The IELTS Cue Card section, or the IELTS Speaking Task 2, is one of the parts of the IELTS test that has given those who have taken it a lot of tension and anxiety. And why is this the case?
It is because, for one thing, you are asked to discuss a topic about which you may have little knowledge.
Second, you have very little time to prepare, and finally, you must speak for a longer period without interruption from the examiner. But do not worry!
In this post, we provide sample responses to the cue card topic ‘Describe your favorite teacher.’ Please continue reading.
What is the IELTS Cue Card Question?
In Part 2 of the IELTS Speaking Test, the examiner will give you a topic card. This card is referred to as a cue card.
On the card, there will be a brief description of a topic and some suggestions for what to include.
The theme will be relevant to your personal experiences, such as a person you know or an event you attended. You have a minute to plan.
The examiner will provide you with a piece of paper and a pencil so that you can jot down some suggestions.
After one minute, the examiner will invite you to begin your presentation, ad give your speech. You are supposed to speak for up to two minutes without interruption from the examiner.
The examiner will listen without saying anything, but they may nod and gesture to encourage you to continue speaking.
The examiner will interrupt you after 2 minutes and will almost certainly ask you 1 to 2 questions regarding the subject.
You simply need to provide a brief response to these questions.
How to Answer this Specific Cue Card Question: “Describe Your Favorite Teacher”
Topic/Question
Describe Your Favorite Teacher
Guidelines to answer this question
You should say:
- Who this teacher is
- When and in what subject you had them,as a teacher
- What your fondest memories are with this teacher
and explain why this teacher is your favorite.
- Recall who your favorite teacher is. This teacher could be your primary, secondary or university teacher or professor. Whoever you decide to choose, ensure that you will have a lot to share later on.
- Once you have chosen a theme to discuss, do not change your mind. The time given is short, and you do not want to waste it by changing your subject.
- Take notes right away. State who the teacher is. When did you become their student, and in what subject or course? Discuss your fondest memories with this teacher, and do not forget to explain why they are your favorite teacher.
- Since you only have a minute to prepare, simply write keywords and phrases. Do not write sentences.
- Make extensive use of sophisticated vocabulary. Utilize complex grammatical constructions as well. This way, the examiner will be amazed, and you have a high chance of getting a great score in this part of the test.
- When taking notes, be as fast as possible. Nevertheless, make it a point that you will understand what you have written later on. It is okay if the examiner does not understand what you wrote. The substance and delivery of your speech, not the quality of your penmanship, determine your grade.
- You might opt to glance at your notes every now and then. It is permitted. The examiner will not prevent you from doing so. After all, that’s why you are handed a pen and a piece of paper.
Sample Responses: “Describe Your Favorite Teacher”
Sample Response 1:
“Mr. Andrew Peters was a teacher at my primary school when I first met him. He was my mentor, and with his direct assistance and advice, I was able to overcome many of my life’s obstacles, both academic and personal. As a result, I am quite grateful to him and have been highly inspired by his teaching methods.
He was a fantastic teacher who used to educate in unique ways. In the classroom, he rarely used books or other teaching tools. He also had some additional tricks up his sleeve to impress the students. He helped his students with various issues and guided them as if they were his own children. The other most essential aspect about him is that he used to communicate with the children’s parents. He kept the parents up to date on the newest information concerning their children on a regular basis. As a result, he became well-liked in the parent community.
This person has had a significant impact on me and my schooling. He was honest with all of his students and never favored any of them. It was his affection for all the students as if they were his own that drew me in. Whenever I shared with him a problem, he helped me find a solution. That’s why he will always be my favorite teacher.”
Follow-up Question 1:
Do you think teachers are well-compensated in your country?
Response:
“To be honest, no, I don’t think so. In fact, it is one of the reasons why a lot of teachers in our country choose to work in other countries instead. I think the government should spend more in the education sector and one way of doing that is by raising the salary of teachers and providing them with more incentives.”
Follow-up Question 2:
How do you think education has evolved over the last few decades?
Response:
”I think the education system has evolved drastically in the last few decades. I feel like three or four decades ago. You needed to go to school to finish a degree. But nowadays, you can obtain a degree without having the need to be physically present in school. Another significant difference is that today, more and more students are taking technology courses.”
Sample Response 2:
“I consider myself extremely lucky to have had the opportunity to be taught and directed by several outstanding teachers during my academic career. Among them, I’d like to mention Ms. Lynda, who has been an exceptional instructor, a fantastic mentor, and had a huge effect on my studies.
Ms. Lynda was our math teacher. We initially assumed that he would be a difficult teacher who required us to be extremely courteous in her presence. We received this impression primarily because of her solemn expression and neatly dressed appearance. But we quickly discovered that she was a very pleasant person and that we didn’t have to be “particularly polite” with her. She had a distinct teaching style and could effectively explain complicated concepts. As a result, everything we learned from her was intriguing, and we recall the majority of the arithmetic theories and procedures she taught us.
I’d say she had a significant impact on my schooling since she helped me establish a solid foundation in mathematics. In college, I majored in science, and mathematics was the most significant subject at that level. I’ve always been brilliant at arithmetic, thanks in large part to Ms. Lynda, who played a significant role in making the subject fascinating to me.”
Follow-up Question 1:
Do you think it’s important to like their teachers?
Response:
” I think that it’s not necessary; as long as students respect their teachers, it’s enough. As long as they believe that their teachers are capable and have enough knowledge of what they are teaching, it’s good enough. But of course, it would help if they like their teacher so they wouldn’t be forced to learn.”
Follow-up Question 2:
In your opinion, should teachers be strict with their students?
Response:
“I think it depends. There are times when teachers should be firm with their students while there are also times when they should cut them some slack. For example, when setting deadlines on homework and projects, teachers should be strict. However, if a student’s reason for being late is valid, it is okay. The student, however, must not do this as a habit.”
Vocabulary List for Answering this Question: “Describe Your Favorite Teacher”
Below are some terms from the sample responses for the cue card topic ‘Describe your favorite teacher.’ with their definitions and example sentences for your reference.
| Word | Part of Speech | Definition | Example Usage of the Word in a Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| affection | noun | A mild sentiment of love or like | “Children require a great deal of kindness and affection.” |
| courteous | adjective | In a manner that is kind, respectful, or considerate | “He was unworldly, nice, and courteous, just like his father.” |
| cut some slack | idiom | To allow someone some wiggle room in their behavior | “If he had described the circumstances to me, I would have cut him some slack and not been so harsh on him.” |
| grateful | adjective | Feeling or demonstrating gratitude for the kindness | “I am extremely grateful for what you have done.” |
| impact | noun | To have a massive effect on someone or something | “We must evaluate the impact on global warming.” |
| impress | verb | To inspire regard and respect in others | “The city’s sights seldom fail to impress international travelers.” |
| incentive | noun | Anything that inspires or motivates someone to achieve something | “You will receive a substantial incentive as well as freeboard and housing.” |
| major | verb | To concentrate in a specific course at college or university | “I’ve decided to major in Literature instead of Economics.” |
| mentor | noun | An experienced and dependable advisor | “Present your entire strategy to your mentor for comments.” |
| obstacle | noun | Something that obstructs one’s progress or prohibits or obstructs one’s advancement | “Overcrowding continues to be a significant obstacle to bettering circumstances.” |
| overcome | verb | To succeed in solving a problem or overcoming a challenge | “We can, and must, overcome our flaws.” |
| solemn | adjective | Dignified and formal | “As he delivered the news, he had a solemn expression.” |
| tricks up their sleeve | idiom | A hidden strategy, idea, or advantage that can be used when and if necessary | “Their parents still have some tricks up their sleeves in case the children refuse.” |
| unique | adjective | Being one of a kind; being unlike anything else | “His vocal technique is rather unique.” |
| well-liked | adjective | Admired by many | “He was well-liked and admired by all, according to a colleague.” |