Describe an interesting talk or a lecture 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 1

Most people tend to avoid sitting through lectures and seminars because they find it to be a tiresome experience. However, there are instances where such lectures and talks end up becoming an enriching experience for many individuals. One such lecture that piqued my interest and turned out to be a valuable event for me was when I attended a presentation specially organized by my college for the students. It was during the 2nd semester of college, and everyone from our batch was supposed to be a part of this event.

The lecture was about the importance of time management during college life and it was given by a visiting professor. The initial reaction of most of my classmates was annoyance since our college professors had made sure that no one was able to bunk this lecture. Even though my attitude towards this lecture was casual at first, I started to pay attention as the lecturer began his monologue. Within a few minutes of paying attention to what was being said, I was engrossed with some of the facts being presented. The professor went on to shed light on some of the reasons why college students face the issue of poor time management. The lecture also addressed some of the activities, that are common among people our age which take up a substantial portion of our time but doesn’t add considerable value to our lives.

As the lecture progressed, I realized that most of the statements were relatable to what many of my peers have experienced including myself. I learned the importance of prioritizing my activities and how much easier it becomes to accomplish our tasks if we follow an organized schedule. By the end of the lecture, I felt motivated to change my daily routine and implement some of the strategies offered by the professor in my own life.

Vocabulary

• Pique (verb) – arouse (interest or curiosity).
  Eg: Umesh would ask you numerous questions in between the movies out of pique. 
• Imbued (verb) – to cause to be strongly influenced by quality or emotion
  Eg: Renuka’s world was deeply imbued with patriarchal thoughts.
• Chase (verb) – pursue in order to catch or catch up with.
  Eg: The police chased the thief but couldn’t catch him. 
• Stifled (verb) – restrain (a reaction) or stop oneself acting on (an emotion).
  Eg: I don’t know how people manage to stifle their anger. 
• Bliss (noun) – perfect happiness; great joy.
  Eg: My last trekking experience was sheer bliss.

Sample Answer 2

During my college days, I’ve had the pleasure of hearing many fascinating talks and lectures. 

The lectures I am going to talk about took place at my college conference hall around 2 years ago. I don’t usually take much interest in talks and lectures. However, certain lectures pique my interest. During one of my regular class lectures, one of the instructors invited all students to a guest lecture. So I went to the notice board to see what the lecture topic was, which turned out to be happiness. I decided to attend the seminar right away.

The lecturer began his talk by asking questions such as, “What makes you happy?” and “What makes you want to be happy?” He then engagingly crafted his speech, including some intriguing numbers and responses that may come to people’s minds. He talked about the concerns and causes of people’s suffering in such a common and pushy manner. People are imbued with the belief that in order to be happy and acquire a level of bliss, one must suffer. During the lecture, one guy brought up a topic that really caught my attention: the value of happiness in life and why people are chasing happiness through worldly items when we would eventually have to leave everything behind after death. The instructor said that it is what gives life its meaning. Humans’ lives would become meaningless if they do not chase things, yet they should not become greedy. When the professor finished, I realized that happiness is a personal condition of a being. Pleasure should not be dependent on others; rather, it should stem from your own successes and not be stifled by comparisons to other people’s happiness.

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