Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
Describe an event that you successfully organized - Cue Card # 763
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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 event that you successfully organized.
You should say:
- what this event was
- who helped you organize this event
- what you had to do to organize it
and explain why you think it was a successful event.
[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 can be called many things, but I don’t think that I can be called an “organizer - like a (political) party organizer or a sports organizer - of anything. This is simply because I just don’t have the required patience or ability to become one. But, still, for some “mysterious reasons”, when my classmates gave me the task to organize a “farewell party” for one of my teachers at the junior college, I just couldn’t say “no” to them.
So, I started to chalk out different kinds of plans to make the event successful and a happy one. Of course, most of my classmates were rather generous in helping me along the way, but I just wasn’t able to put a perfect plan together until I had gone to our senior school supervisor. It was actually that supervisor who made my life easier, as far as organizing that event was concerned, by offering me some advice on how to best design a farewell card for a teacher who is starting a better role at a different school, what kinds of gifts to buy, proper sitting arrangement for the teachers and students, decoration of the auditorium, and so forth.
By the way, to make the event even more special, I also had to dig into the piles of age-old newspapers to find and collect a special picture in which the teacher can be seen receiving the “best teacher’s award” from the city mayor. In fact, it was the memory of this picture which brought little tears to the eyes of our favourite calculus teacher who had taught at our college for almost 10 years without any complaint.
Well, in the end, it was indeed a successful event because it actually had managed to bring all our school staff together to show some genuine and heartfelt appreciation for the outgoing teacher. Besides, it was a successful event because it had managed to bring back the memories of some of the old but very precious moments that my favourite college had witnessed in the past.
Sample Answer 2:
Introduction:
Organizing events is always a challenging task, but when the event turns out to be successful, it is an extremely rewarding experience. I had the pleasure of organizing a birthday party for a close friend of mine last year, and it was a memorable experience. Here, I will share this experience with you. By the way, thank you very much for the opportunity and time to let me talk about it.
What this event was:
The event was a surprise birthday party for my friend, who was turning 30. It was a milestone birthday, and I wanted to make sure that it was celebrated in style.
Who helped you organize this event:
I organized the party with the help of a few close friends. We made a WhatsApp group to discuss the event and delegate tasks. One of my friends helped me choose the venue, while another friend helped me create a guest list.
What you had to do to organize it:
To organise the event, I had to do a lot of planning and coordination. First, I had to find a suitable venue that was available on the date of the event. Then, I had to create a guest list and send out invitations. I also had to arrange for food, decorations, and music. On the day of the event, I had to coordinate with the venue staff to ensure that everything was set up and ready to go.
And explain why you think it was a successful event:
The event was a success for several reasons. First, my friend was genuinely surprised and happy to see all of his friends in one place. Second, the venue was perfect for the occasion, and the decorations added to the festive atmosphere. Third, the food was delicious, and everyone enjoyed it. I think the event was successful because it brought people together, created happy memories, and celebrated a special occasion in a meaningful way.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
Organizing an event requires planning, coordination, and teamwork. Whether it’s a small gathering or a large-scale function, each event presents its own challenges and rewards. Here are 7 ideas for describing an event that you can say you have successfully organized:
1. Charity Fundraiser:
One event I successfully organized was a charity fundraiser for a local cause. I worked closely with a group of volunteers, and we planned the event for about two months. My responsibilities included securing a venue, arranging for guest speakers, organizing the catering, and promoting the event online. The fundraiser was a huge success, raising more money than we anticipated for the charity. The success of the event was due to the strong teamwork, the effective marketing, and the passion of everyone involved.
2. Company Team-Building Retreat:
I organized a team-building retreat for my company last year. I collaborated with the HR department to plan the activities and schedule. My role involved selecting a venue, organizing transportation, and ensuring that the activities were both engaging and beneficial for team development. The retreat was a success because it fostered stronger relationships among coworkers, and it improved overall team morale. Everyone had a great time, and we received positive feedback from employees.
3. Wedding Reception:
I was responsible for organizing my best friend’s wedding reception. I coordinated with the couple, the caterers, and the event planners to ensure everything went smoothly. My tasks included selecting the décor, managing the guest list, and overseeing the seating arrangements. The reception was a beautiful event, and everyone had an amazing time. I believe it was successful because of the personal touches I added and the attention to detail in every aspect of the event.
4. Annual School Talent Show:
I organized an annual talent show at my school, which involved both students and teachers participating in performances. I worked with a team of fellow students and teachers to plan the event, which included arranging for the stage, sound equipment, and rehearsals. I was also in charge of promoting the event and managing the tickets. The talent show was successful because it showcased a variety of talents, from singing to comedy, and it brought the whole school community together.
5. Conference for Professional Development:
Last year, I organized a professional development conference for my industry. I partnered with several colleagues to plan the event, which included booking speakers, arranging for the venue, and creating an agenda. My role was to oversee the logistics, coordinate with the vendors, and manage registrations. The conference was a great success, attracting a larger number of attendees than expected. The feedback was positive, with many attendees mentioning how informative and well-organized the event was.
6. Birthday Party Surprise:
I organized a surprise birthday party for a close friend. I worked with a few of her other friends to plan the event, which included decorating the venue, arranging for food, and organizing entertainment. The surprise element was key, and I had to ensure she didn’t find out about the party. The party was a success because of the excitement it created for the birthday person, and the joy of celebrating with close friends made it a memorable occasion.
7. Community Clean-Up Day:
I organized a community clean-up day in my neighborhood, where residents came together to clean parks, streets, and public spaces. I collaborated with local organizations and volunteers to plan the event, which involved collecting supplies, creating teams, and organizing refreshments for the volunteers. The event was successful because it not only improved the environment but also brought the community together for a common cause. The sense of pride and accomplishment at the end of the day made it a rewarding experience for everyone involved.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
When describing a successful event you organized, using dynamic vocabulary can truly showcase your organizational skills and the positive outcome of your efforts. Employing a range of terms will help you articulate the various stages of planning, the challenges overcome, and the ultimate triumph. Here are some relevant words and phrases:
Orchestrated: – Carefully arranged or coordinated (a complex situation or event) to achieve a desired effect.
Example: I successfully orchestrated the entire charity fundraising gala.
Meticulous planning: – Very careful and precise planning; showing great attention to detail.
Example: The success of the conference was due to meticulous planning.
Seamless execution: – Carrying out a plan or task smoothly and without any noticeable problems.
Example: The concert went off without a hitch, thanks to seamless execution by the team.
Delegated responsibilities: – Assigned tasks or duties to other people.
Example: I effectively delegated responsibilities to various committee members.
Oversaw logistics: – Managed the detailed coordination of a complex operation involving many people, facilities, or supplies.
Example: My role involved overseeing all the logistics, from catering to venue setup.
Secured sponsorships: – Obtained financial or other support from companies or organizations for the event.
Example: We worked hard to secure sponsorships to cover the event's expenses.
Anticipated challenges: – Predicted and prepared for potential difficulties.
Example: We tried to anticipate challenges and have backup plans for everything.
Overcame hurdles: – Successfully dealt with difficulties or obstacles.
Example: Despite a few initial difficulties, we managed to overcome all hurdles.
A resounding success: – An undeniable and very clear success.
Example: The annual festival was a resounding success this year.
Achieved its objectives: – Successfully met the goals it set out to accomplish.
Example: The marketing campaign not only met but exceeded its objectives.
Fostered a sense of community: – Encouraged the development of a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals.
Example: The event successfully fostered a strong sense of community among participants.
Left a lasting impression: – Created a strong and memorable effect on people.
Example: The grand opening ceremony left a lasting impression on everyone who attended.
If you prepare for the topic "Describe an event that you successfully organized", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe an occasion or event when you were congratulated.
2) Describe something you have achieved and you are proud of.
3) Describe a party that you enjoyed.
4) Describe a memorable event in your life.
5) Describe something difficult that you succeeded in doing.
6) Describe a success in your life that you are proud of.
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