If you plan to take the IELTS Test, you need to understand that one of the components of the test is the Cue Card Section, commonly known as the IELTS Speaking Task 2.
Prepare yourself well, as this is regarded as one of the most complex parts of the IELTS Test.
If you ask why – it is because you need to speak for a longer period about a topic that you may have very little knowledge of.
In addition, you are given very little time to prepare. But do not fret! A couple of sample responses for the cue card topic ‘Describe your favorite subject in school’ are provided in this article. Please continue reading.
What is the IELTS Cue Card Question?
The examiner will present to you a topic card in Part 2 of the IELTS Speaking Test. This card is referred to as a cue card.
A brief summary of a topic will be stated on the card and some suggestions for what to include. The theme will be related to someone you know, an event you attended, or things that you like.
You have a minute to plan and prepare for your talk. The examiner will supply you with a piece of paper and a pencil so that you can jot down some ideas.
After one minute, the examiner will tell you to begin your speech. You have up to two minutes to speak without interruption from the examiner.
The examiner will listen without speaking, although they may nod or gesture to encourage you to continue speaking.
When your two minutes are over, the examiner will tell you to stop and ask you 1-2 questions about what you have discussed. You must respond to these questions in a concise manner.
How to Answer this Specific Cue Card Question: “Describe Your Favorite Subject in School”
Topic/ Question
Describe Your Favorite Subject in School
Guidelines to answer this question
You should say:
- What subject it was
- When you took it
- What your experiences with this subject were
And explain why you love this subject.
- Recall what your favorite subject in school was. It could be a subject you had in primary or secondary school or a course you took in university. Make sure that whatever you choose, you still have a good recollection of what it is about, so you will have enough knowledge to discuss later on.
- Once you have a subject in mind, stick to it. You do not have ample time to start over if you change your mind.
- Start taking notes right away. State what subject or course it was and when you took it. You may also discuss who the teacher or professor was. Discuss what others think of it if they find it easy or difficult. Lastly, explain why this was your favorite subject.
- To maximize your time, simply write keywords and phrases. Do not write sentences.
- Utilize sophisticated vocabulary and complex structures of grammar. This will give you a higher chance of getting a great score in this part of the test.
- Take notes quickly but make it a point that your penmanship is readable by you.
- You will not be deducted marks if the examiner cannot comprehend what you have written. You are evaluated based on the content and delivery of your talk, not your penmanship.
- Remember to glance at the notes you have jotted down now and then. It is allowed and the examiner will not reprimand you for it.
Sample Responses for “Describe Your Favorite Subject in School”
Sample Response 1:
“I’ve taken a lot of subjects in school, but I have to say, history was my favorite subject. I’ve realized how vital it is for us to understand our past in order to construct a better future. I was so enthralled by my experience of reading and learning history that it became my university major. Learning about the past provides us with important information about our country, our heritage, the world we live in, and the human race as a whole.
When I was in seventh grade, I decided to take history seriously for the first time. I became really engrossed in it that I started reading history books by various authors. I learned about the ancient world, how social and economic situations were at the time, and how events throughout history influenced the world. I had the chance to apply what I learned from my history textbooks, which was not the case for a few other courses we were studying at the time. I developed an odd love for it and attempted to study as many history books as I could at the time, which is a bit surprising because the majority of my classmates at the time found the subject too difficult.
After I graduated from high school, I decided to major in history, which has tremendously shaped the way I view the world, as well as the past and future. Reading and studying history was like taking a journey through time and generations, which piqued my interest. And to tell you the truth, it still does. It’s still something I love to learn and know more about.”
Follow-up Question 1:
Do you think teachers play a major role for a student to like a subject?
Response:
“In a way, yes. I think that students would be more interested to learn a subject if they like the teacher or the professor. However, there are those students who are really interested in a subject or course regardless of whether they like or dislike the teachers.”
Follow-up Question 2:
What does the phrase ‘History repeats itself’ mean to you?
Response:
“For me, it means that we should learn from our mistakes or those that are committed by others, especially those that have happened in the past. Otherwise, we might be committing the same mistakes and go to show that we did not learn at all. That is one of the main reasons why I am interested in history.”
Sample Response 2:
“I’ve always considered Math as my favorite subject in school, and my love for it has greatly aided me in better understanding other science-related courses. I recently earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science, and I couldn’t have been a successful programmer without a strong grasp of mathematics and a passion for it. Statistics, algorithms, data structures, and programming are difficult to learn without a solid understanding of mathematics.
My father works as an architect; and seeing him work, I’ve always been fascinated by his interest in mathematics and architecture. He had a noteworthy impact on the expansion of my mathematical interests. He meticulously explained mathematical concepts, their applications, and practical ramifications to me, and as a result, I began to enjoy this topic from a young age. During my scholastic years, I was fortunate to have some excellent teachers who also served as a source of encouragement for me to excel in mathematics.
I was able to tackle math problems since I had a strong foundation in the subject. My class professors frequently requested me to explain a math problem to them. This increased my self-confidence, and by high school, I was convinced that I could solve any arithmetic problem in our textbooks. As you may be aware, young people frequently enjoy the subject in which they excel and devote more time to reading and studying it. This was also true for me, and math was always my favorite subject throughout my academic career.”
Follow-up Question 1:
Why do you think is Math considered a difficult subject by many?
Response:
“That is actually an interesting question, especially for someone who loves Math. I think it is because it involves a lot of complicated theories that need to be applied. In addition, there are some teachers who cannot simplify complex explanations, and thus, students are lost.”
Follow-up Question 2:
How important is Math in our everyday life?
Response:
“I think having knowledge in Math is highly essential. We wake up in the morning and estimate the amount of time to get ready for work, and we use basic knowledge in Math. We take the subway or buy breakfast at a local diner, and we use Math as well. We may not need those complicated theories in our everyday life, but we definitely need the basic ones.”
Vocabulary List for Answering the Question: “Describe Your Favorite Subject in School”
Below are some words from the sample responses for the cue card topic ‘Describe your favorite subject in school.’ with their definitions and example sentences to guide you.
| Word | Part of Speech | Definition | Example Usage of the Word in a Sentence |
| ancient | adjective | Relating to a long-ago era and no longer in existence | “Ancient bricks covered the aisle’s floor.” |
| convince | verb | To cause someone to have a strong belief in something’s truth | ‘Even the skeptics have been convinced by him.” |
| devote | verb | To dedicate all or a significant portion of one’s time or energy to a person, cause, or activity | “I devote my life to assisting the disadvantaged.” |
| economic | adjective | A subject that is discussed in relation to commerce, industry, and wealth creation | “Excessive layoffs have resulted from the recent economic downturn.” |
| engross | verb | To absorb all of a person’s attention or interest | “He has engrossed himself in a commercial realm that most contemporary artists despise.” |
| enthrall | verb | To captivate the audience’s fascination | “They were enthralled by what he had to say.” |
| excel | verb | To be particularly skilled or knowledgeable in a particular activity or subject | “You will excel in your goal if your talent is combined with hard work.” |
| generation | noun | All of the people who were born and lived around the same time are considered as a group | “She is very dismissive of the younger generation of politicians.” |
| grasp | noun | A person’s comprehension | “She has a thorough grasp of the context.” |
| heritage | noun | Cultural traditions, scenery, and old buildings that have been handed down through the years are all prized things and attributes | “The structure is a piece of our country’s heritage.” |
| meticulously | adverb | In a manner that demonstrates considerable attention to detail; completely | “A meticulously selected small sample is considerably superior to a large sample acquired carelessly.” |
| programmer | noun | A person who creates computer programs | “As a computer programmer, you can make a lot of money.” |
| ramification | noun | A result of a certain action or event | “He couldn’t keep up with all of the script’s ramifications.” |
| tremendously | adverb | To a significant extent | “She was tremendously fortunate that she did not die in the tragedy.” |
| vital | adjective | Absolutely essential, important, necessary | “The heart is a vital part of the human body.” |
Additional Reading — IELTS Speaking Cue Card Questions
- Describe a Person You Admire
- Describe Your Best Friend
- Describe Someone Famous that You Want to Meet
- Describe a Person Who You Think is a Good Leader
- Describe a Neighbor You Like
- Describe a Place You Want to Travel Next
- Describe a Historical Place that You Have Been to
- Describe a Place You and Your Friend Went to Recently
- Describe a Place Where You Spend Most of Your Free Time
- Describe a Country that You Want to Visit
- Describe a Gift that You Have Received Recently
- Describe an Item of Clothing that You Bought for Someone
- Describe a Piece of Art that You Want to Buy
- Describe Something that You Recently Lost
- Describe a Vehicle that You Want to Buy
- Describe an Activity that You Find Enjoyable
- Describe a Place Where You Love to Shop
- Describe an Event that You Recently Attended
- Describe One of the Busiest Days of Your Life
- Describe a Hobby that You Do with Your Family
- Describe a Difficult Decision that You Made
- Describe a Time When You Felt Lucky
- Describe the First Time You Had a Mobile Phone
- Describe a Time When You Helped a Stranger
- Describe a Time When You Tried to Do Something but Weren’t Successful
- Describe Your Favorite Teacher
- Describe Your Favorite Photograph
- Describe Your Favorite Song
- Describe Your Favorite Actor
- Describe a Situation that Made You Upset
- Describe a Time When You Had an Argument with Someone
- Describe One of the Happiest Travels You Ever Had
- Describe an Incident When You Got Scared
- Describe a Time When You Felt Relieved
- Describe a Workaholic Person You Know
- Describe an Interesting Course You Took
- Describe a Time When Someone at Work Gave You a Compliment
- Describe a Quiet Place at School Where You Like Spending Your Free Time
- Describe a Time When Something Unfortunate Happened at Work
