Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
Describe a party that you enjoyed - Cue Card # 483
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IELTS Speaking Part 2: 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 party that you enjoyed.
You should say:
- whose party it was and what it was celebrating
- where the party was held and who went to it
- what people did during the party
and explain what you enjoyed about this party.
[Instruction: You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you're going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.]
Model Answer 1:
My friend, Robin, is essentially a party animal. In fact, he likes to party whether he wants to celebrate his birthday or celebrate buying a new bicycle with the money which his grandfather gave him. But, the party, I attended and would like to talk about here, was organized by Robin for a more serious and formal reason, and the reason was to celebrate his new job.
Anyway, Robin wasn’t just a party animal, but also somewhat of a careless person when it came to choosing a proper job or career. Of course, he would get a part-time job here and there, but he would stick to them for a few months at maximum. However, this careless behaviour of Robin became a serious issue for his parents, so they somewhat forced him to find a real job. So, Robin, at least for once, gave his best shot to search for a real job. For that, he even went to several employment agencies to learn about interview tips and how to write a great resume or CV. Finally, after trying for almost 6 months, Robin did find a real job, and that too as a Senior Officer at a very prestigious bank.
Naturally, it was time for some party and Robin didn’t want to waste any time doing it. So, he invited many friends, including me, to a nice restaurant to enjoy some great food. The restaurant also had arranged live music for us. Apart from enjoying great food and live music, we also had the opportunity to see some rare videos of Robin in which he could be seen dancing for the first time at a high school party.
Anyway, I enjoyed pretty much everything about this party, but what I really enjoyed the most was how we all teased Robin for behaving like a “grown-up” person for the first time. Besides, I also liked the live music show which played some of my favourite songs that I almost forgot about.
Model Answer 2:
Introduction:
Celebrating special occasions with family and friends is always enjoyable. Among such celebrations, family parties hold a special place. Here, I am going to talk about a family party that my aunt held, which I enjoyed a lot.
Whose party it was and what it was celebrating:
It was my aunt's party and she was celebrating her promotion at her workplace. My aunt has always been an ambitious woman, and we were all proud of her achievements. Therefore, my aunt decided to throw a party to celebrate her promotion, and she invited all her family members and close friends.
Where the party was held and who went to it:
The party was held in a community hall near my aunt's house. It was a spacious and well-decorated hall with tables, chairs, and a dance floor. The party was attended by my aunt's family members, including my parents, grandparents, siblings, and cousins. Additionally, some of her colleagues and close friends also attended the party.
What people did during the party:
The party started with a delicious dinner, including different cuisines. After dinner, the music started, and people started dancing and enjoying the music. There were a lot of games arranged for the kids, and the adults played some fun games too. The highlight of the party was a cake-cutting ceremony, where my aunt cut a beautiful cake, and everyone wished her good luck and congratulated her on her recent achievement.
And explain what you enjoyed about this party:
I enjoyed this party a lot. I met my cousins and family members after a long time, and it was great catching up with them. The atmosphere was so lively, and everyone was in a cheerful mood. Moreover, the music was amazing, and I loved dancing with my family. And last but not least, the food was mouth-watering, and I relished every bite of it. Overall, the party was full of fun, laughter, and joy, and I cherish those moments even today.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card / Cue card topic:
When talking about a party you enjoyed, it's helpful to reflect on the atmosphere, the reason for the celebration, and the activities that made it memorable. Below are several different types of parties you could talk about, each with a brief answer to guide your ideas based on the cue card prompts.
1. Birthday party for a childhood friend:
It was my best friend's 18th birthday celebration held at his home. Our school friends and some of his relatives were present. We played games, danced, and enjoyed a delicious dinner. I particularly enjoyed the friendly atmosphere and the surprise fireworks his parents arranged.
2. Graduation party for my sister:
My sister organised a party after finishing her university degree. It took place in our backyard and many of her classmates and family members attended. We had a barbeque, shared stories, and played music. I enjoyed seeing how proud she felt and how happy everyone was for her achievements.
3. Office farewell party:
It was a farewell party for a colleague who was leaving our company for a new job opportunity. The event was held at a rooftop restaurant in the city. We had speeches, took photos, and enjoyed a buffet dinner. I enjoyed it because of the heartfelt goodbyes and the strong sense of camaraderie.
4. New Year’s Eve celebration:
A friend of mine hosted a New Year’s Eve party at her apartment to ring in the new year. Friends from school and her neighbourhood were present. We played board games, shared memories of the past year, and watched the fireworks at midnight. The lively countdown and togetherness made it unforgettable.
5. Wedding anniversary celebration:
I attended my aunt and uncle’s 25th wedding anniversary at a banquet hall. The whole family was invited along with some of their old friends. There were speeches, a slideshow of their memories, and a live band. I loved it because it felt both emotional and joyful.
6. Housewarming party of a friend:
One of my university friends recently bought a flat and threw a housewarming party. It was held in his new apartment and many of our mutual friends joined. We ordered food, played card games, and gave him small gifts for the home. I enjoyed seeing how happy he was to reach that milestone.
7. Surprise party for a teacher:
Our class arranged a surprise birthday party for our favourite teacher at school. We decorated the classroom, brought a cake, and presented her with a handmade card. She was truly touched, and the happiness on her face was the highlight of the day for me.
8. Baby shower for a cousin:
The baby shower was for my cousin who was expecting her first child. It was held at a local café and included family members and some close friends. There were baby-themed games, laughter, and a lot of gift-giving. I enjoyed the joy and anticipation that everyone shared.
Sample Answer 3:
Ooh, parties! That conjures up so many different possibilities. Children’s parties with jelly and ice cream and silly games like ‘pin the tail on the donkey’ when I was little, or more ‘serious’ celebratory reception parties after a wedding. However, the most recent party I went to was neither of those things, and it was great!
So, the occasion was a birthday, but not for a person, for an event. In the UK – and indeed in many other countries worldwide now, there is an organisation called 'parkrun'. This umbrella group sets up free, inclusive running events all over the country. I think at last count there were 406 of these runs taking place every Saturday at 9.00 a.m. at different locations throughout the UK. Parkrun organises free, weekly, 5 km timed runs. They are open to everyone, free, and are safe and easy to take part in. It has become something of a tradition that every community run celebrates their ‘birthdays’ on the anniversary of the date on which they were first established. It is a good excuse for an annual prize-giving, conversation and lots of cake! This particular party was at a parkrun that is reasonably local to me, although not my ‘home’ parkrun, I made a special trip to their event to join in their celebrations.
The ‘party’ was held at a place called Graves Park in Sheffield. It is a lovely public open space, which also has a small animal park, so part of the 5 km run takes you past an eclectic mix of animals including highland cows; alpacas; donkeys; pigs and a couple of curious goats. Everyone assembled in time for the usual Saturday at 9.00 a.m. and started to take part in the run, but because it was the Graves parkrun’s fourth birthday everything was a bit different from normal.
So in terms of what people did at the party? Well, we all ran 5 km for a start. That’s not what usually happens at a birthday party, but it is what always happens at a parkrun. Lots of us were in fancy dress! I’ll wear a fancy dress for any excuse. I have a child’s toy wrap-around pony costume. It looks great, like I’m riding a miniature pony, but is in fact incredibly light and easy to run in. Other people wore onesies (all-in-one jumpsuits made to look like animals), or various cloaked superheroes (Batman and Robin and Wonder Woman just for starters). It was great fun, we must have been quite a sight, some 250 runners or so storming around in ridiculous outfits. At the end of the run, lots of people had brought sweets or cake with them to share as part of the birthday celebrations. After the prizes had been given out, we all stayed in the café, chatting, admiring each other’s costumes and most importantly of all drinking tea and eating cake. Someone had even made a special parkrun cake with the parkrun logo on it. It was a great party indeed!
Why did I particularly enjoy it? Well, I think it must be obvious surely. I got to spend my Saturday morning doing my favourite thing, which is taking part in a parkrun, with a fantastic group of people, followed by tea and cake. What’s more, I got an excuse to wear a party dress, have a good old giggle with friends and I won a prize. What’s not to like? Parkrun is great and parkrun event birthday parties? Well, they are better still!
[ Written by - Lucy Marris (2016): Careers Adviser (UK), TEFL teacher (Vietnam) ]
Model Answer 4:
Introduction:
Parties are always a great source of enjoyment and provide a much-needed break from the monotony of daily life. I am fortunate enough to have attended many such parties in my life, but the one I want to talk about was organized by one of my colleagues from work. I enjoyed it so much that I still remember it so well.
Whose party it was and what it was celebrating:
The party was thrown by one of my colleagues named Spencer. He had recently been promoted to a higher position, and the party was thrown to celebrate his success. It was a surprise party organized by his team members to make him feel special.
Where the party was held and who went to it:
The party was held at a rooftop restaurant in the city centre, which had a stunning view of the city skyline. All the members of Spencer's team were invited to the party, along with a few other colleagues from different departments. It was a small gathering of around 20 people, but it was perfect for the occasion.
What people did during the party:
The party began with everyone congratulating Spencer on his promotion and wishing him all the best in his future endeavours. The restaurant served delicious food, and everyone enjoyed their meal while chatting and laughing. Spencer was presented with a cake, and we all congratulated him. The highlight of the party was when Spencer's team members prepared a short skit, highlighting his journey from an intern to a team leader. It was hilarious, and we all had a great time watching it.
And explain what you enjoyed about this party:
The thing I enjoyed most about this party was the friendly atmosphere and the feeling of togetherness. Although everyone was from the same company, we didn't always get the chance to interact with each other, especially those working in different departments. This party provided us with the opportunity to get to know each other better, and it felt like we were part of one big family. The food, music, and beautiful view from the rooftop restaurant also added to the overall enjoyment of the party. It was a memorable evening, and I felt lucky to be a part of it.
Sample Answer 5:
It was a chilly Saturday evening in late November when I attended one of the most unforgettable parties of my life. The celebration was in honour of my college best friend Samantha’s 18th birthday—a milestone she had been excitedly counting down to for weeks.
I had known Samantha since our very first year of college, and over time, our friendship had grown into something more like family. So, when she invited me to her private DJ party, I knew it was going to be something special—but even then, I wasn’t prepared for the magic that night held.
The party was held in the sprawling garden of her family’s villa, tucked away on the edge of town. It was one of those places that felt like a secret oasis—wide green lawns, towering trees lit with fairy lights, and a professionally built stage nestled under a canopy of stars. Her cousins had spent hours transforming the garden into what looked like a miniature music festival, complete with spotlights, smoke machines, and a glittering DJ booth that pulsed with colour. Guests began trickling in just before sunset—friends from college, a few close relatives, and her neighbours. The air buzzed with laughter, camera flashes, and the mouthwatering scent of the food corner that had been set up near the back, serving an array of Greek dishes and sweet desserts.
After a round of welcome drinks and light snacks, the crowd gathered to watch Samantha cut her elegant three-tiered birthday cake. We all sang the birthday song in harmony and cheered as she made her wish. I must say—it was probably the best cake I’ve ever tasted: soft, creamy, and rich with flavour. But the real fun began when the DJ finally arrived, fashionably late, and turned the entire garden into a sea of dancing bodies and flashing lights. The music was electrifying. The bass reverberated through the ground, and soon we were all moving in rhythm—some elegantly, others hilariously—but everyone genuinely enjoying the moment.
What I loved most about the party was the energy—it was contagious. There was no pretence, no pressure to impress—just pure joy, celebration, and connection. The lights, the music, the food, and the company came together perfectly to create an evening that felt almost cinematic. And as I stood near the stage at the end of the night, looking at Samantha glowing with happiness, I felt deeply grateful to be part of such a beautiful memory.
Part 3 – Two-way discussion/ Detail discussion:
Family Parties:
Q. What are the main reasons why people organise family parties in your country?
Q. In some places, people spend a lot of money on parties that celebrate special family events. Is this ever true in your country? Do you think this is a good trend or a bad trend?
Q. Are there many differences between family parties and parties given by friends? Why do you think this is?
National Celebrations:
Q. What kinds of national celebrations do you have in your country?
Q. Who tends to enjoy national celebrations more: young people or old people? Why?
Q. Why do you think some people think that national celebrations are a waste of government money? Would you agree or disagree with this view? Why?
Family Parties:
Q. What are the main reasons why people organise family parties in your country?
Answer: Well, in my country, we usually like to consider “families” as the building blocks of our society. So, we should actually consider it our responsibility, in my humble opinion, to encourage and support stable family life by any means possible. Fortunately, most of the people in my country understand this important aspect of our societal stability, and they choose to display this by organizing different kinds of “family parties” on different occasions, such as marriage ceremonies, wedding anniversaries, birthday parties and religious festivals.
Q. In some places, people spend a lot of money on parties that celebrate special family events. Is this ever true in your country? Do you think this is a good trend or a bad trend?
Answer: Well, as much as I dislike to admit it, the same kinds of things are taking place in my country as well, which wasn’t the case even a decade ago or so. Many rich people spend a huge sum of money on such events and in my opinion, it is not a very good trend. Of course, we can have some temporary gratification by becoming a part of this kind of trend from time to time, but it certainly doesn’t augur too well for the growth and sustainability of a healthy society, since it only encourages people to focus on the “materialistic aspects” of our life.
Q. Are there many differences between family parties and parties given by friends? Why do you think this is?
Answer: Well, the answer very much depends on what kinds of things we do in these parties, and what their ultimate goals really are. But, to be more precise about the difference, family parties are usually attended by all kinds of people to enjoy some quality time in a rather formal environment. But, on the other hand, when a party is thrown by friends, they are usually attended by the friends only, more often than not, in order to have some happy, fun and light moments in a rather informal environment.
National Celebrations:
Q. What kinds of national celebrations do you have in your country?
Answer: Just like any other country, we also have our own national celebrations which we like to celebrate in grand style. Among some of these national celebrations are the “Independence Day” (the day when we actually declared our “independence” to free ourselves from an enemy country) and the “Victory Day” (the day when we actually got our “freedom” after a long war). Besides, we also have a couple of major religious festivals that we all celebrate every year in a very festive mood.
Q. Who tend to enjoy national celebrations more: young people or old people? Why?
Answer: Well, the answer to this question just might not be as straightforward as one may like to think. After all, while one group of people may consider it enough “just to enjoy the festive mood” during the time of a national celebration, the other group of people may not just stop enjoying the festive mood, so to speak, but also go as far as taking part actively in doing all those “customary things” which are directly related a particular national celebration. So, again, it is not about young or old, rather it is about how we view “enjoyment” from our respective positions.
Q. Why do you think some people think that national celebrations are a waste of government money? Would you agree or disagree with this view? Why?
Answer: Well, unfortunately, I can’t really stop people from thinking in a certain way, but as far as I am concerned, I am never of the opinion that national celebrations are just some waste of money. And I hold onto this opinion of mine rather firmly because there is just something which money can’t buy, and national festivals or celebrations exactly are such things. After all, it is these national celebrations that unite all the citizens of a country together for a better cause in order to promote patriotism and brotherhood among them, which is otherwise always not possible.
Vocabulary for this Candidate Task Card / Cue Card topic:
Talking about a party you enjoyed requires vocabulary related to celebration, emotions, social gatherings, and the specific activities that took place. Here are some highly useful words and phrases you can use to describe a memorable party experience in detail:
Festive atmosphere – A cheerful and celebratory environment.
Social gathering – A group of people coming together for a shared event or celebration.
Milestone celebration – A party held to honour a significant life event like a birthday, graduation, or anniversary.
Get-together – An informal social meeting with friends or family.
Guest list – A list of people invited to a party or event.
Refreshments – Drinks and light snacks provided during a social event.
Lively music – Energetic and upbeat music played during a celebration.
Entertainment – Activities or performances (e.g., games, speeches, music) to keep guests engaged.
Bonding experience – An event or activity that strengthens personal relationships.
Surprise element – A planned aspect of a party that the guest of honour didn’t know about.
Unforgettable moment – A memory that is very special and hard to forget.
Heartfelt speech – A sincere and emotional talk given during an event.
Joyful vibe – A feeling of happiness and positivity in the atmosphere.
Meaningful celebration – A party or event that carries emotional or personal significance.
If you prepare for the topic "Describe a party that you enjoyed", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe a time when you were late to reach somewhere.
2) Describe a party that you have attended.
3) Describe a birthday celebration that you attended recently.
4) Describe an important occasion or event that you attended.
5) Describe a wedding ceremony you have attended.
6) Describe a celebration when a number of guests came to your place.
7) Describe one of your birthday celebrations that you remember well.
8) Describe a family celebration you once attended.
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