Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
When you got up very early in the morning - Cue Card # 746
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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 time when you got up very early in the morning.
You should say:
- when it was
- why you got up so early in the morning
- what you did
and explain how you felt about getting up so early in the morning.
[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 one of those people who could neither be considered an "early bird" nor a "night owl". I usually sleep before midnight and wake up at around 8:00 in the morning. However, this topic suggests that I talk about a day when I woke up unusually early in the morning. I will share my experience with you now.
It was approximately 7 or 8 months ago - in the middle of March, and I was all set to visit Malaysia for the first time in my life. I had a flight to catch that day at 9:00 am - (I presume it was Tuesday).
However, considering the traffic congestion in the morning hours, and the required time for the security check and boarding procedures at the airport, one of my colleagues suggested that I should reach the airport well before 7:00 in the morning. So I decided to leave my home before 5:00 am since the airport was at least an hour's travel from my place. So I set the alarm at 3:45 in the morning to have enough time to get ready, call a taxi and then reach the airport in time.
When the alarm went off on my mobile phone, I could not believe that it was already 3:45 am! It seemed to me that I had slept for barely an hour or so! However, I quickly woke up, took a shower, put on my dress, and checked my luggage and papers for the last time. I then hailed a taxi and started to move towards the airport. On my way to the airport, I first called my parents, and then a colleague who was also travelling with me. I reached the airport at around 6:40 am.
I was very excited that I was travelling to a new country, and the anticipation of new experiences thrilled me a lot. Waking up very early was a bit tiresome as I could not go to bed before 1:00 at night. I felt sleepy initially, but after I took a refreshing shower, it was all gone. On my way to the airport, I enjoyed the freshness and serenity of the city, and the empty streets seemed quite unknown to me even though I had travelled to this same route many times before. The same city revealed a different outlook just because it was very early in the morning, and it was a great experience - I would say.
Model Answer 2:
I vividly recall a morning when I rose exceptionally early, and it was about a year ago. The motivation behind waking up at such an early hour was a hiking trip with friends to a nearby hill station. We planned to witness the sunrise from the hilltop, and for that, an early start was imperative.
The alarm went off at 4:30 a.m., and despite the initial grogginess, the excitement of the upcoming adventure propelled me out of bed. The anticipation of experiencing the first light of day from an elevated vantage point filled me with energy.
After a quick shower and a light breakfast, we embarked on our journey to the hill. The air was crisp, and the streets were deserted, adding a serene quality to the early morning atmosphere. As we ascended, the sky gradually transformed from inky darkness to a canvas of warm hues.
Reaching the summit just in time for the sunrise was a breathtaking experience. The gradual illumination of the landscape, the play of colours in the sky, and the tranquillity of the moment made the early start completely worthwhile. We spent some time absorbing the beauty, taking pictures, and relishing the quietude of the morning.
Despite my initial hesitation about waking up so early, the serenity and beauty of that morning were unparalleled. It taught me the value of starting the day with a sense of purpose and the joy that comes from witnessing nature's wonders during the magical hours of dawn.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
Getting up early in the morning can sometimes be challenging, but it can also be rewarding, especially when there’s a specific reason or goal. Here are 10 ideas for describing a time when you might get up very early in the morning:
1. Catching a flight:
One time I got up very early in the morning was when I had to catch an early flight for a vacation. I had to wake up at 4:00 AM to get to the airport on time. I packed my bags the night before, so I could quickly get ready, have a light breakfast, and head out. I felt a bit tired, but the excitement of the trip made it easier to get up early. The sense of anticipation made it worth the early start.
2. Sunrise photography session:
Another time I woke up early was for a sunrise photography session. I wanted to capture the first light of the day at a beautiful park. I set my alarm for 5:00 AM, and after a quick breakfast, I headed out. I felt a bit sleepy, but once I arrived and saw the stunning view, I felt fully awake and energised. The quietness of the morning and the beauty of the sunrise made the early start very rewarding.
3. Attending a morning meeting:
I had to get up early for a work-related morning meeting that started at 7:00 AM. I woke up around 5:30 AM to get ready, have breakfast, and prepare my notes for the meeting. Although it was tough to wake up that early, I felt accomplished after the meeting, as it went well and I was fully prepared. The early start helped me stay focused and productive throughout the day.
4. Going for a morning run:
One morning, I decided to get up early for a run to start my day with some exercise. I woke up around 6:00 AM and headed out for a jog in the park. I felt a little reluctant at first, but once I started running, I felt awake and energised. The cool morning air and the peaceful surroundings made it a refreshing start to the day.
5. Preparing for an important exam:
When I had an important exam, I woke up very early to revise my notes and prepare. I got up at 4:00 AM, as I wanted to ensure I had enough time to go over everything before heading to the exam centre. I felt a bit tired, but I was determined to do my best. The early start helped me stay calm and confident, and I felt good knowing I had done everything I could to prepare.
6. Volunteering for a community event:
I woke up early one morning to volunteer at a community event, which started at 6:00 AM. I got up at 5:00 AM to get ready and head to the venue. Although it was a bit challenging to wake up so early, I felt happy and fulfilled once I arrived and saw all the people coming together for the cause. The sense of community and purpose made the early start worthwhile.
7. Fishing trip:
Once, I woke up very early to go on a fishing trip with a group of friends. We got up at 4:30 AM to reach the lake before sunrise. The early morning hours were peaceful, and as we set up our gear and waited for fish to bite, I felt relaxed and refreshed. The tranquillity of being by the water early in the morning made it a memorable experience, despite the early wake-up.
8. Attending a yoga class:
I got up early to attend a yoga class that started at 6:00 AM. I woke up around 5:30 AM to stretch and prepare mentally for the session. Initially, I felt a bit groggy, but after the class, I felt rejuvenated and calm. The quiet morning atmosphere and the physical and mental benefits of yoga made getting up early a rewarding experience.
9. Going to the farmer’s market:
I woke up early to visit the local farmer’s market, which opens at 7:00 AM. I got up at 6:00 AM to have breakfast and arrive when the market was less crowded. I enjoy going early because the fresh produce is abundant, and it’s a peaceful time to walk around. I felt good after the trip because I bought fresh, local products, and it felt like a productive start to my day.
10. Catching a train for a day trip:
One time, I had to wake up early to catch a train for a day trip to a nearby city. I woke up at 5:30 AM to get ready, pack a bag, and head to the train station. Although it was hard to wake up so early, the excitement of the trip and the beautiful train journey made it an enjoyable experience. I felt happy and energised throughout the day, knowing I had started my adventure early.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
When describing an instance of waking up very early, using expressive vocabulary can effectively convey the reason for the early start, the activities you undertook, and your personal feelings about the experience. Thoughtful word choices will help you articulate the atmosphere of the early morning and your mental state, enhancing your response for the examiner. Here are some relevant words and phrases:
Predawn: – The period of time just before dawn.
Example: I woke up in the predawn hours, long before anyone else was stirring.
Rousing: – Causing or capable of causing enthusiasm or excitement.
Example: It took a bit of rousing myself from a deep sleep, but I managed.
Embraced the quiet: – Accepted and enjoyed the peacefulness and lack of noise.
Example: I really embraced the quiet of the morning before the city woke up.
Seized the opportunity: – Took advantage of a chance or favourable situation.
Example: I seized the opportunity to get a head start on my work.
Felt a surge of energy: – Experienced a sudden and strong increase in vitality or vigour.
Example: Despite the early hour, I felt a surge of energy once I got going.
Witnessed the sunrise: – Saw the sun appear above the horizon in the morning.
Example: It was beautiful to witness the sunrise, painting the sky with colours.
Against my natural rhythm: – Contrary to my usual or preferred way of functioning.
Example: Getting up that early was definitely against my natural rhythm, as I'm a night owl.
Felt surprisingly refreshed: – Experienced an unexpected feeling of being revitalised or invigorated.
Example: After my morning run, I felt surprisingly refreshed and ready for the day.
Worth the sacrifice: – Justified the effort or difficulty involved.
Example: The experience was so rewarding that it was definitely worth the sacrifice of sleep.
Serene atmosphere: – A calm, peaceful, and undisturbed environment.
Example: The serene atmosphere of the empty streets was quite calming.
Set the tone for the day: – Established the general character or mood for the rest of the day.
Example: That early start really set the tone for a productive and positive day.
If you prepare for the topic "Describe a time when you got up very early in the morning", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe something you recently did that was new or exciting.
2) Describe something unusual you did recently.
3) Describe a time when you were in a hurry.
4) Describe an activity that you enjoy doing.
5) Describe something healthy you enjoy doing.
6) Describe something you do to remain healthy or fit.
...and explain how you felt about getting up such early in the morning.
...such early or so early???
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