Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
Describe an activity that you do after school or work - Cue Card # 799
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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 an activity that you do after school/ work.
You should say:
- what activity it is
- when and where you do it
- who you do it with
and explain how you feel about doing this activity.
[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 recently, I would remain happy to just sit at home and watch some TV after work. Now, while I have nothing against enjoying our time at home, this thing turned into a rather boring affair for me after a while. In other words, I needed to find some other kinds of activities. So, I went to a store one day about 6 months ago and bought myself a bicycle. Well, the reason for buying this bicycle was - yes, you have guessed it right - to tussle with it a little after work.
Of course, it was not the first time that I had ever owned a bicycle and ridden it. In fact, I used to own a very nice-looking “two-wheeler” and ride it like a “professional” when I was attending my university about 4 years ago. But, then, when I started a career, which required a different kind of lifestyle from my end, I had to give up the idea of riding a bicycle.
But, now, once again, I have gone back to my “old self” - a more adventurous one in that - while enjoying this activity after my work, or I should say, mainly after my work, in the afternoon for at least one hour, and sometimes to hours, since I also happen to ride it in the morning during the weekends, some times. But, no matter when or at what time I am doing this activity, I always try to do it in a nearby park, since they are comparatively less crowded or busy than those city roads or streets. And yes, I enjoy this activity alone, even though it would be nice to have other fellow riders to accompany me sometimes.
But, riding alone or not, I am really enjoying this rather new activity since it allows me to become and behave like the “young me” once again! I am also feeling a way more “liberated” and positive about myself after starting this activity because it helps me take my mind away from the “toxic” work environment that I have to cope with sometimes.
Model Answer 2:
Introduction:
After a long day at work, I always look forward to engaging in some activities to refresh my mind and body. Among the activities that I enjoy doing, playing basketball is my favourite. It not only keeps me fit but also helps me to unwind and relax. I'd like to thank you for allowing me to talk about this activity that I enjoy after my office hours.
What activity it is:
Basketball is the activity that I love to engage in after work. It is a sport that involves two teams of five players, each trying to score points by throwing a ball through a hoop elevated 10 feet above the ground.
When and where you do it:
I usually play basketball after work in the evenings, and I do it at a local community centre that has a basketball court. Since the community centre is located near my workplace, it is very convenient for me to get there.
Who you do it with:
I usually play basketball with my colleagues who are also interested in the sport. It's a great way to bond with my colleagues, and have some fun after a long day at work.
And explain how you feel about doing this activity:
Playing basketball after work is an activity that I really look forward to. It helps me to relieve the stress and tension that builds up during the day, and I always feel refreshed and energised after playing. I enjoy the feeling of competing with my colleagues and working together as a team to achieve our goals.
Model Answer 3:
Introduction:
Thank you for this great topic. I've always been a fitness enthusiast, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is very important to me. Therefore, I prefer to engage in physical activities after a long day at the university. One such activity that I regularly do after university is going to the gym.
What activity it is:
Going to the gym is an activity that I engage in after university. I would say this is something that has become a part of my daily routine. Going to the gym involves doing various exercises to maintain my physical fitness and overall well-being.
When and where you do it:
I usually go to the gym right after my university classes are over, which is around 4 pm. The gym that I go to is located in the same building as my university campus, so it's very convenient for me.
Who you do it with:
I usually go to the gym alone, as it gives me the opportunity to focus entirely on my workout routine without any distractions. However, sometimes I do go with my gym buddies who motivate me to push my limits and achieve my fitness goals.
And explain how you feel about doing this activity:
Going to the gym after a long day at university helps me clear my mind and get rid of all the stress and tension that has accumulated over the day. It makes me feel energised, refreshed, and ready to take on the challenges of the rest of the day. Moreover, seeing the results of my hard work at the gym, such as improved strength, stamina, and overall health, is a great source of motivation for me. Therefore, I always look forward to hitting the gym after university, and it has become an essential part of my daily routine.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
In this cue card/ candidate task card topic, you are asked to describe an activity you enjoy doing after school or work. Here are several ideas for activities that people commonly engage in after their classes or office hours. You can tailor these ideas based on your personal interests and experiences.
1. Playing football:
Playing football is a common sport that many people enjoy after school or work. You can talk about the time of day you usually play (evenings or weekends), where you play (a local park, a football field), and how you feel when playing. Football is an excellent way to stay fit while socialising with friends.
2. Going for jogging or running:
Running or jogging is an excellent activity that helps you stay fit. It’s an activity that can be done alone, and many people prefer jogging in the early morning or after work to unwind. You can mention how you enjoy the time to clear your mind and stay healthy.
3. Cycling:
Cycling is another great physical activity that people enjoy doing after work. You could mention the scenic routes you enjoy cycling on, such as through parks or along riversides, and how refreshing and relaxing it feels. Cycling also promotes health and offers an opportunity for exploration.
4. Reading books:
If you are someone who enjoys a quiet, relaxing activity after a busy day, you might enjoy reading books. You can talk about your favourite genres, authors, or how you unwind by reading. It’s a great way to increase your knowledge and relax your mind after a hectic day.
5. Playing video games:
If you enjoy video games, this is an excellent way to describe how you spend your free time. You can mention the kind of games you enjoy playing, how often you play them, and why you find them enjoyable, whether it’s for entertainment or relaxation.
6. Cooking a new recipe:
Cooking or baking is another enjoyable activity for many. You could describe your experience of trying out a new recipe after work, the process of preparing it, and how fulfilling it is to enjoy the food you’ve made. Cooking can be both creative and a stress-reliever.
7. Visiting a café or restaurant:
If you enjoy going out, spending time in a café or restaurant after work is a great activity. You can describe the ambience you enjoy, the kind of food or drinks you like, and the social aspect of visiting these places, whether alone or with friends.
8. Playing an instrument:
If you’re musically inclined, playing a musical instrument can be a great way to spend your time after school or work. It could be the piano, guitar, or any other instrument you enjoy. You can talk about your progress, how it helps you relax, and how it has become a passion.
9. Watching TV shows or movies:
For those who prefer something relaxing, watching TV shows or movies after work is a great way to unwind. You can talk about your favourite genres or how watching a series after a long day helps you relax and escape into another world.
10. Yoga or meditation:
Yoga or meditation is ideal for those looking for mental peace and physical relaxation. You can explain how you practice these activities, whether at home or in a class, and how they help you release stress and improve focus.
Tips for answering this cue card topic:
Topic: Describe an activity that you do after school/ work.
This cue card topic assumes that you are either a student or a professional working in an office or running your own business. This is why it asks about an activity that you do after your classes, or office or work hours.
If you are a student, you need to tell about something that you usually do after you return from your school/ college/ university. So, it is obvious that you should talk about an afternoon or evening activity. And you can say that you play a sport or game with your friends, go out and enjoy "Mother Nature", walk in the park for a while, visit a nearby cafe, read a book in the local public library, ride a bicycle, hang out with your friends, hit the gymnasium, to do some exercise and so on. There is no limit on the type of activity students might do after they return from school. So we suggest you pick something that you do and then plan and talk about this activity.
If you are a professional working in an office or running your own business, before giving details of the activity, let the examiner know when you usually return home from your workplace. Then describe an activity you usually do. It could be anything from playing a game or sport to cooking, gardening, walking, running, exercising, watching TV or reading a magazine or book.
A list of activities that you may talk about for this topic:
Playing an indoor game.
Taking part in a team sport/ outdoor sport.
Hitting the gym.
Cycling.
Reading a book/ newspaper/ magazine.
Riding a bicycle.
Bird watching.
Fishing.
Listening to music
Visiting a cafe.
Doing yoga.
Gardening.
Hiking.
Hanging out with friends.
Watching TV.
Cooking
Playing video games.
Dancing.
Learning a skill.
Writing for a blog.
Playing a musical instrument.
Visiting a park.
Relaxing at home.
Art and crafting.
Scrapbooking.
Running.
Rollerblading.
Thrift shopping.
Homemaking.
Teaching children.
This Cue Card topic comes with 4 accompanying questions, which are -
- what activity it is
- when and where you do it
- who you do it with
and explain how you feel about doing this activity.
We would like to suggest that you thank the examiner first before you get into the details of the activity. Then clearly mention what "activity" you do after returning from school or the workplace. This would clearly answer the first question.
Example: This is a nice topic, and I would like to thank you first before I get into the details of an activity that I do regularly after I return from university.
For the second question, i.e. "when and where you do it", give the time when you usually take part in this activity, how long you usually do it and whether you do it indoors or outdoors. If this is an outdoor activity, mention a line or two to explain why you like to do this activity at that particular place.
Example: I play football with my friends almost every evening, except when the weather is too extreme. I normally return home at around 3:30 pm and take a shower, eat my meal and then rest for a while. But when the clock ticks to 5:00 pm, I go out and play football for at least an hour with my friends. We play football, which happens to be my favourite sport, in a nearby playground which is only a 10-minute walk away from my home.
If you look at the example above, it has already answered the third question, which asks "who you do it with".
Now we have only the fourth and final question remaining, which asks about your feelings for this activity that you do. For that, give some positive feelings as it is an activity that you usually do to pass some leisure time. Also, mention a couple of benefits of that activity.
Example: I love playing football with my friends. I am passionate about this sport and like to spend my evening hours outdoors. So this activity gives me a perfect opportunity to be outdoors, and do some exercise, while also seeing my friends and spending some quality time together. This evening activity is something I truly enjoy.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ cue card topic:
When describing an activity you do after school or work, using vocabulary that conveys the nature of the activity, the routine, your companions (if any), and your emotional response can create a clear and engaging narrative. Focusing on the regularity, the location, and the feelings of enjoyment or relaxation will help the listener understand your connection to this activity. Here are some useful words and phrases with example sentences:
A regular pastime – An activity that you do often for enjoyment in your free time.
Example: Cycling has become a regular pastime for me after work.
A way to unwind – Something that helps you relax and reduce stress.
Example: Listening to music is my favourite way to unwind after a long day.
A form of recreation – An activity done for enjoyment and relaxation.
Example: Playing basketball is a great form of recreation for me and my colleagues.
A chance to socialise – An opportunity to meet and spend time with other people.
Example: Playing team sports after work is a good chance to socialise.
A solitary pursuit – An activity that you do alone.
Example: Reading is often a solitary pursuit that I enjoy in the evenings.
A shared hobby – An activity that you enjoy doing with other people who have the same interest.
Example: Bird watching is a shared hobby that I enjoy with my father on weekends.
A way to de-stress – Something that helps you release tension and feel calmer.
Example: Gardening is a fantastic way to de-stress after a hectic workday.
A source of enjoyment – Something that brings you pleasure and happiness.
Example: Cooking is a significant source of enjoyment for me after work.
A chance to clear my head – An opportunity to think clearly and get rid of worries.
Example: Running helps me clear my head and feel refreshed.
A mood booster – Something that improves your feelings and makes you feel more positive.
Example: Listening to upbeat music is a great mood booster after a tiring day.
A way to stay active – Something that helps you maintain a physically energetic lifestyle.
Example: Cycling is a way for me to stay active even after a sedentary workday.
A fulfilling activity – Something that makes you feel satisfied and content.
Example: Engaging in art and crafting is a very fulfilling activity for me.
Your preparation for this cue card topic would help you talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe an activity you enjoy doing.
2) Describe something you often do.
3) Describe something you enjoy doing regularly.
4) Describe an activity that helps you keep healthy.
5) Describe an outdoor activity that you enjoy.
6) Describe something or an activity that you do with your friends.
7) Describe something that you do with your family.
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