1. Describe a goal you achieved that was difficult.
You should say:
What the goal was
Why it was difficult
What you did to achieve it
And how you felt after achieving it
Answer:
One of the most difficult goals I ever achieved was passing the IELTS exam with a band 8. I needed this score to apply for graduate studies in Canada. The most challenging part was the speaking section, as I wasn't confident in my fluency at the time. To overcome this, I created a strict study schedule. I practiced daily with a speaking partner, recorded myself, and got feedback from a tutor. I also watched English interviews and mimicked native speakers. After months of preparation, I finally took the test and was thrilled to see that all the hard work paid off. Achieving this goal gave me a huge sense of accomplishment and opened doors for my future.
2. Describe a piece of clothing you wear on special occasions.
You should say:
What it is
When you wear it
What it looks like
And explain why it is special to you
Answer:
One special piece of clothing I own is a traditional Persian outfit called a "Pirahan." I usually wear it during Nowruz, the Persian New Year. It’s a long tunic with intricate gold embroidery on the collar and cuffs. Mine is deep blue and made from silk, so it feels very luxurious. My grandmother gifted it to me, which makes it even more meaningful. I wear it proudly because it connects me with my cultural roots and reminds me of my family back home.
3. Describe a person you enjoy spending time with.
You should say:
Who the person is
What you do together
How often you meet
And why you enjoy spending time with him/her
Answer:
One person I truly enjoy spending time with is my cousin Sara. She’s around my age and we share similar interests, especially in music and travel. Whenever we meet — usually once or twice a month — we either go out for coffee or explore new places in the city. She's a great listener and always gives honest advice. What I like most is her positive attitude. No matter what I'm going through, she always makes me feel better. Spending time with her is refreshing and comforting.
4. Describe a difficult decision you had to make.
You should say:
What the decision was
When you made it
What you considered
And what happened as a result
Answer:
A difficult decision I had to make was leaving my full-time job to go back to school. This happened two years ago. I had a stable income and good coworkers, but I wasn’t growing professionally. I had always wanted to pursue a master's degree in education, but I was afraid to give up my job security. After months of consideration and financial planning, I finally resigned and enrolled in university. It was scary at first, but it turned out to be the right decision. I’m now doing something I’m passionate about and feel more fulfilled.
5. Describe a place you like to go to relax.
You should say:
Where it is
What it looks like
What you do there
And why it is relaxing
Answer:
My favorite place to relax is a quiet lake near my hometown. It’s surrounded by tall pine trees, and the water is calm and clear. I usually go there in the early morning with a book and some snacks. I sit by the water, listen to the birds, and just unwind. Sometimes I go for a light walk or meditate. The peaceful environment helps me forget about my problems and recharge. It’s like a mini escape from the stress of daily life.
6. Describe a technology you use often.
You should say:
What it is
How you use it
How it helps you
And how your life would be without it
Answer:
A piece of technology I use daily is my smartphone. I use it for almost everything — communication, navigation, learning, and even work. I often use educational apps and video conferencing for my online ESL classes. It helps me stay organized with calendars and reminders. Without my phone, I’d feel disconnected and disorganized. It’s not just a tool for convenience anymore; it’s essential to how I function in both my personal and professional life.
7. Describe a time when you helped someone.
You should say:
Who you helped
How you helped them
Why you helped them
And how you felt afterwards
Answer:
Last winter, I helped a neighbor who had slipped on ice and injured her leg. I was walking home from work when I saw her struggling. I immediately helped her sit down and called an ambulance. I stayed with her, kept her warm, and contacted her family. I helped because I knew she lived alone and needed someone. Later, she thanked me and even baked me cookies as a gesture of gratitude. It felt good to know I made a difference in someone's day.
8. Describe a subject you enjoyed studying in school.
You should say:
What the subject was
Who taught it
What you learned
And why you enjoyed it
Answer:
I really enjoyed studying history in high school. Our teacher, Mr. Lee, made the subject come alive with storytelling. He didn’t just teach us dates and events — he helped us understand the human side of history. I learned about different cultures, wars, revolutions, and how they shaped the modern world. What I loved most was how history explained why things are the way they are today. It also helped me develop strong critical thinking skills.
9. Describe a piece of advice someone gave you.
You should say:
What the advice was
Who gave it to you
When they gave it
And how it helped you
Answer:
One piece of advice that really stuck with me came from my father. He once told me, "Don’t compare your progress to others — everyone has their own journey." He gave me this advice when I was feeling discouraged about my career, thinking others were doing better. His words helped me focus on my own path and growth. I learned to be patient and trust the process. It helped me stay motivated and build confidence.
10. Describe something you did that made you feel proud.
You should say:
What you did
When you did it
Why you were proud
And how others reacted
Answer:
Last year, I organized a charity event at my workplace to raise funds for a local animal shelter. I coordinated everything — from inviting guests to arranging food and entertainment. It took weeks of planning and teamwork, but the event was a huge success. We raised over $2,000. I was proud because I had never led such a large project before. My colleagues praised the event and the shelter sent us a thank-you letter. It made me feel like I had truly contributed to a good cause.
1. Understand the Task Fully
Read the cue card carefully and make sure you understand all parts of the question.
The cue card usually has 3-4 bullet points — try to address each one clearly.
2. Plan Your Answer Quickly
You get 1 minute to prepare. Use this time to jot down key ideas or keywords for each bullet point.
Think about examples, feelings, or reasons to support your points.
3. Use a Clear Structure
Introduction: Briefly introduce the topic.
Body: Cover the bullet points one by one with details.
Conclusion: End with a final thought or feeling about the topic.
4. Speak Fluently and Confidently
Try to speak without long pauses or hesitation.
Use fillers like “Well,” “Actually,” “Let me think,” to sound natural but don’t overuse them.
5. Use a Range of Vocabulary and Grammar
Use varied vocabulary related to the topic. For example, if talking about a person, use words like “kind,” “generous,” “hardworking.”
Use different tenses where appropriate (past, present, future).
Include linking words like “because,” “therefore,” “however,” “also” to connect ideas smoothly.
6. Add Personal Stories or Examples
Personalize your answer with a small story or specific example. It makes your answer more interesting and authentic.
7. Describe Feelings and Opinions
Share your emotions or thoughts about the topic (e.g., “I felt proud,” “It was exciting,” “I really enjoyed it”).
8. Keep Your Answer Around 1.5–2 Minutes
Practice timing your answers so you speak enough but don’t run out of things to say.
9. Practice Common Topics
Practice frequently on common cue card themes like family, travel, hobbies, experiences, and people.
10. Stay Relaxed and Natural
Remember, it’s a conversation, not a speech. Stay calm and be yourself.