> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://speaking-test-docs.speechace.com/speechace-speaking-test/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://speaking-test-docs.speechace.com/speechace-speaking-test/speechace-workspaces-create-manage-and-share-speaking-assessments/creating-assessments/custom-assessments/speaking-and-writing-assessments/assessment-configurations/cue-cards.md).

# Cue Cards

## Understanding Cue Cards

**Cue cards** allow test creators to enhance a question by adding supporting **textual, visual, or auditory information** in the form of **text, image, audio, or video clip.** These cue cards provide helpful context, enabling test-takers to better understand the question prompt and respond more effectively. 

Test creators can upload up to 2 cue cards per question using the drag-and-drop area in the question's [configuration panel](/speechace-speaking-test/speechace-workspaces-create-manage-and-share-speaking-assessments/creating-assessments/custom-assessments/speaking-and-writing-assessments/assessment-configurations/configuration-panel.md) (as shown in the image below).

<figure><img src="/files/t91ybRYcIj6oRVanWJjS" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/k7sCrl9WyLkpOI7OIAYp" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Type of Cue Card formats

Let us examine each cue card type and understand how can they be used with some examples:

### Text

Test creators can add **text** as a cue card to display written content alongside a question. Text cue cards are useful for providing **additional instructions**, **reference material**, or other **supporting information** that the test taker should read and refer to before and while answering the question.

For example, a test creator creating a mock IELTS speaking test could ask the following question: "*Describe something you couldn't afford before but have recently bought. Speak for at least one full minute minute.*" The accompanying text cue card could then include the following prompts:\
"You should say"

* "What the thing is"
* "Why you wanted it"
* "How you managed to buy it"
* "Whether you are satisfied with it"

<figure><img src="/files/7KxVVPe0CZwrolRLemeq" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Image

Test creators can upload a **photo/illustration** to support their main instructions. This is effective for **conveying stylized written information or presenting visual prompts.**

For example, as a part of a Task Achievement question, a test creator could upload the timetable (as shown in the image below) to create a decision-making question, like: "*You wish to arrive at Treasure Island by 2:00 PM. Which ferry should you take, and what will be the ticket cost?*"

<figure><img src="/files/VmMiO3uhxKVMF3yx35kV" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Or, as a part of an open-ended question, a test creator could upload an image of a crowded market (shown in the image below) and ask: "*Tell us what's happening in this photo.*"

<figure><img src="/files/PLMo5ruQjjKvGGlbV1wO" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Audio Clip

Test creators can upload an **audio clip** for questions requiring test-takers to listen to a prompt before responding to the question. This format suits **spoken instructions, dialogues,** or **descriptive content.**

For example, as a part of an open-ended question, an audio clip featuring a speaker describing their experience at a traditional hometown festival (food, music, community gatherings) could be uploaded. Then             , the test-taker could be asked about the speaker's favorite aspect of the festival and the reasons for their enjoyment.

#### Cover Image for an audio clip

Test creators can upload a cover image to make their audio clip cue cards more engaging. This option is located within the **cue card section** (as highlighted below) and becomes available right after an audio clip is uploaded.

<figure><img src="/files/4ymgyoT7ezP1QegiXlQH" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Video Clip

Test creators can upload a **video clip** for questions requiring test-takers to view a short video before responding to the question prompt. This format is ideal for **demonstrating an action or providing a visual stimulus.**

For example, in a read-aloud question, if the text is about apple trees, a test creator could display a video of actual apple trees (shown in the image below) alongside the text the test-taker needs to read.

<figure><img src="/files/Fy1GMHhm9hB94g0UYhtZ" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="success" %}
To see how each of these cue cards appears to the test-taker for different question types, refer to the respective question type's [user guides](/speechace-speaking-test/speechace-workspaces-create-manage-and-share-speaking-assessments/creating-assessments/custom-assessments/speaking-and-writing-assessments/assessment-configurations/types-of-questions.md).
{% endhint %}

## Audio and Video controls in Test Taker View

In the test-taker view, audio or video clips will **automatically** start playing when the question appears on the screen (if there are multiple cue cards, they will play one after the other)

**Note:** Test-takers cannot control playback (e.g., pause, rewind) of the clip.

To offer test-takers the ability to re-watch a video, **question replay** must be enabled from the [settings](/speechace-speaking-test/speechace-workspaces-create-manage-and-share-speaking-assessments/creating-assessments/score-settings.md) page.