Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
Volunteer work experience you have had - Cue Card # 736
- Details
- Last Updated: Sunday, 25 May 2025 11:31
- Written by IELTS Mentor
- Hits: 77188
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 volunteer work experience you have had.
You should say:
- what volunteer work it was
- where it was
- why you volunteered
and explain how you felt 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:
When I was a student in high school, I had the experience of taking part in different kinds of volunteer work from time to time, and today, I would like to talk about one such experience. It is a great topic, and thank you for allowing me the opportunity to talk something on it.
Anyway, the volunteer work I want to talk about here was a work which was aimed at helping the poor and needy children at a children’s hospital in our city.
Prior to that, I had taken part in some other volunteer work, like donating our old books to our local libraries and preparing soups for the poor and elderly adults of our town, but I never really knew anything about how to help the children up until that point. So, when our school supervisor asked us to buy some oranges from the local market, we just didn’t have any idea about what we were exactly going to do with those oranges.
Some of us, of course, had thought that we were going to give those oranges to those poor children at the hospital, but when we were ordered to make juice from those oranges, we didn’t bother to guess anymore. However, soon, it became clear to us that we were going to sell the orange juice and then buy some really nice gifts for the children with the money from selling the orange juice.
Well, I decided to volunteer for the work at that time, mainly because I got really bored with my studies and some tough homework, and taking part in that volunteer work provided me with a perfect escape from that. Besides, I love to help needy people, and that volunteer work gave me a perfect opportunity to do so.
Anyway, I felt really glad and happy to have the opportunity to take part in that volunteer work, mainly because it allowed me to see some smiles on the faces of some innocent children which was just priceless. Besides, it also allowed me the opportunity to share some giggles and fun with my friends while actually trying to do a noble job for my community members, especially for children who were my age. I just felt great.
Model Answer 2:
Introduction:
I have always believed that engaging in volunteer work is a transformative experience. One particular instance that stands out is my involvement in a local community outreach programme aimed at supporting underprivileged children in their educational journey, and for this topic, I will share my experience with you.
What volunteer work it was:
The volunteer work primarily involved providing educational assistance to children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. This included tutoring sessions, organising extracurricular activities, and contributing to the overall development of these young minds.
Where it was:
This volunteer work took place in a community centre situated in an economically challenged neighbourhood. The centre served as a safe haven for children facing socio-economic hardships, offering them not only educational support but also a nurturing environment to thrive.
Why you volunteered:
My decision to volunteer in this programme was driven by a deep-seated belief in the transformative power of education. Witnessing the disparity in educational opportunities, I felt compelled to contribute in a meaningful way. I wanted to be a positive influence, providing these children with the tools and support they needed to break the cycle of poverty through education.
And explain how you felt about it:
Engaging in this volunteer work was a profoundly rewarding experience. There was a sense of fulfilment in witnessing the children grasp new concepts, overcome challenges, and, most importantly, grow in confidence. The joy on their faces during shared learning moments was priceless. Overall, the experience of volunteering in this programme was a poignant reminder of the impact that collective efforts can have on creating a more equitable and hopeful future.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
Volunteer work provides a unique opportunity to give back to the community, gain new skills, and make a positive impact on others' lives. When describing a volunteer experience, it’s important to highlight the type of work, the reason for volunteering, and the feelings associated with the experience. Here are 10 ideas for describing a volunteer work experience you may have had:
1. Teaching at a local school:
One of my volunteer experiences was teaching at a local community school. I volunteered to teach English and basic math to underprivileged children. This took place at a school in my neighbourhood, where the resources were limited, and the children were eager to learn. I volunteered because I wanted to make a positive difference and give back to my community. I felt very proud of the work I did, as I saw the children improve and develop a love for learning.
2. Working at a homeless shelter:
I volunteered at a homeless shelter for several months last year. My role involved preparing meals, distributing clothing, and providing support to individuals who were homeless or at risk. I volunteered because I wanted to help those in need and contribute to a cause I felt passionate about. The experience was eye-opening, and it made me feel more empathetic and grateful for what I have. It was humbling to see how such small acts of kindness can make a difference.
3. Environmental cleanup project:
I participated in an environmental cleanup project in my local park. The project aimed to reduce litter and promote environmental awareness. I volunteered because I am passionate about protecting the environment and wanted to contribute in a hands-on way. The experience left me feeling fulfilled and proud, especially when I saw how much cleaner and greener the park looked after our efforts. It was a rewarding experience to know I was helping to make the environment more beautiful and sustainable.
4. Animal shelter volunteer:
One of my volunteer experiences was at an animal shelter, where I helped take care of abandoned animals. I volunteered because I love animals and wanted to help provide them with a safe and caring environment. I spent my time feeding the animals, walking the dogs, and assisting with adoption events. It was emotionally rewarding to see the animals find new homes and to know I had played a small part in their well-being. The experience was fulfilling and made me feel connected to the cause.
5. Organising a charity event:
I volunteered to organise a charity event to raise funds for a cancer research organisation. I was responsible for planning the logistics, managing volunteers, and helping with promotions. I volunteered because I wanted to contribute to a cause that was close to my heart, as a family member had battled cancer. The event was a success, and I felt incredibly proud of our collective efforts to raise awareness and money for such an important cause.
6. Mentoring at a youth program:
I volunteered as a mentor for a youth development program. My role involved guiding young people and helping them with their academic and personal growth. I volunteered because I wanted to make a positive impact on the lives of young people in my community. The experience was fulfilling, as I saw many of the students improve their confidence and skills. I felt a deep sense of purpose and satisfaction knowing I had helped them achieve their potential.
7. Disaster relief volunteer:
After a natural disaster in a nearby region, I volunteered with a disaster relief organisation. My work included distributing food, providing first aid, and assisting families with temporary shelter. I volunteered because I wanted to help people in crisis and provide immediate relief to those affected. The experience was overwhelming but incredibly meaningful. It felt good to be part of a larger effort to help those in desperate need, and it made me appreciate the power of community.
8. Volunteering at a local library:
I volunteered at my local library to help with organising books, assisting visitors, and running educational programs for children. I volunteered because I believe in the importance of literacy and wanted to contribute to promoting education in my community. I enjoyed it because it allowed me to connect with people and help others access valuable resources. The experience made me appreciate the role libraries play in fostering a love of learning.
9. Supporting the elderly in a nursing home:
For a few months, I volunteered at a nursing home, helping elderly residents with daily tasks, such as reading, playing games, and providing companionship. I volunteered because I wanted to give back to older generations who have contributed so much to society. The experience was both challenging and rewarding, and I felt deeply connected to the residents. Their stories and gratitude left a lasting impact on me, and I felt fulfilled knowing I was making a positive difference in their lives.
10. Volunteering at a food bank:
I volunteered at a local food bank, helping sort and package food for families in need. I volunteered because I wanted to help combat hunger and poverty in my community. The work was physically demanding, but it was deeply rewarding. I felt a great sense of accomplishment knowing that the food we packaged was going directly to those who needed it most. It made me appreciate how important community service is in providing for the less fortunate.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
When describing a volunteer work experience, using evocative vocabulary can effectively convey the nature of the work, your motivations, and the emotional impact it had on you. Thoughtful word choices will help you articulate the challenges, rewards, and overall significance of your contribution, making your response both personal and impactful. Here are some relevant words and phrases:
Altruistic: – Showing a disinterested and selfless concern for the well-being of others; unselfish.
Example: My motivation for volunteering was purely altruistic; I wanted to give back to the community.
Invaluable: – Extremely useful; indispensable.
Example: The experience gained was truly invaluable, far more than I anticipated.
Community outreach: – The activity of providing services or information to people in a local area, especially those who are often ignored.
Example: I was involved in a community outreach program aimed at supporting underprivileged families.
Made a tangible difference: – Created a noticeable and real positive change.
Example: It felt rewarding to see that my efforts made a tangible difference in people's lives.
Gained a new perspective: – Developed a different or deeper understanding of a situation or issue.
Example: Working there allowed me to gain a new perspective on social inequality.
Contributing to a worthy cause: – Helping to support an important and valuable goal or organisation.
Example: It was incredibly gratifying to be contributing to a truly worthy cause.
Challenging yet rewarding: – Difficult but ultimately satisfying or beneficial.
Example: The work was challenging yet incredibly rewarding, both personally and emotionally.
Out of my comfort zone: – Outside my usual or familiar conditions, implying a need to adapt.
Example: This volunteer work definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone, which was a good thing.
Bonded with fellow volunteers: – Formed a close connection or friendship with other people.
Example: I quickly bonded with my fellow volunteers, sharing a common purpose.
Witnessed firsthand: – Saw or experienced something personally.
Example: I witnessed firsthand the positive impact small acts of kindness can have.
Ignited a passion for: – Stimulated a strong enthusiasm or desire for something.
Example: The experience ignited a passion for social justice within me.
A profound learning curve: – A steep learning process where much is learned quickly.
Example: It was a profound learning curve, teaching me about resilience and empathy.
If you prepare for the topic "Describe a volunteer work experience you have had", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe a place that you have visited recently.
2) Describe a time when you helped someone.
3) Describe something you did that was helpful to others.
4) Describe something you did that was new or exciting.
5) Describe an activity that you recently took part in.
I first learned about this team and their work from a Facebook post. Later I visited their office and I was impressed with their work spirit and passion to continue their noble work.
Initially, I had to visit different corporate offices and some residential areas to collect some money as a donation. Since I showed much interest in what I was doing, the authority of the charity organisation decided to send me to the cyclone-hit area to distribute the money, emergency medicine and food to them. It was almost 400 kilometres away from my home and I worked there for about 4-5 days.
I felt great, to say in the simplest possible way. I felt somewhat connected to the people I was working with and working for. The voluntary work gave me immense fulfilment and a kind of pleasure that I did not feel in any other work. This was the very first time when I realised how exciting and delightful it is to be able to help others who need support and assistance in a time of distress.
Report