The IELTS speaking test aims to test your fluency in English and how comfortable you are conversing in English during a real-life situation. This section of the IELTS is conducted by a speech and language expert in a quiet and comfortable environment. If you want to prepare for the IELTS speaking test you should familiarize yourself with multiple IELTS Speaking topics and questions which you may encounter on the day of the test.
An Intro to the IELTS Exam
The IELTS speaking test is divided into three parts with each part lasting for around 4 to 5 minutes on an average. In the first part of the test, the examiner introduces him or herself and checks whether all the documents of the test taker are in order. The examiner then asks some general questions to the candidates about their family, home, studies, work and hobbies. The questions are taken from a script to maintain consistency. This part of the test focuses on the candidates’ ability to discuss and communicate information on everyday topics by answering a variety of questions.
Second Part of the IELTS Speaking Test
The second part of the IELTS speaking test is an individual task. The examiner gives the candidate a cue card which asks the candidate to discuss a particular topic and the candidate tries to cover a single aspect of the topic. The candidate has a single minute to prepare for the topic and is provided with a pencil and paper to make notes. The candidate is allowed to talk for about two minutes and the examiner asks a couple of questions on the same topic. The part lasts for 3 – 4 minutes including the preparation time. This part mainly focuses on the ability of the candidate to speak for a long duration of time on a given topic.
During part three of the IELTS test, the examiner discusses some issues related to the topic in part 2 with the candidate in a more general and abstract manner. This part of the test mainly focuses on the candidate’s ability to discuss, analyse and speculate about issues.
Also Read: Describe a Time when You got Lost Somewhere: Cue Card Topic for IELTS Exam
IELTS Exam Cue Card Topic – Describe an Aquatic Animal
Since you have a minute to prepare for the topic you should try to write some prompts or important topics instead of writing the complete speech. The prompts or important points to be discussed for the topic ‘ Describe an Aquatic Animal’ are:
- What it Looks Like?
- When did you see it?
- Where did you see it?
- Explain why you find it interesting?
Describe an Aquatic Animal- IELTS Exam Cue Card Sample Answer 1
Introduction of IELTS Exam Cue Card Topic
I have always been mesmerized by aquatic animals and have always been interested to learn about these aquatic creatures as they are unique and have a beautiful appearance. There are multiple creatures that I enjoy viewing and reading about such as an octopus or a seahorse but the one creature I would like to talk about is a Dolphin.
When did You see it and Where did You See it?
I was first mesmerized by this animal when I was visiting the Ocean Park Adventure Park in Hong Kong while I was around 8 or 9 years old.
What it Looks Like?
Dolphins are extremely large and can be found in various colours like black, white and grey. They have an extremely smooth body and their fins move like hands similar to the mammals. I read in a book that they are the most intelligent living creatures.
Explain Why is It Interesting?
I find these creatures interesting as they are similar to me in a lot of ways. They are highly social and often travel in groups. They have even developed a language to communicate with others. They can jump out of the water and are capable enough to dance on their tail. That is the reason they are used mostly in the entertainment industry, where they dance and play with balls, they also create funny noises to entertain children in the audience.
Ending
Hence the aquatic animal I like is a dolphin and I enjoy watching them.
Also Read: Describe a Person Who is Open Minded: Cue Card Topic for IELTS Exam
Describe an Aquatic Animal- IELTS Exam Cue Card Answer 2
Introduction of IELTS Exam Cue Card Topic
An aquatic animal can either be a vertebrate or an invertebrate, and it lives in the water for most of its lifetime. They may breathe air and they extract oxygen dissolved in water through organs called gills which are present in their skin. One creature that I am enthralled by is Octopus.
When did You See it and Where did You See It?
I saw this animal first in the Delhi Zoo when I was visiting my grandparents. I saw a lot of animals in the zoo as well as the aquarium but the octopus caught my attention. It was alone, by itself and one of its types in the aquarium.
What it Looks Like?
The octopus looks like a bag. It has a round head, eight arms and huge eyes. The arms might have nerves which allow the octopus to grab and taste things. Octopuses are found in various regions of the ocean. Most octopus grows and mature early, and are short-lived. The giant pacific octopus is often told to be the largest species known to us.
Explain Why is It Interesting?
Octopus are pretty intelligent animals, and they can camouflage themselves, to protect themselves from predators in the sea. They cannot only match the colours but also the textures. If an attacker comes close to them they are capable enough to escape quickly.
Ending
The arms of the octopus are lined with suckers which allow them to touch and feel objects. This is why I am truly fascinated by them.
IELTS Exam Cue Card Follow Up Questions
The examiner will ask some follow up questions about the topic once you have expressed your views on the topic. These questions will help you discuss the topic in a much more detailed manner with the examiner. The questions for the topic ‘Describe an Aquatic Animal’ are:
- Why do people like to keep pets?
- What steps should be taken to protect endangered animals?
- Do you think animals should be experimented on?
- What is the reason some people refuse to keep pets?
- What would happen if some species become extinct?
Conclusion
We hope that blog on the cue card topic ‘Describe an Aquatic Animal’ might have helped in clearing the doubts and confusion you had regarding the IELTS speaking test. You might have gotten a better idea on how to solve these kinds of cue card topics in the IELTS exam. Think of the speaking test as the conversation between two individuals so don’t get nervous.
If you want to know more about the IELTS speaking test, or read articles, blogs or topics for IELTS preparation, visit the IELTS Ninja website or click here.
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