Describe a Piece of International News That You Have Heard- IELTS Cue Card

In the IELTS Speaking section, one of the most common question types is the Cue Card Speaking prompt. The IELTS Cue Card topics will prompt you to formulate a response and speak on the given topic. To attempt this question, you must narrow down the essential questions on the given topic to answer within the given time. Consider the sample Cue Card below. Study the types of questions that have been formulated based on the cue card and how to go about with your response:

Sample Answer

International news is often overlooked by people since such events do not directly affect most of the global population. However, it is of significant importance that we stay up to date with current affairs since the knowledge of international events always helps us stay informed and one step ahead. The most important piece of international news that I have heard recently is the declaration of war by Russia on Ukraine.

This epoch-making event shocked the entire world when Russian President, Vladimir Putin, announced a military operation on Ukraine on February 24, 2022. This information first came to my notice through a local news channel as this event was covered by every news channel in my country and all over the world on the same day it took place.

When I first heard this news, I was talking to a close friend of mine and he brought up the topic of Russian invading Ukraine, which he overheard from his father, who was watching the evening news. Although I did not believe him initially, I paused the conversation mid-way and proceeded to turn on the news and substantiate the information.

Upon hearing the news reports and witnessing the movement of troops and the evacuation of civilians on television, my first reaction was utter disbelief. But as the media showcased the circumstances of the local people of Ukraine and how the Russian military permeated through the Ukrainian borders, I understood that this event was occurring in reality. Since there has not been an explicit war between two nations in my lifetime, the knowledge of such an occurrence was quite perturbing.

Vocabulary

• Epoch-making

Meaning: of major importance; likely to have a significant effect on a particular period of time.
Eg.: Landing on the moon was an epoch-making event for humanity.

• Substantiate

Meaning: provide evidence to support or prove the truth.
Eg.: He proceeded to ask his colleagues to substantiate the information.

• Utter

Meaning: complete; absolute.
Eg.: They all stared at her in utter amazement due to her excellent performance.

• Permeated

Meaning: spread throughout something
Eg.: The feeling of anxiety permeated the room as everyone heard the news on TV.

• Perturbing

Meaning: causing anxiety or concern; unsettling.
Eg.: The criminal revealed some perturbing truths as the investigation moved forward.

Part 3 – Follow-up Questions

• What is your newspaper reading style?

The custom of reading the newspaper turned into a habitual exercise for me when I was preparing for my MBA entrance exam. MBA entrance exam candidates are required to have extensive knowledge of current affairs for acing the exam. Thus, I focused on reading the national and international news sections, financial news sections and editorials, and this practice has stuck with me ever since. Although I skip the sports section most of the time as I am not a sports enthusiast, I like to go over it every once in a while.

• Do you think reading international news is important?

Yes, I strongly believe that being au courant about the various social, political and financial events around the world is crucial in this day and age. We reside in the era of globalization, where every nation and economy are interconnected. Therefore, if a significant incident has occurred in a particular country, the effects of the same will be felt by the entire world. Thus, being knowledgeable about international affairs is vital for everyone.

• The news that you have described, do you think it will impact the world? If yes, then How?

Yes, I believe that the declaration of war by Russia on Ukraine will unequivocally change the world in terms of international politics and foreign relations. One of the primary reasons for such a change is the formation of allies in this particular war between Russia and Ukraine. Several countries have voiced their support for Ukraine, including the United States of America. Thus, it can be said that the world will be greatly impacted by this unfortunate turn of events.

• How do most people get their news in your country?

Typically, people catch their daily news through news channels or reading the newspaper. Reading the newspaper has always been the predominant method of learning about the affairs around the world. However, with the advancement in technology, news reports can also be accessed on the internet. Presently, reading the news through online platforms is becoming more prevalent.

• How do you think people will get their news in the future?

As we progress further into the 21st century, human civilization has accomplished countless technological marvels. Today, newspapers and even news channels on television are going out of vogue. In this era, people are more inclined to catch up on the daily news through their smartphones while carrying out their routine activities. Therefore, I believe that in the future, people will entirely depend on the internet for news and press releases.

Vocabulary

• Extensive

Meaning: large in amount or scale.
Eg.: Extensive research needs to be conducted before moving forward with this experiment.

• Au courant

Meaning: aware of what is going on; well informed.
Eg.: He was an au courant about the music industry.

• Unequivocally

Meaning: in a way that leaves no doubt.
Eg.: The judges unequivocally voted him the winner of the competition.

• Predominant

Meaning: present as the strongest or main element.
Eg.: Chocolate was the predominant ingredient in this dish.

• Vogue

Meaning: general acceptance or favour; popularity.
Eg.: Watching movies at the theatre is slowly going out of vogue.