With more than 3 million test takers, IELTS is one of the most trusted exams to test English language proficiency. More than 150 countries recognise these scores for visas. Test takers prepare hard to achieve their dream scores. However, most of them struggle with the IELTS cue card. They even take regular sessions with experts and solve speaking mock testpapers for their exam preparation. Well, that’s not enough for a good preparation.
If you are also planning to prepare for the IELTS exam, then this article can help you to achieve good scores, as it explores everything about the cue card task and expert tips to prepare for it.
Understanding the IELTS Cue Card?
In the speaking section of the IELTS exam, test takers encounter three different tasks. The cue card is the second and the most important task of the exam pattern. It helps to analyse the thinking and speaking skills of the test takers over a variety of topics.
In this task, test takers get a prompt or topic to describe a person, occasion, time, study or object. However, they have 1 minute to collect all the information or details related to the topic to prepare a well-structured speech to speak for at least 2 minutes.
Many test takers struggle to prepare for this task. However, they need to work on the improvement of several skills for better performance. Thus, let us know about it in the next part.
Skills for the IELTS Cue Card
The cue card is a skilled-based task in the IELTS speaking section. It is a kind of face-to-face interview round between the test taker and an expert authorised examiner. This round is conducted about 7 days before or after the exam date. However, test takers need several skills to find answers for this task. Thus, let us discuss them below.
- Fluency and Coherence- These two are the most important factors in the IELTS cue card. They help the test takers arrange their thoughts wisely and speak at a regular pace or flow.
- Vocabulary- A good vocabulary is the key to ace the IELTS speaking section. Every examiner looks for vocabulary range to award the scores. Therefore, test takers should learn new words and phrases daily to expand their vocabulary.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy- Many IELTS test takers are from non-English-speaking nations. They must note that grammar is the most important factor in the cue card. So, they must learn all the grammar rules and frame sentences accordingly to get good scores on the exam.
- Pronunciation- The English dictionary consists of homophones (similar-sounding words) and some hard-to-pronounce words. Test takers might need to use them in their speech. So, it is advised that they should master the skill of pronunciation. It will help them to speak loud and clear sentences on the exam. Due to this, they eliminate the chances of misjudgements and secure their dream scores.
- Time Management-Time plays an important role. Test takers have 3 minutes in the IELTS cue card, 1 minute for preparation and 2 minutes for speaking. However, aspirants should learn to manage time. It will help them to give the best response for good scores.
These were the key skills for the cue card task of the IELTS speaking section. Test takers follow several practices to master them. However, let us move to the next part and understand some expert tips to master these skills.
How to Master Skills for IELTS Cue Card
Aspirants follow several practices to master skills for the IELTS cue card. They must note that it requires focus and strategic preparation. However, some of the best ways to master the cue card are mentioned below.
Understand the Cue Card Format
Test takers should understand the cue card first. They must note that they have only 1 minute to read and understand the prompt to prepare a well-organized speech and speak for 2 minutes. It will help them to make strong strategies to prepare for the task.
Use Mock Tests
Taking a regular speaking mock test is the best exam preparation practice. It helps the test takers to work with different topics. Due to this, they can get prepared for every possible challenge and increase their chances of getting a higher band score.
Get Feedback
Lastly, test takers should use social media applications to make friends from English-speaking nations and talk to them daily. Further, they should ask them for feedback for improvement. However, this practice will help them in improving their grammar. Due to this, they can achieve their dream scores.
Conclusion
To sum up, using a mock test paper is the best way to prepare for the IELTS exam. They help the test takers prepare with a wide range of questions and get instant feedback on their performance. However, the question is where to find one.
Well, test takers can visit online platforms like gradding. It offers AI-enabled mock tests for not only the speaking section but also for the IELTS writing practice onlineand the other two sections. Thus, it will help them to get the best practice for the exam.
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