IELTS Speaking Cue Card

I would like to talk about a wonderful moment in my life when I took a photograph and this has become one of the sweetest memories of my life. It was 2017; probably mid-December and I went to Goa to celebrate Christmas with my family. This was actually a semester break and I wanted to enjoy my vacation in this “tourist paradise”. We stayed there for around four days and we had an unforgettable experience in this beautiful place. I had my camera with me and whenever I found something worth capturing, I took the photo. The photograph I am talking about shows my family in front of a world renowned shrine called Bom Jesu in Goa. 

I asked a fellow tourist to click this picture. It was almost dusk. The sun was going down. Often I enjoy the sunset scenes but in this picture, what captivates my heart is not the sunshine or the backdrop scene of this picture; but the smile etched on my mother’s face. In fact all four of us were smiling, however, this is one of the few moments, I can say I have seen my mother’s face glow with joy. It was one of the few vacations she had with her family. She was highly spirited all throughout our holiday and ensured that each one of us too enjoyed every moment of it. 

I have framed this photograph of my family and it adorns the wall above the TV shelf in our drawing room. Whenever, I am alone I sit on the couch and look at it longingly as my mother is no longer with us. I cherish this photo the most as it makes me nostalgic about those happy times. 

 

Vocabulary:

1. Captivate- to hold the attention of someone by being extremely interesting, exciting, pleasant, or attractive.
2. Highly spirited- energetic and happy and likes doing exciting and enjoyable things.
3. Etched-create a lasting impression.
4. Nostalgic- a feeling of pleasure and also slight sadness when you think about things that happened in the past.

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Part 3 Follow Up - Questions & Answers

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1. Do people in your country like to take photos of themselves?

Yes, definitely they enjoy doing so especially since the dawn of the so called,” Selfie Culture”. My country is known for its scenic tourist places and if you visit any of these, you are likely to come across a large number of people vying to get a best selfie clicked in every nook and corner.

2. What kinds of devices do people like to use for taking photos these days?

The use of professional cameras is gradually declining because mobile phones are considered the most convenient way of clicking pictures. Mobile phones, nowadays, are equipped with the latest smart edge technology. Software like Photoshop and Photo edit makes mobile the most sought after device for taking photographs.

3. Why do some people delete photos?

Well, in my perspective photos are clicked in order to preserve and cherish our fond memories. These memories sometimes turn sour when the people associated with them no longer share good relations. In order to do away with those unpleasant memories, people prefer to delete those pictures.

4. Why do some people like to keep photos?

I believe that most of the people like to keep photos because of good memories attached to them. Whenever they are away from their loved ones, these photos help them to relive those moments and this in turn lifts up their spirits.

5. Has the way of people taking photos changed?

Yes the way of taking photos has seen a sea change. Nowadays, people pay great attention to the background, the settings and even the expressions and gestures. They prefer to use different software and mobile applications in order to enhance the visual appeal of the pictures.Clicking photographs of people in natural settings and in process of doing their routine is in trend now.