Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
A competition you would like to take part in - Cue Card # 828
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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 content or competition you would like to take part in.
You should say:
- what kind of contest/ competition it is
- what you would be required to do in this contest/ competition
- why this contest/ competition interests you
and explain how important it is for you to take part in this competition.
[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.]
[Examiner: All right? Remember you have one to two minutes for this, so don't worry if I stop you. I'll tell you when the time is up. Can you start speaking now, please?]
Model Answer 1:
Introduction:
Photography is one of my hobbies, and I love capturing different scenes and moments. Today, I would like to talk about a competition that I would love to participate in, which is a photography competition.
What kind of competition it is:
The photography competition that I am interested in is a national-level competition. It is an annual event that invites photographers from all over the country to showcase their talents and creativity. The competition is usually held in a large exhibition hall where all the photographs are displayed for the public to view and admire.
What you would be required to do in this competition:
To participate in this competition, I would need to submit a series of my best photographs. The competition has different categories such as landscape, portrait, street, and wildlife photography. As a participant, I'd need to choose the category that best fits my photographs and submit my entries before the deadline. The photographs should be of high quality and meet the competition's criteria.
Why this competition interests you:
Photography has always been my passion, and participating in this competition would give me an opportunity to showcase my skills and creativity to a wider audience. It would also be a great opportunity for me to learn from other photographers and see their work. Winning this competition would be a great achievement for me, and it would also give me recognition in the photography community.
And explain how important it is for you to take part in this competition:
Taking part in this photography competition is very important to me as it would give me a chance to challenge myself and take my photography skills to the next level. I believe that participating in this competition would push me to think outside the box and experiment with different styles and techniques. Moreover, the feedback from the judges would help me identify my strengths and weaknesses, and work on improving my skills.
Model Answer 2:
Recently, I saw an advertisement, or a commercial rather, on a local television channel where one of the most prestigious universities in my country was inviting young people like me to take part in a short film and documentary-making competition. As soon as I saw that commercial, I thought that I would also take part in that competition and try to showcase some of my creative skills and talents, if any, at all.
Now, before I go any further into explaining what I would need to do to win this competition, or how important this competition really is for me, I should make it clear that I am not a professional film-maker, nor do I have any kind of exceptional film making skills or abilities. But, still, I just love the idea of making some kind of short films or documentaries because of their educational and informational values. In fact, I became so intrigued by watching some exceptionally well-made documentaries on television in the past that I even secretly made a couple of documentaries on some important social issues a couple of years ago, all by myself. Those two documentaries were highly praised by one of my senior cousins, who also happens to teach “visual art and film” courses at a university in my country.
Needless to say, it was from that time that I secretly held a wish that one day, I would also take part in a short film/documentary-making competition so that I would also be able to display my creativity. And all I would need to do for that is to prepare a very well-written script, and convey a concrete message in the end while also forcing the audience to ask questions.
Anyway, I guess that taking part in this competition and winning it is fairly important for me. It is not only because it would allow me to win a hefty prize and fetch some recognition, but, more importantly, also because it would help us create some kind of awareness of some important issues that are negatively affecting our societies as a whole.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
If you are asked to describe a contest or competition you'd like to take part in, think about something that aligns with your skills, interests, or career goals. It could be academic, creative, athletic, or even something just for fun. Below are several detailed ideas you can develop into a full cue card response:
1. International public speaking competition:
This is a global competition where participants present speeches on current social or environmental topics. I’d be required to deliver a well-structured speech in front of judges and a live audience. It interests me because I enjoy expressing ideas clearly and persuasively. Taking part would boost my confidence and public speaking skills.
2. National level photography contest:
In this contest, participants need to submit their original photographs around a theme such as ‘Urban Life’ or ‘Nature in Focus’. I’ve always had a passion for photography and want to showcase how I see the world through my lens. Participating in this contest would be a great way to gain recognition for my work.
3. Startup pitch competition:
Entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas to a panel of judges for funding and mentorship. I would be required to present a detailed business plan and answer questions about my startup idea. As someone who dreams of building a tech company, this competition is both exciting and meaningful to me.
4. International essay writing competition:
This contest involves writing essays on global issues like sustainability, education, or equality. I’d need to submit a well-researched and compelling essay. Writing is my strong suit, and I think this competition would allow me to express my views while competing on a larger scale.
5. Hackathon event:
A hackathon is a programming competition where teams work to build apps or digital tools within a limited timeframe. I’d be involved in developing innovative tech solutions to real-world problems. This would challenge my technical skills and creativity, which is why it appeals to me.
6. Cooking contest on a TV show:
In this kind of competition, participants prepare dishes in front of professional chefs and a live audience. I love experimenting with food, and participating would help me learn more about presentation and culinary precision. It's a dream to showcase my cooking talent on such a platform.
7. IELTS speaking challenge:
This is a mock competition designed to simulate the IELTS speaking test. Participants are judged on fluency, vocabulary, and pronunciation. I want to join because it’s relevant to my goals and helps me prepare for the actual exam. Winning isn’t the goal - improving is.
8. School quiz bowl or trivia competition:
Participants answer questions from a wide range of subjects like history, science, literature, and current events. I enjoy learning new things, and this type of competition sharpens my memory and general knowledge. Competing with others in a friendly way would be exciting.
9. School debate competition:
In a debate, two teams argue for and against a topic in front of judges. I like it because it sharpens critical thinking, improves public speaking, and helps me develop persuasive skills. I am planning to take part in our school debate championship this coming July.
10. Chess tournament:
I’d like to enter a chess tournament where strategic thinking is key. It’s a mentally demanding game that I’ve been practising for years, and testing my skills in a real competition would be exciting.
11. Table tennis championship:
As a recreational table tennis player, I’d love to compete in an amateur championship. It requires agility, quick reflexes, and concentration. Taking part would push me to improve and stay physically fit.
12. Science fair competition:
In this competition, students present science projects or experiments. I’d love to join one that focuses on environmental sustainability. It would be a great platform to explore real-world problems and offer creative solutions.
Sample Answer 3:
Introduction:
First, I'd like to thank you for letting me talk about a competition in which I am interested in participating. I believe that competitions are a great way to test our skills and abilities, and participating in them can be a rewarding experience. One competition that I would like to take part in is a public speaking competition.
What type of competition it is:
Well, a public speaking competition is a contest where participants deliver a speech on a particular topic in front of an audience and a panel of judges. The speech is usually evaluated on factors such as content, delivery, and overall impact.
What you would be required to do in this competition:
I think that to take part in this competition, I would need to prepare a well-researched and well-structured speech on a topic that I am passionate about. I would need to work on my delivery, such as my tone, pace, and body language, to ensure that I engage the audience and convey my message effectively. I would also have to talk confidently to deliver my message to both the audience and the judges.
Why this competition interests you:
Public speaking is a valuable skill that can benefit us in many areas of our lives, from professional to personal. It can boost our confidence, improve our communication skills, and help us articulate our thoughts and ideas more clearly. So I believe, taking part in a public speaking competition would give me an opportunity to showcase my skills, receive feedback from experienced judges, and learn from other participants.
And explain how important it is for you to take part in this competition:
Participating in a public speaking competition is important to me because it can help me grow as a person and develop skills that are essential in both my personal and professional life. It would give me a chance to hone my skills of public speaking, improve my communication skills, and gain confidence in myself. Additionally, winning or placing in the competition would be a great accomplishment and would give me a sense of pride and achievement - I believe.
Vocabulary for this Candidate Task Card / Cue Card topic:
Talking about a contest or competition gives you the opportunity to use vocabulary related to ambition, preparation, performance, and personal development. Below is a list of some useful words and expressions that can help you describe your ideas more effectively in the IELTS Speaking test:
Contestant – A person who takes part in a competition.
Prestigious – Respected or admired, usually because of a high level of achievement.
Showcase – To display or present something in an impressive way.
Entry criteria – The rules or requirements to enter a competition.
Panel of judges – A group of people who evaluate and score contestants.
Performance under pressure – The ability to perform well in a stressful or time-limited situation.
Adrenaline rush – A feeling of excitement and energy, often during a high-pressure event.
Take part in – To participate in an event or activity.
Strive for excellence – To put effort into achieving the best possible outcome.
Constructive feedback – Helpful comments that are intended to improve performance.
Competitive spirit – The desire to be better than others in a contest.
Milestone – A significant event or achievement in one’s journey or development.
Push boundaries – To exceed limitations and do something beyond expectations.
Personal growth – Improvement in one’s skills, mindset, or emotional intelligence through experience.
If you prepare for the topic "Describe a content or competition you would like to take part in", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe a competition that you took part in.
2) Describe an exciting sporting event you have watched and enjoyed.
3) Describe a sports or game competition that you enjoyed watching.
4) Describe a game or sport you have participated in.
5) Describe something you did that was new or exciting.
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