Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
Describe a person from your country who has won a prize - Cue Card # 856
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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 person from your country who has won a prize, award or medal.
You should say:
- who this person is
- which prize, award or medal they received
- what they did to win this
and explain whether you think it was right that this person received this prize, award or medal.
[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:
Introduction:
One of the most remarkable personalities, in my opinion, who received a prestigious international award in our country is Rabindranath Tagore. He was a legendary writer, poet, and philosopher. He was an extraordinary literary figure whose influence extended beyond his homeland.
Which prize, award or medal they received:
Tagore was awarded the Nobel Prize for his collection of poems, "Gitanjali". In 1915, Tagore was awarded a knighthood by the British Crown, but he renounced it in 1919 as a protest. Tagore made history by becoming the first non-European to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913.
What they did to win this:
"Gitanjali" was widely praised for its deep philosophical insight and spiritual beauty. The book contained poetry that reflected themes of devotion, nature, and the human soul's connection with the divine. His work impressed Western literary circles, including the Nobel Committee, which recognized his outstanding contribution to literature.
Besides his poetic excellence, Tagore was also a social reformer, educator, and musician. He composed India’s national anthem "Jana Gana Mana" and Bangladesh’s national anthem "Amar Sonar Bangla", making him one of the rare individuals to contribute to multiple nations’ identities. His vision led to the founding of Visva-Bharati University, where he aimed to blend Eastern and Western education.
And explain whether you think it was right that this person received this prize, award or medal:
I strongly believe that Tagore truly deserved the Nobel Prize. His poetry was not only artistically profound but also carried universal themes of love, humanity, and spiritual awakening. His ability to transcend cultural and geographical barriers made him a global literary icon. Even today, his works inspire millions, proving that his recognition was well-earned and timeless.
Model Answer 2:
Who this person is:
One of the most famous and celebrated sports personalities from Portugal, and perhaps all around the world, is Cristiano Ronaldo. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time, and for this topic, I will describe how he made us proud with his football skills and remarkable feats, not to mention the different awards, prizes and medals that he won. Born in Madeira, Portugal, Ronaldo has had an extraordinary career, playing for top clubs such as Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and Al-Nassr.
Which prize, award, or medal they received:
Cristiano Ronaldo has won numerous prestigious awards throughout his career. One of his most significant achievements is winning the Ballon d'Or five times, which is given to the best football player in the world. He has also won multiple UEFA Champions League titles and European Golden Shoes.
What they did to win this:
Ronaldo earned these awards through his exceptional football skills, dedication, and hard work. He is known for his incredible speed, dribbling, goal-scoring ability, and leadership on the field. His performances in crucial matches, including Champions League finals and international tournaments, have proven his greatness. Additionally, his ability to adapt to different leagues and continue performing at the highest level is a testament to his discipline and talent.
And explain whether you think it was right that this person received this prize, award, or medal:
Without a shadow of a doubt, I believe that Cristiano Ronaldo deserved every award he has received. His consistency, passion, and determination make him an inspiration for millions of football fans around the world. He has broken countless records and continues to perform at an elite level even as he ages. His contribution to football, both at the club and international level, justifies his recognition as one of the greatest athletes in history.
Idea Generation for this Topic:
1. Rabindranath Tagore:
A world-renowned poet, philosopher, and novelist, Rabindranath Tagore was the first non-European to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913. He is best known for his collection of poems "Gitanjali", which expresses deep philosophical and spiritual themes. His literary works inspired generations and played a crucial role in the Indian independence movement. Apart from literature, he also contributed to education by founding Visva-Bharati University.
2. C.V. Raman:
Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman was an Indian physicist who won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930. for his discovery of the Raman Effect. This phenomenon explains how light interacts with molecules, laying the foundation for modern spectroscopy. His discovery revolutionized the field of physics and helped in various applications, including medical and chemical research. Raman was also deeply involved in developing scientific education in India. His work inspired many young Indian scientists to pursue careers in research.
3. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam:
Known as the "Missile Man of India," A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was a leading aerospace scientist and the 11th President of India. He played a crucial role in India’s missile and nuclear development programs. Kalam was instrumental in the success of Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998, making India a nuclear power. Despite his scientific achievements, he was also a beloved teacher and motivational speaker. His book Wings of Fire continues to inspire millions of students and aspiring scientists.
4. Lu Xun:
Lu Xun is regarded as the father of modern Chinese literature and is best known for his sharp and critical essays. His most famous short story, Diary of a Madman, critiques Chinese society and its outdated traditions. His works played a significant role in inspiring young revolutionaries during the early 20th century. He used his literature to promote social change and modernization in China. Today, his works are still widely studied in Chinese literature and history courses.
5. Mo Yan:
A Nobel laureate, Mo Yan is famous for his magical realism and unique storytelling. His novel Red Sorghum was adapted into an award-winning film, bringing global recognition to his work. His literature often explores themes of history, politics, and rural Chinese life. Mo Yan's bold narratives provide deep insights into Chinese culture and history. His writing is deeply respected, both in China and internationally.
6. Yuan Longping :
Known as the Father of Hybrid Rice, Yuan Longping developed high-yield rice varieties that significantly boosted global food production. His research has helped combat hunger and improve food security, particularly in developing countries. His hybrid rice is now grown worldwide, feeding millions of people. Yuan Longping received numerous awards for his contributions to agriculture. His work remains essential for ensuring sustainable food production for the future.
7. Margaret Atwood:
Margaret Atwood is one of Canada’s most acclaimed writers, best known for her dystopian novel The Handmaid’s Tale. Her works often explore themes of gender, power, and society. She has won numerous literary awards, including the Booker Prize. Her influence extends beyond literature, as she actively advocates for environmental and women’s rights. Atwood's storytelling is widely studied in literature courses around the world.
8. Alice Munro:
Alice Munro is a Canadian short-story writer who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2013. She is famous for her deep and insightful exploration of human relationships. Her stories, often set in small-town Canada, focus on themes of love, memory, and identity. Munro’s writing style is simple yet profound, making her one of the greatest short-story writers of all time. Her works have influenced countless writers worldwide.
9. Cristiano Ronaldo:
Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the greatest footballers of all time, having won multiple Ballon d’Or awards. He has played for top clubs such as Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus. His dedication, discipline, and extraordinary skills have made him an icon in global football. Ronaldo has also contributed to numerous charitable causes, supporting children’s hospitals and disaster relief efforts. His impact on football is legendary, inspiring millions of young athletes worldwide.
10. Rosa Mota:
Rosa Mota is Portugal’s most celebrated long-distance runner and an Olympic gold medalist in the marathon. She dominated women’s marathon running during the 1980s, winning multiple international championships. Her victories brought recognition to Portuguese athletics on the global stage. Mota’s perseverance and dedication have inspired many young athletes in Portugal. She remains an important figure in Portugal’s sports history.
11. Nguyen Du:
Nguyen Du is one of Vietnam’s greatest poets, best known for his epic poem "The Tale of Kieu" (Truyện Kiều). This masterpiece, written in the 19th century, is a poetic novel that tells the tragic story of a young woman who sacrifices her happiness for her family. The poem explores themes of destiny, love, and morality, making it an essential part of Vietnamese literature. His work continues to be widely studied in Vietnam and internationally. Nguyen Du’s contributions earned him the title of "Greatest Vietnamese Poet" and a lasting legacy in Southeast Asian literature.
12. Vo Nguyen Giap:
Vo Nguyen Giap was a legendary general and a brilliant military strategist who played a key role in Vietnam’s independence. Although he is best known as a military leader, he also contributed to social and political sciences with his strategic theories. He led Vietnam to victory against French colonial forces at Dien Bien Phu (1954) and later against the United States during the Vietnam War. His military tactics are still studied in military academies worldwide. His influence extended beyond war, as he later became involved in Vietnam’s education and economic reforms.
Part 3 - Details Discussion:
Discussion topics: Rewards for children at school.
Q. What types of school prizes do children in your country receive?
Answer: In my country, students mostly receive awards or prizes for their excellent academic performance, superior skills in sports and outstanding performance in extra-curricular activities. When it comes to the types of prizes they win - they vary from books, dictionaries, shoes, gold and silver medals, cash prizes, scientific instruments, library subscriptions, and tickets to amusement parks.
Q. What do you think are the advantages of rewarding schoolchildren for good work?
Answer: I believe when children are awarded prizes they get highly motivated to do better - be it in sports, exams or extra-curricular activities. Personally, I have seen two of my nephews who were average in a couple of sports, but when they started winning different prizes, they were highly motivated. As a result, they put more effort and dedication into becoming excellent in those sports.
Q. Do you agree that it's more important for children to receive rewards from their parents than from teachers?
Answer: Even though parents should give their children prizes and rewards for good work and performance from time to time, I do not agree with the proposition that it is more important than receiving awards from teachers. This is because most parents give some sort of treats or rewards every now and then and their children get used to it. Since they get accustomed to getting prizes from their parents, in most cases they are not very excited to receive rewards or prizes from their parents. On the contrary, teachers mostly award them prizes in a school environment, and in front of many other students and/or teachers, children tend to value them more and remember them for a longer period of time. This, in my opinion, has a more profound impact on children.
Discussion topics: Rewards for sportspeople.
Q. Do you think that some sportspeople (e.g. top footballers) are paid too much money?
Answer: On the surface, yes, I agree that top sportsmen are paid an exuberant amount of money. The prize money, salary, the sponsorship income all add to make them super rich. But, I also believe that being those top sportsmen requires unique talent, an unfathomable amount of practice and dedication. Moreover, most of them have a career span of just a few years, and on condition that they constantly perform well. Considering all these factors, I can say that yes, top athletes and sports persons are paid a great deal of money, but I also recognise their talent and dedication to make this amount of money.
Q. Should everyone on a team get the same prize money when they win?
Answer: I think the prize money of a game should be equally distributed among the team members of a winning team, but a few factors should still be considered. For instance, the "top scoper" or the "man of the match" or even the "man of the series" deserved to be specially awarded for their outstanding performance. This is, in fact, a standard practice in international sports competitions, and I think it is a fair method to reward the winning team members while also recognising a couple of exceptional players in the tournament.
Q. Do you agree with the view that, in sport, taking part is more important than winning?
Answer: Well, I agree with this view. This is because participation in sports makes it so enjoyable and meaningful, and makes the sports friendly. While winning is desirable, we need to recognise the fact that there will be only one winning team but at least several other participating teams with thousands or even millions of fans for those teams. If sports were just about winning, many of them could have risked losing their appeal to participants and spectators. For instance, when our national football team participated in the FIFA World Cup for the first time, we knew that we might end up being the team without any "win". However, the whole nation cheered for our team nevertheless and watched it with passion and patriotism. If it were only about winning, no such passion and love would ever stem from us.
Necessary Vocabulary:
Here are some important terms and phrases related to "awards and achievements" that will help you express your ideas more effectively in the IELTS Speaking test:
Prestigious – Having high status, respect, or admiration.
Recognition ceremony – An official event where awards or honors are given.
Breakthrough – A major discovery or achievement that advances knowledge or performance.
Commendation – An official praise or acknowledgment for someone's achievements.
Record-breaking – Surpassing previously set achievements or standards.
Legacy – The lasting impact or achievements left behind by a person.
Prestigious award – A highly respected and esteemed recognition.
Acclaimed – Publicly praised and recognized for excellence.
Renowned personality – A well-known and highly respected person.
Lifetime achievement – An honor given for long-term contributions in a field.
Extraordinary talent – Exceptional skill or ability in a particular area.
Groundbreaking contribution – A significant and innovative achievement.
Well-deserved honor – A recognition that is truly earned and justified.
Trailblazer – A person who paves the way for others in a field.
Highly celebrated – Widely admired and honored.
Commendable effort – Worthy of praise and recognition.
Iconic figure – A person who is a symbol of excellence in their field.
Inspiration to many – Someone who motivates and influences others positively.
Exceptional performance – An outstanding and remarkable display of skills.
Earned widespread recognition – Gained respect and appreciation from many.
Shining example – A role model for others to admire and follow.
Notable achievement – A remarkable success in a particular field.
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