Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
Describe a job or work one of your grandparents did - Cue Card # 652
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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 job or work that one of your grandparents did.
You should say:
- whose job or work it was
- what job or work it was
- how he/she carried out the job or work
and explain what you have learned about this job or work.
[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:
My grandfather was a man of many “activities”- activities which were carried out for no specific reasons by a middle-aged man, or so at least I thought. But, as I grew a little older, I realised that the “activities” were some important “tasks” which were needed to keep our family 'effective' and 'efficient'. I also realised that my grandfather was a “bread earner” for the joint family in which we were also a part. Well, my grandfather was a school teacher, and I am so happy to be able to talk about his profession and what I learned from him about this profession.
There was every reason to believe that my grandfather loved his teaching profession as much as he cared for his young students. As far as I remember, my grandfather used to wake up very early in the morning every day to get ready to go to school with his bag full of books. A school bus would transport him to and from our house even though my father was very much in favour of dropping him at his work. I guess, he just loved his “freedom” of travelling on his own.
He would arrive home at around 5:00 pm after finishing school at 4:30 pm. He was a man of few words, but he would never forget to talk to us for a while before going to his little study room to prepare his lessons. I was pretty sure that my grandfather took his job very seriously as he would get a little irritated if I ever entered his study room out of curiosity.
Later on, of course, I had come to know that my grandfather was a very good teacher. In fact, I was told by my father that my grandfather had received the “best teacher’ award a few times.
My grandfather taught me how to help family even if it meant doing as little as putting the glass back in its place. Then I also learnt from my grandfather how to be “serious” about my work/profession while ensuring enough time for my family members.
When my grandfather died, I was only about 14 years old. But whatever I had learnt from him by that age was enough to understand that teaching was a noble profession and teachers should take their profession seriously as the future of many learners depend on them. I also learned that even though this profession pays poorly in our country, many talented graduates still take this profession as they value serving society over earning money.
Model Answer 2:
Introduction:
Oh, thank you so much for giving me this great opportunity to talk about this topic. Today, for this topic, I would like to talk about the job of my maternal grandfather, who was a merchant.
Whose job or work it was:
Well, the job I’ll be talking about is that of my maternal grandfather. I can still recall that he was a well-known figure in our family and was highly respected for his dedication and hard work throughout his life. I was very close to him and I admired him a lot.
What job or work it was:
My grandfather worked as a merchant. As far as I know and have heard, he primarily dealt with trading goods, including textiles, fabrics and other commodities. I also learned that he had a successful business in his prime. He travelled frequently to different cities and regions to expand his trade network and maintain good relations with other merchants. As a merchant, he was a very mysterious man in our eyes. As a small kid, I had no idea what his profession was or what he was up to. But when I grew up, I realised that he was a great merchant and highly successful in his trade.
How he/she carried out the job or work:
I have heard from my father and uncles that my grandfather managed his business with great care, always ensuring that he kept a close eye on his inventory and supply chain. I also heard that he relied on building strong relationships with his suppliers and customers, which played a key role in his success. Most of his work was done by visiting various markets, negotiating prices, and handling deliveries. Despite the physical demands of the job, he took pride in his work, and it became a symbol of his diligence and success.
What you have learned about this job or work:
Well, from my grandfather's work, I learned the importance of building relationships, managing resources efficiently, and being persistent. His job was not just about making profits but also about trust and maintaining long-term connections with people. It showed me that a successful career often requires hard work, dedication, and the ability to adapt to changing market conditions. I also learned that success in a profession does not come easily. It requires hard work, commitment, intelligence, dedication, honesty, decisiveness and a proper network.
Model Answer 3:
Well, thank you so much for this nice topic. My paternal grandfather was a college professor, and for this topic, I would like to talk about his profession.
He was a highly esteemed educator in his community, and I really liked him. That is why, I was also very fascinated about the job he used to do when I was a young child.
He served as a college professor, specialising in mathematics and physics. His passion for teaching and his deep knowledge of these subjects made him a revered figure among students and colleagues alike.
My grandfather carried out his job with dedication, enthusiasm, and a commitment to excellence. He meticulously planned his lectures, incorporating real-life examples and practical demonstrations to make complex concepts more accessible to his students. His teaching methods were innovative and engaging, encouraging active participation and critical thinking among his students. Additionally, he served as a mentor and guide, offering invaluable advice and support to aspiring young minds.
My grandfather's career as a college professor taught me several invaluable lessons that continue to resonate with me. Firstly, his unwavering dedication to his profession and his students underscored the importance of passion and commitment in achieving success. His ability to simplify complex ideas and foster a love for learning among his students highlighted the transformative power of education. Moreover, his role as a mentor and guide exemplified the significance of generosity, empathy, and mentorship in nurturing the next generation of leaders and innovators.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
Grandparents often have fascinating stories about the jobs or work they did throughout their lives. These jobs are often shaped by different times and circumstances. Describing the job or work of a grandparent can offer insight into their character, the challenges they faced, and the lessons they learned. Here are some ideas to help you describe the job or work that one of your grandparents did:
1. My paternal grandfather – Farmer:
My paternal grandfather was a farmer, and he spent most of his life working on the family farm. He grew crops such as wheat, corn, and vegetables and raised livestock. His work was incredibly labour-intensive, with long hours spent planting, harvesting, and taking care of the animals. He carried out his job with great care and dedication, using traditional farming methods passed down through generations. From him, I learned the importance of hard work, patience, and the deep connection between nature and sustenance.
2. My maternal grandmother – School Teacher:
My maternal grandmother worked as a school teacher in a small rural village. She taught children of all ages, from elementary school to early high school. She used creative teaching methods, often incorporating games and songs to make learning fun. I remember her always emphasising the value of education and the importance of nurturing young minds. I learned from her that teaching is not just about imparting knowledge but also about shaping character and inspiring future generations.
3. My paternal grandmother – Seamstress:
My paternal grandmother was a skilled seamstress, known for her ability to create beautiful clothes by hand. She worked from home, making dresses, suits, and alterations for local customers. She carried out her job with incredible precision, often spending hours on intricate details and hand-stitching. From her, I learned the value of craftsmanship, patience, and the pride that comes with creating something with your own hands.
4. My maternal grandfather – Blacksmith:
My maternal grandfather was a blacksmith, working with metal to forge tools, horseshoes, and other essential items. His job required a lot of physical strength and skill, as he worked with hot metal and heavy tools. He would often spend long hours in the forge, shaping metal using a hammer and an anvil. I learned from him the importance of manual labour and how a craft can be passed down through generations, and I also learned about the dedication and resilience required in such demanding work.
5. My paternal grandfather – Merchant:
My paternal grandfather was a merchant who ran a small local shop. He sold a variety of goods, from groceries to household items, and built strong relationships with his customers. He was known for his honesty and fairness, always ensuring that his customers were treated well. He carried out his work with a strong sense of community and trust. From him, I learned about the value of customer relationships, the importance of trust in business, and the role small businesses play in local economies.
6. My maternal grandmother – Nurse:
My maternal grandmother was a nurse, and she spent many years working in a local hospital. She cared for patients of all ages, from the very young to the elderly. Her work involved administering medicine, assisting with surgeries, and providing emotional support to patients and their families. She carried out her job with compassion and dedication, often going above and beyond what was expected. From her, I learned the importance of empathy in healthcare and the difference that a caring attitude can make in people’s lives.
7. My paternal grandfather – Carpenter:
My paternal grandfather worked as a carpenter, building furniture, repairing homes, and constructing wooden structures. His job required precision, creativity, and a deep understanding of how to work with wood. He often spent hours designing and constructing pieces, ensuring they were both functional and aesthetically pleasing. I learned from him that craftsmanship is not just about skills but also about passion and attention to detail.
8. My maternal grandfather – Fisherman:
My maternal grandfather worked as a fisherman, spending his days on the water catching fish for the local market. His work was dependent on the weather and the seasons, requiring great knowledge of the sea and fishing techniques. He carried out his work with respect for nature, always ensuring that he fished sustainably. From him, I learned the importance of respecting the environment and the hardships that come with work that relies on nature’s unpredictability.
9. My paternal grandmother – Chef:
My paternal grandmother worked as a chef in a local restaurant. She was known for her cooking skills, especially her delicious homemade breads and pastries. She spent most of her days in the kitchen, creating mouth-watering meals for the restaurant’s patrons. She took great pride in her work and always insisted on using the freshest ingredients. From her, I learned the importance of attention to detail and the joy of bringing people together through food.
10. My maternal grandmother – Librarian:
My maternal grandmother worked as a librarian in a community library. She managed the collection, helped visitors find the books they needed, and organised various reading events for children and adults. She loved reading and shared her passion for books with everyone she met. I learned from her that books are powerful tools for learning and growth, and the role of libraries in fostering a love of reading within communities.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ cue card topic:
When describing a job or work that one of your grandparents did, using vocabulary that conveys the nature of their occupation, the methods they used, and the insights you gained can create a respectful and informative narrative. Focusing on the details of their work and its impact will help explain what you learned. Here are some useful words and phrases with example sentences:
Occupation: A general term for a person's regular work or profession.
Wage: Payment for work done, usually calculated on an hourly, daily, or piecework basis.
Entrepreneur: A person who organises and operates a business or businesses, taking on greater than normal financial risks in order to do so.
Conducive to: Making a certain situation or outcome likely or possible in relation to the work environment or tasks.
Extrinsic motivation: Motivation driven by external rewards such as salary, bonuses, or promotions.
Incumbent: The person who currently holds a particular office or position.
Precarious employment: Work that is characterised by instability, insecurity, low wages, and limited benefits.
Ubiquitous skill: A skill that is needed or useful in a wide variety of jobs and professions.
Vicarious learning: Learning that occurs through observing the actions of others and their consequences, often applicable in mentorship or on-the-job training.
Physically and mentally demanding: Requiring a lot of physical effort and mental concentration, problem-solving, or emotional resilience.
Positive reputation: A generally good opinion or belief that people have about someone based on their past actions and character, often indicating trustworthiness and competence.
Important service to the community: Work that provides a necessary or beneficial function for the people living in a particular area, contributing to their well-being or the smooth functioning of society.
Carried out their duties: Performed the tasks and responsibilities that were part of their job or role.
Gained firsthand experience in: Obtained direct, personal knowledge or skill in a particular area by doing it themselves rather than learning about it indirectly.
If you prepare for the topic "Describe a job or work that one of your grandparents did", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe a job or career you have or wish to have.
2) Describe a profession you know that you are interested in.
3) Describe an ambition you have in your life.
4) Describe someone in your family whom you admire.
5) Describe a memorable childhood memory.
6) Describe a job or profession that someone you know has.
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