Ultimate Guide to IELTS Cue Cards: September to December 2023 Edition: Cue cards are an integral part of the IELTS Speaking exam, often leading candidates to feel anxious or unprepared. In this guide, we present a comprehensive breakdown of the IELTS cue cards for the September to December 2023 period.
What Are IELTS Cue Cards?
IELTS Cue cards, formally known as “Task Card”, form part of the IELTS Speaking test, specifically in Part 2. Candidates receive a card with a topic and a set of cue cards guiding them on what they should talk about. A 1-minute preparation time is provided, followed by a 1-2 minute speaking time.
Noteworthy Cue Card Topics from September to December 2023
| 1 | Talk about a famous chef or cookbook author whom you admire |
| 2 | Describe an adventure you would like to go on |
| 3 | Describe a time when you Received Money as a Gift |
| 4 | Describe a new store/shop in your town/city |
| 5 | Describe a time when the internet did not solve your problem |
| 6 | Describe a book that you have read many times |
| 7 | Describe a Time When You Saw a Lot of Plastic Waste |
| 8 | Describe a crowded place you have visited |
| 9 | Describe a memorable moment that happened while using your mobile phone |
| 10 | Describe a photo that you are proud of |
| 11 | Describe a place where there was a lot of noise |
| 12 | Describe a road trip you would like to take in the future |
| 13 | Talk about a book or movie that changed your perspective on life |
| 14 | Describe an actor or actress whom you admire |
| 15 | Describe a time when you got nervous while speaking in public |
| 16 | Describe a time when you talked to a foreign tourist who was visiting your country |
| 17 | Describe a Time When Your Entire Family Was Together |
| 18 | Describe a Problem You had while Shopping Online or in a Store |
| 19 | Describe a place you visited where the air was polluted |
| 20 | Describe when someone gave you something you really wanted /a gift you received |
| 21 | Describe something you taught to your friend/relative |
| 22 | Discuss a gift that surprised you |
| 23 | Describe a piece of clothing you wear most often |
| 24 | Describe an important decision you made |
| 25 | Describe a (long) car journey you went on |
| 26 | Describe a Popular Person |
| 27 | Describe a water sport you would like to try in the future |
| 28 | Describe a place/country in which you would like to live/work for a short period of time |
| 29 | Describe a development in your country like a shopping centre, park etc |
| 30 | Describe a situation when you enjoyed free time |
| 31 | Describe a Time When You Needed to Search for Information |
| 32 | Describe a Difficult Thing You Did and Succeeded |
| 33 | Describe an occasion when you got incorrect information |
| 34 | Describe a website that helped you to do something/ website you visit often/use regularly |
| 35 | Describe someone you know who often helps others |
| 36 | Describe a person who inspired you to do something interesting |
| 37 | Describe your idea of a perfect home or dream house where you want to live |
| 38 | Talk about a time you complained about something but finally got a good result |
| 39 | Describe a Time You Made a Decision to Wait for Something |
| 40 | Describe a valuable item that you would like to give as a gift |
| 41 | Describe a daily routine that you enjoy |
| 42 | Describe a speech you gave |
| 43 | Describe the game you enjoyed playing when you were younger |
| 44 | Describe a sports program you like to watch |
| 45 | Describe an unusual meal that you had |
| 46 | Describe your experience when you changed your school/college |
| 47 | Describe an Important Thing you Learned, not at School or College |
| 48 | Talk about a TV Show you Like to Watch |
| 49 | Describe a time you went out with one or two friends and did an activity together |
| 50 | Describe an area in your home where you feel relaxed |
| 51 | Describe a character from a movie |
| 52 | Describe a person you met at a party and enjoyed a conversation with |
| 53 | Describe a situation when you laughed at the wrong moment |
| 54 | Describe a course that you want to learn/study you would like to do in future |
| 55 | Talk about an online course you joined and liked |
| 56 | Describe a shop near where you live that you sometimes use |
| 57 | Describe a piece of technology that you find difficult to use |
| 58 | Describe a book you read to reduce your stress |
| 59 | Describe a job that you think is interesting |
| 60 | Describe a movie that you recently saw, and that disappointed you |
| 61 | Describe a piece of good news you heard from others |
| 62 | Talk about something special that you would like to buy in the future |
| 63 | Talk about an interesting old person you met recently |
| 64 | Describe the place of great scenic beauty that you recently visited |
| 65 | Describe a place in your city you would recommend to tourists |
| 66 | Describe an occasion when you spent time with a young child |
| 67 | A happy memory from your childhood |
| 68 | Describe a time when you were late |
| 69 | Describe a festival that is important in your country |
| 70 | Describe a place away from your home and you want to visit in the future |
| 71 | Describe an achievement/success you are proud of |
| 72 | Describe a time when you lost your way |
| 73 | Describe a person you would like to study or work with |
| 74 | Describe an advertisement that you don’t like |
| 75 | Describe a historical period you would like to know more about |
| 76 | Describe a time when you had to lend something to a person you know |
| 77 | Describe an English class/lesson that you enjoyed |
| 78 | Describe Something that Surprised you and Made you Happy |
| 79 | Describe a time when you used your cell phone/Smartphone to do something important |
| 80 | Describe a moment when you stepped out of your comfort zone |
| 81 | Describe an occasion when you spent time by yourself |
| 82 | Describe an Object you Find Particularly Beautiful |
| 83 | Describe something that you did with someone/a group of people |
| 84 | Describe an invention |
| 85 | Describe a Person You Know Who is From a Different Culture |
| 86 | Describe someone you know who has recently moved to a new place |
Preparing for Cue Card Topics: Strategies and Tips
Understand the Core Requirement
Each cue card has a central theme or subject. Begin by identifying this core and structuring your response around it.
Practice Active Recall
Don’t just read sample answers. Instead, practice actively recalling and articulating your response. This helps in better retention and spontaneous delivery during the exam.
Use Rich Vocabulary
A vast vocabulary can distinguish your response. Integrate varied, topic-specific words to enhance the quality of your answer.
Maintain a Structured Flow
Ensure a clear beginning, middle, and end to your response. A structured answer is easier to follow and leaves a lasting impression.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Being Over-Descriptive: Avoid dragging a single point. Be concise.
- Using Repetitive Vocabulary: Refrain from using the same words or phrases repeatedly.
- Straying off the Topic: Stick to the cues provided on the card.
- Speaking Too Fast: Maintain a steady pace. Speaking too quickly can lead to errors and miscommunication.
Conclusion: September to December 2023
The IELTS Speaking test, with its cue cards, can be challenging. However, with the right preparation and approach, it becomes manageable. Dive deep into each topic, practice diligently, and remember to maintain a structured flow in your answers. With these strategies in hand, you’re well on your way to ace the exam.