Describe a Course You Want to Learn - IELTS Cue Card Sample Answers

In the pursuit of personal and professional growth, the desire to learn new skills and knowledge is a journey that never truly ends. As an IELTS candidate, you may be asked to describe a course that you want to learn, a topic that allows examiners to delve into your interests, aspirations, and the language you use to articulate them. Let's explore how to approach this topic, ensuring your answer stands out.

Envisioning Future Education:

The Aspirational Course

The course I've set my sights on is not merely a collection of lectures and assignments; it's a gateway to a future I envision for myself. It's a course in Sustainable Urban Planning, a field that marries the precision of engineering with the foresight of environmental stewardship. This course represents the convergence of passion and necessity—a response to the growing need for cities that can thrive alongside nature rather than at its expense.

Why Sustainable Urban Planning?

In an era where urbanization gallops ahead unchecked, the course in Sustainable Urban Planning emerges as a beacon of balance. It teaches how to design cities that are efficient, livable, and in harmony with the environment. Learning the principles of green infrastructure, energy-efficient buildings, and community-focused urban design is not just about acquiring technical skills; it's about shaping a world where humanity's footprint doesn't mean its downfall.

Course Structure and Content

A robust curriculum would cover a wide array of subjects within this field. From the fundamentals of urban ecology to the intricacies of policy formulation, the course would delve into topics that are critical in crafting a sustainable urban future. Through a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, students would emerge not just as graduates, but as visionaries capable of steering our cities towards a sustainable path.

The Impact on Personal Goals

For me, this course is more than academic enrichment—it's a critical step towards actualizing my goal of becoming an urban planner who specializes in sustainable development. The skills and insights gained would arm me with the tools to make tangible contributions to my community and, by extension, the world.

Sample Answer for IELTS Speaking Cue Card:

"I've always been fascinated by the dynamism of cities and the complex challenges they face. The course I yearn to learn is in Sustainable Urban Planning. It's a subject that stands at the crossroads of environmental concern and urban development, aiming to create cities that not only flourish economically but also exist in ecological balance. This course would offer me profound insights into sustainable practices and innovative urban design strategies, equipping me to contribute to building greener, more resilient cities for future generations."

Tips for Cracking the IELTS Speaking Test:

Tip 1: Use Varied Language – Don't repeat the same words; use synonyms and varied expressions to demonstrate your vocabulary range.

Tip 2: Speak Naturally – While it's important to be formal, don't be so rigid that you sound unnatural. A conversational tone can convey confidence.

Tip 3: Be Structured – Organize your answer with a clear beginning, middle, and end. This helps in keeping your response coherent and focused.

Tip 4: Illustrate with Examples – Personalize your answer with examples or short stories that make your response more engaging and memorable.

Tip 5: Practice Pronunciation – Work on pronouncing challenging words correctly to avoid misunderstandings.

Tip 6: Manage Your Time – Aim to fully answer the question within the allotted time without rushing or dragging your response.

Tip 7: Stay Relevant – Keep your answer focused on the cue card topic and don't go off on tangents.

Tip 8: Show Enthusiasm – Your interest in the subject can be infectious, and showing enthusiasm can positively influence the examiner's perception.

Tip 9: Use Connectors – Words like 'furthermore', 'moreover', and 'however' can help you link ideas smoothly.

Tip 10: Keep Calm and Adapt – If you make a mistake, correct it quickly and move on. Don't let it fluster you.

Follow-up Questions and Descriptive Answers:

Question 1:

What skills do you hope to gain from this course in Sustainable Urban Planning?

Answer:

From this course, I aspire to gain a multifaceted skill set that includes, but is not limited to, environmental impact assessment, proficiency in green infrastructure design, and a deep understanding of sustainable resource management. I aim to learn how to effectively use urban planning software to model and visualize sustainable city layouts. Additionally, I wish to develop strong policy-making skills to influence and enact changes that lead to more ecologically responsible urban development.

Question 2:

How do you think this course will help you in your career?

Answer:

Pursuing this course will be a cornerstone for my career, equipping me with cutting-edge knowledge and practical expertise that are highly valued in the field of urban development. It will not only bolster my credentials as a specialist in sustainable planning but will also open up avenues for collaboration with governmental bodies, NGOs, and international agencies dedicated to sustainable development. Furthermore, the networking opportunities and industry exposure provided by the course will be pivotal for my professional growth.

Question 3:

Can you describe some of the challenges that cities face which this course can address?

Answer:

Cities today grapple with a plethora of challenges such as pollution, overpopulation, traffic congestion, and inadequate waste management. This course tackles these issues by teaching future planners how to create efficient public transport systems, promote renewable energy use, implement effective waste recycling programs, and foster green spaces within urban areas. These interventions are vital for mitigating the environmental challenges that cities encounter.

Question 4:

Why do you think sustainable urban planning is important in today's world?

Answer:

Sustainable urban planning is imperative in today’s world as it addresses the urgent need for development that meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own. With rapid urbanization leading to environmental degradation, sustainable planning serves as a roadmap to resilient and livable cities that prioritize ecological health, economic viability, and social equity.

Question 5:

Do you believe there is a growing demand for urban planners specialized in sustainability?

Answer:

Absolutely, there is a burgeoning demand for urban planners with a specialization in sustainability. As the world becomes more cognizant of climate change and its impact, cities are looking for innovative solutions to reduce their carbon footprint and adapt to environmental changes. Planners skilled in sustainable practices are vital to this vision, making them increasingly sought after by both the public and private sectors.

These tips and the sample answers should help IELTS learners to prepare comprehensively for the Speaking section of the exam, specifically for the cue card and follow-up questions about describing a course they wish to learn.