Understanding the Significance of This IELTS Speaking Cue Card
As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I often encounter students perplexed by the “What is the last thing you read and enjoyed?” cue card. This seemingly simple question is a potent tool for the examiner to assess your language proficiency across various parameters:
- Fluency and Coherence: Your ability to speak smoothly, link ideas logically, and structure your response showcases your fluency.
- Lexical Resource: The vocabulary you employ to describe the text, your feelings, and the reasons for your enjoyment reveals the breadth and accuracy of your word bank.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Employing a variety of grammatical structures accurately demonstrates your mastery of English grammar.
- Pronunciation: Clear pronunciation ensures your ideas are understood and contributes to a positive overall impression.
Deconstructing the Cue Card: How to Approach It Effectively
This cue card, though seemingly focused on your reading habits, is essentially about your ability to narrate, describe, and justify your opinions. Here’s a breakdown of how to approach it:
1. Choosing Your Text:
- Relevance: While you can discuss any text, opting for something relatable to common interests (like news articles, fiction, biographies, or even engaging online content) makes it easier to articulate your thoughts.
- Recency: Choose something you’ve read recently. This ensures the details are fresh in your mind, leading to a more natural and detailed response.
- Enjoyment: Authenticity shines through when you’re genuinely enthusiastic about the topic. Select something you truly enjoyed to make the conversation more engaging for both you and the examiner.
2. Structuring Your Response:
A structured response ensures you cover all the essential points within the allotted time. Consider this framework:
- Introduction: Briefly introduce the text (title, author, genre) and your overall impression.
- “The last thing I truly enjoyed reading was actually an online article titled…”
- “I recently finished a captivating novel called…”
- Content Summary: Provide a concise synopsis of the text without revealing all the details.
- “The article explored the latest developments in renewable energy…”
- “The story revolved around a young detective…”
- Reasons for Enjoyment: Elaborate on why you found the text enjoyable. Be specific, citing elements like:
- Writing Style: “The author’s witty and engaging style kept me thoroughly hooked.”
- Characters/Plot: “I found the protagonist’s determination incredibly inspiring.”
- Themes/Ideas: “The article raised thought-provoking questions about sustainability.”
- Conclusion: Briefly summarize your thoughts and perhaps mention if you’d recommend it.
- “Overall, it was a truly insightful read that I’d highly recommend.”
- “I found the book to be a real page-turner.”
Illustrative Example from IELTS Speaking:
Let’s imagine you recently read an article about the benefits of urban gardening.
Examiner: What is the last thing you read and enjoyed?
Candidate: “Well, I’m quite interested in environmental issues, and the last thing I read that I found particularly enjoyable was an online article titled “Growing Green Cities.” It delved into the numerous advantages of urban gardening, not just for the environment but also for individuals’ well-being.”
Examiner: Could you elaborate on what you found enjoyable about it?
Candidate: “Certainly! The article was very well-researched and presented compelling evidence for how urban gardens can help combat air pollution, reduce stress, and even foster community spirit. I particularly appreciated the case studies they included, showcasing real people transforming unused urban spaces into thriving gardens.”
Tips for Success:
- Practice Regularly: Engage in mock speaking tests using cue cards to build confidence and fluency.
- Expand Your Vocabulary: Note down topic-specific vocabulary (literature, current events, hobbies) to enrich your lexical resource.
- Read Extensively: The more you read, the easier it becomes to articulate your thoughts and opinions on various topics.
- Focus on Fluency over Perfection: Don’t aim for flawless grammar or vocabulary. Prioritize speaking naturally and coherently.
Remember, the key to acing this cue card lies in demonstrating your ability to communicate effectively and engagingly. By choosing a text you genuinely enjoyed and structuring your response logically, you can confidently showcase your language proficiency.