Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
When you moved to a new home or school - Cue Card # 794
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IELTS Speaking Part 2: IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card.
Describe a time when you moved to a new home or school.
[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.]
You should say:
- when it was
- why you moved to this new home/ school
- what was your impression of it
and explain how you felt once you moved to this new home/ school.
[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 never really in favour of moving from place to place frequently because, more often than not, it becomes really challenging to adapt and adjust. Nevertheless, we still need to move, just like I moved to a new home about 14 years ago. I will shortly explain why I needed to move to a new home, and how I felt about it.
Taking us back 14 years from now when I was still a young boy and didn’t really know much about relocation or moving to a new home, simply because I never really had to move before. But, soon things changed as, one day, suddenly my father broke the depressing and sad news in front of the whole family. Yes, the news was out that we were going to leave our old little home.
As soon as I heard the news, the emotional “me” wanted to argue with my father as to why we really needed to make the move, or why we couldn’t possibly have lived at the same home for our whole life. Interestingly enough, though, while I, along with my dear mother, was shocked and sad after learning about the plan to move to a new home, my siblings didn’t exactly feel the same way. In fact, I felt that my elder brother and younger sister were rather receptive to the news. But, regardless of my emotion and disappointment, I had to move to our new home because the owner of our old residence wanted to rebuild and renovate our old residence.
After moving to our new home in a new part of the city, I didn’t exactly know what to really make of it, except that I wasn’t really very thrilled about moving into it, to say the least. Besides, I kept missing our little old home, playmates and neighbours for quite a few months, initially after moving to our new place, as everything around me felt so “strange and uncooperative”. In fact, I felt so sad after moving to our new home that I promised myself that I would never get so emotionally attached to a home!!!
Sample Answer 2:
Introduction:
Before I begin, I'd like to thank you for letting me talk about this nice topic. I've always believed that moving to a new home can be a significant life event that can be both exciting and overwhelming. Here, I will talk about a time when I moved to a new home.
When it was:
It was in the summer of 2019 when I moved to a new home. It was perhaps in late November or early December when I moved to a new house.
Why you moved to this new home:
The reason behind my move was to be closer to my university campus. The previous apartment was a bit far, and I had to spend a considerable amount of time and money travelling every day.
What was your impression of it:
At first, I was a bit sceptical about moving to a new place as I had grown accustomed to the neighbourhood and the apartment. However, once I realised that I would be able to save time and money commuting to and from university, I began to warm up to the idea of moving.
And explain how you felt once you moved to this new home/ school:
Moving to the new home was an exciting experience, and I was looking forward to starting a new chapter of my life. I remember feeling a bit overwhelmed by the sheer amount of work that needed to be done to set up the new apartment. However, with the help of my family and friends, we managed to get everything in place in a few days. Once the apartment was set up, I was thrilled to see how everything had come together. The new home was more spacious and well-lit than the previous one, and the surroundings were much quieter, which helped me focus better on my studies. Overall, moving to the new home turned out to be a positive experience, and I was glad I made the decision to move.
Model Answer 3:
Introduction:
The transition to a new school is a significant event that many individuals face, often bringing a mix of emotions and challenges. For me, this change occurred during a pivotal period in my academic journey. I would like to thank you for this topic and the time to let me talk about a time when I moved to a new school.
When it was:
The move to a new school unfolded at the beginning of the academic year in 2017. The timing, although deliberate to align with the school calendar, added an extra layer of adjustment as I entered a new environment just as the academic year was gaining momentum.
Why you moved to this new school:
The decision to change schools was motivated by a desire for a more specialised academic focus and a nurturing educational environment. The new school offered advanced programmes in areas that aligned with my interests.
What was your impression of it:
Walking into the new school for the first time was a mix of anticipation and uncertainty. The layout, the classrooms, and the faces of new classmates and teachers were all unfamiliar. However, there was an air of excitement too, a sense of embarking on a journey of discovery and academic exploration.
And explain how you felt once you moved to this new school:
The initial days at the new school were marked by the challenges of adapting to a different curriculum, making new friends, and understanding the unique dynamics of the school community. Over time, as I became more involved in various activities and connected with classmates and teachers, the new school evolved into a space of opportunity and personal development.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
Moving to a new home or school can be both an exciting and challenging experience, as it involves adapting to new surroundings and routines. Whether it’s a new home or a new school, each experience offers unique challenges and rewards. Here are some ideas to help you describe your experience of moving to a new home or school:
1. Moving to a new home due to a job relocation:
I moved to a new home a few years ago because of my parent’s job relocation. It was in a different city, so everything was new to me. The new house was bigger and located in a quiet neighbourhood, which made me feel comfortable. At first, I felt a bit out of place because I missed my old neighbourhood and friends. However, over time, I grew fond of the new area, and the peaceful environment made it a wonderful place to live.
2. Moving to a new home because of a family decision:
When I was in high school, my family decided to move to a new home to be closer to family. The move was significant as we moved from a bustling city to a smaller town. The new house was cosy, and although I initially missed the conveniences of city life, I grew to appreciate the slower pace and tighter-knit community. It was a fresh start, and eventually, I felt more relaxed in the new place.
3. Moving to a new home for better amenities:
Several years ago, my family decided to move to a new home that offered better amenities, such as a larger backyard and proximity to parks. The house was located in a more modern area, and I was excited about the improvements. At first, I was overwhelmed by the unpacking and setting up, but the new features of the house, like the open kitchen and spacious living room, made the move worth it.
4. Moving to a new home due to financial reasons:
When I was younger, we had to move to a smaller home because of financial difficulties. It was a challenging time, as we left behind a larger, more comfortable house. I initially felt upset and insecure about the change. However, over time, I realised that the new house had its own charm, and it brought our family closer together. I learned to value simplicity and make the most of the space we had.
5. Moving to a new home because of a change in lifestyle:
When I moved out of my parent’s house to attend university, I rented a small apartment near campus. The experience of living independently was both exciting and challenging. I had to learn how to manage my own space, do my own cooking, and handle responsibilities like paying bills. Although I was initially nervous, I soon felt a sense of pride in my new home and enjoyed the freedom it provided.
6. Moving to a new school for better opportunities:
I moved to a new school during high school because my family believed it would offer me better academic opportunities. The school had a stronger reputation for preparing students for university. At first, I felt nervous because I didn’t know anyone, but the friendly atmosphere and supportive teachers made the transition smoother. I felt a sense of achievement as I adjusted to the new environment and made new friends.
7. Moving to a new school due to family relocation:
When my family relocated to a new city, I had to switch schools. I was initially anxious about meeting new people and adjusting to the different school culture. The new school had a different curriculum, and I had to catch up with the coursework. However, after a few weeks, I found my way and enjoyed the challenges it presented. I made new friends, and the experience made me more adaptable.
8. Moving to a new school because of a specialised program:
I switched schools to join a specialised program in arts, which was more suited to my interests. The change was both exciting and nerve-wracking. The new school was more focused on creative development, and the teachers were incredibly supportive. Initially, I struggled to keep up with the new curriculum, but I quickly found my rhythm and felt proud of the creative work I was able to produce.
9. Moving to a new school after a family decision:
When I was younger, my parents decided to move me to a private school that focused more on academic excellence. I felt uneasy at first because the environment was different from my previous school. However, over time, I came to appreciate the structure and the advanced teaching methods that helped me excel academically. The adjustment was challenging, but it ultimately helped shape my educational path.
10. Moving to a new school because of bullying:
I transferred to a new school during middle school due to bullying at my previous school. The change was difficult at first, as I was afraid of fitting in again. However, the new school provided a more supportive environment, and the teachers took steps to ensure students felt safe. Gradually, I made new friends and began to feel more confident. The experience helped me learn the importance of a positive school culture.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ cue card topic:
When describing a time you moved to a new home or school, using vocabulary that conveys the timing, reasons for the move, your initial thoughts, and your subsequent feelings can create a comprehensive and engaging narrative. Focusing on the transition and your emotional journey will help explain your experience. Here are some useful words and phrases with example sentences:
Transitioned to – Changed from one place or situation to another.
Example: The transition to the new school was initially challenging.
Embarking on a new chapter – Starting a new phase or period in your life.
Example: Moving felt like embarking on a new chapter.
Sought better opportunities – Looked for improved chances or prospects.
Example: We sought better educational opportunities by moving.
My initial impression was – My first thoughts or feelings were.
Example: My initial impression of the new school was quite positive.
A sense of [feeling] washed over me – A particular emotion suddenly and strongly affected you.
Example: A sense of excitement washed over me as we unpacked.
Felt a mix of emotions – Experienced a combination of different feelings.
Example: I felt a mix of nervousness and anticipation.
Gradually settled in – Slowly became comfortable and accustomed to the new environment.
Example: It took some time, but I gradually settled into the new school.
Developed a fondness for – Started to like something about the new place.
Example: I quickly developed a fondness for the friendly atmosphere.
Established new routines – Created a new set of regular habits.
Example: It took a while to establish new routines.
Formed new connections – Made new friends or acquaintances.
Example: Making new friends helped me feel more at home.
Looked forward to the future – Felt optimistic about what was to come in the new place.
Example: Eventually, I started to look forward to the future in our new home.
If you prepare for the topic "Describe a time when you moved to a new home or school.", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe an event when you disagreed with a decision made by someone.
2) Describe a time when you stayed far away from your home.
3) Describe an event that made you sad.
4) Describe a time when you with a decision made by a family member.
5) Describe a piece of news that was surprising to you.
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