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 are not only for those sitting the IELTS examination. Teachers, students or anyone who wants to improve their spoken English can use them to practice speaking.
All you have to do is practice with a tutor or speaking partner, or even by yourself. Use a stopwatch to time your answers -- a reasonable answer should last 2-5 minutes.
For IELTS test takers, this is the fourth list of cue card questions, so if you haven't seen the previous lists, you can find them here (part 1), here (part 2) and here (part 3). Remember to limit your answers to 2 minutes.
You can find more information about the Speaking exam if you also read
IELTS Speaking: The Basics
1) Describe a favorite place in your town or city.
Say
2) Describe a competition you would like to participate in.
Say
3) Describe a time you used public transport.
Say
4) Describe a time you taught someone something.
Say
5) Describe your favorite historical period.
Say
6) Describe an activity you do with older people.
Say
7) Describe an interesting animal in your country.
Say
8) Describe an occasion when you received good service from a company or shop.
Say
9) Describe a popular person you know.
Say
10) Describe a song you like.
Say
All you have to do is practice with a tutor or speaking partner, or even by yourself. Use a stopwatch to time your answers -- a reasonable answer should last 2-5 minutes.
For IELTS test takers, this is the fourth list of cue card questions, so if you haven't seen the previous lists, you can find them here (part 1), here (part 2) and here (part 3). Remember to limit your answers to 2 minutes.
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
- where it is
- what it looks like
- what you can do there
- why you like it so much
2) Describe a competition you would like to participate in.
Say
- what kind of competition it is
- when it takes place
- where it takes place
- why you would like to participate in such a competition
3) Describe a time you used public transport.
Say
- what means of transportation it was
- when you used it
- where you were going
- what it was like
- why you liked or disliked using this means of public transport
4) Describe a time you taught someone something.
Say
- who the person was
- when you taught them
- what you taught them
- why you needed to teach them
- what the results were
5) Describe your favorite historical period.
Say
- what period it is
- what happened during this period
- why it is your favorite period
6) Describe an activity you do with older people.
Say
- what the activity is
- how often you do this activity
- with whom you do this activity
- where you do this activity
- whether you enjoy it or not
7) Describe an interesting animal in your country.
Say
- what the animal is
- where you might find such an animal
- what this animal looks like
- why you find this animal interesting
8) Describe an occasion when you received good service from a company or shop.
Say
- when this occasion took place
- where this service took place
- why you needed the service
- why you believe the service was good
9) Describe a popular person you know.
Say
- who this person is
- how you know this person
- why they are popular
- what your opinion of this person is
10) Describe a song you like.
Say
- what the title of the song is
- who sings it
- how you know this song
- what the song talks about
- why you like it so much
For all useful material related to the IELTS exam, click on the image below.