Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
Describe one of your favourite toys in your childhood - Cue Card # 839
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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 one of your favourite toys you played with in your childhood.
You should say:
- what toys it was
- who gave this toy to you
- how often you played with it in your childhood
and explain why it was one of your favourite toys in your childhood.
[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:
Childhood memories are always special, and I think toys play an important role in shaping those memories. One of my favourite toys during my childhood was a small red car, and I am so glad that I've been given the opportunity to talk about this special toy for this excellent topic. I would like to thank you for that.
What toy it was:
The toy was a small red car that could be operated by winding it up. It had a sleek design with shiny wheels, and it could move quickly on any surface. The car was made of metal and had a clear glass front, which gave it a very realistic look. This was a car that I never wanted to lose and kept literally near my heart!
Who gave this toy to you:
My father gave me this toy when I was around six years old. He saw how much I loved playing with cars and knew I would cherish it.
How often you played with it in your childhood:
I played with this toy car every day after school and on weekends. It was my favourite toy and I would take it everywhere with me. I would make different tracks and roads on the floor and race my car around the house.
And explain why it was one of your favourite toys in your childhood:
There were several reasons why this toy car was my favourite. Firstly, it was a gift from my father on my sixth birthday, which made it very special to me. Secondly, I loved playing with cars and this one was the best one I had. Moreover, the design and quality of the toy were very impressive, and it could perform well on any surface. Finally, it provided me with endless hours of entertainment and allowed me to use my imagination to create different scenarios and stories. It was not just a toy, but it was a source of joy, creativity, and inspiration for me.
Sample Answer 2:
As a child, amidst a vibrant collection of building blocks and the occasional action figure, my absolute favourite toy was a meticulously crafted wooden train set. It wasn't one of those battery-operated, automated ones - this was a classic set with interlocking tracks, a sturdy little engine, several carriages, and even miniature wooden trees and station signs. I am so happy to be able to describe this special toy to you.
This cherished possession was a gift from my grandfather on my fifth birthday. He was a retired carpenter with incredibly skilled hands, and he had actually hand-carved the engine and some of the carriages himself. The wood was smooth and warm to the touch, and one could see the beautiful grain running through it. Knowing that he had put his time and care into creating it made it all the more special.
During my early childhood, I played with that train set almost every single day. It would often dominate the living room floor for hours. I would spend ages constructing elaborate track layouts, creating winding routes that snaked around furniture legs and formed impressive loops. Sometimes, my younger sibling would join in, and we'd invent intricate scenarios, with the train transporting imaginary passengers and goods to far-off lands. It was a constant source of entertainment and imaginative play.
This wooden train set holds a particularly fond place in my memories for several reasons. Firstly, its simplicity was its greatest strength. Unlike more complex toys, it didn't dictate how I should play. It was a blank canvas for my imagination, allowing me to create endless possibilities and stories. Secondly, the fact that my grandfather made part of it imbued it with a unique sentimental value. Every time I held the engine, I felt a connection to him and his craftsmanship. Finally, it was a toy that encouraged creativity and problem-solving. Figuring out how to connect the tracks in different configurations and overcoming obstacles was a fun and engaging challenge.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card / Cue card topic:
Talking about childhood toys brings back sweet memories and emotional connections. Below are several ideas you can use to describe a favourite toy from your early years. These examples cover different types of toys and experiences, helping you structure your answer easily.
1. Toy car:
My uncle gifted me a red remote-controlled toy car on my sixth birthday. I played with it almost every day after school. It became my favourite because I loved controlling its movements and racing it around the house and garden.
2. Teddy bear:
My mother gave me a soft brown teddy bear when I was five years old. I used to carry it everywhere, even while sleeping. It was special to me because it gave me comfort and felt like a little friend during my childhood.
3. Building blocks (LEGO set):
My parents gifted me a box of colourful building blocks on my seventh birthday. I spent countless hours creating houses, cars, and castles. I loved it because it sparked my creativity and imagination in a way no other toy did.
4. Dollhouse:
My grandmother bought me a beautiful dollhouse during a summer vacation. I used to decorate and arrange the tiny furniture inside it. It was my favourite because it allowed me to imagine different stories and play pretend games with my cousins.
5. Train set:
My father surprised me with an electric train set one Christmas. I played with it every weekend, setting up tracks around the living room. It became my favourite toy because I enjoyed designing the tracks and watching the train move on them.
6. Rubik’s Cube:
I received a Rubik’s Cube from my elder brother when I was around eight years old. Although it was challenging at first, I loved spending time trying to solve it. It became special because it taught me patience and problem-solving skills.
7. Action figure (Superman or Batman):
A close family friend gave me a Batman action figure when I turned seven. I played with it daily, acting out superhero adventures. I loved it because it made me feel brave and powerful, just like the superhero I admired.
8. Musical toy keyboard:
My aunt gifted me a small toy keyboard on one of my birthdays. I often pretended to be a musician, making up songs and tunes. It was my favourite because it introduced me to the joy of music early on.
9. Bicycle:
On my eighth birthday, my parents gave me my first small bicycle. Though not a traditional toy, I spent most of my evenings riding it around our neighbourhood. It remains special because it gave me a sense of freedom and adventure.
10. Plastic kitchen set:
My cousin gifted me a toy kitchen set when I was six. I loved pretending to cook meals and serve tea to my dolls. It was my favourite because it encouraged imaginative play and helped me bond with my siblings.
Model Answer 3:
When I look back on my childhood, one toy that instantly brings a smile to my face is a bright blue remote-controlled bus that I absolutely adored. It wasn't just a toy to me - it felt like a prized possession and, in many ways, a little companion during those carefree days. Before going into the details, I would like to thank you for the opportunity that you have given me to talk about this topic.
I received this toy on my seventh birthday from my father. I still remember the excitement of tearing open the wrapping paper to find a sleek, shiny car with flashing lights and tiny rubber wheels that could tackle almost any surface. It was one of the most thoughtful gifts I had ever received because, at that time, I was completely fascinated by cars and anything that moved at the touch of a button.
Throughout my childhood, I played with that toy bus almost every single day. I would race it around the living room, set up mini obstacle courses in the garden, and even stage imaginary races against my neighbour’s toys. On weekends, I would sometimes take it to the nearby park where other children with their own remote-controlled cars and buses would gather, and we would have friendly competitions. It became a sort of weekend ritual, something I would look forward to after a week of schoolwork.
What made this toy so special for me was the sense of control and adventure it offered. At an age when most things felt too big or too difficult to handle, being able to command that little bus with a small remote gave me a feeling of excitement. Moreover, it taught me patience and focus, especially when I tried to navigate complicated tracks or perform stunts. More than anything, it is the memory of endless laughter, tiny victories, and the bond I shared with my father - who would often join me for those races - that makes this toy unforgettable even today.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
When describing a favourite childhood toy, using evocative language related to its appearance, features, how you interacted with it, and the emotions it evoked can make your response more engaging and demonstrate a wider range of vocabulary. Here are some useful words and phrases with example sentences:
Cherished possession – Something you kept and cared for because it was important to you.
Example: That teddy bear was my most cherished possession throughout my early childhood.
Intricate details – Complex and elaborate features.
Example: The toy car had intricate details, like working headlights and tiny mirrors, which fascinated me.
Vivid imagination – A lively and creative ability to form mental images and ideas.
Example: That simple set of building blocks fueled my vivid imagination for hours on end.
Countless hours – A very large number of hours, often implying enjoyment.
Example: I spent countless hours playing with my action figures, creating elaborate storylines.
Unwavering companion – A toy that was always with you and provided comfort or entertainment.
Example: My stuffed dog was my unwavering companion, always by my side during naps and bedtime.
Simple yet captivating – Something that didn't have many features but still held your attention.
Example: The spinning top was simple yet captivating; I could watch it for ages.
Brought immense joy – Caused a great deal of happiness.
Example: That little musical box brought immense joy whenever I wound it up to hear the melody.
Fostered creativity – Helped to develop imaginative skills.
Example: Playing with LEGO bricks fostered my creativity and problem-solving abilities.
Sense of wonder – A feeling of amazement and curiosity.
Example: The kaleidoscope filled me with a sense of wonder with its ever-changing patterns.
Hand-me-down – An item that was previously owned by someone else and then given to you.
Example: My older brother's train set was a beloved hand-me-down that I treasured.
Indispensable part – Something so important that you couldn't do without it.
Example: That old blanket became an indispensable part of my bedtime routine.
Sparked my curiosity – Made you feel interested in learning more.
Example: The science kit sparked my curiosity about how things worked.
Provided solace – Gave comfort in times of sadness or stress.
Example: When I felt lonely, my rag doll often provided solace.
Nostalgic memories – Fond recollections of the past.
Example: Just seeing a similar toy today brings back nostalgic memories of my childhood.
If you prepare for the topic "Describe one of your favourite toys you played with in your childhood", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe your favourite toy from your childhood that you can remember.
2) Describe a gift you recently gave to someone.
3) Describe something you received as a birthday gift in your childhood.
4) Describe a special toy you had in your childhood.
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