Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
A historical period you want to know more about - Cue Card # 667
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- Written by IELTS Mentor
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 historical period/time you want to know more about.
You should say:
- which period it is
- how you know about this period of history
- what its importance is in history
and explain what you want to know more about this period/time.
[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:
History has always fascinated me. In fact, it is the honest and objective studies of history that teach us to understand how our world was in the past, how it is now, and how our world will look in the future in the greater scheme of things. But, does that mean that we don’t get to become a little biased toward a certain part of history because of how it has changed our entire world for good? No, it sure doesn’t.
In fact, the world will probably never witness such a period of time that started with the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of the Austro-Hungarian Empire on 28th June 1914 and ended with the creation of a world body of an intergovernmental organization called “The UN” on October 24, 1945. There is no doubt that this particular period of time is of paramount importance in human history since it was after this turbulent period of time, full of wars and destruction, a “shadow” force, in my opinion, started to “manage” the affairs of the world from “behind the scene” by completely changing the world upside down.
Anyway, history is a “tricky” subject, and learning it in “bits and pieces” here and there, without developing a comprehensive understanding of the whole picture, may prove to be “counter-productive”. True that the world would never be the same after World War II, but I have always wanted to know if the two world wars were the works of some “perfect planning so that a “new world order” would eventually come into force.
I have also always wondered why the Europeans, after watching the devastating effects of World War I, couldn’t manage to prevent the 2nd world War! Also, what possibly might have caused Germany to attack Russia after signing a non-aggression pact with Russia just shortly before the start of the 2nd world War? I have many more questions as to what really transpired during this particular period of time, but, perhaps I will never find the answers as it may lead to some really “uncomfortable and inconvenient truths”.
Model Answer 2:
The historical period that has always piqued my curiosity is the Renaissance era, a transformative period in European history known for its cultural, artistic, and intellectual advancements. I have read about this period different times, and yet, I feel like I would like to know more about it. Thank you very much for this interesting topic.
The Renaissance era, spanning roughly from the 14th to the 17th century, marks a significant period of rebirth and revival in Europe.
I first learned about the Renaissance era through history textbooks and literature, which provided a glimpse into its profound impact on art, science, literature, and philosophy.
The Renaissance era holds immense importance in history as it witnessed a resurgence of interest in classical learning and a shift towards humanism, marking the transition from the medieval period to the modern age. It was a time of innovation and exploration, characterized by groundbreaking achievements in various fields, including art, architecture, literature, and science. The era saw the emergence of iconic figures such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Galileo Galilei, whose contributions continue to shape our world today.
Despite having a basic understanding of the Renaissance era, there are many aspects of this period that I would like to delve deeper into. I am particularly interested in exploring the socio-political dynamics of the time, including the role of patrons and institutions in fostering artistic and intellectual endeavours. Additionally, I am eager to learn more about the cultural and societal changes that occurred during this period, as well as the interconnectedness of different regions and civilizations that fueled the exchange of ideas and innovations. By gaining a more comprehensive understanding of the Renaissance era, I hope to appreciate its significance in shaping the course of human history and draw inspiration from the achievements and advancements of this transformative period.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
This topic asks you to describe a historical period or time that you would like to learn more about. It expects you to mention which historical period you are referring to, how you learned about it, why it is important in history, and what specifically about that time you want to explore further. To give a great answer, include details about how that period impacted the world or your country, and explain your curiosity about it. Here are a few ideas to help you develop your own answer:
1. The Renaissance period:
I learned about the Renaissance in a school history class and have always found it fascinating. This period marked the rebirth of art, science, and culture in Europe. I would love to know more about the great minds of the time, like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, and how their work shaped modern thinking.
2. The World War II era:
I’ve watched documentaries and movies based on World War II, and it sparked a deep interest in me. This was a critical time in global history that reshaped political boundaries and international relations. I want to learn more about the people who lived through it and how they coped with war and loss.
3. The Mughal Empire in India:
I first read about the Mughal Empire in a historical novel. The grandeur of their architecture and their influence on Indian culture intrigued me. I’m curious to learn more about their administrative systems and contributions to art and literature during their rule.
4. The Industrial Revolution:
In high school, we studied how the Industrial Revolution transformed economies and societies. I want to know more about how machines changed people’s lives, both positively and negatively, and how it led to the rise of capitalism and urbanisation.
5. The French Revolution:
I came across the French Revolution while watching a documentary. It was a time of radical social and political change in France. I’d like to understand more about the causes behind it, the fall of the monarchy, and how it inspired other democratic movements.
6. The Cold War era:
My interest in politics led me to explore the Cold War. This was a tense period of ideological rivalry between the USA and the Soviet Union. I’d like to learn more about the spy networks, the nuclear arms race, and how ordinary people were affected by global tensions.
7. Ancient Egyptian civilisation:
I've always been fascinated by the pyramids and pharaohs. This civilisation left behind extraordinary monuments and a rich culture. I’d like to learn more about their religious beliefs, burial customs, and the mystery of how they built such massive structures.
8. The American Civil Rights Movement:
I read about Martin Luther King Jr. and his leadership in fighting racial discrimination. This period was crucial in shaping modern human rights laws in the USA. I’d like to know more about the challenges activists faced and how they created social change.
9. The Victorian Era in Britain:
I learned about Queen Victoria and the British Empire in a literature class. This era saw major advancements in science and society. I'm interested in knowing more about the daily lives of people during that time, especially how class differences shaped society.
10. The Partition of India and Pakistan:
This tragic historical event split a country into two and caused immense suffering. I heard about it from my grandparents and want to understand the reasons behind it, the political decisions that led to it, and the long-lasting effects on both countries.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
When describing a historical period you're eager to explore further, using rich vocabulary can effectively convey the era's name, your existing knowledge, its historical significance, and the specific aspects that pique your curiosity. Thoughtful word choices will help you articulate your intellectual fascination and the depth of your interest, making your response both informative and engaging. Here are some relevant words and phrases:
Epoch: – A period in history or a person's life marked by notable events or particular characteristics.
Example: The Renaissance was a pivotal epoch that transformed European society.
Pivotal moment: – A crucial or decisive point in history or a process.
Example: I'm fascinated by the pivotal moments that led to the collapse of ancient empires.
Watershed period: – A turning point or a period marking a decisive change.
Example: The Industrial Revolution was a watershed period that reshaped global economies.
Seminal events: – Highly influential and important events, forming the basis for future developments.
Example: I want to understand the seminal events that defined the early 20th century.
Catalyst for change: – Something or someone that causes a significant change or event to happen.
Example: Many historical periods acted as a catalyst for widespread societal change.
Socio-political landscape: – The combination of social and political conditions and trends in a particular area or period.
Example: I'm keen to delve into the socio-political landscape of post-World War II Europe.
Cultural flourishing: – A period of significant growth and development in arts, literature, and intellectual pursuits.
Example: The Elizabethan era was known for its remarkable cultural flourishing.
Unravelling complexities: – Discovering or explaining the intricate or difficult aspects of something.
Example: I'm interested in unravelling the complexities of ancient civilizations' daily lives.
Historical narratives: – Accounts or stories of past events.
Example: I want to explore different historical narratives from that period, especially those less known.
Power dynamics: – The way in which power is distributed and negotiated within a system or group.
Example: I'd like to understand the intricate power dynamics between different factions during the Roman Empire.
Daily life and customs: – The everyday routines, behaviours, and traditions of people in a particular period.
Example: What truly interests me is learning about the daily life and customs of ordinary people then.
Technological advancements: – Improvements or progress in methods or machinery resulting from scientific knowledge.
Example: I'm curious about the specific technological advancements that revolutionized that era.
Impact on modern society: – The effect or influence a past period had on contemporary times and structures.
Example: I want to understand its enduring impact on modern society and global structures.
Primary sources: – Original documents or objects created at the time under study.
Example: I'd love to examine primary sources to get a firsthand perspective of that historical period.
If you prepare for the topic "Describe a historical period/time you want to know more about", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe an important historical event that you know about.
2) Describe an important historical event in your country.
3) Describe something you want to learn more about.
4) Describe an important event in global history.
5) Describe an important historical figure you know about.
6) Describe something you have recently learned.
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