Important IELTS Speaking Part 2 Cue Card Questions with Answers

I am going to talk about the decision I made to study economics. I was preparing to go to university and had to decide whether to enroll in an economics or business studies course. It was about 5 years and I really agonized over the decision. I had done well in both subjects in college so it really was a tricky decision to decide which way to go. I looked at both courses and studied the modules to see what was included. I also considered the length or the course, where they were located and how other students had reviewed the teaching quality. I wrote everything down and made lists of the pros and cons. It took me a few weeks to truly come to a decision and I decided to apply for the economics course. Luckily, I was accepted and started the course shortly after. I think that deciding what to study was one of the most important decisions of my life. That decision started me on course to a career in business. In the end, I made the right decision as I really enjoyed the course and came out with a first class degree. I think if you go with your heart, you will always make the right decision. You know what is best for you more than anyone else.

1. What it was that you promised?
   I am going to talk about a course-related promise I made. Recently, I promised that I would finish all of my assignments a week before Christmas break, so that I can enjoy my time off properly.
2. Who you made that promise to?
   I made that promise primarily to myself, but also to my parents, because I often have a hard time knowing how to relax. I tend to spend a lot of time studying and I can stay in the library reading books for hours on. I really enjoy learning and writing assignments or working on projects, and it is hard for me to know when to put on the brakes.
3. The reason why you made that promise?
   A few years ago, I had overworked myself and I had unfortunately exhausted myself. My parents had warned me to be careful, but I thought I could handle that amount of work. I was actually feeling physically unwell and had to go to the hospital. My parents were very worried about me, and they were right to feel that way. I realised I needed to be more careful with my health, so I am trying to set deadlines that are within my reach, while allowing me to have a heathy life-work balance.
4. And how you feel about that promise?
   I know that it is the right decision to make but it is hard to get my head around it, since I have been so used to working excessively. I feel proud of myself for realising what I need to do and deciding to act upon it, but it is quite challenging to resist the temptation of working extra hours. It is definitely a work in progress and I am trying to figure out how to make it work for me

I am going to talk about Tulip Day in Amsterdam. This festival takes place on January 21st annually in Amsterdam and across the Netherlands as we are famous for the flowers – tulips. It is a major event in the Dutch calendar. Every year, on the third Saturday of January, the biggest garden in the city is transformed into a sea of colour. Thousands of people come to see the display or flowers that represent a rainbow of colours. The flowers represent the coming spring season and people from all over the world come to enjoy the gardens and tulip fields just outside the city. The city centre is blooming later in April when all the flowers are displayed in multiple locations across the city. You have to buy a ticket for the gardens but you can see the city displays for free. In the gardens, people can pick up a bouquet of flowers to take home with them. I really like this festival because it represents the hope of spring and the views of the flowers are stunning. It really takes your breath away, not to mention the amazing scent. I am proud of Holland and it´s culture. We are the biggest exporter of tulips to Europe and the country is well known for this association. It is important to preserve these traditions and shout from the rooftops what a great country we live in.

I am going to talk about Christmas. In Poland, we celebrate Christmas on the 24th of December because that is the day that the birth of Jesus is commemorated. On this day, I get together with my family and we prepare lots of delicious food to eat together in the evening. Some of the dishes include fish and cakes. I am part of a big family, so all my uncles and aunts come to our house and bring dishes to share. After we have eaten we sing Christmas carols. Christmas songs are very popular in Poland, there are literally thousands of them to learn. We sing and dance and have a drink of something. We will give presents to members of our family and play some games together. Last year, my family gave me a bracelet which is very special to me. We play games like charades or a table game and it is always raucous and my uncle likes cheating and everybody makes a fuss. It is all in good spirit though and the day is my favourite of the year. We eat so much that we are stuffed and can hardly move by the end. The next day is a more relaxed day and we eat the leftovers and rest at home. I feel sympathetic for people who have to work on this date, like doctors and nurses, as for me it is about being at home with the people you love. Next year, we are all going to my aunt’s house as we take it in turns to host the festivities.

1. Who are those people?
   I am going to talk about my friends Tom and Jessie, who are very passionate about conserving the environment. They are very well-informed about global environmental issues and are very active in trying to change the status quo.
2. How do they go about raising awareness?
   They volunteer at various charities which support their cause. Part of their contribution involves raising awareness in schools. They hope to change minds through introducing a positive approach to educating others, with a strong emphasis on the youth, as they are the future. They are very creative individuals, and they create workshops for children that involve educational games, so that children build a natural connection with the issue, rather than it being imposed upon them. They also participate in national events that raise awareness of such issues, giving speeches and looking for individuals who would be willing to donate or volunteer to join them in various activities that promote conservation.
3. Do you think it helps?
   I think that what they do helps for the most part. They may not get as many people on board as they would like, but exposing them to such ideas may have an effect, even if very minimal. People who hear what they have to say may give it some thought, and decide to contribute on an individual level, through changing daily habits. I think the greatest effect they have might be on children. Through their workshops, they are able to shape their minds early on, so that they develop healthier habits they can carry throughout their lives.
4. And how do you feel about them and their cause?
   I am so impressed with their courage and will power to change the world for the better. When I see what they do and interact with them, I get a feeling of renewed hope. I try to support their noble cause as much as I can, through changing some of my actions and occasional volunteering.

1. What was the prize?
   I am going to talk about a time I won a prize during a competition at my high school. It is a very fond memory of mine.
2. When did you receive the prize?
   I remember the day as if it were yesterday. In my last year of high school, there was a running competition between selected students from different schools in the county. I was a bit of a nerve-rack, but I had the full of support of my family and friends.
3. What did you do to receive it?
   I was one of the runners and I was representing the entire school with my performance in that competition! The goal was to run five miles around the track and arrive to the finish line first. I had practised many hours for that competition. My training began three months prior to the competition. I had to go through blood sweat and tears to get to the appropriate level I needed, but I was not going to back down. The day if the competition, I gave it my all. I kept the goal in mind the whole time, thought of all the love and faith loved ones had in me, and I ended up winning the race!
4. And how did you feel about it?
   I was beside myself with joy when I won! I don’t think I actually realised I had made it at first, seeing as I was so focused on my running. I remember the crowds getting louder. I looked up at them, them behind me, only to find out I had made it! It was incredible. I felt very proud of myself that day.

1. What was the news about?
   I am going to talk about some good news I received from my sisters, about her recent pregnancy. Her husband and her had been trying to get pregnant for months, and so this news was indeed very special and full of rejoicing.
2. When did you receive the news?
   I received a phone call from my sister, who said she wanted to spend some time with me, and invited me to dinner that day. She didn’t mention having any big news to share. She made it seem like it would be a casual dinner. I didn’t think anything of it and I went to dinner that day. Everything seemed completely normal, except for some looks and smiles my sister was exchanging with her husband. I also noticed that she did not have a glass of her favourite wine, but I wasn’t too suspicious of it. After dinner, my sister showed a newly painted room, and said it would be nice to have my help decorating it, to give it a gentle and warm feeling. When we sat in her living room, she said that they miss having people around, however that may soon change. I asked what they meant by that, and they just smiled at me, with my sister tearing up. That’s when I pieced it all together, and my jaw dropped. I jumped and gave her a huge hug while screaming with joy. We hugged and cried about five minutes.
3. Why do you think it was good?
   It was such good news because I knew how much they wanted to have a baby. They could have been discouraged all these months, but they never stopped trying.
4. And how did you feel about the news?
   I was beside myself with joy when I heard the news, and I still have a big smile on y face whenever I think of this news.