For the IELTS Speaking test, one common topic is the “describe a puzzle you have played cue card”. This task asks you to reflect on a puzzle you’ve interacted with, explaining your experience, the type of puzzle, and how it impacted you. In this blog, we will cover how to structure your answer, the key points to include, and some example responses to give you an idea of what to say in this scenario.
Understanding the IELTS cue card
The “describe a puzzle you have played” cue card is a typical IELTS Speaking Part 2 topic. The key to answering this well is ensuring you meet all the criteria of the cue card prompt. Generally, the examiner will expect you to address:
- What type of puzzle it was: This could be anything from a jigsaw puzzle, crossword, Rubik’s cube, Sudoku, or even an online game.
- How you played the puzzle: Here, describe how you interacted with the puzzle—whether it was a solitary activity, part of a family game night, or perhaps a challenge among friends.
- Why you enjoyed it: Finally, reflect on what made the puzzle memorable for you. Did it test your problem-solving skills? Was it particularly challenging? Did you feel a sense of accomplishment after solving it?
In your answer, aim for coherence and detail, using descriptive language to paint a clear picture for the examiner.
Ace IELTS: 30 IELTS Cue Card Topics With Their Answers
Example structure for the cue card
When responding to the describe a puzzle you have played cue card, follow this structure:
- Introduction: Briefly introduce the puzzle you’re going to talk about.
- Description of the puzzle: Explain what the puzzle was, its format, and any key details.
- How you approached solving it: Walk the examiner through your process, including any challenges you faced.
- Why it was memorable: End by discussing why this puzzle left a lasting impression on you.
Let’s take a closer look at these points using an example.
Example answer
Describe a puzzle you have played cue card
“The puzzle I’m going to talk about is a Rubik’s cube, a 3D combination puzzle that I’ve played since I was a teenager. The Rubik’s cube is made up of small squares that you can rotate around the center. Each side of the cube has a different color, and the objective is to return the cube to its original state where each face of the cube has only one color.”
“I started playing with the Rubik’s cube after seeing a friend solve it in under five minutes, and I was amazed by his speed and technique. At first, it was extremely difficult for me. I couldn’t figure out how to move the squares into the right places without messing up another part of the cube. But after watching some tutorials and practicing regularly, I eventually managed to solve it.”
“It took me about three weeks of practice to solve the Rubik’s cube for the first time. Although I was slow at the beginning, over time I got faster and faster, and now I can solve it in under two minutes. What I enjoyed most about the puzzle was the challenge—it pushed me to improve my problem-solving skills and to be patient. Every time I finished solving the puzzle, I felt a great sense of achievement.”
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Breaking down the answer
- Introduction: The speaker introduces the puzzle, explaining that it’s a Rubik’s cube and briefly describes the puzzle’s objective.
- Description of the puzzle: The speaker goes into more detail about the puzzle’s structure and how it is solved. This gives the examiner a clearer idea of the puzzle’s complexity.
- How you approached solving it: Here, the speaker outlines the steps they took to learn the puzzle, emphasizing the initial difficulty and the use of tutorials to help them improve.
- Why it was memorable: The speaker finishes by explaining what made the experience memorable—the challenge of the puzzle and the sense of accomplishment upon solving it.
Why puzzles are beneficial
In the IELTS Speaking test, it’s a good idea to mention some benefits of solving puzzles, as this can enhance your answer. For instance:
- Mental stimulation: Puzzles like crosswords or Sudoku help keep the brain active and improve cognitive skills.
- Patience and persistence: Working through difficult puzzles helps develop these essential skills.
- Problem-solving: Puzzles require you to think critically and develop strategies to solve complex problems, which can be helpful in both academic and professional settings.
Ways to Improve Your IELTS Score
Conclusion
The describe a puzzle you have played cue card is a great opportunity to showcase your ability to narrate experiences and elaborate on how you solved a challenge. Whether it’s a Rubik’s cube, a crossword, or a Sudoku puzzle, ensure that your answer is well-structured and covers the key points in a clear and engaging way. Practice your response and try incorporating some of the strategies and vocabulary discussed here for a better score.
By following these steps, you’ll be better prepared to answer this cue card and impress your examiner with a well-rounded, fluent response. Get in touch with MSM Unify overseas education consultant to ace your IELTS!
FAQs for IELTS puzzle cue card
1. What are the benefits of playing puzzles?
Puzzles improve cognitive skills, enhance problem-solving abilities, and promote mental well-being.
2. Which puzzle is good for improving intelligence?
Sudoku, crosswords, and logic puzzles are known to enhance brain function and intelligence.
3. Can I describe an online puzzle for the IELTS cue card?
Yes, describing any type of puzzle, including online or digital puzzles, is perfectly acceptable.
4. How do I structure my response for the IELTS cue card?
Start by introducing the puzzle, describe how you played it, talk about the challenges you faced, and conclude by explaining why it was memorable.
5. What is the best puzzle to talk about for the cue card?
Any puzzle that you found enjoyable and challenging would be a great choice, such as a jigsaw, crossword, or Rubik’s cube.
6. How long should my IELTS cue card answer be?
You should aim to speak for 1-2 minutes, covering all points mentioned in the cue card.
7. Do I have to be an expert at the puzzle to describe it?
No, you don’t need to be an expert. It’s more important to describe your experience honestly and in detail.
8. Can I mention a puzzle I haven’t solved?
Yes, you can talk about a puzzle that was difficult for you, as long as you explain the challenges you faced.
9. Should I mention other types of puzzles in my answer?
If it fits naturally into your response, you can mention other puzzles, but focus on the one main puzzle for the answer.
10. What vocabulary should I use when describing puzzles?
Use terms like “strategy,” “problem-solving,” “challenge,” “critical thinking,” and “persistence” to enhance your answer.
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