Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
Describe something interesting you saw on social media. - Cue Card # 798
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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 something interesting you saw on social media.
You should say:
- what you saw
- where you saw it
- how you felt about it
and explain why you think it was interesting.
[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:
Social media attracts all sorts of ideas, thoughts and behaviours from all kinds of people, from all over the world. And therefore, it is quite natural that we will get to see something interesting on these open platforms from time to time, if not always, and today I would like to talk about one such interesting thing.
Well, I should rather call it a “video” – a video of a seemingly irritated antler that was trying to pick up a fight with a photographer. I saw this interesting video on Facebook - the largest social media platform - about a few months ago when I was idly browsing for something interesting on my computer at my home. Having found nothing worth reading or viewing, I decided to visit Facebook, and it was at that time that I saw this video on my Facebook news feed.
In that video, I saw a photographer trying to video a very beautiful antler while passing by an unprotected “wildlife sanctuary” of the sort, except, of course, the antler was definitely not in her mood to be filmed. The antler even made her intention clear about not being filmed, by trying to attack the photographer in a mild manner. But, on the other hand, the “unruly” photographer was in no mood to leave the irritated antler alone, infuriating the animal even further in the process.
This tussle between the antler and the stubborn photographer had continued for almost 20 minutes before the photographer finally decided to respect the privacy of that exotic-looking antler. What a fine and unadulterated entertainment for a good 20 minutes it really was, and that’s the only thing I could think after finishing watching the nice video!
Anyway, I found this video to be very interesting because it had managed to capture some of the rarest moments of a very “stubborn and yet very proud” antler in action. Besides, the video was made with such a masterstroke, by using all angles, that it would actually be impossible to leave the video without watching it till the very end!
Model Answer 2:
Introduction:
It is undeniable that social media websites and platforms have become an important part of our lives, and billions of people, all around the world, use different social media websites. We often come across interesting content while scrolling through our feeds on social media platforms, and some of them are so interesting that we tend to remember them and think about them. One such incident that I recall was when I saw an intriguing video on Facebook. Today I will talk about it here for this topic.
What you saw:
The video was about an artist who created stunning sculptures out of scrap metal. The video showcased the artist's incredible talent and the intricate details in each sculpture.
Where I saw it:
I came across this video while browsing my Facebook feed during my leisure time about a few months ago.
How you felt about it:
I was fascinated by the artist's creativity and skill. Watching the video was an eye-opener for me as it made me realise that anything can be turned into art with enough creativity and imagination. I was also impressed by how the artist was able to transform everyday objects into masterpieces.
And explain why you think it was interesting:
The video was interesting to me because it made me appreciate the value of creativity and art. It inspired me to look at ordinary things from a different perspective and to explore the endless possibilities of art. Moreover, it helped me to realise that social media can be a great source of inspiration and learning if we use them correctly.
Sample Answer 3:
Introduction:
Social media has become an integral part of our lives, and we spend a significant amount of time scrolling through our feeds. I have come across various interesting posts on social media, but one post, in particular, caught my attention, and I would like to talk about it for this interesting topic.
What you saw:
I was browsing my Instagram feed when I came across a video of a man feeding a group of tigers in a wildlife sanctuary. The man was sitting on the ground, and the tigers were lying next to him, and he was feeding them raw meat. The video was short but captivating, and I couldn't help but watch it repeatedly.
Where you saw it:
I saw this video on Instagram, a popular social media platform for sharing photos and videos. The user who shared the video was a wildlife photographer, and he had captured this incredible moment during his visit to the sanctuary.
How you felt about it:
As an animal lover, I was fascinated and intrigued by this video. The tigers looked calm and at ease, and their interaction with the man was heartwarming. The video captured a unique and rare moment that I had never seen before, and it left me in awe.
And explain why you think it was interesting:
The video was interesting because it captured a rare moment in nature where humans and wild animals coexisted peacefully. It showcased the connection and trust that can exist between animals and humans when treated with respect and care. Moreover, it raised awareness about the importance of protecting wildlife and preserving their natural habitat. This video served as a reminder of the beauty and wonders of nature and how important it is to cherish and protect them.
Tips for answering this topic:
Topic: Describe something interesting you saw on social media.
Here are some tips on answering this Cue Card / Candidate Task Card Topic:
For this candidate task card topic, you need to speak about something "interesting" that you have watched/read/noticed or seen on a social media platform. You need to give details about the type of content you have seen that you thought was interesting, talk about the social media platform or website where you saw it, a little background about when and how you saw it, how you felt seeing/reading/watching it and finally why, in your opinion, it was interesting.
So we will first explain what types of content could be considered "interesting". Please note that "interesting" is a subjective term here, and something utterly fascinating to one person could be annoying or boring to another person. Nonetheless, a few common interesting things that people often enjoy on social media platforms or websites are -
- An interesting post or video about a scientific breakthrough
- A viral video
- News about a celebrity or political leader
- A compilation of cute dogs/cats (or any pet) videos.
- A video on space/ time travel
- A trending video
- An intriguing political news
- A video on underwater life
- An investigative small documentary
- An animated short film
- A post that explains why a popular belief is just a myth
- A knowledgeable post on an interesting topic
- A sneak peek of a new gadget
- A recipe that shows how to cook food that you really like
- A tutorial that shows how to start a hobby
- Easy tutorial about something that you are interested in learning
- An article and facts about history
- An article about the prediction of the future of the world
- An interesting 10-minute craft
- A how-to tutorial that you really liked
- A travel vlog video
- A food/ hotel review
- Tips on health that are intriguing
- Tips on how to better exercise daily
- A list with pictures of foods that are beneficial for our health
- A concept of a technological item or gadget (for example, a concept phone or a concept car) that you found very interesting
- A DIY project that was really practical and simple
- A video or tutorial that debunks a common misconception
- A tutorial/article or video that advises on investing, savings, and prudently using money
- A video about a difficult science topic that explains it to ordinary audiences
- A post about an interesting tourist destination
... and so on
Now, we will list down the most common and popular social media platforms. Please mention the name of the social media platform when you talk about this topic. Also, mention how long you usually use this social media network and for what purposes.
Global: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, Reddit, LinkedIn, Quora, YouTube.
Some Regional: Sina Weibo (China), Zhihu (China), VKontakte (Russia).
Finally, we will give you some ideas that you can say while describing why the content you watched on that social media was so gripping:
- It helped me learn something new.
- I never thought about it in that way, so it was an eye-opener for me.
- The content/video explains something that I have always felt passionate about.
- It debunked a misconception and helped me learn the truth.
- It exposed a crime and helped us learn the truth.
- It was so entertaining, and I really had a great time watching/reading it.
- The idea was novel, and it made me think a lot about it.
- The presentation itself was very intriguing, and the narrator had an uncanny skill of explaining the whole thing.
Some synonyms of "interesting" that you can use to describe the content:
Fascinating, gripping, compelling, amusing, intriguing, exciting, thought-provoking, enthralling, spellbinding, captivating, beguiling, entertaining.
Some examples of how to use those words and synonyms:
Fascinating: It was so fascinating. Just after watching it, I could not help but share it with my friends.
Gripping: The gripping content glued me to my desk till the end, and I am sure it is something utterly fascinating that I have watched in a while.
Compelling: The video I am talking about was so compelling and interesting that it had been shared more than 2 million times.
Amusing: This DIY project was amusing from the perspective that it was practical and very much doable, unlike many other projects that seem easy at first glance but are, in fact, utterly difficult.
Intriguing: This intriguing post shares with us how a puzzling crime like that was solved by a team of just three detectives.
Exciting: This barely two-minute video content was so exciting that I had watched it at least thrice and could not help but laugh out loud!
Thought-provoking: It was written by one of the most renowned journalists in our country, and it gives us a thought-provoking insight into corruption and crimes.
Enthralling: This enthralling viral video was surely something that amused me and my colleagues when we first noticed it in our office.
Spellbinding: The spellbinding life of this sea creature, which is barely an inch long, is surely proof that we are yet to fully understand evolution and its process.
Captivating: It was just captivating. I could not think of anything else when I first laid my eyes on this.
Beguiling: It was creative, beguiling and thoroughly delightful.
Entertaining: I think the post got so much attention from all types of visitors, primarily because it was utterly entertaining.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
Social media is a vast platform where we can witness countless interesting events, news, and creative posts that often spark emotions or expand our perspectives. Below are several ideas that can help you answer this cue card/ candidate task card confidently. Please note that these examples should give you a variety of ideas to approach the topic and speak with confidence. Use your personal experiences or knowledge to share what you found interesting on social media!
1. Viral charity event video:
I saw a viral video on Facebook about a charity event where people from all over the world participated in a 24-hour fundraising campaign. The video showed heartwarming stories of people who received help from the charity, and I felt incredibly moved. It was interesting because it highlighted how small contributions can make a significant difference and bring positive change to the world.
2. Nature photography contest entry:
On Instagram, I saw a stunning nature photography post that won a major photography contest. The photograph captured the magnificence of the Northern Lights over an untouched, snowy landscape. I was amazed by how the photographer captured the colours and vastness of nature, making me reflect on how powerful and beautiful our planet is. The artistry and timing of the shot made it one of the most impressive things I’ve seen online.
3. A motivational TED talk snippet:
I came across a motivational snippet from a TED talk on YouTube that discussed overcoming adversity. The speaker’s personal journey of facing extreme challenges and rising above them left a deep impact on me. I felt inspired and energised to take on challenges in my own life. It was interesting because the speaker was so authentic, and the message was incredibly empowering.
4. New cooking trend on TikTok:
I saw a short TikTok video showcasing a trending new recipe—an innovative take on a traditional dish. It involved a simple ingredient mix and an interesting technique to prepare a healthy version of a classic dessert. I was curious to try it myself. It was interesting because it blended the joy of cooking with a modern twist on something familiar, making cooking feel fresh and creative.
5. Exciting tech innovation announcement:
On Twitter, I read about an announcement regarding a new virtual reality headset that was designed to be more immersive and affordable. The way the product was presented, along with its promising features, caught my attention. As someone interested in technology, I found it very intriguing and couldn't wait to see how it would change the gaming and entertainment industries.
6. International travel vlog:
I stumbled upon a travel vlog on YouTube that showcased the cultural diversity of various countries in Southeast Asia. The vlog’s host explored local customs, festivals, and street food, all while interacting with locals. I felt excited as I watched the vlog because it fueled my wanderlust and provided great travel tips. The way the host shared personal experiences made the content feel real and inspiring.
7. Thought-provoking news article:
I came across a thought-provoking news article on LinkedIn that discussed the importance of sustainability and how small businesses are adopting eco-friendly practices. It struck me because it presented tangible examples of how companies can reduce waste and lower their carbon footprints. This gave me a fresh perspective on how we can all contribute to a greener future.
8. Animal rescue story:
I saw a touching video on Facebook of a rescued dog finding its forever home. The transformation in the dog’s behaviour was heartwarming. I felt a deep connection to the story as it reminded me of how animals have the ability to bring joy and love to people’s lives. It was interesting because it showed the power of kindness and how rescuing animals can make a lasting impact.
9. Innovative DIY home project:
On Pinterest, I found an interesting DIY project where someone had turned old wooden pallets into an outdoor garden seating area. I admired the creativity and effort involved in upcycling materials. It was intriguing because it sparked my own interest in home improvement and sustainable practices. The project felt simple but highly functional, showing how to create something useful with minimal cost.
10. Inspirational fitness transformation:
On Instagram, I came across an inspiring post about someone's fitness transformation over the course of a year. They shared their journey of hard work, discipline, and perseverance in the gym. I found it motivating because it showed how persistence pays off, and it encouraged me to stay on track with my own fitness goals. It was interesting because it connected with a personal ambition to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ cue card topic:
When describing something interesting you saw on social media, using vocabulary that captures the nature of the content, the platform, your reaction, and the reasons for its appeal can create a clear and engaging response. Focusing on the specifics of what you viewed and why it stood out will help explain its interesting qualities. Here are some useful words and phrases with example sentences:
A captivating piece of content – Something you saw that was very engaging and held your attention.
Example: I came across a truly captivating piece of content on Instagram.
A thought-provoking post – Something that made you think deeply about a particular topic.
Example: It was a thought-provoking post that sparked a lot of discussion.
An insightful video – A recording that provided a clear and deep understanding of something.
Example: I watched an insightful video explaining a complex scientific concept.
A humorous anecdote – A short and amusing story.
Example: Someone shared a really humorous anecdote about their travel experiences.
A visually stunning image/video – Something that was extremely beautiful or impressive to look at.
Example: The post featured a visually stunning image of the aurora borealis.
A creative use of technology – An innovative or imaginative way in which technology was applied.
Example: It showcased a very creative use of augmented reality.
An inspiring story – A narrative that motivated or encouraged you.
Example: I read an inspiring story about someone overcoming adversity.
A behind-the-scenes look – A view of something that is usually private or not shown to the public.
Example: It was a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the making of a film.
A unique perspective on – A distinctive or unusual viewpoint about a particular subject.
Example: The post offered a unique perspective on current events.
A demonstration of incredible talent – A display of remarkable natural ability.
Example: I saw a demonstration of incredible musical talent on TikTok.
A powerful message – A significant or influential idea that was communicated effectively.
Example: The content conveyed a very powerful message about environmental awareness.
A sense of wonder – A feeling of surprise mingled with admiration, caused by something beautiful, unexpected, unfamiliar, or inexplicable.
Example: The video filled me with a sense of wonder.
Sparked my curiosity – Made me want to learn more about something.
Example: The post really sparked my curiosity about this topic.
Challenged my assumptions – Made me question things I previously believed to be true.
Example: It was interesting because it challenged my long-held assumptions.
If you prepare for the topic "Describe something interesting you saw on social media", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe an interesting story or news that you read or watched.
2) Describe a piece of interesting news you have recently watched on TV.
3) Describe a funny video you have watched and enjoyed.
4) Describe something that made you laugh.
5) Describe something that you shared with your friends.
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