Table of Contents
- Highlights of IELTS speaking test
- IELTS speaking test: An overview
- IELTS speaking syllabus
- IELTS cue card: Describe a course that you want to learn
- Samples for IELTS cue card: “Describe a course that impressed you a lot”
- Pro preparation tips for the IELTS speaking test
The IELTS is a standard assessment for international students to assess their level of proficiency in the English language. IELTS is a widely recognised exam, accepted as proof of English fluency in over 11,000 educational institutions in several countries, including the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, and Germany. The IELTS exam contains four sections that determine the candidate's language skills. Here’s how you can respond to the IELTS cue card, “Describe a course that you want to learn.”
Highlights of IELTS speaking test
| IELTS full form | International English Language Test System |
| Conducted by | British Council, IDP Education and Cambridge Assessment English |
| No. of parts | 3 |
| Total band score | 9 |
| Duration (in minutes) | 11-14 |
| Is the syllabus the same for IELTS Academic and General Training? | Yes |
Data updated as of July 2023
Also read: IELTS Exam Syllabus
IELTS speaking test: An overview
No. of parts: 3
Duration: 11-14 minutes
- The IELTS speaking test determines the candidate’s level of fluency in English through an interview with the examiner.
- The examiner will start the interview with basic, general questions from a script. They would then give you a topic on which you should talk for a minute, and the examiner will ask questions based on your speech.
- You will be evaluated based on your fluency, grammatical range and accuracy, lexical resource, and pronunciation during the IELTS speaking test.
IELTS speaking syllabus
| IELTS speaking part | IELTS syllabus |
|---|---|
| Speaking part 1 | The examiner will ask general questions about you, and the session lasts 4-5 minutes. The questions will be about your personal life, academic achievements, family, and others. |
| Speaking part 2 | The examiner will give you a card with a topic. You will be given one minute to prepare for the topic and give a speech for two minutes. |
| Speaking part 3 | The examiner will ask you questions about your speech on the given topic. You can share further ideas or opinions on the topic during this part. The final conversation lasts for 4-5 minutes. |
Data updated as of July 2023
IELTS cue card: Describe a course that you want to learn
"Describe a course that you want to learn in future" is a common cue card topic in the IELTS speaking test. During this task, the interviewer will give the candidate a cue card with a specific topic. They have one minute to prepare for the topic given and one to two minutes to talk about it. In the “Describe a course that you want to learn” task, the candidate is required to talk about a course they are interested in pursuing. The examiner will assess the ability to express their thoughts and ideas, organise their speech, and use appropriate vocabulary and grammar. Remember the speech structure below when you prepare for this task.
- What the course is about
- What did you like about the course
- When do you want to start learning
- Where can you learn the course
- Why do you want to learn it
Samples for IELTS cue card: “Describe a course that impressed you a lot”
Sample 1
Describe a course that you want to learn in future.
You should say:
- What is the course about
- What did you like about the course
- When do you want to start the course
- Where do you want to learn
- Why do you want to learn the course
Sample response: I would like to talk about a course that I'm really interested in pursuing in the future, which is photography. Photography has always fascinated me, and I believe it's an excellent medium for storytelling and capturing moments in a visually appealing way. I plan to start this course within the next year or so. I've been exploring photography as a hobby for some time now, experimenting with different camera settings and composition techniques. However, I feel that taking a structured course will help me enhance my knowledge and skills. I am considering joining a local photography academy or enrolling in an online program. Both options have their advantages. Attending a physical academy would allow me to interact with instructors, participate in practical sessions, and receive direct feedback. On the other hand, an online course would offer flexibility in terms of scheduling and allow me to learn at my own pace, accessing the course materials and tutorials from anywhere. There are several reasons I want to learn photography. Firstly, I have always appreciated capturing moments and freezing them in time. Photography allows me to showcase the world from my perspective. Secondly, I believe that by honing my photography skills, I can communicate stories and emotions effectively through visual imagery. Whether it's capturing moments or documenting important events, I want to convey a powerful message through my photographs. Lastly, learning photography will also open opportunities for me to pursue it as a profession in any specialisation. To conclude, the course I want to learn in the future is photography. I plan to start this course within the next year, and I'm considering joining a local photography academy or enrolling in an online program. I'm excited about its creative possibilities and how it can help me communicate through visual storytelling. |
Sample 2
Describe a course that impressed you a lot.
You should say:
- What is the course about
- What did you like about the course
- When do you want to start the course
- Where do you want to learn
- Why do you want to learn the course
Sample response: The course that I'm eager to learn in the future is graphic design. Graphic design has always interested me with its ability to combine artistry and functionality in various visual mediums. I'm planning to start this course in the upcoming year. While I have dabbled in graphic design as a hobby, I recognise the need to acquire a more comprehensive understanding of design principles, software tools, and industry standards to take my skills to the next level. When it comes to the learning environment, I prefer a blend of both online and in-person courses. Joining an accredited design institute would provide me with access to experienced instructors and a structured curriculum. Additionally, I can benefit from collaborating with fellow students and engaging in hands-on design projects. However, I also plan to complement my learning by enrolling in online courses and tutorials, which offer flexibility and the opportunity to explore specialised areas of graphic design. There are plenty of reasons behind my interest in learning graphic design. Firstly, I have always been fascinated by how visual elements can convey messages, evoke emotions, and influence perceptions. With graphic design skills, I can create impactful designs for branding, marketing, and communication purposes. Secondly, as a creative individual, graphic design offers an outlet for self-expression and the ability to bring ideas to life. I am excited about the potential to design engaging visuals that communicate effectively with audiences. Lastly, graphic design skills are in high demand across industries, and I can get opportunities for freelance work or even a career as a graphic designer. In conclusion, the course I am eager to learn in the future is graphic design. I intend to start this course in the upcoming year, combining in-person and online instruction to enhance my skills. Graphic design appeals to me due to its combination of artistry and functionality, and I am excited about the creative possibilities and career prospects it offers. |
Sample 3
Describe a course that you want to learn.
You should say:
- What is the course about
- What did you like about the course
- When do you want to start the course
- Where do you want to learn
- Why do you want to learn the course
Sample response: The course that I am keen on learning in the future is data science. Data science is a fast-developing field, combining statistical analysis, programming skills, and domain knowledge to extract valuable insights from large and complex datasets. I plan to enrol in a course within the next couple of years. The field of data science is rapidly evolving, and I want to ensure that I have a strong foundation in the fundamental concepts and tools. This will enable me to effectively analyse data, develop predictive models, and contribute to evidence-based decision-making. There are various reasons why I am interested in learning data science. Firstly, I am fascinated by the power of data in driving informed decisions across various industries. By acquiring data science skills, I can harness the potential of data and contribute to solving complex problems. Secondly, data science offers excellent career prospects. The demand for data scientists is on the rise, and with the ability to extract insights and make data-driven recommendations, I can explore job opportunities in sectors such as finance, healthcare, and technology. In conclusion, the course I am excited to learn in the future is data science. I plan to start this course within the next couple of years, opting for an online program to gain a strong foundation in data analysis and modelling. I am motivated by the transformative power of data and the potential for meaningful contributions in various industries. |
Follow-up questions to expect for the IELTS cue card “Describe a course that you want to learn”
- How do you think this course will benefit you in your future career?
- Are there any prerequisites or prior knowledge required for this course?
- How do you plan to stay motivated throughout this course?
- What resources or materials do you think would help you learn this course?
- How would you measure your progress in mastering the skills taught in this course?
- Can you explain how this course aligns with your personal interests or long-term goals?
- Do you think practical experience or hands-on projects would be important in this course? Why?
- Are there any specific industries or job sectors where the skills from this course would be in high demand?
- Are there any specific challenges you anticipate while learning this course? How do you plan to overcome them?
Also read: IELTS Band Score Calculator
Pro preparation tips for the IELTS speaking test
Here are some tips on how to score high on your IELTS speaking exam.
- Understand the structure of the speaking test, including the types of questions to expect. This will help you feel prepared on test day.
- Create a study plan - Study schedules help you streamline your preparation process and achieve your target score.
- Refrain from memorising any answers. It will confuse you during the interview.
- Stay confident, and don’t shy away during the interview.
- Practice using a range of grammatical structures and maintaining fluency instead of using complex and unfamiliar words.
- Practice speaking out loud on various possible topics. It helps you improve your pronunciation and fluency in spoken English. Also, use simple language and make sure you convey your ideas and opinions.
- Ensure to be prepared for the possible follow-up questions and try to prepare yourself to answer them.
- It is advisable to refrain from overthinking. This might affect your flow and disrupt your thought process during the interview.
Also read: How to crack IELTS in 3 months
