LESSON 3

LESSON OBJECTIVES

 Everything you need to know about the cue card session (Part 2)
 What is the format for the cue card session?
 How long do I speak in the cue card session?
 How do I manage the contents in the speaking session?
 Strategies to cover time in the cue card session
 How to brainstorm for the cue card response

INTRODUCTION TO PART 2 (THE CUE CARD SESSION)

You will be provided with a topic and then given 1 minute to prepare a 1-2-minute answer
to this topic. This is the only part of the speaking test where you will receive a documented
question.

QUESTION FOR THE CUE CARD SESSION

The cue card will contain a general topic and then 3-4 questions pertaining to that topic. The
questions demand that you elaborate further on the main topic presented. For example:

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE CUE CARD

 Try to utilize the 1 minute of preparation time wisely instead of feeling confident if
the topic seems familiar, which is often the case for many candidates with a relatively
strong English background.
 Avoid writing in sentences or bullet points. You are not to read from the note, neither
are you to stare at it constantly or frequently. Think of news presenter for reference,
how they never break eye contact with the camera and whatever moments they take
up to look at their notes, they are hardly noticeable. Similarly, even if you do take a
quick glance at your notes, it should be in such a manner that it attracts no attention
from the examiner.
 Try making a flowchart with large 1-2 words accompanied with directions, that
remind you of the topic that you want to talk about. The large words in the flowchart
will quickly remind you of the general idea that come in sequence of your response
for your lengthy two-minute answer. This makes sure that you do not produce an
answer with no logical organization of contents, additionally you do not lose track of
your ideas.
 Practice speaking for the entire length of two minutes, rarely do the examiners pause
you before the 2-minute mark.
 The examiner might ask you a closing question about the cue card topic after you are
done speaking. The answer to this portion should be precise and on point.

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 STRATEGIZING AND BRAINSTORMING FOR THE CUE CARD SESSION

We will take the following cue card as a sample question and develop a flowchart that
will be a mental map for the progression of our response. The words written in large
fonts in individual boxes will remind us about the general topic/idea/content that we
want to talk about, all the while keeping us on track for a logically organized answer.

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 First question Teacher’s Name Introductory
details

Visible
Second Question Appearance traits/style/
fashion

Third Question Courses/ Example of Proficiency in

subjects courses courses

Fourth Question High morals Man of Good humor

principles

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