In the minds of ESL exam candidates, e ssay writing is one of the most daunting tasks they are required to complete, regardless of the level of the exam, the administering body or the ease with which they themselves use the language. The same applies to students who are asked to write an essay by their teachers at school. In the previous sample essays posted on the blog, the main point I stress is the need to become acquainted with this form of writing (as opposed to writing a letter, review or report, for instance), to get a feel of what authorial voice is and how to organize and progressively express the arguments you wish to make in a coherent manner. Unfortunately, the best way to prepare for exam writing or learn how to write good essays for school is to read as many essays from as many sources as possible, then write as
Please
note that the following questions can be used by teachers and students
or anyone who wants to improve their spoken English. All you have to do
is talk about the topic with your speaking partner or tutor or even
practice with the help of a stopwatch by timing your answer. A
reasonable answer should last about 2-5 minutes.For those preparing for the IELTS exam, this is the third list of cue card questions for Part 2 of the Speaking component. You can find the first list here and the second one here. Practice these questions by timing yourself and sticking to 2 minutes for each topic.
IELTS candidates should also read the tips for Part 2 of the Speaking section here:IELTS Speaking: Part 2 Sample Questions (List 1) & Tips.
You can find more information about the Speaking exam if you also read
IELTS Speaking: The Basics
10 More IELTS Cue Card Questions
Say:
- what it would be
- when you would do it
- where it would be done
- why this is what you would like to do
2) Tell me about a method you used to save money.
Say:
- how this method works
- where you heard about it
- how successful it was for you
- if you would recommend it to others
3) Describe a toy you liked when you were a child.
Say:
- what kind of toy it was
- what it looked like
- who gave it to you
- why it was given to you
- why you liked it so much
4) Tell me about an unusual meal you have had.
Say:
- what kind of meal it was
- when you had it
- who you were with
- where you had it
- why it was so unusual
5) Describe a specific lesson you had when you were in primary school.
Say:
6) Describe an item you own that needs to be replaced.
Say:
Say:
- what subject it was on
- when and where you had this lesson
- who taught the lesson
- what the lesson was like
- why you still remember it
6) Describe an item you own that needs to be replaced.
Say:
- what this item is
- what this item used to look like
- what it looks like now
- how often you use it
- how important it is to you
7) Describe the clothes you would wear on a special occasion.
Say:
8) Tell me about a time you worked in a team.
Say:
9) Tell me about a plan you made but changed later.
Say:
Say:
- what the occasion is
- what the clothes you would wear on this occasion are like
- where you can buy these clothes
- why you would choose these particular clothes
- what you expect others on this occasion would be wearing
8) Tell me about a time you worked in a team.
Say:
- where you were
- who you were with
- what you were working on as a team
- if the work done was successful or not
9) Tell me about a plan you made but changed later.
Say:
- when you had to make this plan
- what the plan was
- if anyone else helped you
- why you had to change your plan
- if the changes you made helped or not
10) Describe an occasion when visitors came to your home.
Say:
Say:
- when they came
- who they were
- what the occasion was
- what happened
- whether you enjoyed their visit