Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
Storybook or novel that was particularly interesting - Cue Card # 675
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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 storybook or a novel that was particularly interesting to you.
You should say:
- what the storybook/novel was
- what it was about
- why you read it
and explain why you think it was so 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 never really got a book as a gift on any of my birthdays, but when I got “To Kill a Mockingbird”, a classic novel, on my 16th birthday instead of some unique gifts, I asked myself why I never thought of a book as a perfect gift for a birthday before!
I didn’t open the book until after 3 months then, and as I got a long vacation from my college afterwards, I planned to read it. It is a super classic novel, written by Harper Lee during the 1960s, that talks about the past American society in the 30s of the 20th century in a very realistic way when racism was prevailing in every corner and every activity of the said society, even though everybody talked about how racism was wrong. This classic book also describes how one man’s good intention is just not enough to make a difference in a town which is full of racism, and that sometimes it takes another generation (generation of character “Scout”) to break away from the cruel and rather limited way of thinking of the previous generation.
This book was a really interesting read primarily because, in my humble opinion, even though, it talks about serious issues like rape and racial inequality, it has done so by perfectly blending warmth and humour.
I liked reading this great classic also because it very nicely tried to advocate a female “protagonist” character without defending her actions or inactions because of her gender. Besides, the pragmatic and easy-flowing conversation among different characters falls in the “realm of truthfulness and no pretence” is simply outstanding. Another thing, which I found really interesting about this book, is that even though this is a classic novel, it doesn’t shy away from portraying the different phases of child growth in a very wonderful manner.
Finally, I found this book fascinating also because even though this book was written a long time ago, it is still very relevant because racism, cruelty, prejudices and discrimination still shockingly exist today in many societies in the same ugly magnitude or perhaps in a more severe form.
Model Answer 2:
One storybook that deeply intrigued me is "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho. It's a captivating novel that delves into themes of destiny, dreams, and the journey of self-discovery. It has so profound an effect on me that I have decided to talk about it here today.
"The Alchemist" follows the journey of Santiago, a young shepherd who embarks on a quest to find his personal legend or his true purpose in life. Along the way, he encounters various obstacles, meets colourful characters, and learns profound lessons about following one's dreams and listening to the universe.
The novel takes readers on an enchanting adventure across exotic lands, from the bustling markets of Tangier to the vast deserts of Egypt. As Santiago travels, he discovers the importance of intuition, perseverance, and faith in achieving his goals. Alongside Santiago, readers explore timeless wisdom about the interconnectedness of all things and the power of the human spirit.
I was drawn to "The Alchemist" after hearing rave reviews about its inspirational and philosophical themes. Additionally, as someone who enjoys introspective literature that explores the deeper meaning of life, I felt compelled to dive into Santiago's transformative journey and uncover the universal truths woven throughout the narrative.
What makes "The Alchemist" particularly fascinating is its ability to resonate with readers on a profound level. Through Santiago's quest for treasure, readers are encouraged to reflect on their own aspirations and the obstacles they encounter on their path to fulfilment. Coelho's eloquent prose and timeless wisdom captivate readers from start to finish, leaving them inspired to pursue their dreams with unwavering determination and faith in the unknown.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
This topic asks you to talk about a storybook or a novel that captured your interest. You should mention the title of the book, give a brief overview of its plot or theme, explain what motivated you to read it, and describe why it left a lasting impression on you. To make your answer engaging, highlight elements like emotional impact, surprising twists, relatable characters, or how the book changed your perspective. Here are a few ideas to help you develop your response:
1. “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee:
This novel is about racial injustice and moral growth in a small American town. I read it in high school as part of our literature class. The powerful characters, especially Atticus Finch and Scout, made a deep impression on me. The book opened my eyes to social issues and taught me empathy through storytelling.
2. “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho:
This philosophical novel tells the story of a young shepherd, Santiago, who goes on a journey to find his personal legend. I read it during a vacation, and it was recommended by a friend. The spiritual and motivational aspects of the story inspired me to reflect on my own goals and purpose in life.
3. “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” by J.K. Rowling:
This book is about a young wizard’s first year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I read it as a teenager out of curiosity after hearing so much about it. The magical world, friendships, and adventures completely drew me in and made me fall in love with reading.
4. “The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini:
Set in Afghanistan, this novel follows the story of friendship, betrayal, and redemption. I read it after seeing it on a best-seller list. The emotional depth and the heartbreaking journey of the protagonist made it a book I couldn’t forget. It was both touching and enlightening.
5. “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen:
This is a classic romance novel centred around the character of Elizabeth Bennet and her evolving relationship with Mr. Darcy. I picked it up out of curiosity after seeing several movie adaptations. The witty dialogue, strong characters, and social commentary made it an enjoyable and thought-provoking read.
6. “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak:
The story revolves around a young girl in Nazi Germany who finds comfort in stealing books and reading them during difficult times. I read it during a school break after it was recommended by a teacher. The unusual narration and emotional storyline made it unforgettable.
7. “Sherlock Holmes: The Hound of the Baskervilles” by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle:
This detective novel follows the mysterious death linked to a legendary beast. I read it because I love mystery and suspense. The clever twists and Holmes’ brilliant deductions kept me on the edge of my seat and made me want to read more of the series.
8. “Things Fall Apart” by Chinua Achebe:
This novel explores the clash between traditional African culture and colonialism. I read it for a literature competition and found the portrayal of the protagonist’s downfall incredibly powerful. It made me think deeply about cultural identity and historical injustice.
9. “Life of Pi” by Yann Martel:
This book tells the story of a boy who survives a shipwreck and ends up on a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger. I read it after seeing the trailer for the movie. The combination of adventure, survival, and philosophical questions made it a fascinating read.
10. “A Thousand Splendid Suns” by Khaled Hosseini:
This novel follows the lives of two Afghan women over three decades of political turmoil. I read it after finishing “The Kite Runner” by the same author. The emotional depth, strong female characters, and depiction of resilience made it incredibly powerful and heartbreaking at the same time.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
When describing a particularly interesting storybook or novel, using evocative vocabulary can effectively convey its genre, plot, your reasons for reading it, and what made it so captivating. Thoughtful word choices will help you articulate its themes and impact, making your response both insightful and engaging. Here are some relevant words and phrases:
Captivating: – Holding one's attention completely; fascinating.
Example: The novel had a captivating plot that kept me hooked from beginning to end.
Compelling: – Evoking interest, attention, or admiration in a powerfully irresistible way.
Example: The characters were so compelling; I felt deeply invested in their journey.
Intriguing: – Arousing one's curiosity or interest; fascinating.
Example: The intriguing premise of the story immediately drew me in.
Thought-provoking: – Stimulating deep consideration or reflection.
Example: It was a truly thought-provoking novel that made me reconsider my own beliefs.
Immersive: – Providing a deeply absorbing or engrossing experience.
Example: The author created such an immersive world that I felt I was truly part of the story.
Page-turner: – A book that is so exciting or interesting that you want to keep reading.
Example: Once I started, it was a real page-turner; I couldn't put it down.
Unravelling mysteries: – Discovering or explaining secrets or unknown aspects.
Example: The joy of reading came from slowly unravelling the mysteries presented in the plot.
Rich narrative: – A story that is detailed, complex, and full of interesting elements.
Example: The novel boasted a rich narrative, weaving together multiple storylines seamlessly.
Profound impact: – A significant and lasting effect.
Example: This story had a profound impact on my perspective on life and human nature.
Literary masterpiece: – A work of literature that is considered to be exceptionally excellent.
Example: Many consider it a literary masterpiece, and I completely agree after reading it.
Escapism: – The tendency to seek distraction and relief from unpleasant realities, especially by engaging in entertainment or fantasy.
Example: Reading this book was pure escapism, allowing me to enter a different world.
Resonated deeply: – Had a strong emotional impact or evoked a feeling of understanding.
Example: The themes of courage and resilience resonated deeply with my personal experiences.
Character development: – The process of a character changing and growing throughout a story.
Example: The exceptional character development made the protagonists feel incredibly real.
Inspiring: – Providing a feeling of encouragement or motivation.
Example: The journey of the main character was truly inspiring, encouraging me to face my own challenges.
If you prepare for the topic "Describe a storybook or a novel that was particularly interesting to you", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe an interesting book you have read.
2) Describe a book you have recently read.
3) Describe a book that has a strong impression on you.
4) Describe a story that you find particularly interesting.
5) Describe a book that has a major influence on you.
6) Describe a book you would recommend your friends to read.
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