IELTS Speaking Part 2: Individual Long Run – 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 time when you had a long discussion about a news story.
You should say:
- what the news story was about
- who you discussed this news story with
- what people’s opinions were
and explain why you had such a long discussion about this news story.
[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:
Thank you very much for this nice topic. For this, I’d like to talk about a time when I had a really long and engaging discussion about a news story, and it was about the growing use of artificial intelligence in education.
I came across this news story about six months ago while scrolling through my phone. It reported how AI tools were starting to assist students with assignments, research, and even exam preparation. Some experts praised this development, while others raised concerns about over-reliance and academic dishonesty.
I discussed this topic with a group of my college friends. We were sitting together after class, and someone casually brought it up. What started as a short conversation quickly turned into a deep discussion that lasted for more than an hour.
Everyone had different opinions, which made the conversation more interesting. One of my friends strongly supported the use of AI. He argued that it saves time, improves productivity, and helps students understand complex topics more easily. Another friend took the opposite position. She believed that students might become too dependent on technology and stop thinking critically. I personally took a more balanced view. I felt that AI could be extremely useful if students used it responsibly, but it could also create problems if people relied on it blindly.
We ended up having such a long discussion because the topic directly affected us as students. It wasn’t just theoretical; it was something we could relate to in our daily academic lives. Also, the issue didn’t have a simple right or wrong answer, so we kept exploring different perspectives and challenging each other’s ideas.
I would say I quite enjoyed that discussion because it allowed me to think more deeply and understand different viewpoints. It was one of those conversations where you don’t even realise how much time has passed.
Model Answer 2:
Introduction:
Thank you a lot for this fascinating topic, and I’m glad that I have the chance to talk about it. I’d like to describe a time when I had a really long and meaningful discussion about a news story that sparked quite a debate. I hope you will find it interesting.
What the news story was about:
The news story focused on a government budget proposal in our country, where policymakers were deciding whether to allocate more funds to address hunger and poverty or to invest heavily in scientific research and technological development. It was quite a sensitive issue because both areas are extremely important, but as a developing nation, we have limited resources, and that makes it even harder to decide.
Who you discussed this news story with:
I discussed this topic with a few of my close friends during an evening get-together. We often talk about current affairs, but this discussion became much more intense and extended than usual.
What people’s opinions were:
There were strong and divided opinions. Some of my friends argued that the government should prioritise basic needs like food, healthcare, and poverty reduction, because these are immediate concerns affecting millions of people. On the other hand, a few of us believed that investing in scientific research is equally important, as it can drive long-term economic growth and eventually help reduce poverty in a sustainable way. I was personally in favour of addressing more pressing and necessary issues like education, poverty alleviation and unemployment rather than investing a huge amount in research on science and technology.
And explain why you had such a long discussion about this news story:
We had such a long discussion because the issue was not straightforward and had no clear right or wrong answer. It directly affected people’s lives, and everyone felt strongly about it. Also, since we all came from slightly different academic and personal backgrounds, we brought different perspectives to the table. Interestingly, in the end, the discussion lasted for hours because we kept challenging each other’s ideas and trying to understand the issue more deeply. I would say we sometimes need to have important conversations to express our views and learn what others think about such important issues.
Sample Answer 3:
Thank you very much for this interesting topic. It brings to my mind a particularly thought-provoking evening that I spent recently, where a single news report sparked an intense and lengthy debate among a few friends of mine. Here, I will share this experience with you.
The news story was a feature article in a renowned magazine in your country regarding a recent report on climate change and global temperature anomalies. It highlighted that the past year had been the hottest on record, surpassing previous benchmarks by a significant margin. The article didn’t just focus on the bleak statistics, though; it posed a challenging question: Is individual action sufficient, or even relevant, in the face of such a massive systemic crisis?
I discussed this story with a small group of friends during a weekend dinner. Among us were people from various professional backgrounds: one is an environmental lawyer, another works in marketing, a third is a high school teacher, and the fourth is a software engineer. Because of our differing perspectives, the conversation was incredibly multifaceted.
Two friends argued that focusing on personal lifestyle changes, like using paper straws or cycling to work, is a distraction. They believed that without massive regulation of large-scale industrial polluters, individual efforts are essentially “a drop in the ocean.” On the other hand, the teacher in our group felt strongly about the power of collective efficacy. She argued that when millions of individuals change their habits, it shifts market demand and forces corporations to adapt.
The reason our discussion stretched on for several hours was that climate change, as we believe, is no longer a distant threat; it’s a reality that affects our future plans, from where we might live to the kind of world we want for the next generation. This emotional weight made it impossible to just “drop” the subject. We spent a significant amount of time brainstorming what “personal action” actually looks like. We debated whether it’s more effective to change our diets, reduce air travel, or simply become more politically active.
Ultimately, the discussion was so long because it was a process of moving from a feeling of helplessness to one of informed responsibility. We didn’t just talk about the news; we used it as a springboard to evaluate our own values, which is why it was so memorable.
Idea Generation for this Topic:
This topic asks you to describe a time or a situation when you had a lengthy discussion about a news story that took a long time to finish. for this topic, you should explain what the news story was about, who you discussed it with, what different opinions people had, and finally why the discussion became so long. To get a good band score, you should include details about the discussion topic, contrasting viewpoints, emotional reactions, and why the topic felt important or controversial. Here are a few ideas to help you develop your own response for this topic:
1. A major election result:
The news story I discussed was about a national election result that surprised many people. I talked about it with my friends at a café the same evening it was announced. Some of them supported the winning party, while others strongly disagreed with the outcome. We had a long discussion because politics directly affects our future, and everyone had strong opinions to express.
2. A global climate change report:
The news story I discussed was about a report on climate change and rising global temperatures. I discussed it with my classmates during a group study session. Some believed immediate action was necessary, while others felt governments were already doing enough. The discussion became long because the issue is global and affects everyone’s future.
3. A celebrity controversy:
The news story I discussed was about a famous celebrity involved in a controversy. I talked about it with my colleagues during lunch break. Some people defended the celebrity, while others criticised their behaviour. The discussion lasted long because people had different perspectives and strong emotional reactions.
4. A new education policy:
The news story I discussed was about a new education policy introduced by the government. I discussed it with my teachers and classmates at college. Some people thought it would improve the system, while others believed it had flaws. The discussion was long because it directly affected students and future opportunities.
5. A technological breakthrough (AI):
The news story I discussed was about a new advancement in artificial intelligence. I talked about it with my tech-savvy friends online. Some felt it would create new opportunities, while others worried about job losses. The discussion became long because the topic was complex and had both positive and negative sides.
6. A natural disaster news report:
The news story I discussed was about a recent natural disaster that caused serious damage. I talked about it with my family at home. Some people focused on the human tragedy, while others discussed how better preparation could reduce damage. The discussion lasted long because it was emotional and important.
7. A major sports event controversy:
The news story I discussed was about a controversial decision in a major sports event. I talked about it with my friends who are sports fans. Some agreed with the decision, while others strongly disagreed. The discussion became long because sports fans are passionate and love debating such issues.
8. A health-related news (pandemic update):
The news story I discussed was about a health update related to a pandemic. I discussed it with my family members. Some people trusted official guidelines, while others were more sceptical. The discussion was long because it affected our daily lives and safety.
9. A business or economic crisis:
The news story I discussed was about an economic crisis affecting many countries. I talked about it with my colleagues at work. Some believed it was temporary, while others thought it would have long-term effects. The discussion became long because it directly impacted jobs and financial stability.
10. A social issue (gender equality or rights):
The news story I discussed was about a social issue related to gender equality. I discussed it with my friends during a gathering. Some supported strong reforms, while others had different opinions. The discussion lasted long because it was a sensitive and important topic.
11. A scientific discovery:
The news story I discussed was about a new scientific discovery related to space exploration. I talked about it with my classmates who are interested in science. Some were excited about future possibilities, while others questioned its practical value. The discussion became long because it was both fascinating and thought-provoking.
12. A local community issue:
The news story I discussed was about a local issue affecting my neighbourhood, such as road construction or safety concerns. I talked about it with neighbours and family members. Some people supported the changes, while others complained about inconvenience. The discussion lasted long because it directly affected our daily lives.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
Discussing the news or the topic requires a mix of terms related to media, personal opinion, and the social impact of current events. Using these words will help you explain not just what happened, but the nuances of the conversation you had and why it lasted so long. Here are some relevant words and phrases:
Breaking news: Newly received information about an event that is currently occurring or developing.
Example: We were all glued to our phones because of the breaking news regarding the global summit.
Controversial: Giving rise or likely to give rise to public disagreement.
Example: The article covered a very controversial topic, which is why our discussion became so animated.
Polarizing: Dividing people into two sharply contrasting groups or sets of opinions or beliefs.
Example: It was a polarizing story; some of my friends supported the decision while others were completely against it.
Sensationalism: The use of exciting or shocking stories or language at the expense of accuracy to provoke public interest.
Example: We discussed whether the report was based on facts or just media sensationalism to get more clicks.
Credible source: A person, book, or document that provides believable and reliable information.
Example: I argued that we should only trust information coming from a credible source rather than social media rumors.
In-depth: Comprehensive and thorough.
Example: We had an in-depth conversation about the long-term implications of the new law.
Heated debate: A discussion in which people express strong and often angry feelings.
Example: What started as a casual chat quickly turned into a heated debate about economic policy.
Perspective: A particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view.
Example: Talking to my colleagues gave me a completely different perspective on the news story.
Impactful: Having a major impact or effect.
Example: It was such an impactful story that it dominated our conversation for the entire evening.
Skeptical: Not easily convinced; having doubts or reservations.
Example: I was initially skeptical about the report until I saw the official statement from the government.
Coverage: The extent to which a particular topic or area is reported in the media.
Example: We were surprised by the extensive media coverage the event received internationally.
Implications: The conclusion that can be drawn from something although it is not explicitly stated.
Example: We spent a long time trying to figure out the future implications of the technological breakthrough.
Objective: (Of a person or their judgment) not influenced by personal feelings or opinions in considering and representing facts.
Example: It’s often hard to remain objective when a news story affects your community directly.
Biased: Unfairly prejudiced for or against someone or something.
Example: We discussed how the news anchor seemed biased toward one particular political party.
Discourse: Written or spoken communication or debate.
Example: I think healthy public discourse is essential for a functioning society.
Word of mouth: Information passed from person to person by oral communication.
Example: I actually heard about the incident through word of mouth before it even hit the major news outlets.
If you prepare for the topic “Describe a time when you had a long discussion about a news story”, you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe a news story you have read or heard about recently.
2) Describe an interesting news story that you watched on TV.
3) Describe a piece of local news that was interesting to you.
4) Describe an article you have recently read in a magazine or a newspaper.
5) Describe something you did with a group of other people.
6) Describe an important conversation that has brought a positive change in your life.
7) Describe some recent local news that people in your locality are interested in.