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 team you have been part of.
You should say:
- when it was
- who was on the team
- what you did together
and explain why you became a part of the team.
[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:
Nothing is better than being in a really strong team. By that, I mean one where everyone achieves more together than would have been possible as individuals. When things are right, a good team can make us feel invincible. Thank you so much for this interesting topic, and here, I’ll talk about a team of which I was also a part.
So this team came together just a couple of months ago. We were a group of about ten mismatched and unlikely individuals. We were mixed men and women, different ethnic backgrounds, different ages, different levels of fitness and experience. Near where I live, there was a 10km obstacle race. This involves running around a course and negotiating various physical challenges en route. To take part, you need to be in a team, because some of the obstacles are impossible without help. Those challenges can’t be faced unless you trust your teammates to push you up and heave you over. Think army assault course, and you may have some idea of what I mean!
A friend of mine had heard about a group that was happy to adopt the approach of ‘the more the merrier’, so we all signed up separately and met each other for the first time on the morning of the race!
When we met up, at first we were all a bit apprehensive about what to expect. We decided to put on face paint so we had a united identity, and then when the cry went off for the start, we all sped away together. Fortunately, we very quickly got into a routine of helping each other out. It turns out that doing a physical obstacle course together not only requires trust, but creates trust too. You have to clamber over each other, stand on someone’s back to get over an obstacle, or haul on someone’s hand or arm to help them over in return. We laughed almost the whole time, we supported and encouraged one another, and even though it took us nearly two hours to negotiate the whole course, the time flew by. We can’t wait to do it all again next year!
I just signed up for the challenge on a whim, really, but I was so glad I did. The people I met were fantastic, and we all achieved more than I’d have thought possible. There is no way on earth I’d have got round that course on my own, but together every single one of us completed every obstacle; there were no tears or tantrums, and when we got our medal for finishing at the end, we were almost exploding with pride at our achievement.
[ Written by: Lucy Marris: Careers Adviser (UK), TEFL teacher (Vietnam) ]
Model Answer 2:
Introduction:
Thank you very much for this interesting topic. I am also grateful to you for the time you have given me to talk about it. Here, I’d like to describe a team I was part of a couple of years ago, which was actually a volunteering team for a charity event in my neighbourhood. It wasn’t something huge or fancy, but it turned out to be a really meaningful experience for me.
When it was:
This happened about two years ago, during the winter season. A local community group decided to organise a charity programme to support underprivileged families, especially with warm clothes, basic groceries, and some school supplies for children.
Who was on the team:
Our team had around ten to twelve volunteers. Some of them were my neighbours, a few were university students from nearby areas, and two older community members basically guided us and handled the planning.
What you did together:
We divided the responsibilities so things stayed organised. A few people collected donations from local residents, some managed the budget, and others handled packaging and distribution. I personally worked on planning and coordination. I helped create a list of items, checked quantities, and made sure everything got packed properly.
On the day of the event, we set up tables, arranged supplies in separate sections, and welcomed families one by one to avoid chaos. We also tried to keep the atmosphere respectful and friendly, because the goal wasn’t just to give items. It was to make people feel supported, not judged.
And explain why you became a part of the team:
I joined the team mainly because I wanted to do something useful beyond my usual routine. I kept seeing news and stories about families struggling with basic needs, and I realised I didn’t need to be rich or powerful to help. Even giving time and effort can make a difference. Also, one of my neighbours personally invited me, and I felt like I should step up instead of making excuses.
Sample Answer 3:
Thank you a lot for giving me this topic to talk about. Well, I’d like to talk about the school football team I was part of in the 2010s when I was a student at Notre Dame International High School in Paris. Even though it was a long time ago, I still remember it clearly because it was one of the most enjoyable parts of my school life.
Our team had around 15 players, so we always had a few substitutes in case someone was injured or couldn’t play. I played as a midfielder, which basically meant I had to connect the defence with the attack. I wasn’t the person who scored most of the goals, but I often helped create chances by controlling the ball in the middle of the field and passing it forward at the right moment.
We trained regularly after classes on the school grounds, and we also played inter-school matches against nearby schools. We were quite proud of our team. We won a few local competitions, and those small trophies and medals felt like massive achievements at the time. Our coach, Mr Adelard Victor, was a big reason we improved. He was strict but supportive, and he taught us discipline, teamwork, and the basics of playing smart rather than just playing hard.
I became part of the team because I genuinely loved football, but also because I wanted to feel connected to something bigger than myself. Being in a team taught me responsibility and cooperation. Even now, I believe those lessons helped shape my confidence and attitude, both in school and later in life.
Idea Generation for this Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card Topic:
This topic asks you to describe a team you have been part of. You should explain when it was, who the team members were, what you did together, and why you joined the team in the first place. To make your answer great, try to mention how the team was formed, what your contribution was, and what you learned from working with others. Here are a few ideas you can use to expand your own response:
1. A school football team:
The team I was part of was my school football team, and it happened during my high school years when sports competitions were a big deal. The team included my classmates, a few seniors, and a sports teacher who coached us regularly. We practised passing, running drills, and played matches against other schools every month. I became a part of the team because I loved football, wanted to stay fit, and also wanted to represent my school in tournaments.
2. A university assignment team:
The team I joined was for a university group assignment, and it was during my second semester when group projects were compulsory. My team members were three classmates, and each of us had different strengths, like research, writing, and presenting. We worked together to collect data, prepare a report, and present it in front of our teacher and class. I became part of the team because the teacher formed the groups randomly, but later I realised it helped me learn teamwork seriously.
3. A workplace project team:
The team I was part of was a workplace project team, and it was last year when my office had a new client project. The team included a manager, a designer, a developer, and two support staff members. We worked together by dividing tasks, communicating daily, and delivering the final work before the deadline. I became part of the team because my skills matched the project’s needs, and it was a great opportunity to prove myself professionally.
4. A debating team:
The team I was part of was a debating team, and it happened during my college years when I wanted to improve my speaking skills. The team members were students from different departments who enjoyed public speaking. We prepared arguments, practised counterpoints, and participated in inter-college competitions. I became part of the team because I used to feel nervous speaking in public, and I wanted to overcome that fear in a productive way.
5. A volunteering team for a charity event:
The team I joined was a volunteering team for a charity event, and it was a few months ago, during a community fundraising program. The team included local youth, organisers, and a few senior volunteers who guided us. We worked together to manage the crowd, distribute food, and collect donations in an organised way. I became part of the team because I wanted to contribute to society and experience the satisfaction of helping others.
6. A science fair team:
The team I was part of was a school science fair team, and it happened when I was in secondary school. The team had three classmates who were interested in science, and we worked closely with our science teacher. We built a model, prepared posters, and explained our project to visitors and judges. I became part of the team because I loved creative projects, and I wanted to learn by doing something practical instead of just reading textbooks.
7. A cultural program team:
The team I joined was a cultural program team, and it happened during an annual school function. The team included performers like dancers and singers, as well as students who managed the stage and decorations. We practised regularly, organised costumes, and performed in front of a large audience on the final day. I became part of the team because I wanted to be involved in school activities and enjoy a memorable experience with my friends.
8. A local cricket team:
The team I was part of was a local cricket team, and it happened during my neighbourhood tournaments in the winter season. The team members were mostly my friends and some older boys who were skilled players. We played practice matches, created strategies, and competed against nearby teams. I became part of the team because cricket was very popular around me, and I wanted to be active and connected with my community.
9. A classroom presentation team:
The team I joined was for a classroom presentation, and it happened during my school days when teachers often assigned group tasks. My team included two friends and one classmate who was good at designing slides. We worked together to research the topic, create the presentation, and practise speaking as a group. I became part of the team because group tasks were compulsory, but it turned into a fun teamwork experience.
10. A hackathon or tech competition team:
The team I was part of was a hackathon team, and it happened last year during a 24-hour tech competition. The team included a programmer, a designer, and someone who focused on pitching the idea to judges. We worked together to build a small app prototype and prepare a short presentation within a limited time. I became part of the team because I wanted to challenge myself, learn fast, and experience how teamwork works under serious pressure.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
When describing a team you have been part of, using diverse vocabulary can help you articulate the social dynamics, the common objectives, and your personal motivation for joining. These terms will help you move beyond simple descriptions to more nuanced explanations of how the group functioned and what you achieved together. Here are some relevant words and phrases:
Collaborative effort: An action or project involving two or more parties working together.
Example: The final presentation was a truly collaborative effort that combined everyone’s unique strengths.
Synergy: The interaction or cooperation of two or more agents to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects.
Example: There was an incredible synergy between us; we worked much faster together than we ever could have alone.
Complementary skills: Different skills that work well together to complete a task.
Example: Our team was successful because we all had complementary skills, ranging from technical expertise to creative design.
Camaraderie: Mutual trust and friendship among people who spend a lot of time together.
Example: I joined the sports team primarily for the sense of camaraderie and the chance to make new friends.
United front: A group of people who agree to act together to achieve something.
Example: Even when we had internal disagreements, we always presented a united front to our clients.
Delegate: To entrust a task or responsibility to another person.
Example: Our captain was excellent at knowing how to delegate tasks according to each person’s strengths.
Cohesion: The action or fact of forming a united whole.
Example: Over time, our team cohesion improved, and we started anticipating each other’s needs.
Consensus: A general agreement.
Example: We always tried to reach a consensus before making any major decisions regarding the project.
Productive: Producing or able to produce large amounts of goods, crops, or other commodities.
Example: Our weekly meetings were very productive and kept everyone on the same page.
Dynamic: (Of a process or system) characterised by constant change, activity, or progress.
Example: It was a very dynamic environment where we had to adapt quickly to new challenges.
Collective achievement: Something accomplished by a group of people working together.
Example: Winning the competition felt like a massive collective achievement for all of us.
Interpersonal: Relating to relationships or communication between people.
Example: Being part of the team significantly improved my interpersonal and negotiation skills.
Peer support: Assistance and encouragement provided by people of similar age or status.
Example: I appreciated the peer support I received when I was struggling with a difficult part of the assignment.
Motivation: The reason or reasons one has for acting or behaving in a particular way.
Example: My main motivation for joining was to learn from more experienced members in the field.
Contribution: A part played by a person or thing in bringing about a result.
Example: I felt that my contribution was valued, which made me want to work even harder.
Align: Place or arrange in a straight line; give support to a person or cause.
Example: I decided to join because my personal goals aligned perfectly with the team’s mission.
If you prepare for the topic “Describe a team you have been part of”, you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe an experience you have had as a part of a team.
2) Describe a time when you did something with the help of others.
3) Describe a skill you learned when you were in high school.
4) Describe a memorable experience you have had in your school/college.