Ielts Writing Task 2
January 23, 2025
After 13 years of working as an IELTS teacher, I assure you that I want to make the cue card (Describe a Time You Moved to a New Home/school) phase simple and free from stress. Let me explain how the cue cards function.
A cue card serves essentially as a call to action. It is a card that the examiner will hand over to you with a topic for you to talk about. Alongside the main topic, 2-4 pointers will be included that will serve as guides for your response. Generally speaking, it takes about 3-4 minutes for this part of the test.
You will have one minute to prepare, so don’t waste time! The examiner will give you a pencil and a piece of paper on which you can write out the pointers for your presentation. In that minute, you can organize your answer properly or write down points for each pointer and important points you want to make sure you cover.
After the preparation time, the examiner asks you to start speaking. Refer to your notes, remain calm, and speak confidently. Remember, this opportunity is where you demonstrate your speaking skills!
In your Speaking Score, 0-9 bands mark the levels of proficiency, with each band being named with whole and half bands. Practice clarity, organization, and fluency—those are keys to your high score!
I have seen numerous students perform well in this section due to their calmness, constant practice, and focus on building their confidence level. You too can do it!
Describe a Time You Moved to a New Home/School
- You should say
- When did you move to the new home/school?
- Where did you move from and to?
- Why did you move into the new home/school?
- How did you feel about moving?
1 Sample Describe a Time You Moved to a New Home/school
Introduction:
While moving to a new school is something many people will encounter, it can be exciting and daunting. For me, it was a great organ, a turning point that taught me valuable lessons on adaptability and growth. I appreciate your allowing me to share my story of moving into a new school. Class: In 2019.
When it was:
Late on academic days. It wasn’t really the small change you expect in a mid-term. I was already so saturated with the routine at my old school. Moving midway through the academic year made that even more disheartening and, also, memorable.
Why you moved to this new school:
My family moved due to my father changing jobs, and that meant leaving behind friends and familiar surroundings was not easy for me. However, the new school provided stellar facilities and extracurricular activities, which were too good to ignore.
What was your impression of it:
Initially, when I set foot on the campus, it felt much more significant than my old school. The facilities were ultra-modern, with cutting-edge laboratories, a colossal library, and large playgrounds. The students and the teachers appeared friendly; however, in the beginning, I felt somewhat like an outsider. What I enjoyed most, though was the balance the school struck between academics and extracurricular activities.
And explain how you felt once you moved to this new school:
The transition period was fraught with more difficulties than expected, seeing that I was not familiar with the curriculum or many of my classmates. Yet the late period of adjustment allowed me to appreciate the variety of options the school provided. I joined the debate team, took part in sports, and along the way developed a whole new social group. I look back at the transition with much gratitude for allowing me to assert my growth, adapt to change, and welcome new beginnings.
2 Sample Describe a Time You Moved to a New Home/school
Introduction:
If one is switching to another school, it is really going to be change-altering, full of mixed feelings. I still remember vividly when I changed schools during a phase of life when it was more significant. Thanks for hearing me share this memory.
When it was:
Well, this was in 2020 when I moved to the new school. This switch was made just after the summer holidays starting afresh with the new academic year might have been easier for me a little.
Why you moved to this new school:
The main reason for our decision was that my previous school had no subjects that I could follow for higher studies. My parents and I decided to move to a school that would cater to my subjects better, having better academic resources and a stronger focus on my field will enhance my future.
What was your impression of it:
The feel of the campus awed me right from the time I set foot in a very colorful and organized environment. The classrooms have space, the teachers are accessible, and the students seem to have a love for learning. Although the initial feeling was a bit intimidating, I was excited about what the new environment had to offer.
And explain how you felt once you moved to this new school:
At first, feeling a little overwhelmed, I somehow adjusted to the new schedule, however, with the utmost composure. The teachers and students were really friendly, and soon enough I began to feel a little part of it. I joined a bunch of clubs, participated in the events, and quickly found myself realizing the school had a great deal to offer. In retrospect, I believe the move was one of the best decisions we had made, for it opened up an opportunity to be elsewhere, which helped me immensely in academic and personal growth.
IELTS Cue Card Topics
Describe an Exciting Book That You Enjoy Reading
Describe A Skill That You Can Teach Other People
Describe a Volunteering Experience You Have Had
Describe a Bag You Want to Own
Describe Your First Day at School
Describe a Time When You Felt Bored
Describe a Time you Made a Promise To Someone
Describe a Time You Moved to a New Home/school – Follow-Up Question
- Why do people move to a new home?
Most of the time, people move because they must or because they want to change their quality of life; for work, study, or to enhance the quality of living. While some already possess nostalgia toward leaving their old neighborhood, others thrill at frequent moves. These people travel with very few belongings and lead a more adventurous, nomadic life. I think one lives excitingly as a nomad; every trip is filled with new surprises, struggles, and challenges. - What problems do people face after moving to a new place?
During relocation, some people will have challenges they have to face. The very first challenge is being used to different people and places. Social norms are often a source of anxiety to fit into a community. A few practical issues always stand up, such as learning the locations of stores, gas stations, healthcare facilities, etc. The security risk is very high since the new place appears to be unsafe; therefore, learning to settle would be a problem. Important to solve these problems to build the surrounding neighborhood and be accepted into the community itself. - What are the advantages and disadvantages of living in the same place?
There are a few advantages to living in just one place. Most important is a feeling of safety and familiarity. You know this place inside out; you know where to find good deals, which routes to take, and how to run your everyday life with ease. The downside to living in just one place is that many people do not have the opportunity to find and absorb exotic cultures, dishes, and lifestyles. They may regard any change coming around with disdain and be ill-prepared for the day that change compels them to move. The benefits of stability notwithstanding, I think that moving about offers richness to life experiences. - Is it good to move to a new place frequently? Why?
As a regular traveler myself, I would say relocating every now and then can be an exciting chance to renew one’s self. For me, it instills creativity, adaptiveness, and open-mindedness. Planning is the bedrock of this process; I am certain to have my finances attended to, the bills paid, and the right paraphernalia organized. The process is now made easier than ever with loans for travel and travel insurance available. I would persuade any person to relocate to cities so as to experience different cultures, enter into fresh communities, and welcome change.
