Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
A country where you would like to work or stay in - Cue Card # 687
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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 country where you would like to work or stay for a short period of time.
You should say:
- which country is this
- what type of work you would like to do there
- how long you would like to work or stay there
and explain why you would like to work or stay in this country for a short period of 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:
I have always considered the opportunity to work in a different country a rare privilege, no matter what country it may be. But, if it ever comes to choosing a particular country to work in, I would certainly go for “Japan”.
Since my early university years, I have thought and learned of Japan as an ideal country to look for work opportunities for a number of reasons. But, before I go on to explain why I want to work in that country, I would like to say a few things to introduce this great country.
Japan is the world’s 4th largest island country, in East Asia, which encompasses more than 6850 islands in the Pacific Ocean. Being popularly known as “Nippon” or the "Land of the Rising Sun”, Japan also is the second largest “developed economy” and one of the most industrialized nations in the world. By the way, Japan is also one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world.
So, it is fair to assume that working opportunities in Japan are literally unlimited whether they want to work in manufacturing, mining and construction sectors, or service sectors. But, as far as I am concerned, I would like to work in the information technology (IT) sector as this great country has witnessed exponential growth in the demand for IT professionals over the last few decades. In fact, I have even learned how Japanese companies are trying to attract foreign workers in order to meet this demand. So, if I ever get an opportunity to work in Japan, I would like to continue it for about 2 years.
Anyway, I would like to work in Japan for two years because it has a very good working culture, where everybody treats each other with great respect. Besides, working in a country like Japan would also allow me to gain valuable work experience and use it to further advance my career after coming back to work in my own country. Finally, I would like to work in this great country also because they have a very high salary structure.
Model Answer 2:
Introduction:
For this fascinating topic, I would like to talk about a country where I would love to work or stay for a short period of time to gain new experiences and broaden my horizons.
Which country is this:
The country that I have in mind is South Korea. It's a beautiful and culturally rich nation located in East Asia, known for its unique blend of tradition and modernity, stunning landscapes, fast trains, K-pop and technological advancements.
What type of work you would like to do there:
During my time in South Korea, I would be interested in participating in a cultural exchange programme or working as an English language instructor. Teaching English to South Korean students would allow me to share my language skills and immerse myself in the local culture, interact with people from diverse backgrounds, and gain valuable teaching experience.
How long you would like to stay or work there:
Ideally, I would like to stay in South Korea for a period of six months to a year. This duration would provide me with ample time to explore different aspects of South Korean culture, learn the language, and experience the daily life and traditions of the country.
And explain why you would like to work or stay in this country for a short period of time:
There are several reasons why I am drawn to the idea of working in South Korea. Firstly, I am fascinated by South Korean culture, art, and history, and I am eager to experience them firsthand. Working in South Korea would offer me the opportunity to delve deeper into the cultural nuances, customs, and traditions of the country.
Secondly, South Korea is renowned for its technological innovations and advancements in various fields such as robotics, consumer electronics, automobiles, engineering, and healthcare. As someone with an interest in technology and innovation, I am excited about the prospect of being in a country at the forefront of technological progress, where I can learn from industry leaders and gain insights into cutting-edge developments.
South Korea is a country that I would love to work or stay in for a short period of time. The opportunity to learn about its rich culture, contribute to its education sector, and experience its technological advancements firsthand makes it an exciting prospect for personal and professional growth.
Sample Answer 3:
Thank you so much for this great topic! Well, if I had the opportunity, I’d love to spend a short period of time in the USA - for about six months. There’s something about that country that has always intrigued me. I’ve heard so much about it, and I’ve read countless books that describe the diverse culture, landscapes, and, of course, the incredible opportunities there.
The United States of America has always been a dream destination for me, not just because of its global influence, but also because of the diversity it offers. From the vibrant cities to the wide-open landscapes and historical landmarks, this country has it all. The US has a lot to offer, and I feel like there’s always something new to discover there.
As for the type of work, I would love to explore something related to my career in content creation and technology. I’m particularly interested in working in a creative field, maybe in digital marketing or media production.
I’d ideally want to stay in the US for about six months. This would give me enough time to really explore the country, get to know the culture and immerse myself in both work and leisure. Six months feels like the perfect amount of time - long enough to experience the country fully, but not so long that I’d feel homesick or get overwhelmed by being away from family and friends.
Well, the main reason I’d like to stay in the US for a short time is because it offers a unique mix of professional opportunities and cultural experiences. I’ve always been fascinated by American culture - its fast pace, its creativity, and its diversity. There’s so much to learn, and I think spending six months there would allow me to experience the country in a way that’s not just touristy. Whether it’s the food, the entertainment, or the people, everything about the US seems to offer new experiences, and I would love to take the time to absorb many of them.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
This topic asks you to describe a country where you would like to work or stay temporarily. A good response should include the name of the country, the type of job or purpose for your stay, how long you would like to be there, and your personal reasons or aspirations behind choosing this country. Focus on cultural interest, career development, lifestyle, or learning opportunities to make your answer more engaging. Here are a few ideas to help you develop your own response:
1. Japan:
I would love to stay in Japan and work as an English language assistant in a local school. I plan to stay there for around six months. Japan’s rich culture, disciplined lifestyle, and advanced technology fascinate me. I believe this experience would help me improve my teaching skills and allow me to explore Japanese culture firsthand.
2. Germany:
Germany is my dream destination for a short-term engineering internship. I would like to work in a robotics company there for about three to four months. Germany's cutting-edge engineering industry and structured work environment would offer immense learning opportunities and add value to my future career.
3. Australia:
I wish to stay in Australia for three months and work on a wildlife conservation project. I have always admired the biodiversity there, and I think this experience would let me contribute meaningfully to environmental protection. Also, the laid-back lifestyle and friendly people make Australia a perfect place to stay temporarily.
4. South Korea:
I would like to work as a digital marketing assistant in Seoul, South Korea, for about six months. I enjoy Korean culture, especially its entertainment and tech industry. Working in a dynamic environment like Seoul would give me valuable exposure and allow me to learn new marketing trends.
5. Canada:
Canada appeals to me as a great place to live and work temporarily. I’d love to take up a research assistant role at a university for four to five months. Canada’s academic environment, multicultural society, and high quality of life make it ideal for intellectual and personal growth.
6. New Zealand:
I’d love to stay in New Zealand for a few months and work at an eco-tourism resort. I'm passionate about sustainability and nature. This opportunity would help me learn how eco-tourism works and allow me to enjoy the beautiful outdoors of New Zealand.
7. France:
France is a country I admire for its art and culinary culture. I’d like to stay in Paris for two months and attend a short course in pastry making. I’d also love to intern at a bakery. Living in France would allow me to experience its lifestyle and improve my French skills.
8. Singapore:
I want to work in Singapore for three to four months in a tech start-up. It’s one of Asia’s leading business hubs, and the work culture is very efficient. Staying there temporarily would help me understand how modern cities function and improve my professional experience in a global environment.
9. Switzerland:
Switzerland is a country I’d love to stay in for about two months. I want to do a short-term internship in a finance firm. It’s known for its banking system, and the peaceful environment and breathtaking scenery are added bonuses. I believe this experience would greatly enhance my career.
10. UAE (Dubai):
I would like to work in Dubai for a few months in the hospitality industry. The city offers great exposure, and working there would allow me to interact with people from different cultures. It’s also a global business hub, and I’d gain valuable customer service skills.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
When describing a country where you'd like to work or stay temporarily, using specific vocabulary can effectively convey its appeal, your professional aspirations, the duration of your stay, and your underlying motivations. Thoughtful word choices will help you articulate the benefits and the experience you seek, making your response both informative and compelling. Here are some relevant words and phrases:
Hub: – The effective center of an activity, region, or network.
Example: It's considered a global hub for technological innovation.
Vibrant culture: – A lively and energetic set of customs, arts, social institutions, and achievements of a particular nation, people, or group.
Example: I'm drawn to its vibrant culture and rich historical tapestry.
Cutting-edge industry: – An industry that uses the most advanced or innovative developments.
Example: I aspire to work in its cutting-edge technology industry.
Professional development: – The process of improving one's skills and knowledge for career advancement.
Example: A short stint there would offer immense opportunities for professional development.
Cultural immersion: – The act of becoming deeply involved in the culture of another country or region.
Example: I'm keen on experiencing deep cultural immersion during my stay.
Networking opportunities: – Chances to interact with other people to exchange information and develop contacts, especially to further one's career.
Example: The country offers unparalleled networking opportunities within my field.
Work-life balance: – The division of one's time and focus between working and personal or family life.
Example: I'm interested in experiencing the renowned work-life balance they offer.
Cross-cultural experience: – An experience that involves interaction with different cultural groups.
Example: It would be an invaluable cross-cultural experience, broadening my perspective.
Enhance my skill set: – Improve or add to my range of abilities or expertise.
Example: I believe working there would significantly enhance my skill set in project management.
Gain global perspective: – Acquire a worldwide point of view or understanding.
Example: My goal is to gain a global perspective on market trends.
Explore diverse landscapes: – To travel through and learn about a variety of natural environments.
Example: Beyond work, I'm eager to explore its diverse landscapes and natural beauty.
A stepping stone: – Something that helps one to make progress towards a specified goal.
Example: This short-term experience would serve as a valuable stepping stone for my long-term career.
Foster personal growth: – Encourage the development of one's own abilities and character.
Example: I anticipate the experience will greatly foster my personal growth and independence.
High quality of life: – The standard of health, comfort, and happiness experienced by an individual or group.
Example: The country is renowned for its high quality of life, which is very appealing.
If you prepare for the topic "Describe a country where you would like to work or stay for a short period of time", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe a country you would like to visit.
2) Describe a place where you would like to visit.
3) Describe a place where you have stayed for a short period of time.
4) Describe a foreign country you have never been to but want to visit someday.
5) Describe a city or town where you lived or would like to live.
6) Describe a type of job you would like to do.
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