Describe something you want to own.
5. Describe something you have recently bought.
6. Describe an event when you were congratulated.
7. Describe a competition you took part in.

• IELTS Cue Card
• IELTS Speaking
• Candidate Task Card
• Speaking Part 2

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