Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
Describe a special cake you received from others - Cue Card # 791
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- Written by IELTS Mentor
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 special cake you received from others.
You should say:
- when it was
- who gave it to you
- why he or she gave it to you
and explain why this cake was so special.
[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:
No doubt, most of us like to eat some delicious cake on all occasions, whether it is a birthday, wedding anniversary or graduation ceremony, but a birthday is probably the only occasion when we have to have a special cake. Today, I would like to talk about one such birthday cake which I received from one of my favourite high school teachers.
I received this cake on my 16th birthday right after graduating from high school. Now, this particular birthday was not like any other of my previous birthdays because it coincided with my graduation, and lots of guests had attended it. Among those guests were most of my classmates and a few of my teachers. Of course, my family had invited all of my high school teachers to the party, but only a few could have attended it.
Anyway, on this special birthday, while different guests brought different kinds of birthday gifts, one of my teachers had a different idea. In fact, while all of my guests were quite happy to give me some kind of “objects” or material things, this good teacher of mine had decided to give me a very special strawberry and chocolate cake.
Now, I am not sure exactly why he decided to give me that cake, even though we already had a rather large cake to celebrate my birthday, but I am assuming that he just wanted to look a bit “different” from the rest of the crowd. Besides, I also think that he brought this cake to my birthday because he also wanted his students to remember him in a rather special way.
But, whatever the reason for which my teacher decided to give me the cake, it, no doubt, was a very special cake, not only because it tasted exceedingly delicious, but also because it had some of the best decorations I have ever seen on a cake. It was special also because it had come out of a very “special consideration” from one of my favourite teachers.
Sample Answer 2:
Introduction:
Celebrating special occasions with family and loved ones is always a heartwarming experience. One such memorable occasion was my 19th birthday when my grandmother surprised me with a special birthday cake that I still remember fondly. Thank you for giving me the chance to remember this memory and talk about this special event.
When it was:
It was my 19th birthday, which was celebrated three years ago in the month of September.
Who gave it to you:
My grandmother made a special birthday cake for me on this occasion. She was an excellent baker, and I have always enjoyed her homemade cakes. I am so sad that she is no more with us. I still miss her a lot, and she will always be a special person in my life.
Why she gave it to you:
My grandmother was very close to me and has played a significant role in my life. She wanted to make my birthday special and memorable. Hence, she decided to bake a cake for me.
And explain why this cake was so special:
The cake was special for several reasons. Firstly, it was handmade by my grandmother, who put in a lot of effort and love into making it. It was a three-layered chocolate cake with a creamy frosting, decorated with sprinkles and candles. The cake tasted heavenly, and the aroma filled the entire house. Secondly, the cake was specially made for me, which made me feel very special and loved.
I feel overwhelmed with emotions and gratitude whenever I think about this special day and this special cake that she made for me. I will never forget it. The cake was not just a dessert but also a symbol of the love and warmth that my grandmother had for me.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
Cakes are often given as special gifts for celebrations, and they hold sentimental value because of the memories they create. Describing a special cake you received can highlight not only the occasion but also the thoughtfulness behind the gesture. Here are some ideas to help you describe a special cake you received:
1. A birthday cake from my best friend:
One of the most special cakes I’ve received was for my 25th birthday. My best friend baked it herself, and it was a beautiful chocolate cake with layers of rich frosting and colourful decorations. She gave it to me because she knew how much I loved homemade cakes and wanted to surprise me. What made this cake so special was not just the taste but the effort and love she put into baking it. It reminded me of the strong bond we share and made my birthday even more memorable.
2. A wedding cake from my parents:
When I got married, my parents surprised me with a beautiful tiered wedding cake. It was a traditional fruit cake with intricate icing and a personal touch of edible flowers. They gave it to me as part of the wedding celebration, and it was so special because it symbolised their love and support for me. The cake brought back fond memories of my childhood, and it was touching to see my parents involved in such an important moment of my life.
3. A Christmas cake from my grandmother:
Every Christmas, my grandmother bakes a traditional fruitcake, and one year she gave me a special version of it as a gift. It was filled with nuts, dried fruits, and a hint of brandy. She gave it to me because I had recently moved to a new city and was feeling homesick. The cake was special not only because of its taste but also because it made me feel close to my family, even though I was far away. It became a cherished part of my holiday traditions.
4. A congratulatory cake from my colleague:
After I received a promotion at work, one of my colleagues baked a congratulatory cake for me. It was a lemon cake with a light glaze and decorated with a congratulatory message. She gave it to me to celebrate my success, and it was incredibly thoughtful of her. The cake was special because it was a kind gesture that made me feel appreciated, and it showed the positive work culture at my office.
5. A cake for my graduation from my cousin:
When I graduated from university, my cousin surprised me with a beautifully decorated cake shaped like a graduation cap. She gave it to me as a celebration of my academic achievement. This cake was special because it was not only a delicious treat but also a meaningful symbol of my hard work and dedication. The cake was a memorable part of a joyous day, and it made me feel proud of my accomplishments.
6. A cake for a baby shower from my aunt:
At my baby shower, my aunt baked a cake shaped like a baby onesie, complete with pastel colours and tiny fondant booties. She gave it to me to celebrate the upcoming arrival of my child. This cake was so special because it was personalised for the occasion and reflected the excitement and love of the family for the new addition. The unique design and her thoughtfulness made it a truly unforgettable gift.
7. A cake from my partner for our anniversary:
For our anniversary, my partner surprised me with a beautiful red velvet cake. He knew I loved red velvet and wanted to make the day even more special. The cake was decorated with heart-shaped patterns and a sweet message. What made this cake so special was not only its flavour but also the sentiment behind it. It symbolised our love and the joy of celebrating another year together, making it a perfect anniversary gift.
8. A cake from my roommate on my promotion:
When I got promoted at work, my roommate baked me a cake as a congratulatory gesture. It was a decadent cheesecake topped with fresh berries and whipped cream. She gave it to me as a way of sharing my happiness. The cake was special not only because of its delicious taste but because it was a thoughtful and supportive gesture that made the celebration feel even more meaningful.
9. A cake from my parents when I moved into my new home:
When I moved into my new home, my parents sent me a cake to celebrate the big step. It was a simple but elegant carrot cake with cream cheese frosting. They gave it to me to mark the occasion, and it was special because it made me feel supported and loved during this new chapter of my life. It was a sweet reminder of their care, even though I was living far away from them.
10. A cake from my friends for a surprise party:
For my surprise birthday party, my friends gave me a cake that was decorated with a fun and quirky theme. It was a colourful sponge cake with layers of frosting and playful designs. They gave it to me to celebrate my birthday and to make me feel extra special. The cake was so meaningful because it represented the effort they put into organising the surprise and the joy they brought to my day.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ cue card topic:
When describing a special cake you received, using vocabulary that highlights the occasion, the giver, the reason, and the qualities that made it special can create a heartwarming and descriptive narrative. Focusing on the personal touch and the emotions involved will help explain its significance. Here are a few useful words and phrases with example sentences for you.
A delightful confection – A beautifully made and delicious sweet treat.
Example: It was a truly delightful confection.
A bespoke creation – A cake that was custom-made or specially designed.
Example: The cake was a bespoke creation, just for me.
Handcrafted with care – Made with attention to detail and a lot of effort.
Example: You could tell it was handcrafted with care.
Baked with love – Made with affection and good intentions.
Example: It tasted like it was truly baked with love.
Marked a special occasion – Celebrated a particular event or milestone.
Example: The cake marked a very special occasion for me.
A thoughtful gesture – A kind and considerate action.
Example: It was such a thoughtful gesture on their part.
A cherished memory – A fond recollection that is treasured.
Example: Receiving that cake is now a cherished memory.
Beyond the delicious taste – More significant than just its flavour.
Example: Beyond the delicious taste, it was the sentiment that mattered most.
If you prepare for the topic "Describe a special cake you received from others", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe a birthday cake that you enjoyed.
2) Describe a birthday party that you attended and enjoyed.
3) Describe a special gift that you received from someone.
4) Describe a special birthday gift that you once received.
5) Describe a gift that you received on your birthday.
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