Describe A Positive Change In Your Life IELTS Cue Card

Updated on 10 July, 2024

Akansha Semwal

Akansha Semwal

Study Abroad Expert

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A good IELTS score is essential for those who want to study, work, or immigrate to an English-speaking country. IELTS cue cards are essential because they assess a candidate's ability to communicate effectively in English and allow them to demonstrate their fluency, vocabulary, and grammar skills.

The IELTS cue card ‘Describe a positive change in your life IELTS Cue Card’ asks the test-taker to describe a memorable day that wasn't too expensive. This task assesses your ability to tell a clear and structured story about a personal experience. It also assesses the candidate's vocabulary, grammar, and command of various sentence structures. Using the one-minute preparation time wisely can aid in delivering a well-organized response.

Here are some suggested cue card questions for the topic " Describe a positive change in your life":

What was the impact?

When did it happen?

What happened?

Why the change was positive?

Understanding Cue Card Prompt

Familiarity with the cue card used in the IELTS speaking test is vital since it points out the topic for discussion: “Describe a positive change in your life.” Each candidate is given one minute to prepare some points on the topic, and then they have to speak for 1- 2 minutes on the topic. A clear concept of the topic helps organize an efficient and well-reasoned response that goes through all points comprehensively and takes you one step ahead to study abroad.

Structuring Your Response 

Here's a guide on how to structure your response for a cue card topic “describe positive change in your life”

1. Introduction:

Briefly describe the positive change you have experienced for this part of the response. Explain what change occurred and why this change was important for you.

2. Body: 

A. Detailed Description

1. Explain the changes.

2. Discuss what was different or had changed and in what way, along with all the circumstances where such change was possible.

4. Explain the change further and use examples or anecdotes illustrating the existence of such change.

B. Impact of the Change: It can be effective to talk about what the change felt like to you or, in the context of a biography, to the person whose life it impacted. Describe if it changed you or how it influenced your personal, emotional, or professional life. 

3. Conclusion: 

Overall, explain how the positive change would impact you and your perception. Share the lessons learned or new knowledge acquired due to this change

 

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Sample 1

Introduction: 

Adopting a healthier lifestyle has been one of the most transformative changes in my life. Due to this, I have seen many positive changes in my life.

Body (Detailed Description and Impact of the change): 

What was the impact: I struggled with being overweight and had a variety of health issues prior to deciding to live a healthier lifestyle. My lack of energy and enthusiasm made it difficult for me to enjoy daily activities. However, after making the positive change, I noticed a significant increase in my energy levels and overall well-being. I was more motivated than ever before to take on new challenges and push myself to my limits.

When did it happen: I decided to adopt a healthier lifestyle after noticing my health deteriorating. This decision inspired me to make changes that would make me happier and healthier.

What happened: To accomplish this, I began incorporating regular exercise into my daily routine and began eating healthier foods. I developed a meal plan and learned the importance of portion control after consulting with a nutritionist. In addition, I joined a support group, which gave me the motivation and accountability I needed to keep up my healthy lifestyle.

Conclusion (Explaining the positive change):

Why the change was positive: I now have a more positive outlook on life and am more confident in my ability to take on new challenges. Furthermore, as a result of my healthier lifestyle, I am able to participate in activities that I previously could not.

Sample 2

Introduction: 

I was in a state of confusion and uncertainty about my future about two years ago. Then I showed some courage and decided to pursue a career in a field that I was passionate about. It has assisted me in discovering my true calling.

Body (Detailed Description and Impact of the change): 

What was the impact? I was working in a corporate job that did not fulfill me before making this decision. I was stressed, unhappy, and constantly unsatisfied. However, after deciding to pursue my passion, my life completely changed. I also felt more optimistic, energetic, and driven to succeed.

When it happened: I felt unsure about my future about two years ago, lacking direction and a sense of purpose. That's when I decided to pursue a new career path that would allow me to explore my interests and identify my strengths. 

What happened: I took several steps to bring about this change. I enrolled in classes and training programs to acquire the skills and knowledge required to succeed in my new field. I also networked and made industry connections, which helped me land my first job in the field.

Conclusion (Explaining the positive change):

Why the change was positive: The change was beneficial because it allowed me to pursue something I was interested in. It also assisted me in recognizing my true potential and strengths. I am excited about what the future holds for me in my new career.

6 Common Mistakes to Avoid in Descriptions

These are some common mistakes to avoid in descriptions of the IELTS Cue Card:

  1. Memorizing Answers: When you memorize answers, it also negatively influences the fluency and the natural flow of the conversation.
  2. Lack of Confidence: This can disrupt the process, as with low confidence levels, you avoid eye contact with the examiner, which is an inappropriate gesture. It is necessary to talk distinctively and confidently without being rude or formal in speech.
  3. Going Away from the Topic: The major issue that results from deviation from the given question is the disruption of coherency. While responding to any question, always make sure that you ask yourself a question that would keep putting you in a consistent answer.
  4. Yes or No Answers: Practices like giving brief answers do not allow you to prove your language mastery. It is always good to provide more information about responses and incorporate examples.
  5. Repetition of Words: It indicates your poor choice of words. Increase the sphere of thinking and the speed of choosing words and their forms of expression by getting to know synonyms.
  6. Overusing Transition Words: While they help sustain context, frequent use of transition words can make sentences difficult to understand. It should be used when continuity is the goal rather than disrupting the flow of information.

Important IELTS Exam Resources

IELTS Exam Overview

IELTS is required to be taken by international students and workers who wish to study or work in a country where English is the primary language of communication. Know the complete details.

IELTS Online Test

IELTS Exam Syllabus

With the right knowledge of the IELTS exam syllabus and pattern, cracking the popular English test won’t be difficult.

IELTS Syllabus

IELTS Exam Pattern

The IELTS exam pattern encompasses four major sections, i.e. listening, speaking, writing, and reading.

IELTS Exam Pattern

Describe Positive Change in Your Life IELTS Cue Card Follow Up Questions 

In Part 3 of the IELTS Speaking Test, the examiner will ask follow-up questions about the candidate's favorite movie. Here are some follow-up questions that could be asked after answering the IELTS cue card about describing your first day at school:

Q1.What gave you the idea to change?

A1.The beneficial effects it would have on my life motivated me, so.

Q2.How much time did it take you to make this modification?

A2. It took me a while to make the shift, but with persistence and commitment, I was successful.

Q3.What words of wisdom would you impart to someone wishing to experience a similar life-changing event?

A3.I would tell them to have faith in themselves, remain steadfast in the change, and enlist the help of loved ones.

Conclusion

The students should fully grasp the cue card question to provide well-articulated answers regarding IELTS speaking. Avoid misolllllllktakes like memorizing answers or deviating from the given questions to ensure efficient communication and score boosters. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I focus more on describing the change or its impact?

You must balance describing the change and the impact while answering the Cue Card question.

Can I use personal anecdotes to support my description?

Yes, you can use personal anecdotes to support your answer.

Is there a recommended length for my response?

You must try to wrap up your response within 1 to 2 minutes.

Akansha Semwal

Study Abroad Expert

Akansha Semwal is a content marketer at upGrad and has also worked as a social media marketer & sub-editor. Experienced in creating impressive Statement of Purpose, Essays, and LOR, she knows how to captivate the attention of Admissions Committee. Her research-driven;study-abroad articles helps aspirants to make the prudent decision. She holds a bachelor's & master's degree in Literature from the University of Delhi.

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Disclaimer

The above tips are the Author's experiences. upGrad does not guarantee scores or admissions.