Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
A situation when someone suggested a clever solution - Cue Card # 607
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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 situation when someone suggested a clever solution.
You should say:
- when it was
- what the situation was
- who suggested the solution
and say why you think it was a clever solution.
[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:
Problems distract us and frustrate us when we expect them the least, just like the problem with my newly-bought computer about a couple of years ago when it started to give me “a hard time”. However, it didn’t become much of an issue as one of my friends offered me a very ‘clever’ solution to deal with it.
Anyway, after buying my computer a couple of years ago, it started to give me different kinds of problems soon after starting to use it. Since the computer was not under any warranty, I couldn’t return it or receive any technical support from its vendor or manufacturer. So, all I could do was take it to a local computer technician every time it gave me a problem. But, after visiting the technician 4/5 times already within just a couple of months, I became a bit frustrated, so I decided to seek a solution from one of my friends.
As soon as my friend, whose name was John, learned about my problem, he suggested me to buy a good book on “computer repair and maintenance” and start reading it word by word while using my computer also at the same time like a “kid”. Of course, I was a bit nervous about the “solution” initially as I was a novice in the world of computers and troubleshooting, but my friend assured me that the suggested solution would work just fine for me if I could exercise patience in reading the book.
And, guess what, it was indeed a clever solution as I could slowly and slowly begin to figure out many of the computer glitches by myself. In fact, some of the computer problems, for which I took my computer to a technician earlier, could be solved by me after trying with a little patience. Besides, after reading that book, I also came to learn how to best handle a computer and keep it safe. But, the best part of the solution was that I could actually boast about my computer repairing abilities to my friends as I could solve “complex” computer glitches rather easily and quickly afterwards.
Model Answer 2:
Thank you for this intriguing topic. I appreciate the opportunity to share an experience where someone proposed a clever solution to an issue. Here, I will discuss the details of this situation, the solution proposed by Sarah, and why it stood out as a clever and effective response in my opinion.
Well, it happened last semester when our engineering class was assigned a project to develop a sustainable energy solution for a rural community. We had been brainstorming ideas for weeks, but kept hitting roadblocks due to the complexity of the project and limited resources that were available to us. As the deadline approached, tensions started to rise, and we were feeling increasingly stressed about finding a viable solution. We could have purchased ready-made solar panels, but that was quite expensive and not a very effective solution.
It was during one of our group meetings when Sarah, a quiet but insightful member of our team, suggested a clever solution. Instead of focusing solely on expensive and high-tech renewable energy systems, she proposed a simpler approach using locally available resources. She even demonstrated a way to build workable solar panels. Sarah also suggested installing solar panels on the roofs of the community's houses.
What made Sarah's solution particularly clever was its simplicity and cost-effectiveness. By building solar panels locally and installing them on the roofs of the community houses, we could provide a sustainable power source to the community without relying on expensive infrastructure or external resources. Sarah's suggestion garnered unanimous approval from our team, and we quickly began working on implementing her idea.
Sarah's solution was indeed a stroke of genius. It addressed the technical challenges of our project that aligned with our goal of creating a sustainable, viable and cost-effective solution for the rural community. Sarah's ingenuity and outside-the-box thinking served as an inspiration to our team, reminding us of the power of simplicity and resourcefulness in problem-solving.
Sample Answer 3:
Once, I got a clever solution from one of my friends to find more time for reading books, and the process was a bit unorthodox. In fact, I love to read books and want to finish at least four to five books in a month, but my hectic schedule hardly allows me to finish two books every month. So, do not be surprised by the solution that one of my friends suggested, and thank you for the time you have allowed me to talk about it.
Last year, I was wondering how to install a small bookshelf inside the bathroom to keep some books safely, because the privy attached to my bedroom was unable to accommodate a moderate bookshelf. So, installing a small shelf, centring the tissue holder, was an unconventional yet smart idea. I used some small wood pieces to form the shape of a bookshelf with the help of my friend, and was really proud to have finally made it. Now I can place two or three books together at a time and read them inside the privy.
Barbara suggested the solution to me. In fact, I shared my dilemma with her a few months ago and she suggested me to install a small shelf made of a couple of timbers. She also helped me build the shelf. In fact, it was easier than I thought, and the credit goes to Barbara, who, in fact, gave me a great suggestion.
The solution to the problem was unusual yet very effective. Now I am using the shelf comfortably and can manage more time for reading books I like. So, considering all the facts, this is a clever solution to my problem of reading books inside the lavatory.
Sample Answer 4:
Thank you, sir/madam, for the opportunity to let me talk about an event when someone's intelligent suggestion solved a big problem. It was almost two years ago, and I wanted to get a part-time job so that I could gain some work experience and earn some money. But managing a suitable job was not easy, especially at a time when most of the companies in our town were downsizing their employees.
To tell you the truth, I forwarded my CV to a good number of companies and strangely got no interview call. Then I met a friend from my school, and during our conversation, he suggested that I should try some freelance work from one or two reputed websites like freelancer.com and upwork.com. At first, I was not convinced, but he went on explaining how this could help me enhance my web design skills and earn a steady amount from my work. He explained to me how he had been able to manage some work and clients from such platforms. I was convinced and thought that it was a step worth taking.
I now feel that my friend James, who actually suggested the solution, did a remarkable job by persuading me to follow his advice. His suggestion to work as a freelancer solved my dilemma of getting a job and gaining some experience.
During the last two years, I have finished some great projects which would add some weight to my resume. Besides, due to James's timely solution, which was actually an alternative for getting a part-time job, I now enjoy a certain degree of economic freedom and can concentrate more on my studies. I would say that was a great solution from one of my old friends.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card / Cue card topic:
This topic asks you to talk about a moment when someone came up with a smart or innovative idea that solved a problem effectively. You should mention when this happened, what the problem was, who gave the idea, and why it impressed you. Here are some ideas to help you craft your response:
1. Solving a group project deadline issue:
During a university group assignment, we realised we were falling behind schedule. One team member suggested dividing the task into smaller parts and using a shared online board to track progress. This kept everyone accountable and allowed us to finish on time. The idea was clever because it simplified coordination and boosted productivity without adding stress.
2. Fixing a broken umbrella handle on a rainy day:
While walking in heavy rain, the handle of an umbrella broke. Someone in the group took a shoelace and tied it in a loop to create a temporary grip. It allowed us to keep using the umbrella until we got home. It was such a simple yet practical solution in a frustrating situation.
3. Making a noisy fan quieter with paper strips:
A table fan in our room made a rattling noise that disrupted sleep. Someone suggested attaching small paper strips at the base to reduce vibration. It worked surprisingly well. I found it clever because it didn’t require tools or replacements, just a bit of creative thinking.
4. Creating a phone holder using household items:
We needed to film a short video, but no one had a tripod. One person built a stable phone holder using a stack of books and rubber bands. It held the phone perfectly at the right angle. That solution stood out for being quick, resourceful, and highly effective.
5. Organising a surprise birthday party on a small budget:
Planning a surprise party with very limited funds was challenging. Someone suggested hosting it at a local park and asking friends to each bring one item - food, decorations, or games. It turned out to be fun and affordable. The solution was clever because it balanced creativity with collaboration.
6. Keeping drinks cold during a picnic without a cooler:
On a warm day out, we forgot to bring a cooler. One person suggested digging a shallow hole under shade and covering it with wet cloths. After placing the bottles there, they stayed cool for hours. It was a clever workaround using natural insulation and simple physics.
7. Solving a printer jam before an important meeting:
Right before a meeting, the office printer jammed, and no technician was available. A colleague gently opened the tray, rolled the paper backwards using a pencil, and reset the machine. The trick worked instantly. It was a smart and calm response in a stressful situation.
8. Dealing with power outage during an online class:
During a blackout, someone suggested turning on mobile data and joining the online class using a phone instead of waiting for Wi-Fi. It ensured they didn’t miss the lesson. The solution was smart because it showed quick thinking and adaptability.
9. Stopping food from burning without a lid:
While cooking, we couldn’t find a lid for a boiling pot. Someone suggested placing a metal tray over it and weighing it down with a cup. It worked just like a proper lid. This quick fix impressed everyone and saved the dish.
10. Saving battery life on a long journey:
On a long trip, several phones were dying, and charging options were limited. One person suggested switching all devices to flight mode when not in use. It helped conserve battery for important calls. That simple advice made a big difference and was appreciated by all.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
When describing a situation where someone suggested a clever solution, using specific vocabulary can effectively convey the context of the problem, the person involved, and the ingenuity of their idea. Thoughtful word choices will help you articulate why the solution stood out and its positive impact, making your response both clear and appreciative. Here are some relevant words and phrases:
Dilemma: – A situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two or more alternatives, especially equally undesirable ones.
Example: We faced a significant dilemma regarding the project's rapidly approaching deadline.
Conundrum: – A confusing and difficult problem or question.
Example: It was a real conundrum trying to figure out how to manage the conflicting schedules.
Obstacle: – A thing that blocks one's way or prevents or hinders progress.
Example: The main obstacle was a technical glitch that seemed impossible to fix.
Brainstorming session: – A conference with a group of people to produce new ideas or solve problems.
Example: During a brainstorming session, my colleague came up with an ingenious idea.
Crisis point: – A time of intense difficulty, trouble, or danger.
Example: The situation had reached a crisis point before anyone proposed a viable way forward.
Ingenious: – (Of a person) clever, original, and inventive.
Example: His solution was truly ingenious, something no one else had considered.
Innovative: – (Of a product, idea, etc.) featuring new methods; advanced and original.
Example: It was an innovative approach that completely bypassed the traditional methods.
Resourceful: – Having the ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties.
Example: Her resourceful thinking allowed us to find a solution using existing limited resources.
Pragmatic: – Dealing with things sensibly and realistically in a way that is based on practical rather than theoretical considerations.
Example: The suggestion was incredibly pragmatic, focusing on what was achievable immediately.
Out-of-the-box thinking: – Thinking differently, unconventionally, or from a new perspective.
Example: It was a perfect example of out-of-the-box thinking, challenging conventional wisdom.
Streamlined: – Made (an organisation or system) more efficient and effective by employing fewer people or simpler working methods.
Example: The solution streamlined the entire process, saving us a lot of time.
Cost-effective: – Producing good results without costing a lot of money.
Example: What made it particularly clever was that it was also incredibly cost-effective.
Time-saving: – Reducing the amount of time taken to do something.
Example: The clever part was how time-saving the new method proved to be.
Resolution: – The action of solving a problem, dispute, or contentious matter.
Example: The suggestion led to a quick and efficient resolution of the problem.
Relief: – A feeling of reassurance and relaxation following release from anxiety or distress.
Example: We all felt a huge sense of relief once his clever solution was implemented.
Grateful: – Feeling or showing an appreciation of kindness; thankful.
Example: I was incredibly grateful for his sharp intellect and timely intervention.
If you can talk about the cue card topic 'Describe a situation when someone suggested a clever solution', you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1. Describe a time when someone gave you a good piece of advice.
2. Describe an event when you made a good decision.
3. Describe a positive change in your life.
4. Describe an important change in your life.
5. Describe a person whose advice helped you greatly.
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