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C2 Sample Essay 39 (School or family shapes one's personality)

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

10 More IELTS Cue Card Questions (Part 5)

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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 fifth list of cue card questions, so if you haven't seen the previous lists, here are the links: 
10 More IELTS Cue Card Questions (part 1)
10 More IELTS Cue Card Questions (part 2)
10 More IELTS Cue Card Questions (part 3)
10 More IELTS Cue Card Questions (part 4)

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
Useful Vocabulary Words for Speaking Exams 

IELTS Speaking: Part 1 Sample Questions (List 1)
 
IELTS Speaking: The Basics


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10 More IELTS Cue Card Questions



1) Describe a magazine you like to read.

Say
  • what type of magazine it is
  • how often you read it
  • how you first found out about it
  • why you like it so much



2) Describe a party you recently went to.

Say

  • what the reason for the party was
  • who was invited
  • where the party took place
  • what happened during the party and how it ended




3) Describe a building you like.

Say

  • where the building is
  • what it is used for
  • how it looks on the outside
  • how it is on the inside
  • why you like it so much




 
4) Describe a technological device other than a computer that you like to use.

Say

  • what type of device it is
  • how often you use it
  • how helpful you think it is
  • why you like it so much



5) Describe a time you changed your mind about something.

Say

  • what you thought before
  • how you changed your mind
  • who or what made you change your mind
  • whether you think this change of mind was good or bad


6) Describe your first mobile phone.

Say

  • when you got it
  • how you got it
  • what the phone looked like
  • how you felt when you got it
  • how you feel now about that first phone








7) Describe your ideal holiday.

Say

  • when it happened
  • where you went
  • who you were with
  • what happened 
  • why you think it was the best holiday ever




8) Describe a minor accident you had in the past.

Say

  • when and where it happened
  • who you were with
  • what happened 
  • how long it took to recover
  • how you felt about it


9) Describe something that you have written that you are proud of.

Say

  • when you wrote it
  • where you were when you wrote it
  • why you wrote it
  • what it was about
  • why you are especially proud of it

10) Describe a real or fictional person you think has been unlucky.

Say

  • who the person is
  • how you know this person
  • what happened to them
  • why you think this person is so unlucky


 
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