
Achieving required scores in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a mandatory step for non-native English speakers who wish to study or work in countries where English is the primary language.
One of the toughest portions is IELTS Speaking Part 2, which relies on cue cards. In this segment, you are required to use strong vocabulary and express your ideas clearly for two minutes. This article explores a highly popular cue card focusing on personal goals: describe a course you want to learn. Continue reading to discover how this part evaluates your language proficiency, cultural awareness, and communication abilities.
Explore Ashiraj Premium services to identify and apply to possible colleges that provide the courses you want. Moreover, find out what IELTS band scores are acceptable at your dream universities by connecting with applicants who have already secured a seat there! Ashiraj's AI-driven tools and expert guidance assist aspirants in applying to universities in 22+ countries. More than 65% of students get better admits than they expect. We can help you too! Become A Premium Ashirajer Today!
What is an IELTS Cue Card?
A cue card serves to evaluate a candidate's fluency and lexical resource. During the IELTS speaking assessment, you receive a cue card detailing a topic to speak on for roughly two minutes. The card also lists 2 to 4 bullet points that you can elaborate on. You get one minute before speaking to organize your thoughts and plan your response by noting key points on paper. Once this preparation minute concludes, the examiner will prompt you to start speaking.
A breakdown of the duration of the cue card is provided below:
|
Duration |
11–14 minutes |
|
Number of Parts |
3 |
|
Band Score Range |
0-9 |
|
Test Mode |
Offline/Online |
Suggested: Describe A Speech You Gave - IELTS Cue Card
Why are IELTS Cue Cards Important?
IELTS cue cards are a vital component of the speaking module in the IELTS exam. They function as prompts that give you a subject to discuss for a duration of two minutes. Here is why they matter!
Describe a Course That You Want To Learn: Sample Answer 1
An effective response for the IELTS cue card segment should feature a robust introduction, relevant background context, supporting arguments, and a personal connection to the topic. The examiner evaluates your output based on your English communication capability. Typically, skilled individuals command respect from others. Whether it involves driving, swimming, or painting, acquiring new skills enhances a person's character. For the cue card topic "Describe a course that you want to learn", I would like to discuss a specific skill I have wanted to master for quite some time.
- What is this course?
As a psychology student, research forms a core component of my academic syllabus. I feel confident in handling statistics and conducting investigations. However, academic writing is an entirely different challenge. When it comes to articulating the methodology and findings of research clearly across various subheadings, I frequently need guidance from my professors and peers. Consequently, I intend to enroll in a brief course focused on academic writing.
- Where and when can you learn it?
Not long ago, I submitted a research paper that demanded months of hard work and numerous sleepless nights. When the grades were released, I was devastated. Upon discussing the outcome with my professor, she explained that while the research data was sound, the presentation lacked clarity. That was when I realized the urgent need to enhance my academic writing abilities. To address this, I looked into options on platforms like Coursera. The academic writing programs on Coursera offer self-paced learning, some are available at no charge, and they require a minimum of 12 weeks to finish. I value the flexibility and the skills taught, so I plan to start the course shortly.
- Please explain why you want to learn it.
Mastering academic writing will empower me to articulate concepts, build coherent arguments, and engage in scholarly discussions. Ultimately, this training will refine my writing abilities and improve the overall standard of my future research proposals and dissertations.
Describe a Course That You Want To Learn: Sample Answer 2
A course represents a structured educational program centered on a particular subject. It can help individuals upgrade their skills, boost cognitive performance, or simply pursue their personal interests. Regarding the cue card prompt "Describe a course that you want to learn", I would like to talk about a program I decided to take up due to its numerous benefits.
- What is this course?
At present, I am keen on taking a course covering digital marketing strategies. I first learned about such training through social media influencers. Afterward, I conducted deeper research and found that the curriculum helps build competencies in copywriting, SEO, data analysis, graphic design, and multimedia content creation.
- Where and when can you learn it?
I investigated various online platforms to undertake this program and ultimately selected the courses offered by Google. The specific program is titled "Fundamentals on Digital Marketing", designed for beginners. It requires 40 hours of study, and I aim to finish the material and earn my certification within a week by dedicating 5 hours to studying each day.
- Please explain why you want to learn it.
Studying digital marketing strategies is crucial for me since I work as a full-time content writer. Spending time on this course is a worthwhile endeavor because it focuses directly on the competencies required in my profession. Furthermore, proficient digital marketers enjoy strong demand in the modern business landscape. The flexible study methods and chances to acquire practical expertise make it a fantastic investment in my career growth.
Recommended: Talk About An Occasion When You Woke Up Early - IELTS Cue Card
Describe a Course That You Want To Learn: Sample Answer 3
Talk About A Program You Wish To Study: Sample Response 3
Being a fast learner, I constantly seek chances to upgrade my competencies across different domains. Enrolling in a program is a fantastic method to achieve this. For the cue card topic "Talk about a program you wish to study", I would like to discuss a specific program I have chosen.
- What is this program?
Recently, I learned about data science through peer recommendations, which emphasized its significance in our modern data-driven environment. Following that, I resolved to register for the "Data Science for Beginners" program.
- Where and when can you study it?
I am driven to take this program because I want to master the basics of data science. I have browsed multiple platforms to find this, and most cover subjects like data analysis, statistical concepts, and machine learning essentials. The curriculum comprises web-based lectures, hands-on projects, and interactive tasks. I intend to dedicate substantial time to the program to extract maximum value from it.
- Please explain why you wish to study it.
I want to undertake this data science program because it enjoys high demand in the employment sector, which will consequently enable me to explore broader career paths. Furthermore, the engaging and practical instructional approach, combined with the importance of data science expertise, makes this program worthwhile.
Describe a Course That You Want To Learn: Sample Answer 4
Talk About A Program You Wish To Study: Sample Response 4
My college requires third-year pupils to accumulate credits in diverse categories, including social and vocational. Although I have fulfilled the social credits, I am falling behind in the latter. Taking value-added programs is one approach to secure vocational credits. For the cue card topic "Talk about a program you wish to study", I would like to discuss a particular program I have locked in on.
- What is this program?
I did not wish to spend money on a program merely to obtain the credits required for graduation. Therefore, I researched several options connected to my major, which is psychology. After hours of hunting for enriching yet affordable programs, I opted to pursue a curriculum on Mental Status Examination and History Taking.
- Where and when can you study it?
I follow several social media accounts that offer guidance to psychology undergraduates regarding suitable universities, career prospects, internships, and programs. I will be undertaking this program on mental status examination and history-taking from one such Instagram handle named Socially Souled. I hope to commence this program during my mid-semester break once the CIAs conclude. Fortunately, it requires only 8 weeks to finish, well before I graduate. By that time, I will not only acquire a psychology-related competency but also secure vocational credits!
- Please explain why you wish to study it.
Throughout my degree studies, regrettably, I have lacked practical sessions to learn these abilities. As an aspiring clinical psychologist, I recognize that mental status examination and history-taking proficiencies are essential to master and become adept at, since they establish a framework for a client's behavior, affect, cognition, and more. Consequently, I desire to take this program.
Recommended: Talk About A Time You Were Extremely Busy - IELTS Cue Card
Sample/Follow-Up Questions and Answers
Sample and Follow-Up Questions with Answers
IELTS speaking sections 2 and 3 are linked. The examiner will pose inquiries regarding the theme addressed in part 2 during part 3, lasting about 4-5 minutes. For the IELTS cue card topic "Talk about a program you wish to study", you may face the following questions:
Q1. What influences the younger generation more when picking a program, financial return or personal interest?
Ans. The relative impact of income, interest, and practicality on young individuals' selections can differ based on multiple elements. Some learners pick a program they feel passionate about, even if it offers a lower prospective salary. Conversely, even if it is not their dream domain, certain individuals prioritize financial security and sign up for programs with strong job prospects.
Q2. Which programs and proficiencies are currently in highest demand?
Ans. Although the programs and skills individuals want to acquire are shaped by personal and professional goals, today the most sought-after subjects shift according to cultural shifts. Digital marketing, foreign languages, and technical abilities like programming rank among the in-demand programs.
Q3. What categories of programs prove advantageous for university undergraduates?
Ans. The types of programs university learners pursue can vary depending on their majors or their aspiration to build transferable skills. Nonetheless, given current demands, pupils can opt for programs that assist them in enhancing communication, critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and digital adaptability. Additionally, undergraduates can also undertake programs regarding self-defense and personal finance.
Tips to Answer the IELTS Cue Card
Guidelines for Answering the IELTS Cue Card
Here are some pointers to excel in the IELTS Speaking Cue Card segment!
Conclusion
The IELTS Speaking Part 2 Cue Card serves as more than just an assessment tool; it gives examiners insight into a candidate's capacity to organize thoughts concisely. Success in the IELTS speaking assessment depends on preparation, delivery, and mindset. Bear in mind that effective communication demands a fine balance of vocabulary and grammatical competence, so concentrate on strengthening those areas. You can achieve this by familiarizing yourself with English literature and viewing Hollywood films.
Achieving IELTS scores that meet the criteria of various universities can feel stressful, we understand. Thus, let Ashiraj help you with that and other phases involved in pursuing education abroad. From university selection and applications to securing visas and scholarships for your destination and program, our Ashiraj specialists are here to support you from beginning to end. Book A FREE Video Consultation Session Today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the IELTS Speaking Part Two Cue Card mean in an English Language proficiency test?
<p>Beyond evaluating language skills, the IELTS Speaking Part 2 Cue Card measures an applicant's ability to synthesize thoughts and deliver them with clarity and conciseness. This segment is vital to the assessment as it gives candidates an opportunity to demonstrate their communicative competence and awareness of different contexts.</p>
Do IELTS cue cards repeat?
<p>Indeed, they can. Nonetheless, you need to be ready for any subject that might show up on your cue card. To minimize risks, make sure to practice both frequent and rare cue card topics.</p>
Do I have to follow the prompts on the cue cards?
<p>The four sub-questions listed with the cue card offer a broad outline of what you ought to cover on the subject. Although not strictly required, addressing these points first is strongly advised since they capture the core of the topic. Should time permit, you are certainly welcome to add more engaging details related to the theme.</p>
Can I use informal language during my cue card task?
<p>Although there are no rigid prohibitions against employing casual expressions or slang during the cue card segment, maintaining a formal vocabulary and register is recommended. The reason for this is that the IELTS aims to gauge your ability to use English within formal and academic settings. Consequently, heavy reliance on conversational speech may prove inappropriate for the examination.</p>
You Might Also Like
Pharmacy (M.Pharm) Abroad: Fees, Top Universities & Job Scope
Pharmacy is the science and technique of preparing and dispensing drugs. The composition of various courses under Pharmacy are related to manufacturing, monitoring, regulating, developing and testing drugs and pharmaceutical and food products.Pharmacy as a Masters course may be done by people who ha
Read ArticleMasters in Industrial Engineering Abroad: Fees, Top Universities & Job Scope
Industrial Engineering is a branch of engineering dealing with the optimization of complex processes or systems. Its underlying concepts overlap considerably with certain business-oriented disciplines such as Operations Management, but the engineering side tends to emphasize extensive mathematical p
Read ArticleMasters in Financial Engineering Abroad: Fees, Top Universities & Job Scope
Financial Engineering is a multidisciplinary field involving financial theory, engineering methods, tools of Mathematics and Programming. It uses mathematical techniques to solve financial problems and is sometimes referred to as quantitative analysis. Also known as Financial Mathematics, Mathematic
Read Article