Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
Describe a TV documentary you watched that was interesting - Cue Card # 470
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IELTS Speaking Part 2: Individual Long Run - IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card.
[The topic for your talk will be written on a card which the examiner will hand over to you. Read it carefully and then make some brief notes.]
Describe a TV documentary you watched that was particularly interesting.
You should say:
- what the documentary was about
- why you decided to watch it
- what you learnt during the documentary
and explain why the TV documentary was particularly interesting.
[Instruction: You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you are going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.]
[Examiner: All right? Remember you have one to two minutes for this, so don't worry if I stop you. I'll tell you when the time is up. Can you start speaking now, please?]
Model Answer 1:
My friend, a political science teacher at a local college, and I often argue about the roles of the large empires in shaping the history of our world. And to prove our points and arguments, we try to watch TV documentaries, especially documentaries on “important political events” in history and collect information from them. Today, I would like to talk about one such documentary which I watched about a year ago which was quite interesting.
The documentary, I want to talk about, is about the rise and fall of the Roman Empire. It, of course, was a series of documentaries (even though, I didn’t really manage to watch all of them) which tried to discuss 600 years of history of the Roman Empire in as much depth as possible in chronological order.
It has one particular episode on the Roman Republic days with the problems of northern Gallic tribes, and then it also talks about the role of Caesar in shaping the empire and so forth. By the way, I already had learned a little about the history of the Roman Empire, by reading different kinds of books and watching some historical facts on TV before, but this particular documentary taught me a great deal about the history of Western civilization as a whole.
However, what was really remarkable about this documentary was that it really tried to contradict a very popular view, and a very important one also in that, that the Romans were bad people and also the enemy of Christianity but they became good people after converting to Christianity. Besides, the documentary taught me a very crucial point (which other people may not agree with) and that is that our human history is full of numerous wars and conflicts.
Anyway, the TV documentary was particularly interesting to me because it opened my eyes to the flaws and greatness of the Roman civilization which also essentially is the civilization of Europe. I found it interesting also because Christian religion indeed played a very important role in shaping the European civilization even though many Europeans today like to disagree with it.
Model Answer 2:
Introduction:
Television documentaries offer a great opportunity for viewers to learn about different topics and expand their knowledge. One such documentary that I found particularly interesting was a National Geographic documentary called "Inside the Vatican".
What the documentary was about: The documentary, "Inside the Vatican", offered an in-depth look into the history and workings of the Vatican, the smallest independent state in the world. The documentary explored the intricate workings of the Vatican, from its architecture to its politics and everything in between. It was a fascinating insight into the workings of the Catholic Church and the papacy.
Why you decided to watch it:
As someone who has always been interested in history and culture, I was immediately drawn to this documentary. I have always been curious about the Vatican, as it has played such an important role in history, not just for the Catholic Church but for the world as a whole. I also wanted to learn more about the political influence of the Vatican in contemporary times.
What you learned during the documentary:
The documentary was incredibly informative and provided a great deal of insight into the history and workings of the Vatican. I learned about the origins of the Vatican and its role in the Roman Empire, as well as its evolution over time. I also learned about the political influence of the Vatican in contemporary times, particularly in regard to the Vatican's relationship with the Italian government. The documentary also explored the role of the Pope and the Vatican in shaping the Catholic Church and its impact on the world.
And explain why the TV documentary was particularly interesting:
What made this documentary particularly interesting was the way in which it presented the information. It was incredibly well-researched and used a combination of interviews, historical footage, and reconstructions to bring the story to life. The documentary was also very accessible, with clear explanations of complex concepts, making it easy for me with little prior knowledge of the Vatican to follow along. I greatly enjoyed this documentary.
Sample Answer 3:
Introduction:
"Connected" is a Netflix TV documentary series that explores the surprising and often unseen ways that our world is connected. The show premiered on August 2, 2020, and consists of six episodes. As soon as it was released, I watched it and I was awe-struck with the information that TV documentaries presented. It is one of the best documentaries that I have ever watched.
What the documentary is about:
Each episode of "Connected" focuses on a different topic, such as the history of surveillance, the world of bacteria, or the science of dust. The show explores the fascinating connections between seemingly disparate things, weaving together different stories to create a compelling narrative about the world around us.
Why you decided to watch it:
As someone who has always been interested in science and the natural world, "Connected" immediately caught my attention. I was excited to learn about the many surprising ways that our world is interconnected, and I was intrigued by the show's unique approach to storytelling.
What you learnt during the documentary:
Through watching "Connected," I learned a lot about the complex and often hidden connections that shape our world. For example, I was fascinated to learn about the surprising connections between dust storms in Africa and hurricanes in the United States, and I was intrigued by the ways that our bodies are connected to the bacteria that live within us. In fact, each episode of the series has something new for me to learn.
And explain why the TV documentary was particularly interesting:
I found "Connected" to be an incredibly interesting and thought-provoking series. The show's unique approach to storytelling, which weaves together different stories and themes to create a cohesive whole, kept me engaged and entertained throughout. Additionally, the show's exploration of the surprising and often unseen ways that our world is interconnected left me with a newfound appreciation for the complexity and beauty of the world around us.
Sample Answer 4:
Thank you for the opportunity to let me talk about this great topic. One of the most thought-provoking documentaries I’ve ever watched is "Food, Inc." – a documentary film that completely changed the way I view food and the food industry. It explores how food is produced, processed, and marketed in modern society.
I came across this documentary a few months ago after reading a few online reviews. I noticed that it was nominated for several prestigious awards, which instantly piqued my curiosity. The teaser looked intriguing, so I decided to give it a try—and I’m glad I did. The documentary is directed by Robert Kenner and dives deep into the hidden realities of the global food production system.
The documentary highlights how large food corporations often prioritise profit over public health and environmental sustainability. It was shocking to learn that many of the items we purchase from supermarkets—especially meat and packaged goods—are not as fresh or healthy as we’re led to believe. The film exposed the inhumane conditions in meat factories, the unethical treatment of workers, and the heavy use of chemicals and preservatives in vegetables and fruits to make them last longer and appear fresher.
What I found particularly interesting was how the documentary debunks the myths created by advertisements. For instance, we’re often shown images of farms and green fields, but in reality, many of our food products are manufactured in industrial settings far from nature. It was eye-opening, and at times, even disturbing.
After watching "Food, Inc.", I became much more conscious of what I eat and where my food comes from. I now try to avoid overly processed foods and prefer fresh, local produce whenever possible. This programme didn’t just inform me—it inspired real change in my lifestyle. I admire the courage it took to make such a bold and impactful film, especially in an industry where transparency is often discouraged.
Sample Answer 5:
Thank you very much for the opportunity to let me talk about an interesting TV documentary that I have watched. I had to decide among 4-5 best and the most intriguing TV documentaries I have ever watched. 'The War Game' - a 1965 TV documentary that I watched in 2012 is the TV documentary I would like to talk about.
'The War Game' was directed and written by Peter Watkins and was distributed in the UK by the British Broadcasting Corporation. It was a television drama, a masterpiece that depicted the nuclear war. This documentary portrayed the horrifying and catastrophic effects of war and was quite interesting to watch. It was awarded the Academy Award for the Best Documentary in 1966.
This was approximately a 50-minute black-and-white documentary that I watched all of a sudden. It was the evening time and it was raining outside. I sat on a sofa and was surfing different satellite TV channels. All of a sudden I tuned in to BBC and within a few minutes, this documentary started. It would be 2012, I guess. The documentary was so absorbing, shocking, horrifying and yet interesting that I was glued to the sofa.
'The War Game' depicts the prelude to as well as the immediate weeks of the aftermath of a Soviet nuclear attack against Britain. The documentary ends on a gloomy Christmas day after the nuclear war. The story was told like a news magazine programme style which made it even more interesting.
While watching this documentary I realised the brutality of wars, the unimaginable destructions nuclear weapons can cause, how people become the victims of war, how a single wrong decision can cost the lives of millions, and how cities and civilisations can be wiped out in few minutes and finally that wars are political decisions that should never happen in the first place.
The topic, filming, narrating, theme, casting, camera work, the depiction of wars, and true events are all very fascinating in this documentary. As soon as I finished watching it, I realised this was a worth watching TV documentary and I would recommend it to my close friends. In fact, it was so interesting that I watched it once again in 2013.
More Ideas to talk about this Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card topic:
Here is a list of some really interesting TV documentaries that you can watch. Those are some of the best TV documentaries of all time, as well as some that are comparatively new and loved by the young generation. For this topic, you can pick anyone and talk about it.
Sans Soleil - This is a French documentary film directed by Chris Marker which is a meditative essay on memory, history, and the relationship between image and sound. The film explores the nature of human memory and how it is affected by time, culture, and technology. It is known for its unique and experimental approach to filmmaking.
The Thin Blue Line - This is an American documentary film directed by Errol Morris that investigates the murder of a police officer and the conviction of a man who may have been wrongly accused. The film is known for its innovative use of reenactments and its influence on the true crime genre.
Don't Look Back - This is a documentary film by D.A. Pennebaker that follows Bob Dylan on his 1965 tour of England. The film is known for its behind-the-scenes look at Dylan's creative process and its iconic footage of him performing "Subterranean Homesick Blues" while flipping cue cards.
The War Game - This is a British documentary film directed by Peter Watkins that depicts the aftermath of a hypothetical nuclear attack on Britain. The film is known for its powerful and controversial portrayal of the effects of nuclear war.
Apollo 11 - This is an American documentary film directed by Todd Douglas Miller that tells the story of the 1969 Apollo 11 mission, which was the first manned mission to land on the moon. The film is known for its stunning use of previously unseen archival footage and its immersive sound design.
13th - This is an American documentary film directed by Ava DuVernay that explores the history of racial inequality in the United States, particularly through the lens of the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The film is known for its powerful examination of the intersection of race, politics, and criminal justice.
For Sama - This is a Syrian documentary film directed by Waad al-Kateab and Edward Watts that documents al-Kateab's experiences during the Syrian Civil War. The film is known for its deeply personal and emotional portrayal of the toll of war on civilians and its powerful message of hope.
Roger And Me - This is an American documentary film directed by Michael Moore that explores the impact of General Motors' plant closings on the city of Flint, Michigan. The film is known for its biting critique of corporate greed and its influential role in the development of the modern documentary genre.
Tower - This is an American documentary film directed by Keith Maitland that tells the story of the 1966 University of Texas shooting from the perspectives of those who were present. The film is known for its innovative use of animation and its powerful exploration of trauma and resilience.
Kedi - This is a Turkish documentary film directed by Ceyda Torun that explores the lives of street cats in Istanbul. The film is known for its charming and intimate portrayal of the relationship between cats and humans and its celebration of the unique culture of Istanbul.
Man on Wire - This is a British documentary film directed by James Marsh that tells the story of Philippe Petit's 1974 high-wire walk between the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City. The film is known for its thrilling and suspenseful storytelling and its captivating use of archival footage.
Pepsi, Where's My Jet? - This is a documentary about the infamous marketing campaign by Pepsi that offered a Harrier Jump Jet in exchange for Pepsi points. The documentary follows the story of John Leonard, who attempted to redeem the offer, but was denied by Pepsi, leading to a legal battle.
Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey - This documentary provides a rare look inside the world of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS), an offshoot of the mainstream Mormon church. It explores the lives of women who are forced to marry older men and the oppressive nature of this closed community.
The Staircase - This true crime documentary series follows the trial of novelist Michael Peterson, who was accused of murdering his wife Kathleen. The documentary provides a detailed account of the trial, including the evidence presented by both the prosecution and the defense.
American Murder - The Family Next Door: This documentary provides an inside look at the shocking murders of Shanann Watts and her two young daughters by her husband, Chris Watts. The documentary includes never-before-seen footage of the family and interviews with friends and family members.
Closed For Storm - This documentary follows the lives of a group of people living in a small town in Ireland who are forced to come to terms with the devastating effects of climate change. The town is repeatedly flooded, and the residents must decide whether to stay and fight or abandon their homes and livelihoods.
Generation Wealth - This documentary explores the culture of wealth in America and how it has changed over the past few decades. The film follows the lives of several people who are obsessed with wealth and material possessions, and the impact that this lifestyle has on their families and communities.
The Imposter -This documentary tells the story of a 13-year-old boy who disappeared from his Texas home in 1994 and was later found in Spain. The boy's family welcomed him back with open arms, but some started to suspect that the boy was not who he claimed to be.
Stories We Tell - This documentary is a deeply personal exploration of family secrets and the nature of memory. It is directed by Canadian actress and filmmaker Sarah Polley and examines her own family's history, focusing on the life of her mother and the revelations that came after her death.
Connected - "Connected" is a science and technology documentary series produced by Netflix. Hosted by science journalist Latif Nasser, the show explores the ways in which everything in our world is interconnected, from the microscopic to the macroscopic, and from the past to the present. Each episode takes on a different topic, ranging from the history of plagues to the science of how we perceive reality, and uses a combination of storytelling, interviews, and stunning visuals to bring the subject matter to life.
Even more ideas for the topic: Describe a TV documentary you watched that was particularly interesting.
1. The Cold Case Files:
I don’t usually find myself hooked on crime documentaries, but "The Cold Case Files" truly grabbed my attention. This documentary focuses on unsolved murder cases that remained mysterious for years until breakthroughs brought them to light. What made it so compelling for me was the suspense and the slow unravelling of evidence. It showed how investigators followed leads that often went nowhere, leaving them at a dead end for years. Yet, with perseverance, they eventually pieced together the truth. Watching how detectives overcame challenges and used advanced forensics to solve cases was not only fascinating but also highly educational.
2. Dirty Jobs:
To be honest, I don’t think I could ever do the kind of work shown in the documentary "Dirty Jobs". I had no idea so many unpleasant and messy professions existed—and that people actually do them with pride. The host dives into some of the grimiest jobs imaginable, including cleaning animal waste and working in sewer systems. What made this documentary interesting wasn’t just the nature of the jobs, but the cheerful attitude of the people doing them. It really changed my perspective and taught me to respect all types of work, no matter how unappealing they may seem.
3. Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom:
As someone who’s fascinated by nature, I’ve always enjoyed documentaries about wildlife. One of my favourites is "Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom". I chose to watch it because it offers deep insight into the lives of wild animals and their natural habitats. The programme provides rare footage of species in action and uncovers many lesser-known facts about the animal kingdom. I particularly liked how it combined education with excitement. The documentary doesn't just show animals—it tells compelling stories and reveals the delicate balance of life in the wilderness, which makes it both informative and captivating.
4. Destination Truth:
If you’re intrigued by the supernatural, then "Destination Truth" is a documentary you’d probably enjoy as much as I did. It investigates paranormal phenomena, myths, and legendary creatures from around the world. I watched it out of curiosity, not knowing what to expect, but it turned out to be a fascinating experience. The episodes explore mysterious events that most people tend to dismiss. What I liked most was how the show combined scientific exploration with local legends. Whether or not you believe in ghosts or cryptids, the storytelling and the suspense made the documentary truly compelling.
5. 30 for 30:
As a passionate sports enthusiast, "30 for 30" has to be one of the most compelling sports documentaries I’ve watched. This series dives deep into iconic moments and personalities in the world of sports, often revealing what happened behind the scenes. I was drawn to it because I enjoy learning about real-life stories from the sports arena—stories that go beyond what we usually see in the news. What made the series truly fascinating was hearing directly from athletes and coaches about their struggles, victories, and personal journeys. It was insightful, emotional, and incredibly inspiring.
Part 3: Discussion topics:
Different types of TV programmes:
Q. What are the most popular kinds of TV programmes in your country? Why is this?
Answer: Although I don't watch TV very often, I think that TV series stand in the first place among popular TV programmes. There are different types of TV series such as soap operas, dramas, romance, adventure, science fiction, crime and investment, comedy and so on. For example, Sherlock Holmes is a very popular TV series not only in England but also in other countries. Regarding the reasons why this is happening, I would say that those TV series are very interesting and entertaining, and you can spend your free time watching them. For instance, when I watched a police procedural television series, I learnt almost everything about crimes and investigations and that turned out to be even more educative. These types of TV series have a great variety of topics and the plots are very attractive. That is why people do not want to miss any episode of their favourite TV series.
Tip: Every country has its own popular TV programmes. This is just an example and it's based on my personal opinion. So don't take for granted that this is the only correct answer. You can talk about news, talk shows, investigative programmes, debate shows, talent hunt shows, reality shows, sports programmes etc as the most popular TV programme type in your country.
Q. Do you think there are too many game shows on TV nowadays? Why?
Answer: As I said earlier, I am not a TV fan! However, whenever I surf TV channels I can obviously feel the number of overwhelming sports channels. This is proof that people nowadays watch more sports channels and sports telecasting than ever before. Likewise, the number of "game and quiz shows" on different TV channels is also quite high. I have noticed my mom watch two game shows and she likes them very much. People often watch game shows because those programmes are entertaining and educational at the same time. The competitive nature and challenges attract many viewers to watch such programmes. Sometimes there are questions for the viewers and as a viewer, someone often gets the chance to earn prizes or the opportunity to participate in the live show. These are, in my opinion, the reasons "game shows" are more popular these days and there are so many of them.
Tip: Your answer could be negative as well. Not every country has many game shows. If so, you should say the reasons you believe this is happening. Also, give one or two personal reason(s) why game shows in your country are not popular.
Q. Do you think TV is the main way for people to get the news in your country? What other ways are there?
Answer: Well, I come from Greece, so I would say yes, TV is the main source to get news in Greece. In my country, TV is the main way for majority of the people to get information about different news and events. Only a few young people and adults get the news via the internet and the elderly from radio and newspapers too.
In England, where I currently live in, TV is a popular means of getting information but I wouldn't say that it's the most popular source for news and information. People of all ages rely on the Internet, social media and newspapers to get news.
TV advertising:
Q. What types of products are advertised most often on TV?
Answer: Actually, this is a difficult question because I think that most of us don't pay much attention to TV advertisements. At least as far as I'm concerned, I always change the TV channel when they start showing advertisements. But, I would try to answer this question by saying that different types of edibles are advertised such as juices, soft drinks, cookies, chips, cosmetic products et cetera. Moreover, especially in the last five years, technological products are also being promoted in TV advertisements. Some representative examples are smartphones, iPhones and laptops. Finally, cars constitute a category that is advertised a lot and there are many times that famous people like actors, singers and football players, are the main representative of those products.
Q. Do you think that people pay attention to adverts on TV? Why do you think that is?
Answer: As I mentioned earlier, most people do not pay that much attention to TV adverts. There are very few times when someone watches an advertisement because of the attractive theme of that advertisement. When a TV channel broadcasts advertisements, most people either change the channel or do other things. My opinion is that not every person is interested in every sort of advertisement. Another reason people pay less attention to TV adverts is that when watching a movie or a favourite programme, advertisements often bother them. Amid a lengthy programme, people need to take breaks and they mostly do that when advertisements are shown.
Tips: Your answer could also be that people pay attention to TV adverts. If you say so, just clarify it with some examples. Try to say that those adverts are informative and present newly arrived products or services. They also inform us about the benefits of different products and let us choose our necessary goods among a great variety of options. Also, mention that ad creators use different innovative methods so that people watch it. Finally, say that people can hardly leave their seats while watching a live sports telecast or a favourite programme and when advertisements are shown, they intentionally and subconsciously watch them.
Q. How important are regulations on TV advertising?
Answer: I believe regulation of TV advertisements is of paramount importance. First of all, TV advertisements are displayed constantly all the time and the audiences come from different age groups. For that reason, the contents of an advertisement must be suitable for all audiences. In addition, every advertisement must be based on truth, the moral code and for the sole purpose of informing people. Moreover, they should promote public health and not provide anything that might induce people to damage their health, such as tobacco and alcohol ads. Finally, the adverts should never exaggerate or falsify information about a product or service. To monitor the ethics, morality and regulation every advertisement should be censored before it is displayed on the TV.
[Part 3 answers are written by Mary | UK ]
Vocabulary for this Candidate Task Card / Cue Card topic:
Below is a useful list of words and phrases to help you discuss this topic fluently:
Thought-provoking – Stimulating careful consideration or reflection.
Eye-opening – Revealing something previously unknown or surprising.
Compelling content – Material that captures your attention and interest strongly.
Educational value – The extent to which something teaches or informs the viewer.
Investigative journalism – Reporting that deeply explores a topic, often uncovering hidden facts.
Social commentary – Remarks or content in media that reflect on social issues or norms.
Insightful – Offering deep understanding or perception.
Engrossing – So interesting that it completely holds your attention.
Visual storytelling – Using images, footage, and visuals to convey a narrative or message.
Hard-hitting – Powerful and direct, often emotionally impactful.
Balanced perspective – An approach that considers multiple sides or viewpoints fairly.
Gripping narrative – A story or sequence that is extremely engaging.
Controversial topic – A subject that provokes strong opinions and debate.
If you prepare for the topic "Describe a TV documentary you watched that was particularly interesting.", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe your favourite TV programme.
2) Describe an interesting TV programme about a science topic.
3) Describe a film or TV programme that has made a strong impression on you.
4) Describe an educational TV programme you watched and liked.
5) Describe a popular TV show in your country.
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