Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
Interesting talk or lecture you have heard or attended - Cue Card # 640
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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 interesting talk or lecture you have heard or attended.
You should say:
- who the speaker was
- when and where you heard/attended it
- what it was about
and explain why you think it was interesting.
[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 take a great deal of interest in climate change that has been affecting our planet for centuries. So, whenever there is a talk or lecture on climate change, I seldom miss it, whether it is discussed in a seminar or broadcast on a TV channel. So, when I came to know about such a lecture on “global warming” to be addressed by one of the most notable NASA scientists, I was quite excited. The lecture was broadcast about 2 years ago on the National Geographic TV channel.
The lecture methodically tried to highlight the damage to our earth caused by global warming and climate change. The very learned and distinguished lecturer presented the effects of greenhouse gases while saying how the Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets were melting, sea levels were rising around the world, as well as how wildlife was on the verge of becoming extinct because of an extreme weather pattern.
Before ending his lecture, this distinguished scientist didn’t forget to warn us as to how the future of our planet hung in the balance if we didn’t take immediate measures to slow the global warming caused by greedy humans. Indicating extreme weather events such as El Nino, the lecturer also reminded us how changes that had historically taken thousands of years to occur were happening over the course of decades.
The lecture was becoming more and more interesting as it continued for almost 2 hours, presenting the facts and information on how we humans have gradually destroyed our planet because of our unabated greed to power our modern lives. In fact, the lecture was quite worrisome for a native of a small island nation like me, which, according to the lecture, would submerge in the ocean because of the rise in sea level by 2050.
In fact, the threat of global warming is so real that even the former US vice president travelled from one corner of the world to another in order to raise awareness about its negative impact. After following the lecture the entire time, I didn’t have even a shadow of doubt in my mind that climate change was and still is the biggest challenge to the existence of our planet.
Model Answer 2:
I have attended several seminars, talks and lectures. But in my opinion, the most captivating talks I've attended were delivered by Dr. Jane Goodall, a renowned primatologist and conservationist. For this topic, I will share this experience with you.
I had the privilege of hearing her speak at a conservation conference held at my university auditorium last year. Dr. Goodall's talk focused on her groundbreaking research with chimpanzees in Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania, as well as her tireless efforts to advocate for wildlife conservation and environmental protection. She shared inspiring anecdotes from her fieldwork, highlighting the complex social behaviours and emotional lives of chimpanzees, and emphasised the urgent need for global action to address pressing environmental issues such as deforestation, habitat loss, and species extinction.
What made Dr. Goodall's talk particularly captivating was her unwavering passion, enthusiasm, and authenticity. Her deep connection with the natural world and her heartfelt commitment to making a positive difference resonated deeply with the audience, inspiring us to reflect on our own roles in protecting the planet and conserving its biodiversity.
Moreover, Dr. Goodall's talk was not only informative but also incredibly engaging and thought-provoking. She skillfully weaved together scientific insights, personal anecdotes, and compelling storytelling to convey complex environmental concepts in a relatable and accessible manner. Her ability to captivate the audience's attention and spark meaningful conversations about conservation challenges and solutions was truly remarkable. Her powerful message of hope, resilience, and collective action continues to inspire me to advocate for a more sustainable and harmonious relationship with the natural world.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
This Candidate Task Card topic asks you to describe a talk, speech, or lecture that you found interesting and memorable. To answer this cue card well, you should mention who the speaker was, when and where you attended or heard it, what the talk or lecture was about, and most importantly, why it left a strong impression on you. A good response should include a famous or inspirational speaker, a thought-provoking subject, an academic setting, or a real-life story that had practical relevance. You can also explain how this talk changed your perspective or influenced your thoughts. Here are a few ideas to help you develop your own response. Hope you find them helpful.
1. A TED Talk by Sir Ken Robinson on education:
I watched a TED Talk by Sir Ken Robinson titled “Do schools kill creativity?” while attending an online seminar during my first year at university. His witty and insightful views on the education system and the need to encourage creativity made it extremely engaging. I found his ideas deeply relevant, especially as a student, and they made me reflect on how rigid and outdated some teaching methods still are.
2. A university lecture by a climate scientist:
During an environmental awareness week in college, I attended a lecture by Dr. Peterson, a renowned climate scientist. He discussed the effects of climate change on coastal cities and showed shocking satellite imagery. The way he used facts, visuals, and real-life consequences made it unforgettable. I walked out of the room feeling more responsible toward the planet.
3. A motivational talk by a cancer survivor:
At a local community event, I listened to a talk by a woman who survived breast cancer. She shared her battle, emotional struggles, and how she never gave up hope. It was very emotional and inspiring. Her courage and positive attitude moved everyone in the room. It made me realise how resilience can turn even the darkest chapters into triumphs.
4. An online webinar by a tech entrepreneur:
I joined a virtual lecture hosted by a tech entrepreneur who founded a popular mobile app. He spoke about how he started from a garage with almost no resources and scaled his business globally. I found it inspiring because I’ve always wanted to create my own tech product. His story gave me ideas and confidence to pursue my dreams.
5. A historical talk at a museum:
While on a school trip to a history museum, I attended a short lecture about World War II and its impact on civilians. The speaker used original photos and survivor interviews, which made the topic feel very real. The emotional stories and personal accounts were fascinating and taught me history beyond just facts and dates.
6. A guest lecture by an astronaut:
At a science festival in my city, an astronaut gave a talk about life in space. He described the experience of zero gravity, daily routines aboard the International Space Station, and the view of Earth from space. It was so different from anything I had ever heard. I found it exciting and eye-opening.
7. A career counselling seminar in high school:
Our school arranged a career guidance seminar where a professional coach spoke about choosing careers based on interest, not pressure. He discussed real-life examples of people who switched paths and found success. It helped me reevaluate my goals and made me feel less stressed about choosing the “perfect” job.
8. A book launch talk by a famous author:
I once attended a book launch event where a bestselling novelist gave a short talk on how she gets her inspiration. She talked about her childhood, love for storytelling, and how simple life events can become powerful plots. As someone who loves writing, I found it both enjoyable and motivational.
9. A talk by a mental health advocate:
In university, I attended a mental health awareness session where the speaker openly discussed his battle with depression and anxiety. He used humour and honesty to break the stigma and urged students to speak up and seek help. It was very relatable and encouraging. I think it made a lot of people in the audience feel seen and understood.
10. A cultural lecture on indigenous traditions:
During a cultural exchange programme, I attended a lecture about indigenous tribes and their way of life. The speaker showed photos, traditional tools, and explained how these communities live in harmony with nature. It fascinated me because I had no idea such lifestyles still existed. It broadened my worldview significantly.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
When describing an interesting talk or lecture, using specific vocabulary can effectively convey details about the speaker, the setting, the content, and your personal engagement. Thoughtful word choices will help you articulate why the talk captivated your attention and its lasting impact, making your response both informative and compelling. Here are some relevant words and phrases:
Keynote speaker: – The main speaker at a public event, especially at a conference.
Example: The keynote speaker for the conference was a renowned astrophysicist.
Distinguished lecturer: – A respected and prominent person giving a formal educational speech.
Example: We had the privilege of hearing from a distinguished lecturer in the field of artificial intelligence.
Renowned expert: – A person widely known and highly skilled in a particular field.
Example: The talk was delivered by a renowned expert on climate change.
Webinar: – A seminar or other presentation conducted online.
Example: I attended a fascinating webinar on digital marketing trends.
Symposium: – A conference or meeting to discuss a particular subject.
Example: It was part of an international symposium on sustainable development.
Conference: – A formal meeting of people with a shared interest, typically one that takes place over several days.
Example: I heard the talk at a large technology conference last year.
Engaging topic: – A subject that captures one's interest or attention.
Example: The speaker presented on a truly engaging topic: the future of genetic engineering.
Insightful: – Having or showing an accurate and deep understanding; perceptive.
Example: His analysis was incredibly insightful, offering new perspectives.
Thought-provoking: – Stimulating careful thought or discussion.
Example: The lecture was incredibly thought-provoking, challenging many of my preconceptions.
Captivating: – Capable of attracting and holding interest; charming.
Example: Her storytelling ability was captivating, holding the audience spellbound.
Eloquence: – Fluent or persuasive speaking or writing.
Example: I was particularly impressed by the speaker's eloquence and clarity.
Rhetoric: – The art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing, especially the use of figures of speech and other compositional techniques.
Example: The speaker used compelling rhetoric to convey his message about social justice.
Stimulated my curiosity: – Aroused interest or eagerness to know or learn.
Example: The lecture really stimulated my curiosity about quantum physics.
Broadened my horizons: – Increased one's range of interests, knowledge, or experience.
Example: Attending that talk truly broadened my horizons and changed my perspective.
Left a lasting impression: – Had a significant and memorable effect on one's mind or feelings.
Example: The speaker's powerful message left a lasting impression on everyone present.
Compelling arguments: – Arguments that evoke conviction, usually through strong, clear reasoning.
Example: He presented a series of compelling arguments that were hard to refute.
If you prepare for the topic "Describe an interesting talk or lecture you have heard or attended", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe a speech that somebody delivered and you heard.
2) Describe something you did that was new or exciting.
3) Describe something interesting you have recently learned.
4) Describe a lecture that you enjoyed attending.
5) Describe something you learned that had a positive influence on you.
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