Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
Describe an important conversation - Cue Card # 701
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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 an important conversation that has brought a positive change in your life.
You should say:
- whom you had this conversation with
- how long this conversation lasted
- why you had this conversation
and explain how this conversation has brought a positive change in your life.
[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 made it a habit to have conversations and take advice on important issues from people around me. Needless to say, this practice has often helped me make decisions at crunch times. Today, I would like to talk about one such conversation I had after passing junior college.
It was about 7 years ago when I failed to get admission to the medical college. Actually, not being able to pass the medical college entrance examination was one of the most shocking experiences of my life. Of course, it was not an easy admission test at all because only the most brilliant students with great academic results usually take part in these tests in order to study medical science at the medical colleges of my country. However, while I don’t exactly think that I fall into the category of the most brilliant students in my country, I still thought that I would be able to pull off a miracle since I studied really hard throughout my previous years for this purpose.
After failing to secure a place at a medical college, I remained confused and clueless for a considerable period of time. I even felt depressed at times after that shocking news. So, I decided to head to my elder uncle, hoping that he would provide me with some intelligent conversation and comfort in order to help me get out of this Jinx. The conversation continued for about 30 minutes which provided a lot of important insights to me about life, as well as how the definition of “success” and “failure” changes in the life of people, as time progresses.
Anyway, I felt much better about my life after having that conversation with my uncle, as it provided me with the much-needed direction for my life. In fact, the conversation helped me realize that we should always explore other avenues of success, when we fail to achieve a certain dream, instead of feeling down and depressed. Besides, it was after this conversation I learned to work even harder instead of complaining about the system and situation.
Model Answer 2:
I believe that conversations have the power to shape our perspectives, inspire change, and lead us towards personal growth. One pivotal conversation that significantly impacted my life was with my mentor, Sarah, during a profound heart-to-heart discussion that lasted for several hours. For this excellent topic, I would like to talk about this conversation that I had with Sarah.
The conversation took place with my mentor, Sarah, whom I deeply respect for her wisdom, empathy, and guidance. Sarah has been a beacon of light and a source of inspiration in my life, offering invaluable advice and support during times of uncertainty and self-discovery.
The conversation lasted for several hours, stretching late into the night as we delved into various aspects of life, personal goals, and aspirations. Despite the passage of time, every moment of our dialogue felt purposeful and enlightening, as we shared our thoughts, experiences, and dreams with one another.
The conversation was prompted by a period of introspection and soul-searching on my part, as I grappled with questions about my career path, relationships, and overall sense of fulfillment. Feeling stuck and uncertain about the future, I sought Sarah's guidance and perspective, hoping to gain clarity and direction in my life.
The conversation with Sarah proved to be a turning point in my life, catalyzing a series of positive changes and transformative experiences. Through her insightful reflections and gentle guidance, Sarah helped me unearth my true passions, identify my strengths, and chart a course towards personal and professional fulfilment. Her words of encouragement and unwavering support instilled in me a newfound sense of confidence and purpose, empowering me to pursue my goals with renewed vigour and determination. As a result of our conversation, I made significant strides in my career, cultivated meaningful relationships, and embarked on a journey of self-discovery and growth.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
This topic asks you to describe a significant conversation that created a positive impact in your life. It could be a discussion that motivated you, changed your mindset, helped you make a better decision, or guided you through a tough situation. You are expected to talk about who you had this conversation with, how long it lasted, what the context was, and most importantly, how it brought a positive transformation. Here are a few ideas to help you develop your own answer. We hope you will find them useful.
1. A conversation with my college professor:
During my final year at university, I had a one-on-one discussion with my professor about my confusion regarding career choices. He listened patiently and advised me to follow my passion for writing, even though I was studying engineering. The talk lasted for about 40 minutes and made me feel confident in choosing content creation as a profession. That conversation gave me the courage to pursue a career aligned with my interests.
2. A heart-to-heart with my elder sister:
Last year, when I was going through a tough breakup, my elder sister sat with me and had an emotional conversation that lasted almost two hours. She shared her own experiences and gave me emotional support. Her empathy and words helped me process the situation and focus on my own healing. It truly made me emotionally stronger and helped me move on.
3. A pep talk from my football coach:
Before an important match, I had a 15-minute motivational conversation with my coach. He reminded me of my potential and the hard work I had put in. That brief exchange lifted my spirits and gave me the confidence to perform well. We won the match, and I learned that believing in oneself is half the battle won.
4. An inspiring discussion with a motivational speaker:
I once attended a seminar where a motivational speaker spoke about self-discipline and consistency. After the event, I got a chance to ask a question and ended up speaking to him for 10 minutes. He gave me personalized advice on time management and goal-setting. That conversation pushed me to restructure my routine, and since then, I’ve been more productive and focused.
5. A career guidance session with a friend’s parent:
A few years ago, I was confused about whether to study abroad. A friend’s father, who is a successful entrepreneur, spent about half an hour talking with me about the pros and cons. His advice helped me apply for scholarships and secure admission. That conversation changed the course of my career and opened new opportunities for me.
6. A deeply personal talk with my best friend:
I was once overwhelmed with pressure and self-doubt. My best friend noticed it and initiated a meaningful conversation that lasted nearly two hours. He reminded me of my achievements and the progress I had made. That heartfelt talk shifted my mindset and helped me regain confidence. It was a turning point in my personal development.
7. An honest discussion with my former boss:
When I was considering quitting my job, I spoke to my boss about my concerns and career goals. He gave me genuine advice and suggested that I transition into a freelance role. That conversation gave me the direction I needed and encouraged me to explore a more flexible career path, which I enjoy today.
8. A spiritual conversation with a religious person:
On a trip to a foreign country, I had the opportunity to speak with a religious person who spoke about inner peace, gratitude, and mindfulness. Our conversation lasted around 30 minutes and left a profound impact on how I handle stress and negativity. Since then, I have adopted some changes to my lifestyle and feel more balanced.
9. A discussion with my father during a power cut:
One evening, during a long power outage, my father and I sat on the balcony and talked for more than an hour. He shared his life struggles and the lessons he learned. That moment helped me understand the value of resilience and family. It deepened our bond and positively influenced how I approach problems in life.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
When describing an important conversation that brought positive change, using impactful vocabulary can effectively convey the nature of the dialogue, its duration, the reasons for it, and its transformative effect. Thoughtful word choices will help you articulate the emotional and intellectual impact, making your response both personal and insightful. Here are some relevant words and phrases:
Pivotal: – Of crucial importance in relation to the development or success of something else.
Example: It was a pivotal conversation that completely shifted my perspective.
Transformative: – Causing a marked change in someone or something.
Example: The discussion proved to be transformative, altering my approach to challenges.
Candid: – Truthful and straightforward; frank.
Example: We had a candid conversation about my career aspirations and their advice was invaluable.
Heart-to-heart: – A serious, intimate, and frank talk between two people.
Example: It felt like a true heart-to-heart, where I could openly express my concerns.
Eye-opening: – Unexpectedly enlightening; revealing or surprising.
Example: Their perspective was truly eye-opening, making me see things differently.
Catalyst for change: – Something or someone that causes a significant change or event to happen.
Example: That conversation acted as a catalyst for positive change in my personal habits.
Gained profound insight: – Acquired a deep and accurate understanding.
Example: Through our discussion, I gained profound insight into my own motivations.
Shifted my mindset: – Changed my way of thinking or attitude.
Example: Their words profoundly shifted my mindset about approaching difficult tasks.
Provided clarity: – Gave clear understanding or helped resolve confusion.
Example: The conversation provided much-needed clarity on a complex personal issue.
Empowered me to: – Gave me the authority or power (or confidence) to do something.
Example: Their encouragement empowered me to pursue a long-held dream.
Reassured me: – Made me feel less worried or afraid; restored my confidence.
Example: Their calming words deeply reassured me during a period of uncertainty.
Sparked a realization: – Caused a sudden understanding or awareness of something.
Example: It was during that talk that a crucial realization sparked within me.
Offered invaluable advice: – Gave extremely useful and helpful guidance or recommendations.
Example: They offered invaluable advice that guided me through a challenging period.
Paved the way for: – Created the conditions or opportunities for something to happen.
Example: That single conversation effectively paved the way for significant personal growth.
If you prepare for the topic "Describe an important conversation that has brought a positive change in your life", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe a positive change in your life.
2) Describe a life-changing experience you or someone you know once had.
3) Describe a memorable experience in your life.
4) Describe someone who has had an important influence on your life.
5) Describe a time when you had a conversation with a stranger.
6) Describe an interesting conversation you have had with someone.
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