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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 had to take care of a baby.

You should say:

• when it was
• who the baby was
• what you did

and explain how you felt about taking care of this baby.

[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 love babies - I like to hug them, play with them, carry them, even sometimes spoil them! But when it comes to taking care of a baby, I never thought that I could ever pull it off. But, that’s exactly what I did about a year ago when my aunt left her “bundle of joy” (my baby cousin) for me to take care of because she needed to go out for a few hours.

Anyway, I knew that I needed to be “extra” careful in making sure that he wasn’t crying. And, to do so, I was holding and carrying him very gently. Of course, this is what my aunt instructed me to do in order to make him fall asleep. But the problem was I wasn’t succeeding. So, I took him in front of a TV and we watched some cartoons even though I wasn’t too sure that he was “old” enough to enjoy cartoons!

This far, he was behaving like a “good” boy. But, then came the real challenge when he started to cry, but all I could do at that time was to try to “talk” to him with some “funny” faces in order to distract him. But, unfortunately, I wasn’t making much of an impression on my baby cousin so that he could actually stop crying. Then I suddenly remembered that he was probably hungry, and he needed his baby “feeder”, and as soon as I gave him his “feeder”, he got busy “nourishing” himself from it until he fell asleep. Fortunately, he slept until my aunt returned.

Well, initially, I was a bit nervous about taking care of my “baby cousin”, but as time progressed, I actually started to enjoy the “responsibility”. In fact, it was interesting to see how that little “wonder baby” tried to “communicate” with me with some “funny sounds” from time to time, except of course, the problem was that this “poor” cousin could not understand what I told him! Besides, I also felt good that I could actually help my aunt when nobody was around to help her.

Model Answer 2:

I'm one of those people who love babies and yet do not know how to take care of them. This topic reminds me of a time when taking care of my nephew fell on my shoulders. I'd like to thank you for this opportunity to let me talk about my experience of looking after this baby.

It would be around six months ago when I had to stay home the whole day with my nephew, Ethan, who was merely 3 years old. Usually, my nephew is very adorable and gentle in nature, but when he cries out loud, I find it hard to do anything to console him and bring him back to his normal jolly state. When Ethan's parents are around and he begins to cry, I keep my distance as my previous experience has taught me that anything I do makes things worse!

Ethan's parents had to go out for the whole day, and there was no one except me to look after the baby. Ethan was a good boy most of the day, and he caused me no trouble, which I was afraid of. I fed him twice the meal his mom prepared beforehand, changed his diaper and dress, caressed him, tried to make him happy by acting and making different sounds and was very cautious to make sure he was comfortable. He slept for a couple of hours, and during that time, I sat beside him and read a book.

At first, I was intimidated because I did not want to take full responsibility for the baby while his parents were away. However, as time passed, I started to feel confident that he would be okay with me and at a time, I started feeling happy to be with him. That day, I realised that looking after a baby is not as frightening as I thought it would be, but it takes a great deal of effort to make sure the baby is okay. I actually enjoyed being with Ethan and the way he played, laughed and hugged me was something totally new to me.

Model Answer 3:

Thank you for the opportunity to let me talk about my experience of looking after a baby. It reminds me of an event when my closest friend, Bella, had to visit her hometown to see a sick relative. It would be approximately two years ago, and coincidentally, her husband was out of town at that time. So she requested me to look after her daughter, "Irene".

When Bella requested me to look after Irene for a couple of days, I told her that I would be glad to babysit her little Irene. Irene was six years old then and a very nice girl. I asked Bella to bring some of Irene's favourite clothes and toys, just to make her feel at home at my place. You know, kids may feel nervous in a totally new environment, and I thought her belongings would soothe her and make her feel more at ease.

I prepared breakfast and lunch for her and took her out for dinner. As she had classes, I had to drop her off at her school in the morning and pick her up in the evening. I tried my best to cheer her up so that she would not miss her parents much. She stayed three days at my place, and I even took her to a nearby children's park, which is open to the public and adored by many children.

How did I feel? Well, it was a new experience for me, and honestly speaking, I was a bit nervous at the beginning as I had no prior experience of looking after babies. But Irene was a sweet child, and we had a great time together. I even missed her after she left my house. She gave me a nice pot plant as a gesture of gratitude after a few days, and mentioned to her mom that she had a great time at my home.

Model Answer 4:

Thank you so much for the topic that asks me to talk about an event when I took care of a baby. Well, I vividly recall a time when I had to take care of a baby during a family gathering last summer, and here, I will share this experience with you.

It was my cousin's daughter, Emma, who was just a few months old at the time. The event was a family reunion, and my cousin, who was busy with some last-minute arrangements, asked me to look after Emma for a while. I took on the responsibility with a mix of excitement and nervousness. Holding little Emma in my arms, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at how fragile and precious she seemed. As the youngest member of our family, she was adored by everyone, and I was determined to ensure her safety and well-being.

Throughout the afternoon, I attended to Emma's needs with great care and attention. I fed her, changed her diapers, and rocked her gently to sleep when she grew tired. Despite my initial nervousness, I found myself quickly adapting to the tasks of caring for a baby, thanks in part to the guidance and support of other family members. As I spent time with Emma, I felt a deep sense of responsibility and affection towards her. There was something incredibly heartwarming about the way she looked up at me with her bright, curious eyes, completely trusting me to take care of her. Each smile and coo she shared filled me with a deep sense of joy. Honestly speaking, I cherished every moment spent in her company.

Taking care of Emma was a truly rewarding experience that left an enduring impression on me. It reminded me of the importance of patience, compassion, and attentiveness when caring for others, especially those who are most vulnerable. By the end of the day, I felt grateful for the opportunity to bond with Emma and contribute to her well-being.

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

This topic asks you to describe a moment when you were responsible for taking care of a baby. You should explain when it happened, who the baby was, what kind of activities or tasks you did while looking after the child, and how you felt about the experience. Here are some ideas to help you structure your response:

1. Babysitting during a family gathering:
During a large family gathering, the baby’s parents were busy entertaining guests, so I was asked to look after their six-month-old. I fed the baby a bottle, changed a diaper for the first time, and rocked them to sleep. I also walked around carrying the baby to calm them when they got fussy. It was a bit stressful at first because I didn’t want to do anything wrong, but as the baby started responding positively, I felt more confident and proud of myself for handling it well.

2. Helping a neighbour with her infant:
One afternoon, my neighbour needed to run an urgent errand and asked if I could watch her baby for about two hours. I agreed and spent the time playing with toys, singing songs, and watching over the baby while they crawled around. I had to make sure the baby didn’t put anything unsafe in their mouth or get hurt. Although I was a little anxious at the beginning, the baby’s cheerful reactions made it a sweet and memorable experience. It also gave me a better appreciation for how demanding childcare can be.

3. Taking care of a relative’s toddler during a wedding:
At a wedding ceremony, a relative asked me to supervise their one-year-old child while they attended some formal rituals. I kept the baby entertained with toys, fed them mashed food, and changed their clothes after a small spill. I also walked with the child in a stroller around the venue when they became restless. The responsibility made me feel grown-up, and it was heartwarming to see how quickly the baby grew attached to me within a few hours.

4. Watching over my friend’s baby during a study session:
My friend had to attend an urgent virtual class and brought her baby along to our group study. While others focused on the assignment, I volunteered to watch the child. I played peekaboo, bounced the baby gently in my lap, and gave them some soft snacks. Keeping the baby calm so my friend could concentrate felt really fulfilling. It showed me how multitasking and patience are essential when dealing with infants, even in short bursts.

5. Helping my aunt during her recovery period:
My aunt had recently delivered a baby and was recovering from a minor surgery. I was asked to stay at her home for a few days to assist with basic care. I learned how to change diapers, prepare baby formula, burp the baby after feeding, and even soothe them during colic episodes. Although I was exhausted by the end of each day, the entire experience taught me a lot about responsibility and compassion. I felt incredibly helpful and deeply connected to the baby during that time.

6. Spending a weekend as a babysitter for a family friend:
A family friend needed someone to watch their baby over the weekend, and I volunteered. I followed a schedule of feeding, diaper changes, nap times, and play sessions. I read picture books, played soft music, and monitored the baby’s mood and needs throughout the day. It was challenging to keep up with the energy and demands, but by the end of the weekend, I was proud of how well I managed without any issues. It also gave me a glimpse into the world of parenting and how much effort it requires.

7. Looking after a baby during a train journey:
While travelling with extended family on a train, I offered to help take care of a baby so the parents could rest. I held the baby securely, rocked them gently to sleep, and kept them distracted with rattles and toys when they became cranky. Managing a baby in a moving vehicle was more difficult than I expected, especially with limited space and noise, but I felt responsible and careful throughout. It made me feel capable and trustworthy in the eyes of my family.

8. Caring for a friend's newborn while they took a break:
A friend of mine had just become a parent and hadn’t had proper sleep for days. I offered to care for their newborn for a few hours so they could rest. I changed the baby’s clothes, kept them swaddled, and gently rocked them while humming lullabies. The baby was very light and delicate, so I was extremely cautious with every move. That experience was both emotional and educational. It made me more empathetic toward new parents and more mindful of how much care babies truly need.

9. Helping out at a community daycare:
As part of a community project, I volunteered at a daycare centre where I was assigned to assist with a group of babies. I spent time feeding them, soothing those who cried, and playing soft games to engage their attention. It was physically demanding because babies needed constant attention, but it was also deeply rewarding. I left with a greater respect for childcare workers and an emotional sense of fulfilment from bonding with the little ones.

10. Looking after a baby sibling while parents were away:
My parents had to attend a formal event and asked me to look after my baby sibling for a few hours. I fed them porridge, cleaned up a small mess they made, and helped them fall asleep by singing softly. Since I had seen my parents do these tasks, I tried to follow their methods carefully. It was one of the first times I handled everything on my own, and although I was nervous, it made me feel more mature and appreciated in the family.

Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:

When describing a time you took care of a baby, using specific vocabulary can effectively convey the context, the baby's identity, the tasks you performed, and your emotional experience. Thoughtful word choices will help you articulate the challenges and joys of babysitting, making your response both clear and heartfelt. Here are some relevant words and phrases:

Infant: – A very young child or baby.
Example: I was tasked with looking after my cousin's infant, who was just a few months old.

Toddler: – A young child who is just beginning to walk.
Example: My friend asked me to babysit her energetic toddler for the evening.

Babysit: – To look after a child or children while the parents are out.
Example: It was my first time to babysit for an extended period.

Childminding: – The job of looking after children while their parents are working.
Example: I gained valuable experience through childminding for relatives over the years.

Diaper change: – The act of replacing a soiled diaper with a clean one.
Example: A significant part of the task involved frequent diaper changes.

Feeding session: – A period dedicated to giving food or milk to a baby.
Example: We followed a strict schedule of feeding sessions throughout the day.

Cradle: – To hold gently and protectively.
Example: I had to gently cradle the baby to soothe them back to sleep.

Soothe: – To gently calm a person or their feelings.
Example: It took some effort to soothe the baby when they started crying uncontrollably.

Burp: – To help a baby bring up wind after feeding by patting or rubbing its back.
Example: After each feeding, I ensured to burp the baby carefully.

Naps: – Short sleeps, especially during the day.
Example: The baby had two long naps, which gave me some quiet time.

Playtime: – A period during which children can play.
Example: We had a fun playtime with soft toys and colourful rattles.

Responsibility: – The state or fact of being accountable or to blame for something.
Example: I felt a huge sense of responsibility for the baby's well-being.

Patience: – The capacity to accept or tolerate delay, problems, or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious.
Example: Taking care of an infant truly teaches you patience.

Rewarding: – Providing satisfaction; gratifying.
Example: Despite the challenges, seeing the baby smile was incredibly rewarding.

Affectionate: – Readily feeling or showing fondness or tenderness.
Example: I felt very affectionate towards the baby by the end of the day.

Overwhelmed: – Completely overcome or overpowered by emotion or a feeling, or by a large amount of something.
Example: There were moments when I felt a little overwhelmed by the constant demands.

Bonding: – The formation of a close relationship, especially through shared experiences.
Example: It was a wonderful opportunity to experience bonding with the little one.

More Ideas to talk about this Cue Card topic:

Cue Card Topic: Describe a time when you had to take care of a baby.

1. Recently, I went to Munich to meet my maternal uncle and aunt who are both doctors. Suddenly, they had to go to their offices, and that's why they asked me to take care of the baby boy, who was two years old at that time. I looked after the baby, and it was a fabulous and new experience for me. I never knew I would love spending time with a baby so much!

2. I went to a party with my mom and had to look after a baby. In fact, she was a cute little girl, and her mother was the host. She went to greet other guests, and therefore, she asked me to take care of the baby for a few minutes. It was an interesting experience.

3. Taking care of babies is not easy, and I realised it when my neighbour, Mr Robin, asked me to look after his baby for half an hour the other day. We live in the same apartment block in Sydney, and that day he went to do some grocery shopping. I had a difficult time to fulfil the continuous demands of his baby when I was alone with him. I was tired by the time his father returned and rescued me!

4. My maternal uncle came to visit our house last summer with his family and my mom asked me to look after their baby of five years old. It was a nice event indeed. The baby was decent and loved reading books. He was quite smart, and I liked spending time with him.

5. Meeting with Evan was an interesting experience. He is three years old and lives in the opposite house from mine. His parents came to visit us, and I was told to take care of the baby. We both had a great time together, and I did things for him that I would normally avoid with anyone else. That day I realised how we become children when we are surrounded by them!

6. Aunt Sally was terribly busy on Christmas Day last year. So, she asked me to take care of her baby girl while she prepared dinner for the whole family. I was a paying guest at her home in Spain. And taking care of the baby was great fun for me. The baby was cute and amiable, and she listened to my instructions. I enjoyed being with her.

7. Last week, I went to meet my sister and she requested me to accompany her baby in her absence. She planned to go shopping with her friends. Since I had spare time, I looked after her baby boy. It was a great experience and we both had a pleasant time together. We watched an animated movie and prepared a meal all by ourselves. 

8. In my office, one of my colleagues brought her baby one day. Though I am not very fond of babies, she asked me to look after the baby for a while so that she could finish her presentation for her manager. I took charge of taking care of the baby for an hour or so, and I must confess it was not as bad an experience as I always thought it would be!

If you can talk about the cue card topic "Describe a time when you had to take care of a baby.", you should be able to answer the following topics as well:

1.  Describe a time when you spent some time with a baby.
2.  Describe a guest who stayed at your house.
3.  Describe a time when you had to offer a favour to a friend.
4.  Describe a time when you looked after someone other than your friend or family.
5.  Describe something unusual you did recently.
6.  Describe a time when you helped a child.
7.  Describe a child that you know.
8.  Describe something you did that was new or exciting.
 

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• IELTS Speaking
• Candidate Task Card
• Speaking Part 2

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