Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
Describe a subject you enjoyed studying at school or college - Cue Card # 786
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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 subject you enjoyed studying at school or college.
You should say:
- what subject it was
- what class you were then
- how interesting it was
and explain why you enjoyed studying this subject at school or college.
[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 how many of us have actually enjoyed studying geography in our high schools, but I surely did. In fact, I enjoyed it a lot more than other subjects, and today, here, I am going to talk about how interesting the subject really was, or why I really enjoyed it so much.
Now, I don’t need to introduce the geography subject since we all know what it is all about. But, just for the purpose of reference, geography is a field of science that is exclusively devoted to the study of the Earth, its lands and features, inhabitants and the different kinds of phenomena of our planet Earth.
Of course, I was already fascinated by the geography of the world after learning about it in a children’s book – a book which was given to me as a gift by my grandfather when I was only 5 years old - before I even started going to my school. So, when I started studying this subject in 7th grade, I knew that I was going to enjoy it even more. Besides, the teacher, who was teaching this subject, knew perfectly well how to make this subject interesting to young boys like me with his touches of humour and wit. However, the subject became even more interesting when my teacher very nicely explained that all places and spaces have a history behind them – a history which is full of many interesting stories and adventures.
Anyway, I enjoyed this subject in high school because I found it really fascinating on multiple levels: the first one, of course is that it doesn’t only look at the physical structure of the planet, but also the social structure, as in how we affect our environment, and in turn, how it affects us. Secondly, it taught us to think more intelligently about complicated and controversial issues like global warming, human migration and food security. Finally, I also learned that geography helps us find many of the natural resources, which are used to build our civilisation today, easily.
Model Answer 2:
Introduction:
In schools and colleges, we are taught different subjects, and every student has their own preferences. Some enjoy studying math, while others enjoy studying history or language. For me, one of the most fascinating subjects was biology, which I studied in my college years. I am so excited to be able to talk about it here.
What subject it was:
The subject was biology, which was a part of my science class. Our biology subject covered a wide range of topics, including characteristics of life, DNA and Protein Synthesis, Reproduction and Heredity, Ecology, Evolution, Earth and Human Activity, Genetics, Botany, Bacteria, Energy Systems and so on.
What class you were then:
I was in my 11th grade when I studied biology. In our part of the world, we call it college when we study in grade 11. So basically, I was in college when I took this subject.
How interesting it was:
Biology is the study of living organisms and their functions. We learned about the various life processes, such as respiration, digestion, and excretion, which made the class very interesting. Additionally, we studied the different types of plants and animals, their habitats, and their interrelationships. We also learned about genetics and evolution, which are fascinating topics that explain how species have evolved over time.
And explain why you enjoyed studying this subject at school or college:
The subject matter of biology always intrigued me, and I enjoyed learning about the intricacies of living organisms. Biology gave me an understanding of how life functions on a cellular level, and I found it to be a fascinating subject. Our teacher also made the class enjoyable by providing hands-on activities, group discussions, and conducting field trips to zoos and botanical gardens. I found it fascinating to observe different organisms and learn about their unique features. I can say that studying biology in college was an amazing experience for me, and I enjoyed it so much.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
Studying a subject that captivates your interest can make a significant impact on your educational journey. Whether it's a subject that sparks creativity, stimulates critical thinking, or aligns with your career aspirations, the subjects we enjoy studying often shape our academic experiences. Here are some ideas to help you describe a subject you enjoyed studying at school or college:
1. English Literature:
One of the subjects I thoroughly enjoyed studying was English Literature. I was studying in high school, and the subject captivated me with its depth and complexity. We read a range of classic novels, plays, and poems, including works by Shakespeare, Dickens, and Jane Austen. The beauty of language and the ability to interpret literature in various ways made it incredibly interesting. I enjoyed studying this subject because it allowed me to explore human emotions, societal issues, and historical contexts through the eyes of brilliant writers. It helped me improve my analytical skills and expand my understanding of the world.
2. History:
History was a subject I found fascinating during my time in college. I was in my second year when I decided to take a deeper interest in history, focusing on modern world history and ancient civilisations. I found it interesting because it helped me understand the events that shaped the world we live in today. The stories of past leaders, revolutions, and cultural shifts were both intriguing and thought-provoking. I enjoyed studying history because it provided valuable lessons about human behaviour and the consequences of decisions, both in the past and present.
3. Psychology:
Psychology was another subject I loved studying, especially during my college years. I was in my first year of college when I first encountered the subject, and it immediately sparked my curiosity. Learning about the human mind, behaviour, and emotions was fascinating. I enjoyed studying topics like mental health, personality theories, and cognitive processes. What made this subject so interesting was the opportunity to apply psychological concepts to real-life situations. It also helped me better understand myself and others, making it a subject I connected with personally.
4. Mathematics:
Mathematics has always been a subject I enjoyed, particularly in high school. I was in my senior year when I took advanced mathematics, including calculus and algebra. The challenge of solving complex problems and finding logical solutions intrigued me. I found it interesting because mathematics is a universal language that can explain patterns, structures, and relationships in the world. I enjoyed studying this subject because it not only strengthened my problem-solving skills but also gave me a sense of accomplishment when I solved difficult equations.
5. Biology:
Biology was a subject I truly enjoyed in high school, especially during my last year. The study of life, cells, genetics, and ecosystems fascinated me. I found it interesting because it provided insight into how living organisms function, evolve, and interact with their environments. I enjoyed studying biology because it made me more aware of the natural world and the importance of preserving biodiversity. It also sparked my interest in pursuing a career in health and medicine, as it connected me with the field of biology in a meaningful way.
6. Computer Science:
Computer Science was a subject I enjoyed during my college years, especially in my second and third years. I was fascinated by programming languages, software development, and the applications of technology. The hands-on projects, where I developed programs and websites, made it incredibly interesting. I enjoyed studying this subject because it gave me practical skills that could be applied in the real world. It also opened up career opportunities in the tech industry, which I found exciting and full of potential.
7. Sociology:
Sociology was an intriguing subject that I studied during my college years. I was in my second year when I took an introductory course, and I found the study of human societies, cultures, and social behaviour deeply interesting. Sociology helped me understand how individuals interact within groups, and how social structures influence our behaviour and experiences. I enjoyed studying sociology because it provided me with a new perspective on issues like inequality, globalization, and social change, which I found relevant to modern-day society.
8. Art and Design:
Art and Design was a subject I loved studying throughout my time in school, especially during my high school years. I took several art classes where I learned about different forms of visual expression, including drawing, painting, and sculpture. I found the subject interesting because it allowed me to express my creativity and develop a unique style. I enjoyed studying art because it gave me a sense of freedom and self-expression, and it helped me understand the cultural significance of art in history and society.
9. Economics:
Economics was a subject I enjoyed studying in college, particularly in my first year. I was fascinated by the concepts of supply and demand, market structures, and economic systems. I enjoyed learning about how the economy functions and the factors that influence financial decisions. What made this subject interesting was its real-world applications; understanding how global markets and policies impact people’s lives made economics highly relevant. I enjoyed studying it because it provided a foundation for understanding the world around me.
10. Philosophy:
Philosophy was a subject that intrigued me during my college years, especially in my final year. I studied classical philosophy and modern philosophical ideas, exploring topics like ethics, metaphysics, and existentialism. I found it interesting because it challenged me to think critically about life’s big questions, such as the meaning of existence and the nature of reality. I enjoyed studying philosophy because it helped me develop my analytical skills and encouraged me to look at issues from multiple perspectives, fostering intellectual growth.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
When describing a subject you enjoyed studying, using vocabulary that conveys your enthusiasm, the nature of the subject, and the learning experience is important. Here are some useful words and phrases with example sentences:
Fascinating: – Extremely interesting or captivating.
Example: I found history to be a truly fascinating subject.
Engaging: – Holding one's attention; interesting and enjoyable.
Example: The teacher made physics so engaging with hands-on experiments.
Stimulating: – Encouraging or arousing interest or enthusiasm.
Example: The debates in our literature class were always intellectually stimulating.
Intriguing: – Arousing curiosity or interest; fascinating.
Example: The complex theories in psychology were particularly intriguing to me.
Thought-provoking: – Encouraging careful consideration or deeper understanding.
Example: Our discussions about ethics in philosophy were always thought-provoking.
Captivated by: – Strongly attracted or held the attention of.
Example: I was immediately captivated by the beauty and logic of mathematics.
Aptitude for: – A natural ability to do something.
Example: I discovered I had a natural aptitude for languages.
Grasped the concepts: – Understood the main ideas or principles.
Example: I quickly grasped the fundamental concepts in computer science.
Opened my mind to: – Exposed me to new ideas, perspectives, or possibilities.
Example: Studying sociology opened my mind to different ways of understanding society.
Sense of accomplishment: – A feeling of pride and satisfaction from achieving something.
Example: Solving challenging problems in chemistry gave me a great sense of accomplishment.
In-depth knowledge: – Comprehensive and thorough understanding of the subject.
Example: The course provided me with an in-depth knowledge of European history.
Developed a keen interest in: – Started to feel a strong curiosity or liking for the subject.
Example: Through the course, I developed a keen interest in astrophysics.
If you prepare for the topic "Describe a subject you enjoyed studying at school or college", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe a subject or course you took in your school or college.
2) Describe a subject you did not like in school or college, but now find interesting.
3) Describe an interesting subject or course you know about.
4) Describe your favourite subject in your school or college.
5) Describe a subject or course you liked a lot in your school/ college/ university.
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