A Complete Overview of IELTS Cue Card

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is one of the globally recognised English language proficiency tests. It consists of four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Among these, the Speaking section often makes test-takers nervous as they have to sit face-to-face with the examiner.

Within the Speaking section, the “Cue Card” or “Task Card” segment holds particular significance. By understanding the structure, preparing effectively, and practising consistently, you can confidently tackle any Cue Card topic that comes your way. 

Also, to know more about IELTS cue card and to prepare for the exam, you may get in touch with Western Overseas. In this blog, we’ll delve into a comprehensive overview of IELTS Cue Cards, providing insights and strategies to help you ace this part of the test.

IELTS cue card 2024

An essential component of the speaking portion of the test is the IELTS speaking cue cards. A cue card with a specific activity or topic will be supplied to you before the spoken interview with the examiner. The speaking cue card of the IELTS contains questions concerning the subject you should talk about. You have two minutes to discuss the subject and one minute to compose your answer. The format of the IELTS cue card is designed to analyse your proficiency in the English language in a number of areas, including vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, fluency and coherence.

Most of the IELTS cue card subjects are drawn from the test taker’s viewpoints, experiences, or abstract concepts. The subjects and questions on the IELTS cue card evaluate your ability to arrange and convey information and speak clearly and concisely in the allotted time.

IELTS cue card 2024: Speaking exam pattern

When commencing their IELTS training, students frequently wonder, “What are speaking cue cards in IELTS speaking?” Let’s explore this topic in greater detail. 

• You will get a Task Card, also called an IELTS Cue Card, from the examiner, along with some paper and a pencil.
• Three dot points, an extra phrase, and a prompt will all be present on the IELTS Cue Card.
• The subject you are required to discuss is the prompt. During your discussion, you should address the three dot points.
• After giving you a minute to gather your notes, the examiner will ask you to speak for one to two minutes.
• This section, which lasts three to four minutes overall, is meant to assess your speaking abilities on a certain subject. The examiner is attempting to evaluate your ability to arrange your ideas and thoughts in a clear and cohesive manner.

Generally, the topic falls under one of six primary categories. These are listed in the following table:

Are you confused? Well, in that case, get in touch with the IELTS experts at Western Overseas. They will help you understand the whole process. Also, you can opt for their IELTS coaching to prepare for the exam.

IELTS cue card: Dos and don’ts

Now that you know everything there is to know about the Cue Cards, let’s start by going over what you should do on test day:

• Use simple words: Avoid making your discussion unduly complex. For example, do not use the synonym “blandish” for the term “flattery” if you wish to use it. Avoid using technical terms in an attempt to impress the examiner; they will be able to tell. Instead, use simpler words and get into the technical jargon when necessary.
• Be convincing: When responding, ensure that you are addressing the question and not deviating from it. Make sure there is a clear framework while you are writing the notes using the Cue Card as a guide. Avoid giving the examiner the impression that you lack organisation skills.
• Focus on pronunciation: If you concentrate more on clarity than on faking an accent, you will speak more clearly. It is crucial that the examiner comprehends what you are saying with clarity.
• Listen to the examiner: Follow the examiner’s instructions; it is crucial. When the examiner asks you to speak, you start talking, and when he/she asks you to stop, you end your speech.

Apart from these, remember that you’ll get more adept at structuring your ideas and delivering them in a coherent manner with practice.

Let’s now examine what you ought not to do:

• Try not to forget the piece you’ve just presented before the panel. In Part 3 of the Speaking Test, which follows soon after, the examiner usually looks at how much you remember your previous presentation.
• Avoid being overly fixated on the bullet points to avoid running out of ideas. The purpose of these bullet points is to assist you in responding to the question.

Parting thoughts

The speaking section of the IELTS exam evaluates a candidate’s proficiency in communicating in English. To get a high band score on the IELTS writing task 2, you must master the Cue Card section. To improve your speaking abilities and achieve the best possible results on exam day, make use of the tips and techniques provided in this blog.