Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
A resolution you once made in the new year - Cue Card # 789
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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 resolution you once made in the new year.
You should say:
- what resolution it was
- when it was
- why you made this resolution
and explain whether you had been able to keep it or not.
[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:
Until I started university about 6 years ago, I used to be considered a rather “unsocial” or “unfriendly” person because of my “unwillingness” or "inability" to open myself up to other people around me. As a result, people didn’t really like me that much. I didn’t really make much of it until one of my university teachers, many thanks to him, advised me to become a more “friendly and social” person. And that’s when I made a New Year's resolution – a resolution to socialise more and more with people around me.
Now, you must be wondering why I needed to wait to make such an important and life-changing resolution until I started university. Well, the answer is I wasn’t only “unsocial”, but also a bit "arrogant". And this “arrogance” actually forced me to believe that I didn’t really need to talk to anybody or need anybody to survive or succeed in this world. Of course, my parents and close relatives had asked me multiple times to display pleasant behaviours in front of others, but I just shrugged them off and decided to go my own way.
But, things got a bit tricky, to say the least, at my university as people there, especially my classmates, started to avoid me, which started to affect my studies rather negatively. In fact, I wasn’t really getting any class notes or lessons from my classmates, in case I had ever missed my university lectures. Needless to say, that particular university teacher read and understood my situation perfectly, and that’s why he gave me the advice to become more “friendly”.
Thankfully, I not only made the New Year’s resolution but also was able to follow through with it for the whole year. Initially, it was a bit difficult for me to carry on with that resolution because, frankly speaking, things had got a bit awkward at times when I wanted to start being friendly, but slowly but surely, I was well on my way to becoming a “friendly” and "social" person that my teacher, as well as other well-wishers of mine, wanted me to be.
Model Answer 2:
Introduction:
I'm sure New Year's resolutions are common among people all over the world. I also believe that it is an exciting time to reflect on the past year and to set new goals for the upcoming year. I also made many New Year resolutions, and for this topic, I'd like to talk about one such resolution that I made in the new year.
What resolution it was:
The resolution that I made in the new year was to start exercising regularly and lose at least 15 pounds within the next six months to get in shape. As I noticed that I had gained weight over the past few years due to a sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy eating habits, I was determined to regain my shape.
When it was:
I made this resolution on January 1st, at the start of the new year in 2023. I was determined to stick to my resolution and achieve my weight loss goal.
Why you made this resolution:
I made this resolution for two main reasons. Firstly, I wanted to improve my overall health and fitness level. I realised that I was not taking care of my body and I needed to make some changes to my lifestyle. Secondly, I wanted to feel better about myself and gain more confidence. I felt unhappy with my appearance, and I believed that losing weight would help me feel more comfortable in my own skin.
And explain whether you had been able to keep it or not:
I am happy to say that I was able to keep my resolution and achieve my weight loss goal. It was not easy, but with dedication and hard work, I was able to make exercising a part of my daily routine and adopt healthier eating habits. I started by going to the gym three times a week and gradually increased the frequency and intensity of my workouts. I also cut back on junk food and started eating more fruits, vegetables, and lean protein. In the next seven or eight months, I had lost 24 pounds and felt healthier and more confident than ever before.
After that event, I learnt that making resolutions is a great way to set goals and work towards self-improvement. While it can be challenging to stick to them, with dedication and hard work, it is possible to achieve our goals and make positive changes in our lives.
Sample Answer 3:
This topic reminds me of a particular New Year's resolution I made a few years ago, which was at the start of 2022. I am glad to be able to talk about this New Year's resolution here, but before I delve into the details of this topic, I would like to thank you for the time and opportunity you have given me to talk about it.
The resolution I set for myself was to establish a consistent habit of reading for at least thirty minutes every day. Now, it might sound like a fairly simple goal, but at the time, I was heavily focused on my studies and extracurricular activities, and reading for pleasure had unfortunately taken a backseat. I would occasionally pick up a book, but it was never a regular part of my daily routine.
I made this resolution for a few key reasons. Firstly, I've always enjoyed reading and recognised the numerous benefits it offers, from expanding my vocabulary and knowledge to improving my focus and reducing stress. I felt I was missing out on these advantages by not making it a priority. Secondly, I was becoming increasingly aware of how much time I was spending on passive forms of entertainment, like scrolling through social media, and I wanted to consciously shift some of that time towards a more enriching and intellectually stimulating activity. Finally, I was inspired by several people I admired who were avid readers, and I wanted to cultivate that habit in my own life.
Now, the crucial part: whether I was able to keep it or not. I'm pleased to say that, for the most part, I have been successful in maintaining this resolution. There were definitely days, especially during busy periods with exams or projects, when I might have fallen short of the full thirty minutes, perhaps only managing fifteen or twenty. However, I made a conscious effort not to let those occasional slips derail my overall goal. I integrated reading into my daily schedule, usually setting aside time before bed or during my commute.
Well, I haven't abandoned the resolution entirely. It has now become a deeply ingrained part of my daily routine, something I genuinely look forward to rather than feel obligated to do.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
New Year resolutions are a popular tradition, as many people use the start of a new year as an opportunity to set personal goals and make positive changes. These resolutions can range from small habits to life-changing decisions. Here are some ideas for describing a resolution you once made in the New Year:
1. Resolution to get fit:
One New Year’s resolution I made was to get in better shape by exercising regularly. This resolution was made at the beginning of last year, as I wanted to improve my health and increase my energy levels. I committed to going to the gym three times a week and eating healthier. While I made some progress, I struggled to maintain consistency, and by the middle of the year, I found myself skipping workouts due to a busy schedule. Although I didn’t fully achieve this resolution, I learned a lot about the importance of time management and prioritising self-care.
2. Resolution to read more books:
At the start of last year, I made a resolution to read at least one book per month. I’ve always loved reading, but I felt that I wasn’t making enough time for it. The resolution was meant to help me explore new genres and improve my knowledge. Initially, I kept up with it and even exceeded the goal, but toward the end of the year, I found it difficult to stay consistent due to work and other commitments. While I didn’t complete all 12 books, I did manage to read more than I had in previous years, so I consider the resolution a partial success.
3. Resolution to save money:
Last year, I resolved to be more disciplined with my finances and save a certain amount of money each month. I made this resolution because I wanted to create a financial cushion and plan for future expenses. I opened a savings account and started budgeting more carefully. For the most part, I stuck to the plan, although I did struggle with some unexpected expenses. In the end, I was able to save a significant amount, and this experience taught me how to manage my finances better.
4. Resolution to learn a new skill:
At the start of last year, I made a resolution to learn how to cook more diverse dishes, as I wanted to improve my culinary skills. I signed up for an online cooking class and tried out new recipes every week. I made consistent progress and even started hosting small dinner parties for friends. However, there were times when I got too busy to cook as much as I intended. Despite not keeping the resolution perfectly, I gained valuable cooking skills and enjoyed the process of learning and trying new things in the kitchen.
5. Resolution to reduce screen time:
One resolution I made was to reduce my screen time and spend more time outdoors. I felt that I was spending too much time on my phone and computer, and I wanted to reconnect with nature and be more present. I started by limiting my use of social media and dedicating weekends to outdoor activities. I was able to reduce my screen time significantly, but there were still days when I slipped back into old habits. This resolution helped me realise the importance of balance, and I made great strides in finding time for other activities besides screen use.
6. Resolution to stay organised:
Last year, I decided that I would become more organised in my personal and professional life. I made this resolution to reduce stress and increase productivity. I began using planners, to-do lists, and organising my workspace. In the first few months, I stayed on top of my tasks, but I did find myself falling off track during busier periods. Although I didn’t stick to the resolution perfectly, I became more aware of the benefits of being organised and have made small improvements that will help me in the future.
7. Resolution to be more mindful:
At the beginning of last year, I set a resolution to practice mindfulness and meditation to improve my mental well-being. I was motivated by the idea of reducing stress and improving focus. I started meditating for 10 minutes every morning and tried to be more present in my daily activities. I managed to incorporate mindfulness into my routine for several months, but I struggled to maintain consistency. Despite not fully achieving this goal, I found that even the short periods of mindfulness had a positive impact on my stress levels and mental clarity.
8. Resolution to travel more:
One resolution I set for the New Year was to travel more and explore new destinations. I made this decision because I felt that I hadn’t been exploring enough and wanted to experience new cultures and environments. I planned a few short trips and went on a memorable vacation abroad. However, due to unforeseen circumstances and budget constraints, I wasn’t able to travel as much as I had hoped. Despite not meeting my goal fully, I was happy with the trips I did take, and the experiences were enriching.
9. Resolution to be more kind:
I made a resolution last year to practice more kindness, both to myself and others. This meant offering more support to friends and family, being more understanding, and taking time to be kind to myself. I tried to volunteer more, help out people in need, and be more patient in everyday situations. I found that it was a resolution I could keep easily, and it made me feel good. Although there were times when I didn’t live up to it, I noticed that I was much more conscious of my behaviour and more compassionate toward others.
10. Resolution to quit a bad habit:
Last year, I made a resolution to quit smoking. It was something I had been struggling with for a long time, and I decided it was time to make a change for my health. I started by reducing the number of cigarettes I smoked each day and sought support from friends and family. Although I experienced setbacks and struggled with cravings, I was able to quit by the middle of the year. This resolution significantly improved my health, and I felt a great sense of accomplishment when I was finally able to break the habit for good.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ cue card topic:
When describing a New Year's resolution, using vocabulary that highlights the goal, the timing, the motivation, and your success in keeping it can create a clear and concise response. Focusing on the specifics of your resolution and your experience with it will help explain the situation. Here are some useful words and phrases with example sentences:
Set a goal – Decided on something you wanted to achieve.
Example: In January, I set a goal to read one book per month.
Determined to – Firmly decided to do something.
Example: I was determined to break my habit of procrastinating.
Motivated by – Driven by a particular reason.
Example: I was motivated by a desire to improve my health.
Strove to – Made a great effort to achieve something.
Example: I strove to learn a new recipe every week.
Initially optimistic – Feeling positive at the start.
Example: I was initially optimistic about sticking to my diet plan.
Kept it diligently – Followed it carefully and consistently.
Example: For the first few months, I kept it diligently.
Adhered to it – Stuck to the resolution.
Example: Surprisingly, I adhered to it for the entire year.
Fell short – Failed to achieve the resolution.
Example: Unfortunately, I fell short of my goal to save a certain amount of money.
Lapsed eventually – Gradually stopped following it.
Example: My commitment to waking up early lapsed eventually due to my busy schedule.
Maintained it successfully – Managed to keep the resolution.
Example: I maintained it successfully by making it a daily routine.
A mixed success – Achieved some parts but not all.
Example: My attempt to learn the guitar was a mixed success; I learned some chords but not full songs.
If you prepare for the topic "Describe a resolution you once made in the new year", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe a plan or goal that you have in your life.
2) Describe a time when you made a promise to someone.
3) Describe something you did that was new or exciting.
4) Describe a memorable event in your life.
5) Describe a goal you have that you have not yet achieved.
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