Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
Something interesting happened in your school - Cue Card # 692
- Details
- Last Updated: Monday, 14 July 2025 13:44
- Written by IELTS Mentor
- Hits: 30326
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 something interesting that happened in your school.
You should say:
- what it was
- what class you were in
- who were there
and explain what was interesting about it.
[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 had the opportunity to enjoy many fun and interesting events in elementary school and high school as a young boy. I really like this topic because it has allowed me to recall one such interesting thing that happened about 8 years ago when I was about 14 or 15 years old and was in grade seven.
I was lucky to have attended a great high school, not only because of its superior educational curriculum but also because of its excellent location. In fact, it was located in between a big lake on one side and a big, beautiful “Mahogany” garden on the other. Apart from its interesting and attractive surroundings, my high school also used to attract some beautiful “guest birds” every winter from thousands of miles away, probably from other countries.
Of course, we were already used to seeing the activities of these birds every winter, playing in our school lake and the big, empty playground behind our school, but it was different during one winter. In that winter, we could see some video cameramen and journalists, probably invited by our school authority, trying to film and photograph the visiting birds. It became even more fun and interesting for us as we were also allowed to be filmed and photographed with them in action. We also noticed with pleasant surprise that the birds were acting as if they were enjoying our attention while eating the food we gave them! Many of us even tried to count how many birds were there but they soon found out that there were just too many to count!
Anyway, the “Expedition Into The World Of The Guest Birds”, as we called it, was indeed one of the most interesting experiences of my life, as it allowed me to interact with some of the most unique and beautiful birds up until then as a young boy. Besides, showing my pictures in action with the birds, along with other friends of mine, in some leading national daily newspapers for the first time, was something I would never forget.
Sample Answer 2:
Thank you for the opportunity to let me talk about an interesting event from my school days. This topic reminds me of some such interesting and pleasant memories, and I have already picked one to describe that to you.
This interesting event was the annual talent show organized by the student council. I was around 15 years old at that time and was in the eighth grade. It was such an unforgettable experience for me that I still recall it vividly - even after so many years! The entire student body, along with teachers and staff, attended the talent show. It was a highly anticipated event, and students from different grades enthusiastically participated to showcase their talents in it.
What made this event particularly interesting was the sheer diversity of talents on display. From singing and dancing to stand-up comedy and magic tricks, there was something for everyone. The talent and creativity of my fellow students were truly impressive, and it was fascinating to see them shine on stage. Moreover, the talent show fostered a sense of unity and friendship among students. It provided a platform for individuals to express themselves and celebrate their unique abilities in front of their peers. The supportive atmosphere created during the event encouraged everyone to cheer for each other, regardless of the outcome.
This event remains one of my fondest memories from my school days, highlighting the importance of celebrating diversity and fostering a supportive environment for personal growth and expression.
Model Answer 3:
Thank you very much for this interesting topic. It takes me back to my school days, and a particular incident that I still remember quite vividly because it was so unexpected and, honestly, quite funny in hindsight.
This happened when I was in about seventh grade, so I would have been around twelve or thirteen years old. It was during our regular science class, which was usually a bit dry, focusing on textbooks and diagrams. We were in our usual science lab, a large room with long benches and sinks, which always had a peculiar smell of chemicals. All my classmates were there, of course, around thirty of us, along with our science teacher, Mr. Karim, who was known for being very disciplined and rarely showing much emotion.
The 'interesting' event involved a rather ambitious experiment with a small homemade volcano. Mr. Karim was demonstrating a classic chemical reaction: mixing baking soda and vinegar to simulate a volcanic eruption. He had this small volcano model, and he was carefully explaining the process. He poured the baking soda in first, and then with a dramatic flourish, he started pouring in the vinegar. Now, the expectation was for a gentle, foamy lava flow, perhaps a slight fizz.
What happened next was completely unscripted. Instead of a controlled eruption, the volcano suddenly erupted with unexpected force, sending a huge, dark red, foamy plume of 'lava' much higher and wider than anyone anticipated! It wasn't just a flow; it was more like an explosion. For a split second, there was complete silence in the classroom as we all stared, wide-eyed. Then, a collective gasp turned into uncontrollable giggles. Mr. Karim, usually so composed, stood there, completely drenched in red foam, looking utterly bewildered.
What was so interesting and memorable about it was the sheer unpredictability of the event, especially given Mr. Karim's stern demeanour. Seeing him covered in red 'lava' was such a stark contrast to his usual serious self that it was impossible for us not to laugh. It broke the routine of a typical science class in the most spectacular way. It also showed us a different, more human side of our teacher, who, after the initial shock, actually managed a small, embarrassed smile.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
This topic asks you to describe something interesting that happened during your time at school. You should explain what the event or situation was, what class you were in at the time, who else was involved or present, and why you found it interesting or memorable. This could involve a competition, a funny incident, a surprise event, or even an unexpected experience. Here are a few ideas to help you structure your response:
1. Unexpected visit by a famous author:
When I was in class 9, our school arranged a surprise visit by a well-known author. We had no idea it was planned, and suddenly, he walked into our classroom and started speaking about the joy of reading. I was amazed because I had read several of his books. The session was inspiring and memorable.
2. A hilarious drama performance:
During our annual cultural program in class 10, a group of students performed a comedy-drama that had everyone in splits. Even the teachers were laughing uncontrollably. It was the highlight of the event, and we kept talking about the jokes for weeks.
3. A class prank on the teacher’s birthday:
In class 8, we secretly planned a birthday surprise for our English teacher. Instead of saying “Good morning,” we all sang “Happy Birthday” when she entered. At first, she looked shocked, but then she smiled and joined us. It was fun and brought everyone closer.
4. Fire drill that turned into an adventure:
While I was in class 7, the school conducted a fire drill. But unexpectedly, the alarm failed midway and we were stuck outside for almost an hour. We ended up playing and chatting with students from other classes. What started as a serious drill became an unexpected break and bonding time.
5. Surprise science experiment success:
In class 9, we were asked to do a group science experiment for a competition. Ours was a bit risky, and we weren’t sure if it would work. Surprisingly, it was a great success and we won first place. The thrill of that unexpected win made it unforgettable.
6. Principal’s sudden musical performance:
Once, during a school function in class 10, our principal surprised everyone by playing the guitar and singing a classic song. None of us knew he had that talent. The whole auditorium gave him a standing ovation, and it became the talk of the school for days.
7. Cultural exchange day:
In class 8, our school invited exchange students from another country. They shared their culture, dressed in traditional outfits, and even taught us a folk dance. It was so engaging and opened our eyes to a completely new way of life.
8. A classmate fainting during an assembly:
During a long assembly in the summer when I was in class 7, one of my classmates fainted. It caused panic at first, but then teachers and students responded quickly, showing great teamwork. Thankfully, the student recovered, and we were praised for our cooperation.
9. Farewell ceremony with unexpected emotions:
When I was in class 10, we had a farewell ceremony for our seniors. Everyone expected it to be formal, but many of us ended up crying during the emotional speeches. It was a heartfelt moment that reminded us how strong the bonds were in our school.
10. Winning an inter-school quiz competition:
In class 9, I was part of the school team that participated in an inter-school quiz. We won against a top school in the final round. The school principal congratulated us personally and even gave us certificates in front of the whole school. That recognition felt special.
11. A surprise announcement of a free holiday:
One fine morning in class 8, the principal announced that the school would be closed the next day due to a local celebration. None of us expected it, and the cheer that erupted in the assembly hall was unforgettable. It felt like we had just won a jackpot!
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
When describing an interesting event at your school, using engaging vocabulary can effectively convey the excitement, the specific details of the occurrence, and your personal involvement. Thoughtful word choices will help you articulate what made the event memorable and its impact, making your response both vivid and relatable. Here are some relevant words and phrases:
Memorable: – Worth remembering or easily remembered, especially because of being special or unusual.
Example: It was a truly memorable event that everyone still talks about.
Unforgettable: – Impossible to forget; very memorable.
Example: The experience was simply unforgettable, a highlight of my school years.
Electrifying atmosphere: – An environment that is very exciting and full of energy.
Example: The science fair had an electrifying atmosphere, buzzing with innovation.
Captivated everyone: – Strongly attracted and held the attention of all.
Example: The guest speaker's presentation captivated everyone in the auditorium.
Spontaneous occurrence: – Something that happens suddenly and without apparent external cause or premeditation.
Example: It was a spontaneous occurrence that brought unexpected joy to the whole class.
Fostered camaraderie: – Encouraged mutual trust and friendship among people who spend a lot of time together.
Example: The team project fostered incredible camaraderie among my classmates.
Unleashed creativity: – Released or allowed the expression of imagination and original ideas.
Example: The art workshop really unleashed creativity among all the students.
Unexpected twist: – A sudden and surprising change or development in a story or situation.
Example: The play had an unexpected twist at the end that stunned the audience.
Sparked lively discussions: – Initiated interesting and animated conversations.
Example: The debate competition sparked lively discussions that continued for days.
Left a lasting impression: – Had a significant and memorable effect on one's mind or feelings.
Example: The innovative teaching method left a lasting impression on my approach to learning.
Brought the subject to life: – Made a topic or subject more interesting and engaging.
Example: The practical experiment truly brought the subject of physics to life for us.
A sense of collective excitement: – A shared feeling of great enthusiasm and eagerness among a group.
Example: There was a palpable sense of collective excitement throughout the entire school that day.
If you prepare for the topic "Describe something interesting that happened in your school", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe something you remember about your first day at a new school.
2) Describe an unusual or interesting thing you did recently.
3) Describe a memorable childhood event/experience you can remember.
4) Describe a memorable event in your life.
5) Describe an exciting experience in your life.
6) Describe something interesting you remember from your school or college.
Report