Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
Describe a positive change in your life - Cue Card # 33
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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 positive change in your life.
You should say:
- what the change was about
- when it happened
- how it happened
and describe how it affected you later in life.
[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:
No doubt, we all go through some kind of changes in our lives at some point in our lives one way or another. While some of those changes may go unnoticed, others can bring some positive changes in our lives, and today I would like to talk about one such positive change.
I had developed many hobbies in my life, but “reading” was just not one of them. Of course, I had no problems whatsoever in studying all kinds of academic books in order to pass the tests at schools and colleges, but when it came to studying anything else, like storybooks, novels, or books on science, technologies, improving life skills and knowledge, I would become one of laziest persons on the earth.
My parents even sometimes used to “bribe” me to develop my reading habit, but nothing really was able to change my mind. But, suddenly, one day, when I was a final year university student about 4 years ago, one of my favourite teachers asked me to suggest some interesting books to read, while he would be gone for summer holidays, I had no clue what to tell. Understanding my awkward situation, my teacher smiled away while I felt really ‘embarrassed’. After that incident, I decided to buy some books and started reading them one page at a time.
Slowly after that, I actually became “addicted” to reading some specific kinds of books. At one point, I even started to struggle to pay for the books I was buying, because there were just so many!
Anyway, I am so glad that I started reading books as it gave a certain kind of confidence boost by teaching me a lot of unknown and amazing things about this world. Besides, after developing my reading habit, I gained a great level of understanding and appreciation for different kinds of people from different cultures, lifestyles and backgrounds. Finally, this particular change even helped me in developing my career later on in my life by encouraging me to read many books on “career and skill” development.
Model Answer 2:
Introduction:
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to talk about this topic. Here I'll tell you about a positive change in my life. The change that I am going to talk about had a profound impact on me and has helped me become the person I am today.
What the change was about:
The change that I am referring to is my decision to start exercising regularly. For a long time, I had been living a sedentary lifestyle and had become increasingly unhealthy. I knew that I needed to make a change, but I wasn't sure where to start.
When it happened:
I made the decision to start exercising regularly about two years ago. At that time, I was in my early twenties and was starting to feel the negative effects of my unhealthy lifestyle. I knew that I needed to take action to improve my health and well-being.
How it happened:
I started by going for walks and gradually increased the duration and intensity of my workouts. I also started following a healthy diet and started tracking my progress using a fitness app. Initially, it was difficult to stick to my new routine, but I persevered and gradually started to see results.
And explain how it affected you later in life:
Regular exercise has had a profound impact on my life. Not only am I now physically fitter and healthier, but I also have more energy and feel more confident in myself. It has also helped me develop discipline and perseverance, which have been invaluable in other areas of my life.
I am very grateful for the positive change that I made in my life, and I plan to continue to prioritise my health and well-being in the future.
Model Answer 3:
Thank you for this nice topic. It asks me to think back on some change I’ve made in my life that turned out to be one for the better! So, I'm going to tell you what the change was and when it happened.
The funny thing about changes is that you don’t always recognise them at the time. For me, I didn’t know when I started out that the positive change I was making would turn out to be a long-term difference in my behaviour. However, it turned out to be just that. It is only looking back now that I can identify that there was a definite shift in what I got up to, and I can even pinpoint a definite time, but in the midst of it all, I had no idea where that change would take me.
The change was basically that I decided I needed to get a bit fitter, and the thing that helped me do so was joining up to do Parkrun. However, I’m jumping ahead. Let me explain how it came about…
A couple of years ago, I started to feel like I was getting old and losing my basic fitness. Although I walked quite a lot, I wasn’t really doing anything else very much that was physical. I was never very good at sports, so I didn’t really know where to begin. However, I’ve always liked being outdoors, so on something of a whim, I booked an activity holiday in Northumberland, which is a beautiful rural area in the northeast of England, right by the coast. The holiday was great. We did abseiling, hill walking, body-surfing – all sorts of things. In addition, every morning began with a run along the sands of the seaside.
However, I did have to concede that running is a great form of exercise. You don’t really need any special equipment, you can do it anywhere, and it’s free! What’s more, I found out from some other holidaymakers that in the UK there is a free weekly event held nationwide in parks all over the country. It is called Parkrun, and basically people gather every Saturday morning at 9.00 a.m. to run a fixed course of 5km and get time for doing so. I wasn’t too sure if this would be achievable for me. I’d never run that far before. But I promised myself I would try it ‘just once’ to see if I could.
The day after I got back from my holiday, I turned up to do the Parkrun at my local park. The first time I went, I didn’t even manage to run the whole way round, but I did finish, and I did get a great sense of achievement.
Since that day over two years ago, I’ve found that I’ve gone to Parkrun almost every week. I have taken part in some 70 "parkruns", and through doing so, made new friends, maintained a certain level of fitness, and even gained the confidence to take part in some longer runs. I’ve done lots of 10km races now, a few off-road runs – including one over 24km as well as taking part in obstacle races! I would never have believed that the small change of ‘just going once’ to Parkrun to ‘give it a go’ would lead to me being such an enthusiastic member of Parkrun two years later. By the way, I haven’t really ever got any faster, but I’m definitely a lot fitter.
[ Written by - Lucy Marris | Careers Adviser (UK), TEFL teacher (Vietnam) ]
Idea generation for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
Positive changes in our lives often bring new opportunities, growth, and a sense of fulfilment. Describing a positive change can reflect on how we adapt, learn, and evolve as individuals. Here are some ideas to help you describe a positive change in your life:
1. Starting a new career:
One of the most positive changes in my life was when I switched careers from a traditional office job to becoming a freelance writer. This happened about two years ago when I realised I wasn’t passionate about my previous job anymore. I decided to pursue writing, which had always been a hobby. The change happened gradually as I began taking writing courses and building a portfolio. Over time, I was able to leave my full-time job and start writing professionally. This change allowed me to be more creative, work from anywhere, and have a much better work-life balance.
2. Adopting a healthier lifestyle:
A few years ago, I decided to adopt a healthier lifestyle by improving my eating habits and exercising regularly. This change began when I felt tired and sluggish due to my poor diet and lack of physical activity. I started by incorporating more fruits and vegetables into my meals and joining a gym. Gradually, I saw improvements in my energy levels, mental clarity, and overall well-being. This positive change has had a lasting effect on my life, as I now feel more confident, energised, and healthier than ever before.
3. Moving to a new city:
Moving to a new city was a significant positive change in my life. This happened about three years ago when I decided to move to a place with more career opportunities and better living conditions. At first, the change was daunting, as I had to adjust to a new environment, meet new people, and navigate a different lifestyle. However, over time, I found that living in a vibrant city with more diversity and opportunities allowed me to grow both personally and professionally. It has opened doors to new experiences, friendships, and career growth that I wouldn't have had otherwise.
4. Starting a family:
A major positive change in my life occurred when I became a parent. This happened five years ago when I had my first child. The process of pregnancy, childbirth, and the responsibility of raising a child was challenging but incredibly rewarding. This change brought a new sense of purpose and joy into my life. It taught me patience, empathy, and how to balance work and personal life. Becoming a parent has completely transformed the way I approach life, and it has made me more selfless, loving, and grounded.
5. Pursuing higher education:
One of the most significant positive changes I made in my life was deciding to pursue a master's degree. This change occurred three years ago when I realised that advancing my education would open up more career opportunities. The decision was not easy, as it meant sacrificing some free time and committing to a demanding schedule. However, the experience not only expanded my knowledge and skill set but also boosted my confidence and career prospects. This change positively impacted my professional life, as it led to better job offers and more responsibilities.
6. Overcoming a fear:
Overcoming my fear of public speaking was a huge positive change in my life. This transformation happened about two years ago when I joined a public speaking group. Initially, I was terrified of speaking in front of an audience, but through practice and support from others, I gradually overcame my fear. This change had a profound impact on my confidence and communication skills. It helped me excel in my career, build stronger relationships, and become more comfortable in social situations.
7. Learning a new language:
Learning Spanish was a positive change I made in my life about four years ago. This change started when I realised how important it was for my personal and professional growth to communicate with a wider range of people. I took Spanish classes and practised regularly. This change has opened many doors for me, including the ability to travel more comfortably, connect with people from different cultures, and advance in my career. It has made me more adaptable and confident in an increasingly globalised world.
8. Travelling solo:
Travelling alone for the first time was a positive change that changed the way I perceive the world. This happened about two years ago when I decided to travel solo to a country I had never visited. The experience taught me independence, self-reliance, and the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone. It allowed me to discover new places, meet new people, and challenge myself in ways I never had before. This change has made me more confident, adventurous, and open to new experiences.
9. Starting a hobby or passion project:
One positive change I made in my life was starting a blog dedicated to sharing my travel experiences. This happened two years ago when I realised I needed a creative outlet. I initially started as a hobby, but over time, it became a project I was deeply passionate about. This change allowed me to express myself creatively, connect with a like-minded community, and even build a small business. It has had a lasting impact on my life by giving me both fulfilment and a sense of purpose outside of my regular job.
10. Building stronger relationships:
Improving my relationships with family and friends was a positive change that I made over the past few years. This change began when I realised the importance of nurturing my personal relationships. I started prioritising quality time, communicating more openly, and being more supportive. This shift brought a deeper sense of connection and emotional fulfilment into my life. Strengthening these bonds has positively impacted my happiness, sense of belonging, and overall well-being.
Possible Answer 4:
The positive change that I would like to talk about is when I started playing outdoor games instead of playing computer games. After I got my first personal computer when I was only 9 years old or so, I started learning many things. Besides that, I started playing computer games. As computer games are addictive, I found that I was playing the games whenever I had some spare time. This addiction barred me from playing outdoor games like cricket, football and so on, but luckily I changed that habit for good.
I found myself very much attracted to computer games, and I preferred to play the games at home instead of going to open spaces or fields to participate in outdoor games that involve physical exercises. Not that computer games are all so bad, but playing them all the time someone has got is not a good thing, especially for young children and teenagers. I found that I was spending more time at home than being outside. After my parents noticed that, they discussed it with me and explained the importance of outdoor activities. They gave me strict restrictions that I would only be able to play computer games for an hour daily, and in the evening, I’d have to go outside to play with my friends.
This was obviously a very positive change for me. I’m not against computer games, but I feel that if there are more important things to do, then we should not spend time on computer games only.
This change affected me very positively. I became a good cricket player, and later on, I started maintaining my schedule more prudently. I am sure this change has affected me positively in terms of the physical and mental health benefits it has brought.
Sample Answer 5:
Changes are an inevitable part of human life. Transformation, changes, hopes and challenges make our life exciting and worth living. Some changes are unexpected, while some are desired and meant to bring something good for us. I believe that changes often define who we are by putting us in situations which we either find very challenging or beneficial. This topic reminds me of an important part of my life when a change brought something positive for me. I will give details of this in a while.
The change was related to the migration from our hometown to the capital city in our country when I was barely 14 years old. This was quite a big change for me. I had to leave my school, friends, relatives, and known places, and start living in a place where I had no friends, no one to visit and no known place for playing or going out. Initially, this was quite a frustrating experience for me, but this did not last for long.
My new school was quite remarkable, and it is still one of the best high schools in our country. My teachers were super helpful. I made a few friends in school and playmates in my neighbourhood, and my parents used to take me outside every weekend.
My transitional period was over, and I started feeling totally at peace. Nevertheless, my results in my new school were not promising at all, and my parents were worried. Being in a small town, it was not that difficult for me to become a top scorer in the class. But this was not the case in my new school. While I was the highest scorer in my previous school, I could not secure even the top-ten position in my new school. This was an ego-shattering experience for me, and to improve my situation, I started studying hard, I mean really hard. I even cut my time for playing and watching movies. Ultimately, this change helped me study more attentively and learn more. Our school library had a huge collection of books, and I read many of the books from my 'to-read' list. I was the third-best scorer in the final exam at the end of the year, and it was quite impressive!
Why was this change important, and how has it affected my life? Well, when I moved to this new city and to a new school, I had to find a way to adapt to the changing circumstances and take on challenges. The outcome was quite positive, and it taught me to face challenges in my life. These days, whenever I face any new challenge, I remind myself of those days and prepare myself for the inevitable. On top of that, this change made me stronger. It was truly a heart-rending event to leave my school, friends and playmates. But finally, I coped with it and learned that we have to go on and grab the opportunities, face the music and bring out the best of ourselves to keep pace with the rhythm of life. Apart from that, being in a new school where I had to face more competition, I studied harder and learned even more. My fresh and inquisitive mind learned so many new things in a large city which would have been quite impossible without moving to this city.
Sample Answer 6:
I have begun focusing on myself and have started exploring a new me, and that is a very positive change in my life. For the last 15 years, I was a typical girl who never thought of herself and did her duties and responsibilities for mostly others.
Time was passing fast and my life was also going on with time in a very banal way. There was no value of time, life and thoughts - only a tough routine that I had to follow and dedicate myself to others. I do not have any complaints about dedicating myself to the benefit of others, but that was so typical that I forgot my own existence and my own dreams.
My dreams were surrounded by someone special. It’s all about someone whom I loved more than my life. But the moment I realised that with whom I nurture all of my dreams, is lost in a very different world where I do not have a special place, I was broken and shaken up. That realisation initially gave me a feeling of being a loser and a helpless one. It forcefully pulled me to the end of the world, and I totally lost my confidence, belief in believing and did not seek any reason to live.
In that regrettable moment, I never stopped thinking and I asked questions to myself even when I was asleep. I started regaining my confidence after I began to realise the facts and reality. I was determined to hit the sky and not to feel like a loser. I will never forget the great contributions my friends had overcoming this fatal time, and they advised me why I have to love myself and explore my own dreams even after someone has shattered my dreams. They helped me to get out of my dilemma. They reminded me who I am, who I could be and why I should carry on!
My perception of life, illusion of reality and dreams seemed to have changed, and I am happy about the changes. It has helped me find the reality, a new me. Now I love myself even more with every possibility and imagination. Now I am taking a journey to look forward and reach a definite goal I have. I don’t know where it would go, but I learnt to walk alone, confidently, and I love my own reflection.
Follow-up Questions:
Q. What changes do you want to make in your life?
Answer: Well, the first change that I would really like to happen is adopting a healthier lifestyle and diet. Another thing that I want to improve is my money management skills. In the long run, I also want to be rich(!), which I am not now!
Q. Do you believe we can control our own fate? How?
Answer: I believe that our lives are bound by luck as well as our actions. In most cases, we can control our fate, and the outcomes of our lives mostly depend on what we do. But I have to admit that we often can't control our fate. For instance, we do not decide our parents, gender or even genes. Moreover, sometimes the actions taken by others affect us which we have little control over.
Q. What three changes would you want to see in your country?
Answer: The first change that I would like to see in my country is political stability. It would help progress our country faster. The second expected change would be to adopt more policies so that the country becomes self-reliant in the food it requires. It would reduce our dependency on imports. The third and final change needs to be made in our technology sector to produce an infrastructure to support our own IT needs rather than spending a hefty amount of money on buying different pieces of software from other countries.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ cue card topic:
When describing a positive change in your life, using vocabulary that highlights the nature of the change, the process, and the resulting positive feelings and outcomes can create an engaging and impactful narrative. Focusing on the transformative aspects and your personal growth will help explain the significance of the change. Here are some useful words and phrases with example sentences:
A significant positive shift – A major change that had a good impact on your life.
Example: Starting my own business was a significant positive shift in my career.
A transformative experience – An event or change that caused a major positive alteration in your life or perspective.
Example: Adopting a healthier lifestyle has been a truly transformative experience for me.
Marked a turning point – Signalled a crucial moment that led to a new direction in your life.
Example: Moving to a new city marked a turning point in both my personal and professional life.
Brought about positive outcomes – Resulted in good and beneficial changes.
Example: Pursuing higher education brought about many positive outcomes for my career.
Opened up new avenues – Created new opportunities or possibilities that weren't there before.
Example: Learning a new language opened up new avenues for travel and connection.
Provided a sense of fulfilment – Gave you a feeling of satisfaction and achievement.
Example: Starting my blog provided a great sense of creative fulfilment.
Boosted my confidence – Increased your self-assurance and belief in yourself.
Example: Successfully completing my master's degree really boosted my confidence.
Improved my overall well-being – Had a positive effect on your physical, mental, and emotional health.
Example: Adopting a healthier lifestyle drastically improved my overall well-being.
Allowed me to grow personally – Enabled you to develop as an individual in terms of character and understanding.
Example: Travelling solo allowed me to grow personally in unexpected ways.
Brought a new sense of purpose – Gave you a new feeling of having a meaningful aim or goal in life.
Example: Becoming a parent brought a profound new sense of purpose to my life.
Part 3: Detailed Discussion/ Two-way Discussion:
Q. Do you think changes are always good? [Why/ Why not?]
Answer: Sometimes, changes can be necessary for our lives, but they just may not always be good unless we are selective about those possible changes. After all, some changes can be very stressful, time-consuming, costly and even destructive, especially, if we are not able to manage them in a wise manner in the long run. Besides, sometimes a change, be it a small one or a big one, doesn't only affect our own lives, but also the people around us – people who are not so receptive to such changes.
Q. Do you believe that with age, we become more positive about life and tend to change with our surroundings? [Why/ Why not?]
Answer: No, I don't believe that age has much to do with being more positive in life, nor does it affect our abilities in a meaningful way to change with our surroundings. After all, age, more often than not, has a very limited bearing, if any at all, on how a person actually thinks or behaves. And that's exactly what we used to enjoy at the age of 25, we very much enjoy the same thing even when we become 50 years old. Besides, if our age-old life is full of negative and unhappy experiences – experiences with which we grow up – then the chances are that we won’t have much room for much positivity in life.
Q. What are some of the significant changes that usually occur to people in their lives?
Answer: I believe that each and every change, be it small or big, in our lives is significant because they affect our lives in one way or another. Having said that, however, we tend to consider some changes as more “significant” than others, simply because those changes are more noticeable and pronounced in our lives. Examples of such significant changes could be anything from getting married and having a baby to changing a job and moving to a newly bought home. Some would suggest that giving up a bad habit, like smoking, could also be an example of a significant change.
Q. Is it important for people to make changes according to their surroundings? [Why/ Why not?]
Answer: Yes, it is mighty important to make changes in life according to our surroundings for a number of reasons. The first reason is that it allows us to discover parts of ourselves that would have remained hidden. Secondly, it also allows us to learn and adapt to a different culture, customs, behaviour and belief systems without which we would probably remain on a perpetual collision course with other people around us. Besides, things don’t always go according to our plans in life, and if that’s the case, then there is no other option for us but to change our plans if we really want to be successful.
Q. How have young people's expectations from their lives changed over the decade? Is this more positive or negative? [Why?]
Answer: Actually, we can't deny that young people today want much more from their lives than what they used to a decade ago or so. For example, they want everything to be fast, thanks to some revolutionary technological changes. They also want to produce and consume more today. Besides, today they are more vocal than before for making this world a more secure place, environmentally, by voicing their concerns about things like climate change.
In my opinion, these changes are more positive than negative because they are more willing to become the driving force of society for future development.
Q. How have people in your country changed in the last 20 years?
Answer: In the last 20 years, people in my country have changed a lot. These changes can be seen in their thoughts and lifestyles. For example, they are more affluent today and willing to spend more to enjoy their lives. Today, they still value family life, but they just don't like to hold on to those traditional beliefs anymore, which they used to treasure just 2 decades ago. Besides, today they are more interested than before in learning about other countries and cultures, which is certainly a good thing, from other parts of the world.
If you prepare for the topic "Describe a positive change in your life", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1. Describe an important achievement or success in your life.
2. Describe an important event in your life.
3. Describe a change you would like to make in your life.
4. Describe something you want to do in the future.
5. Describe a bad habit you quit.
6. Describe an activity you want to get involved in.
7. Describe a skill you do not have but would like to have.
8. Describe something you started doing lately.
9. Describe a change you think was positive in your life.
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