IELTS Speaking Part 2: IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card.
Describe something you can make by yourself.
You should say:
- what it is
- how you make it
- how often you make it
and explain how you feel about making it yourself.
[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:
I am not exactly known to be a very “resourceful” person, even on my best days. Besides, it is not like I have practised any art or craft a lot. However, when I was growing up as a child, I had a habit of playing with lumbers (wooden pieces), and that’s when I learned to make some wooden frames and toys. Surprisingly, I even made a few nice toys back then, and sometimes I still do it.
Now, please don’t think that I made a lot of toys as a child or when I was growing up, but it was just a little secret hobby of mine, which I used to enjoy from time to time in my solitude. I still enjoy doing it, but I can hardly manage time to do it these days. I would say I invest just a couple of hours doing it each month on average
Anyway, one doesn’t really have to have the intellect or smartness of a rocket scientist to make some toys because all one would need is some solid wood pieces, a good knife, some perfectly sized nails and some screws. We could also use a “mini saw” and a screwdriver, but I would suggest being a bit more careful when using a “saw”.
Of course, I also need to know how much wood and what kind of hardware are needed to do a certain type of toy. Once I can guess that, I start crafting the perfect size templates by either cutting the wood pieces or connecting them with each other by using the nails and screws. Now, as for trimming the wood pieces, anyone can do it either before completing the toys or after completing them. But as for me, I trim all the wood pieces before using them to make my toys. This toy-making thing can take a while, but I like it.
I would say I feel really great about making it myself. In fact, it is very fulfilling and confidence-boosting to see the results of my own work. Besides, I also like the fact that I can actually relax and forget about my worries when doing these little things all by myself by becoming a bit creative.
Model Answer 2:
Introduction:
This is surely an interesting topic, and I’d like to thank you for this. I’m also really glad that I’ve got the chance to talk about it. Here, I’ll describe something I can make by myself, which is mobile applications for both Android and Apple devices.
What it is:
So, now you already know that I can design and build mobile apps, mostly small to medium-scale applications like productivity tools, simple games, or utility apps. These apps can solve everyday problems, like tracking tasks, managing notes, or even helping people learn something new.
How you make it:
I usually start by identifying a problem or idea. Then I plan the features and design the user interface. After that, I write the code using programming languages like JavaScript or Swift, depending on the platform. I test the app regularly to fix bugs and improve performance. Finally, I prepare it for release and publish it on app stores. The whole process takes time, but I enjoy every step of it.
How often you make it:
I don’t build apps every week, but I try to work on at least one project every couple of months. Sometimes I create apps for learning purposes, and other times I develop something useful for real users.
And explain how you feel about making it yourself:
Well, I feel extremely satisfied and proud when I create an app on my own. It gives me a strong sense of achievement because I turn an idea into something functional. Also, when other people use my apps and find them helpful, it motivates me even more.
Sample Answer 3:
One of my favourite creative outlets is making artwork and paintings, a passion that I inherited from my mother, who has a hidden talent for “art”. Engaging in this artistic endeavour allows me to express myself creatively and immerse myself in a world of colour, imagination, and self-expression. I am so delighted to be able to talk about it here, and thank you very much for the opportunity.
The artworks and paintings that I create encompass a diverse range of subjects, styles, and mediums, including acrylic paints, watercolours, charcoal sketches, and mixed-media compositions. From vibrant landscapes and abstract designs to intricate portraits and still-life arrangements, each piece reflects my unique artistic vision and creative sensibilities.
The process of creating artwork typically begins with a burst of inspiration or a visual concept that sparks my imagination. Armed with a blank canvas or sheet of paper, I set out to translate my ideas into tangible forms, starting with rough sketches and outlines before gradually layering colours, textures, and details to bring the composition to life.
As someone who is deeply passionate about art, I find myself immersed in the creative process on a regular basis. Whether it’s dedicating a few hours to painting in my room during the weekends or stealing moments of inspiration to sketch and doodle in my notebook during the week, creating artwork has become an integral part of my daily life and a source of joy and fulfilment.
Engaging in the process of making artwork fills me with a profound sense of joy, satisfaction, and fulfilment. There is something incredibly rewarding about seeing my ideas take shape on canvas or paper, witnessing the transformation of colours and shapes into meaningful compositions, and channelling my emotions and experiences into tangible forms of expression. Moreover, the act of creating art provides me with a therapeutic escape from the stresses and challenges of everyday life, allowing me to immerse myself fully in the present moment and tap into a deeper sense of creativity and self-discovery.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
This topic asks you to describe something that you can make by yourself. You need to clearly explain what the item is, how you usually make it, how often you make it, and how you feel about creating it on your own. To make your answer more natural and impressive, try to describe the steps briefly, mention why you started making it, and highlight the satisfaction or enjoyment you get from doing it yourself. Here are a few ideas to help you structure your response. Hope you will find them useful.
1. A mobile application:
One thing I can make by myself is a mobile application, which I usually develop using programming languages and frameworks. I plan the features first, then write the code, test it and improve it step by step. I don’t make apps every day, but I work on them quite regularly as part of my interest and profession. I feel extremely satisfied because it allows me to turn my ideas into something functional and useful.
2. A simple website:
Another thing I can create on my own is a website, which I build using HTML, CSS and sometimes JavaScript. I start by designing the layout, then structure the content, and finally make it responsive. I create websites quite often, especially when I want to experiment with new ideas. I feel proud because it improves my technical skills and gives me a sense of achievement.
3. Homemade tea or coffee:
Something simple I can make is a cup of tea or coffee, which I prepare almost every day. I boil water, add tea leaves or coffee, and mix it with sugar and milk according to taste. I make it frequently because it is part of my daily routine. I feel relaxed and refreshed because making it myself adds a personal touch to the experience.
4. A handmade greeting card:
One creative thing I can make is a handmade greeting card using paper and colours. I design it, cut shapes and write messages by hand. I usually make such cards on special occasions like birthdays. I feel happy because it allows me to express my feelings in a more personal and meaningful way.
5. A simple meal:
I can easily make a simple meal, such as rice and vegetables, by myself. I follow basic cooking steps like preparing ingredients, cooking them properly and adding spices. I don’t cook every day, but I do it occasionally when needed. I feel independent and confident because it is an essential life skill.
6. A wooden pen holder:
Another thing I can make is a simple wooden pen holder. I cut and shape small pieces of wood and assemble them carefully. I don’t make it often, but I have done it a few times as a hobby project. I feel proud because it involves creativity and practical effort.
7. A digital poster or design:
I can create digital posters using design software, which I do occasionally for personal or academic purposes. I choose colours, fonts and images to make the design attractive. I make these designs whenever I need something creative. I feel excited because it allows me to express my ideas visually.
8. A study schedule:
One useful thing I can make by myself is a study schedule. I organise my subjects, set time slots and plan my daily routine carefully. I create such schedules whenever I have exams or important tasks. I feel organised and motivated because it helps me manage my time effectively.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card:
DIY (Do-It-Yourself): The activity of decorating, building, or repairing things as a hobby instead of paying a professional to do it.
Example: I enjoy the DIY approach because it allows me to tailor every detail to my specific tastes.
Components: The individual parts that make up a whole object or system.
Example: First, I lay out all the electronic components on the table to ensure nothing is missing.
Assemble: To fit together the separate parts of an object.
Example: It usually takes me about an hour to assemble the frame once the glue has dried.
Personalised: Made or done to order for a particular person.
Example: I love making personalised journals for my friends because it shows I’ve put thought into their interests.
Meticulous: Showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise.
Example: You have to be meticulous when measuring the fabric, or the final garment won’t fit correctly.
Sustainably sourced: Obtained in a way that can be maintained without harming the environment.
Example: I try to use sustainably sourced wood for my carvings to minimise my environmental footprint.
Craftsmanship: The quality of design and work shown in something made by hand; skill in a particular craft.
Example: Making things yourself allows you to appreciate the true level of craftsmanship required for everyday objects.
Procedure: An established or official way of doing something.
Example: I follow a very specific procedure to ensure the clay is properly prepared before I start sculpting.
Trial and error: The process of experimenting with various methods until one finds the most successful.
Example: It took some trial and error to get the right ratio of ingredients for my homemade soap.
Fulfilment: A feeling of satisfaction at having achieved your desires or choices.
Example: There is a deep sense of fulfilment that comes from using something you built with your own hands.
Aesthetic: Concerned with beauty or the appreciation of beauty.
Example: I focus on the aesthetic appeal of the pottery, choosing colours that reflect the natural landscape.
Cost-effective: Effective or productive in relation to its cost.
Example: Making my own household cleaners is much more cost-effective than buying brand-name products.
Intricate: Very complicated or detailed.
Example: The lace pattern I’m working on is quite intricate and requires a lot of concentration.
Ingenuity: The quality of being clever, original, and inventive.
Example: I had to use a bit of ingenuity to fix the broken hinge using only household items.
Versatile: Able to be used in many different ways.
Example: This particular type of paper is very versatile, making it perfect for both origami and card-making.
Hobbyist: A person who pursues a particular activity in their spare time for pleasure.
Example: As a keen hobbyist, I spend most of my weekends working on various woodworking projects.
If you prepare for the topic “Describe something you can make by yourself”, you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe something you have made yourself (from wood, metal, paper or other material).
2) Describe a handcrafted item which you made yourself.
3) Describe a handmade gift you gave to someone.
4) Describe something you have always wanted to do but have not done yet.
5) Describe a time when you needed to use your imagination.
6) Describe an art and craft activity you did at school.