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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 someone or something that makes a lot of noise.

You should say:

• who or what makes the noise
• what the noise is like
• why that thing or person makes the noise

and explain how you feel 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 am not sure if living near the main road has its advantages, but it sure has a major disadvantage, and that disadvantage is dealing with noise – a lot of noise – on a regular basis. So, I guess that I will go ahead today and talk about the noise of the traffic on the road near the place where I live.

Anyway, I guess that in today’s world, there aren’t too many people who don’t know about traffic noise, especially, if they live in the cities. And, we all know how busy the city roads and streets can become, with hundreds of vehicles running on them every minute and making some unbearable noises. These noises are mainly created by the traction of the road surfaces by tyres, loud sounds of engine/transmission, aerodynamic noises (noises that result from the flow of air and vibration), horns, and braking elements. However, of all the noises, noises of rolling tyres from large vehicles, like buses and trucks, driving on uneven pavement are found to be the biggest contributors to traffic noise which increases with higher vehicle speeds.

These traffic noises are bad and harmful enough to cause sleep problems, headaches, tiredness, high blood pressure, stress and increased risk of heart disease. Anyway, the traffic noise is usually unpleasant and inconvenient as it distracts us and confuses us. But, no matter how unpleasant and inconvenient the traffic noises really are, we can’t really get rid of them at will because it’s the very sound of motion energy, created by the fuel and engine, without which, no vehicles would run on the road.

How do I feel about it? To be honest, I have a lot of negative feelings about this traffic noise, but the most frustrating thing about this traffic noise is that I feel very helpless against it, simply because I feel like this traffic noise is inevitable and a fact of life which we will have to live with as long as we are living in a city. Even more frustrating for me is the fact that we all more or less know what this traffic noise does to our health, but still, we are doing almost nothing about it.

Model Answer 2:
In the hustle and bustle of urban living, there's a character in my daily life that stands out for making quite a racket. This isn't the usual background noise of the city but rather the intentional clamour produced by one of my neighbours on the same floor in the large apartment building where I reside.

My neighbour, a vivacious woman in her early thirties, seems to have an affinity for turning her living space into a venue for various activities that generate a considerable amount of noise. From organizing frequent gatherings to indulging in loud music and often hosting boisterous movie nights, her apartment has become a hub for all things noisy.

The noise emanating from her apartment varies; sometimes, it's the rhythmic beats of lively music reverberating through the walls, and on other occasions, it's the laughter and chatter of her guests echoing in the hallway. The thin walls of our apartment building hardly serve as barriers, making her activities audible and impossible to ignore.

Her penchant for creating a lively atmosphere in her home is evident in her frequent socializing. Whether it's a celebration, a casual get-together, or just her unwinding after a long day, the noise appears to be an integral part of her lifestyle.

Admittedly, my initial reactions ranged from frustration to mild annoyance, especially during times when I craved peace and quiet. However, over time, I've come to appreciate the diversity of lifestyles within our building. While the noise can be disruptive, it also adds a unique flavour to the shared living experience, making our building a microcosm of different ways of life. Though there are moments when I yearn for tranquillity, I've learned to find my own rhythm amid the cacophony, understanding that each neighbour contributes to the vibrant tapestry of our communal existence.

Model Answer 3:
Thank you very much for this interesting topic, which allows me to talk about something that, while incredibly useful, can also be quite a source of noise in my home. The object I'm referring to is our kitchen blender. It's a fairly powerful, countertop blender, the kind you use for smoothies, purées, and sauces. It's not a particularly large appliance, but when it's switched on, it certainly commands attention!

The noise it makes is quite distinctive and, dare I say, aggressive. It's a high-pitched, whirring roar that builds in intensity as the blades spin faster. It’s almost like a small jet engine taking off in the kitchen, especially if you're blending something dense or hard, like ice. There's a distinct mechanical grinding sound mixed with the whoosh of the blades, and it can vibrate quite a bit, making the entire countertop buzz. It's definitely not a subtle sound, and it tends to drown out all other household noises when it's in action.

This powerful noise is an inherent part of its design and function. The blender makes this noise because its motor is extremely strong, designed to spin the blades at incredibly high speeds – thousands of revolutions per minute – to effectively break down ingredients into a smooth consistency.

Honestly, how I feel about it is a bit of a mixed bag. On one hand, there's a definite sense of relief when I've finished blending something and can finally switch it off, especially if it's early in the morning or late at night. The sheer volume can be quite jarring, and it's impossible to have a conversation or even think clearly while it's running. It's certainly not a pleasant sound to wake up to. However, despite the momentary annoyance, I have to admit that my overall feeling is one of gratitude and appreciation. It's such an incredibly useful and efficient appliance that saves a tremendous amount of time and effort in the kitchen.

Idea generation for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:

This topic asks you to describe a person or thing that makes a lot of noise. It asks you to mention what or who it is, what kind of noise they make, why the noise is made, and how you feel about it. The answer could be about anything - from a machine or environment to a person. Here are a few ideas to help you develop your own response. Hope you will find this section helpful.

1. A construction site near my home:
There is a construction site just a block away from where I live, and it often makes a lot of noise. The sounds include hammering, drilling, and the constant movement of heavy machinery. The noise comes from workers building a high-rise apartment. It usually starts early in the morning, and I find it quite annoying, especially when I’m trying to sleep or concentrate.

2. My neighbour’s motorcycle:
My neighbour owns a motorcycle that makes a very loud, rumbling sound every time he starts it. He often revs the engine for no reason, especially at night. The bike has a modified exhaust, which makes the noise even worse. I find it very irritating and wish he would be more considerate.

3. A street dog that barks continuously:
There’s a stray dog near our building that barks loudly, especially at night. The barking is sharp and repetitive, and it often wakes people up. The dog usually barks at passing vehicles or unfamiliar people. I feel a bit helpless about the situation, as it's hard to sleep peacefully when the barking goes on for hours.

4. Loudspeakers during local festivals:
During local festivals, loudspeakers are used to play music and make announcements, often at full volume. The noise includes drums, singing, and amplified voices, and it continues late into the night. It’s part of the celebration, but sometimes it becomes overwhelming. While I enjoy the festive spirit, the volume can be too much, especially for students or elderly people in the area.

5. My younger cousin when excited:
My little cousin tends to shout and scream when he gets too excited. Whether he’s playing with toys or watching cartoons, his noise level goes through the roof. His high-pitched squeals and loud laughter echo throughout the house. I find it amusing sometimes, but it can also be distracting when I’m trying to study or work.

6. Fireworks during celebrations:
Fireworks are often used in my neighbourhood during celebrations like weddings or national holidays. They produce loud explosions that can be heard for miles. While they look beautiful, the noise can be shocking and cause distress to pets and older people. I personally feel mixed about it - visually stunning but sonically disturbing.

7. A nearby train station:
My house is located close to a railway station, and the trains make loud honking sounds throughout the day. The screeching of the brakes and the announcements over loudspeakers add to the noise. Although I’ve gotten used to it over time, it was very difficult to tolerate when we first moved in.

8. Music from a local gym:
There’s a gym near my apartment that plays loud music for Zumba and aerobics sessions. The bass-heavy tracks and shouting of the instructor can be heard from the street. The noise is energetic but intrusive if you're not part of the session. I often find it distracting, especially during online meetings or when I want some quiet time.

9. School bell and morning assembly:
A school near my home rings a very loud bell to start the morning assembly. It’s followed by the national anthem and announcements via a PA system. The noise is loud and clear, especially if my windows are open. It doesn’t really bother me, but I notice it every day and sometimes wish it started a bit later.

10. My friend’s laugh:
I have a friend who laughs extremely loudly - her laugh can fill an entire room. It's not unpleasant, but it definitely turns heads when we’re in public places. The laughter is genuine and joyful, but sometimes it embarrasses her. I personally find it funny and endearing, though not everyone feels the same!

Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:

When describing something or someone that makes a lot of noise, using vivid vocabulary can effectively convey the nature of the sound, its source, and your emotional response to it. Thoughtful word choices will help you articulate the intensity and impact of the noise, making your description engaging and relatable. Here are some relevant words and phrases:

Cacophony: – A harsh, discordant mixture of sounds.
Example: The construction site produces a cacophony of drills and hammers.

Resonant: – (Of sound) deep, clear, and continuing to sound or reverberate.
Example: The old factory machinery emits a deep, resonant hum that vibrates through the ground.

Perpetual: – Never ending or changing; occurring repeatedly.
Example: The perpetual drone of the traffic outside my window is often distracting.

Ear-splitting: – Extremely loud.
Example: The sudden burst of fireworks was ear-splitting, startling everyone.

Mind-numbing: – So boring or unpleasant as to make one's mind numb.
Example: The constant, mind-numbing hum of the air conditioner can be quite irritating.

Disruptive: – Causing interruption or disturbance.
Example: The neighbour's late-night music is incredibly disruptive to my sleep.

Piercing shriek: – A very loud, high-pitched, and sharp cry or scream.
Example: The old gate lets out a piercing shriek whenever it's opened.

Rattling commotion: – A noisy disturbance or agitation, often with a shaking sound.
Example: Every morning, the delivery truck creates a rattling commotion as it passes.

Drowns out conversations: – Makes it impossible to hear other sounds, especially voices.
Example: The loud music from the club often drowns out conversations on the street.

Causes irritation: – Provokes annoyance or slight anger.
Example: While necessary, the continuous drilling often causes irritation.

Creates a vibrant atmosphere: – Helps to establish a lively and energetic mood or environment.
Example: The street performers' music creates a vibrant atmosphere, full of energy.

A necessary evil: – Something unpleasant that must be accepted in order to achieve a particular result.
Example: The noise from the construction is a necessary evil for the development of our area.

Grating on my nerves: – Annoying or irritating me.
Example: The constant barking from the dog next door is truly grating on my nerves.

An acoustic assault: – A sudden and overwhelming attack of sound.
Example: During peak hours, the intersection can feel like an acoustic assault on the senses.

If you prepare for the topic "Describe someone or something that makes a lot of noise", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:

1) Describe a place you have visited that was noisy.
2) Describe a busy street market you have visited.
3) Describe someone in your neighbourhood.
4) Describe something that makes a loud noise.
5) Describe a time when you were annoyed by a loud noise.
 

• IELTS Cue Card
• Candidate Task Card
• Speaking Part 2

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