[SEP – DEC 2021] IELTS Cue Card Sample: Describe a talk or speech that you attended

IELTS Speaking Part 2: Describe a talk or speech that you attended IELTS Cue Card

You should say:

• where it was
• who spoke
• what the topic was
• and explain what you thought of the talk or speech.

Band 8 Sample Answer

(where it was) (who spoke) I admire successful people and am always interested in knowing how they managed to reach the top. I got an opportunity to listen to one such inspirational speech in my office. It was a talk by our chairman.

She is a lady in her early sixties. She is an Engineering graduate, has varied interests, and is a multi-talented personality. She also runs a charitable organization for the homeless and needy.

(what the topic was) Of late, there was an increase in the attrition rate among married women. So our chairman had decided to talk about it. The talk was arranged in our auditorium, and all of us were invited. Since I admire her a lot, I went to the arena well before the appointed time and took a seat in the front row. She began her speech by talking about her love life and how she remained stubborn that she would continue to work post marriage. She insisted we need to be determined about our ambitions. She also seemed worried about the fact that most women don’t join work after their maternity leave. She gave many tips on how to balance work and family. Also, she cited examples from her own life, which motivated me.

(and explain what you thought of the talk or speech) I was very surprised that she underwent the same feelings as a normal woman. She had also struggled to cope with the stress in the workplace and felt that she was doing an injustice to her spouse and kids. But her resolve and will power enabled her to cross all the hurdles with ease. My motivation rose to new heights. It was not a speech, but a revelation.

Vocabulary for IELTS Speaking Part 2 (IELTS Cue Card)

inspirational (adj) – providing or showing creative or spiritual inspiration.

Eg: Her cookery show was inspirational multi-talented ( adj) – having more than one special talent or skill

Eg: The player was multi talented

attrition (noun) – is a process in which the workforce dwindles at a company, following a period in which a number of people retire or resign, and are not replaced

Eg: The attrition rate was very high in the project due to the Boss’s attitude

insisted (verb) – demand something forcefully, not accepting refusal.

Eg: Sita insisted Ram to take medicines for fever.

resolve (noun) – firm determination to do something.

Eg: Her unmatched resolve was the secret of her success.

IELTS Speaking Part 3 Topic & Questions (Discussion)

What is the difference between speaking in front of children and adults?

(Give a direct answer to the question) (Explain your reason or reasons) When the speaker addresses children, he should be careful about the choice of words and the subject. They must not be controversial. The speaker must ensure that children get motivated. Whereas, when the audience is adults, the speaker can choose sensitive topics but be careful in his delivery. Though it is commonly believed that adults are mature, some people show their anger or opposition outwardly.

Do you think all speeches are appropriate for all age groups?

(Give a direct answer to the question) (Explain your reason or reasons) No. It is because preferences vary based on age. Children like to listen to stories, whereas teens may need advice. People at work may need guidance on finance and leadership, while older people may be interested in health-related topics. If the speaker is going to talk about the world economy to children below the age of 10, it would be inappropriate. They may not be able to appreciate it. Likewise, if the topic is on the latest trends in fashion, it is of no use to older people.

What types of speech are appropriate for all age groups?

(Give a direct answer to the question) (Explain your reason or reasons) The majority of the age groups may appreciate topics related to stress management because everyone undergoes some stress in their lives. School going children are stressed due to their homework and study, office goers have trouble completing their deliverables, and older people are burdened with the thought of death. So everyone would be interested to learn techniques to combat stress. Topics related to moral values may also be applicable to all age groups as all of them need to be honest and truthful.

Would you say it’s important for a person to be able to speak publicly?

(Give a direct answer to the question) (Explain your reason or reasons) Absolutely, yes. A person with public speaking skills will be able to influence others. It is one of the characteristics of leadership. They can bring about change. Public speaking instils confidence, and people get attracted to the speaker. A person with poor public speaking skills is unlikely to reach high positions in work.

Do people need to prepare for speeches before giving them to the public?

(Give a direct answer to the question) (Explain your reason or reasons) It varies from person to person. Some people go thoroughly prepared. They get tense if they forget one word. In fact, they make notes, memorize them, and some of them even carry papers to the stage. On the other hand, some people talk spontaneously. It may be due to several reasons. They may have had good training. Some of them gain spontaneity out of experience.

Vocabulary for IELTS Speaking Part 3

controversial (adj) – giving rise or likely to give rise to controversy or public disagreement.

Eg: Sita carefully avoided controversial topics when talking to Rita.

Preferences ( noun ) – a choosing of or special liking for one person or thing rather than another or others

Eg: Ram is an excellent merchant because he knows the customer’s preferences.

influence (verb) – the power to have an important effect on someone or something.

Eg: Sita influenced her brother to select computer science in the university

memorize (verb) – commit to memory; learn by heart.

Eg: Tim liked keats poems so much that he memorised all of them.

spontaneity (noun) – voluntary or undetermined action or movement

Eg: Ram was admired for his spontaneity in technical discussions.