The IELTS exam is one of the most crucial tests when planning to study abroad. The cue card task is the second part of the IELTS speaking section after the introduction round. This task assesses your spoken language skills; thus, it is essential to prepare well for this part. Read the blog, which contains IELTS cue card “Describe Your School” samples, along with the follow-up question. In addition to that, the write-up also mentioned how to answer the cue card and some helpful tips to excel in this task. So let us first begin by understanding all about cue cards.
Table of Contents
Cue cards are the second part of the IELTS speaking section that goes on for about 3-4 minutes. This includes your preparation and speaking time. A prompt on a specific topic will be provided along with a few pointers around which the candidate must frame their response. The answer may consist of examples and experiences with a person, a place, an object, or anything that is meaningful to you. The cue card task remains the same for the IELTS Academic and IELTS General exams. Further, let us see how to answer cue cards in the IELTS speaking part 2 and what they look like.
Answering the cue cards requires a proper structure and strategy. Moreover, the ideal way to answer is by dividing the topic into a few parts. Besides, it is vital to draft a well-organized answer that includes an introduction, the body, and the conclusion. The introduction for IELTS cue cards must be short and crisp, suggesting what you will be talking about, basically setting out the base and outline. Further, the body discusses the main points, providing details, examples, and explanations. And finally, the conclusion summarizes the topic and the key highlights.
The IELTS speaking part 2 response is evaluated on the basis of the flow of the content, grammatical range, punctuation, fluency, and coherence. Thus, it is essential to use appropriate grammar in your response. Moreover, your answer to “Describe Your School” must include the following pointers:
You will get a minute to prepare your thoughts and then speak for two minutes on the topic. Now, let us see what the cue card looks like.
Here is the first sample response for achieving 8+ band scores in your IELTS cue card round.
Studying at MGD Girls’ School, Jaipur, has been one of the most enriching experiences of my life. It is not just an institution but a place that shaped who I am today. Being part of this school felt like both an honor and a privilege.
The school is located in the heart of Jaipur, Rajasthan. Surrounded by the historic charm of the Pink City, the campus stood as a blend of tradition and modernity. Its spacious grounds, old-world architecture, and well-maintained facilities made it a vibrant place to learn.
MGD Girls' School is much more than a school of academics. It is a place committed to cultivating young minds with discipline, imagination, and ethics. Having a powerful thrust on all-around growth, the school provided avenues in academics, sports, culture, and leadership programs.
At MGD, I acquired so much more than what was in textbooks. I learned self-confidence, responsibility, and the importance of teamwork. The school instilled values of respect, honesty, and perseverance. Extracurricular activities helped me discover my interests and express myself freely.
Being part of this school filled me with pride. Every achievement, big or small, was celebrated, which made me feel valued and motivated.
In every way, MGD Girls’ School was a nurturing home that prepared me for the challenges of life, leaving memories that remain close to my heart.
The structure of your cue card answer plays a crucial role. Look at another sample of the IELTS speaking part 2 and draft your responses using this as a reference.
Neerja Modi School, Jaipur, has been one of the most influential places in my life. It was more than just a school to me; it was a space that shaped my personality, fueled my dreams, and instilled in me a lifelong passion. Studying there was truly a privilege.
The school is situated in the vibrant city of Jaipur, Rajasthan. Its beautiful campus was spread out with lush green fields, modern classrooms, and well-equipped facilities that created the perfect environment for both academic and extracurricular growth.
Neerja Modi School is an institution committed to nurturing creativity, intelligence, and discipline in every student. With its balance of academics, sports, and cultural activities, it never confined learning to books but encouraged us to explore our strengths and interests.
Academically, I gained knowledge and developed critical thinking skills. Yet, the most remarkable gift I received was discovering my love for horse riding. What began as a school activity soon became a passion for life. The discipline, courage, and bond with the animals taught me lessons that went far beyond the classroom.
Being a part of Neerja Modi School made me feel like a confident individual and deeply connected me to my passion.
For me, Neerja Modi School was not only an educational institution but a platform for my future. It provided me with memories, friends, and an everlasting sport that continues to guide and influence me.
To answer IELTS speaking cue card issues, a lot of students require assistance. Thus, here is a sample to help you understand how you can respond to these kinds of topics.
My school days at Jayshree Periwal Pre-School in Jaipur remain some of the most cherished memories of my early childhood. It was the place where I took my very first steps into learning, friendship, and discovering the world beyond home.
The school was nestled in the heart of Jaipur, known for its warm and welcoming environment. The colorful classrooms, open play areas, and child-friendly facilities made it feel more like a second home than just a school.
Jayshree Periwal Pre-School was not just an academic institution; it was a foundation for creativity, curiosity, and character building. With its engaging teaching methods, playful learning, and vibrant atmosphere, the school focuses on nurturing young minds so that learning never feels like a burden.
I learned the basics of language, numbers, and communication, but more importantly, I developed qualities like sharing, teamwork, and confidence. Activities like storytelling and art taught me self-expression and shaped my critical thinking.
Every day felt exciting and safe. I loved going to school, making new friends, and feeling encouraged by teachers who were always kind and supportive.
Jayshree Periwal Pre-School was the perfect beginning for my learning journey, giving me not only education but also values and memories that continue to inspire me today.
Here are some of the words from the sample above that will help you enhance your vocabulary for IELTS exam. This list of lexical resources, including meanings, is perfect for your reference.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Enriching | Something that adds value, improves knowledge, experience, or quality of life. |
| Honor | Deep respect, recognition, or esteem given to someone for their actions, character, or achievements. |
| Historic Charm | The attractive qualities or appeal that come from history, tradition, or old-world character. |
| Modernity | The quality of being modern, up-to-date, or in line with the present time. |
| Perseverance | The ability to continue putting in effort despite difficulties, challenges, or delay in success. |
| Influential | Having the power to affect or shape the behavior, opinions, or decisions of others. |
| Instilled | Gradually introduced or established an idea, habit, or quality in someone’s mind. |
| Extracurricular | Activities that are outside of regular school work, such as sports, arts, clubs, or volunteering. |
| Nurturing | Providing care, encouragement, and support for growth and development. |
| Everlasting | Continuing forever; enduring without end. |
| Cherished | Something valued highly and held dear with affection or love. |
| Nestled | Settled comfortably or snugly in a safe or sheltered position. |
| Curiosity | A strong desire to learn, explore, or know about something. |
| Self-Expression | The ability to communicate one’s thoughts, feelings, or ideas openly and creatively. |
| Critical Thinking | The ability to analyze information carefully, question assumptions, and make reasoned judgments. |
Post the cue card round is the next part of the IELTS speaking section: follow-up questions with answers. This consists of a few questions related to the cue card provided. Generally, there are about 5-7 follow-up questions for which the difficulty may range from easy to medium to hard. This round evaluates your speaking skills and also impacts your score. Thus, you must give a detailed answer with examples and your own experiences. Now, let’s discuss some possible follow-up questions that you can encounter for this topic.
1. What Is the Difference Between Private Schools and Public Schools?
Private and public schools mainly differ in terms of funding & ownership, cost & affordability, infrastructure & resources, curriculum & operations, and environment. Public schools are usually funded by the government and follow a standard procedure, while private schools are independently funded, offering more flexibility and better amenities.
2. Do You Think Today’s Teachers Are Strict?
I believe the job of a teacher involves setting clear expectations and rules, which may make them seem strict. Although strictness can create a focused learning environment, it can also encourage students to work hard. However, it is inaccurate to claim that all teachers today are strict. Besides, there are many teachers who opt for different ways to teach and collaborate.
3. Did School Play an Important Role in Your Life?
Yes, school plays a vital role by providing academic education and fostering essential social and emotional skills. I believe that, in my life, school has promoted my personal development and offered me a platform for discovering my talent and exploring new ideas. My school has prepared me for life and the future.
4. Do You Agree That the Purpose of Education Is to Prepare People for Their Future Lives?
Yes, I believe, education fosters holistic development, equips individuals to make informed decisions, and enables them to pursue their goals, ultimately empowering them to create a better future for themselves and their communities. In fact, education is not a one-time event but a lifelong process to empower you.
5. What Are the Advantages of a Private College?
There are a lot of perks of a private college. It offers benefits like smaller class sizes and more personalized attention from faculty, leading to better engagement and stronger relationships. They often provide modern infrastructure, flexible and specialized course curricula that align with industry needs.
In this section, we have mentioned some of the tips and tricks that will help you excel in the cue card with an 8+band score. Let us have a glance at the following pointer.
Overall, the IELTS speaking section is considered one of the toughest parts of the IELTS exam. Thus, aspirants must practice well for this particular part. We have covered the cue card topic “Describe Your School” for reference, along with its three samples. Further, the blog also contains lexical resources along with useful tips for you to excel in the IELTS speaking cue card round. If you are facing issues or want to explore more about the speaking section, then join our online IELTS classes or attend our offline course.
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