Describe a city that is very interesting.: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

Which city is it?
What is it famous for?
How do you know about it?
Why is it interesting?

23 unique answers with expert feedback

What are some popular tourist attractions in Bangalore?

Bangalore has several popular tourist attractions, including the Bangalore Palace, Lalbagh Botanical Garden, and Vidhana Soudha. The city is also known for its vibrant nightlife, shopping areas like Brigade Road, and cultural spots like the National Gallery of Modern Art.

How does the diversity in Bangalore influence its food scene?

The diversity in Bangalore leads to a rich food scene where you can find a variety of cuisines. From traditional South Indian dishes like dosa and idli to North Indian curries and international options, the city offers a culinary experience that reflects its multicultural population.

What challenges does Bangalore face due to its rapid development?

Bangalore faces several challenges due to rapid development, including traffic congestion, pollution, and inadequate infrastructure. The influx of people from different regions also puts pressure on housing and public services, leading to issues like rising living costs and urban sprawl.

Band 7

00:00

A city that I find very interesting is Valencia. It is the third largest city in Spain and it is famous for its oranges and other fruits. I came to know about Valencia because I heard of a festival that happens near it and I went to attend that festival which gave me the opportunity to visit that city. From the moment I entered that city and when I breathed in the first breath, I was mesmerized by its beauty, its grandeur. It is a coastal town and it has Spain's largest port. The third thing I found most interesting was that a river flows through the center of the city and it dried up decades ago and the people of Valencia decided they want to convert the dried river into a park. So, there is a big park that spans through the entire city which I believe is the heart of this lively city.

Follow up questions

What other attractions does Valencia offer to visitors?

Valencia has many attractions, including the stunning City of Arts and Sciences, beautiful beaches, and historic sites like the Valencia Cathedral. The local cuisine, especially paella, is also a major draw for tourists.

How does the festival you attended reflect the culture of Valencia?

The festival I attended showcased Valencia's rich traditions, including vibrant parades, fireworks, and traditional music. It highlighted the community spirit and the pride locals have in their heritage, making it a unique cultural experience.

What do you think makes a city interesting to visit?

A city becomes interesting through its history, culture, architecture, and the experiences it offers. Unique festivals, local cuisine, and natural beauty also play significant roles in attracting visitors and making their stay memorable.

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Band 7

00:00

I hail from Chennai and I would say that it is the most interesting city to live in. Chennai has the beautiful Marina Beach which is the second longest in the world. It has quite a number of temples. The most interesting thing about Chennai is that it is a home for the migrants from other states. People come here, they feel very comfortable because of the many languages spoken here and the rich culture in Chennai. I could speak a lot about Chennai as I am born and bred over here. The beauty of the city, the hustle and bustle of the traffic and the life in Chennai is always a welcoming spot for anyone. Those born here always prefer to stay here and those who have come to the city for survival, for job opportunities would anyway agree with me. The beauty of the city is depicted in its beautiful architecture of the various buildings. The place is always lit up and it is also one of the safest cities in India. The economy of Chennai is affordable. It has an economy which has food that can range from a minimal price right up to expensive. So it is a home for everyone because of its affordability and the beauty of the city.

Follow up questions

What are some popular tourist attractions in Chennai?

Apart from Marina Beach, Chennai has several attractions like the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Fort St. George, and the Government Museum. Each of these places showcases the rich history and culture of the city, making them must-visit spots for tourists.

How does Chennai's culture differ from other cities in India?

Chennai's culture is a blend of traditional Tamil heritage and modern influences. The city is known for its classical music, dance forms like Bharatanatyam, and vibrant festivals. Unlike many other cities, Chennai maintains a strong connection to its roots while embracing contemporary lifestyles.

What challenges do migrants face when moving to Chennai?

Migrants in Chennai often face challenges such as finding affordable housing, navigating the local job market, and adapting to the cultural differences. However, the city's diverse population and welcoming nature help ease their transition and integration into the community.

Practice other cue cards

Describe a place that you would like to learn the culture there (eg, a library, museum, theatre)

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Describe A New Development In Your Country Or The Area Where You Live (Like A Shopping Centre, Park, Etc.)

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Describe a natural place (e.g. parks, mountains)

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Describe Your Favourite Season

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Describe an important plant in your country

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Talk About A Traditional Object Of Your Country

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Describe a place in your city you have been to where you can see wildlife (e.g. animals, birds, insects, plants)

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Describe an old tree that you have seen.

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Describe A Street Market In Your City

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Describe A Foreign Country You Have Never Been To

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Describe A Historical Place That You Know About

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Describe a park or a garden in your city

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Describe A Person Who Likes To Grow Plants

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Describe A Festival That Is Important In Your Country

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Describe a place where there was a lot of noise/ Describe a noisy place you have been to

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Describe A Quiet Place

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Describe A Poisonous Plant You Know About

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Describe a public park or garden.

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Describe an important river/lake in your country

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Describe A Crop You Are Familiar With

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Describe a change that benefitted your neighborhood.

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Describe a unique animal you've encountered.

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Describe a time you were in a place where you didn't know the local language.

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Describe a place that wasn't kept clean.

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Describe Your Favourite Weather

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Describe A Traditional Product In Your Country

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Talk about a historical building.

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Describe a place in your city you have been to where you can see wildlife (eg, animals, birds, insects, plants)

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Describe a public holiday that people enjoy.

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Describe a place in your hometown/city that is different from other places and that you enjoy visiting with your parents/friends.

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Describe A Time When You Saw A Lot Of Plastic Waste

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Band 6-7

00:00

Well, there are many cities which I find very interesting and the one which caught my eye is New York City which is very fascinating to know about it and second thing, why I like this city? I like this city due to its rich culture and diversity in the city and it offers a lot of different types of foods like Thai food, French food, Indian food. I came to know about New York City as a friend of mine lives in the city. It is officially known as Big Capital as the city is known for its financial decisions for the country USA. It is also known as financial district of the whole world as the financial decisions taken in New York City have effect on overall the world and it is also known as a city which never sleeps as the people who live there works 24 by 7 round the clock and the people are so amicable over there and additionally, the cuisines and the historical monuments and the tourist attractions are amazing in New York City. When it comes to the skyscrapers, New York has the world's biggest, tallest building which is the World Trade Center Towers.

Follow up questions

What are some cultural events you can experience in New York City?

New York City hosts a variety of cultural events throughout the year, such as the New York Film Festival, Broadway shows, and the Tribeca Film Festival. Additionally, there are numerous art exhibitions, parades, and music festivals that showcase the city's diverse culture.

How does the diversity in New York City influence its cuisine?

The diversity in New York City greatly influences its cuisine by bringing together flavors and dishes from around the world. You can find authentic restaurants serving everything from Italian to Ethiopian food, reflecting the city's multicultural population and making it a food lover's paradise.

What are some famous landmarks you would recommend visiting in New York City?

Some famous landmarks to visit in New York City include the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Times Square, and the Empire State Building. Each of these sites offers a unique glimpse into the city's history and culture, making them must-see attractions for any visitor.

Band 6-7

00:00

Mumbai, previously known as Bombay, popularly known as the city of dreams or the business capital of India. I've always had a very strong connection with the Mumbai city. I don't know what it is about the city or why I feel such an instant, sudden connect with the city, but all I know is I've always felt that. Growing up, every summer vacation, my family and I would visit Mumbai because we had family living there. However, as I grew up, the visits became less frequent, which made me really, really sad. Personally, I think Bombay or Mumbai is just the perfect city to live in. It's a city that has everything, be it beaches, be it amazing opportunities, be it Bollywood, be it business opportunities, just everything that you could ask for, you'll get in Mumbai. I find the city extremely interesting because somehow, in the weirdest way possible, people from every part of the world live in Mumbai and that is because the city is just the most welcoming place in the world. What makes Mumbai so, so interesting are the people of Mumbai. The people of the city are just...

Follow up questions

What specific experiences made you feel connected to Mumbai?

During my childhood visits, I experienced the vibrant culture, delicious street food, and the warmth of my relatives. Each visit was filled with joy, exploring local markets and enjoying family gatherings, which deepened my connection to the city.

How do you think Mumbai compares to other cities you've visited?

Mumbai stands out due to its unique blend of tradition and modernity. Unlike other cities, it has a distinct energy and diversity. The hustle and bustle, combined with its rich history and cultural landmarks, make it a city like no other I've visited.

What are some challenges of living in Mumbai?

While Mumbai is fascinating, it does have challenges such as overcrowding, high living costs, and traffic congestion. However, the vibrant lifestyle and opportunities often outweigh these issues for many residents, making it a city worth living in.

Show all 23 answers

Cue 1:Which city is it?

Begin by clearly stating the name of the city you find interesting.
Provide a brief description of its location and any unique characteristics.

Example

The city I find very interesting is Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, India. Known as the Pink City, it is famous for its stunning palaces and vibrant culture.

Cue 2:What is it famous for?

Mention specific landmarks or cultural aspects that make the city famous.
Include any festivals or events that showcase the city's uniqueness.

Example

Jaipur is famous for its magnificent forts like Amber Fort and City Palace, as well as its colorful bazaars. The city also hosts the Jaipur Literature Festival, attracting writers and readers from around the world.

Cue 3:How do you know about it?

Share personal experiences or stories that led you to learn about the city.
Mention any books, movies, or travel blogs that inspired your interest.

Example

I first learned about Jaipur through a travel documentary that showcased its rich history and architecture. Later, I read a book about Rajasthan, which deepened my fascination with the city.

Cue 4:Why is it interesting?

Discuss the aspects of the city that captivate you personally.
Explain how its history, culture, or people contribute to its interest.

Example

Jaipur is interesting to me because of its blend of history and modernity. The vibrant culture, friendly locals, and the stunning architecture create an atmosphere that feels both timeless and alive.

Conclusion

Summarize your main points about the city.
Express your desire to visit or learn more about it in the future.

Example

In conclusion, Jaipur is a city that fascinates me with its rich heritage and lively culture. I hope to visit it soon and experience its beauty firsthand.

Following this structure will ensure you cover all the essential points while providing a clear and engaging response to the cue card topic.

Tips to answer this Cue Card

1: Avoid Vague Descriptions

Using vague language can make your answer less engaging and informative. Candidates often fail to provide specific details about the city, which can lead to a lack of clarity.

Tip

Include specific landmarks, cultural aspects, or historical facts to make your description vivid and interesting.

2: Don't Rush Your Answer

Rushing through your response can lead to incomplete thoughts and missed opportunities to elaborate. This can make your answer sound unprepared and disorganized.

Tip

Take a moment to think before you speak, and structure your answer to cover all the cues clearly and thoroughly.

Avoid Overly Simple Language

Using overly simple language can limit your ability to express complex ideas and reduce the overall quality of your answer. This may not showcase your language proficiency effectively.

Tip

Use a variety of vocabulary and sentence structures to demonstrate your language skills while still being clear and understandable.

IELTS Cue Cards asked last week

Reported by Leap students who gave IELTS

Describe your favourite food at a traditional festival or a special event in your country

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7.5

Pitampura Test Centre, New Delhi

Answer

I like to taste different types of cuisine. Here I would like to talk about my favorite dish at my traditional festival of Onam which is Sadya. Sadya is popular in my city. We are experimenting these cuisines on Onam festival day. Onam is a famous festival in my city. All family members get together in my home and we make a delicious Sadya. There are many ingredients includes that Sadya. Moreover, we make a big feast that day as well as we create a lot of memories together and we wear that day the traditional dress called Sari and men wear the Dhotis. That festival is really important to us because the whole day we are conducting different kinds of games at our homes and all the family members came together. It's a memorable day in my life. This is the festival. We are making the Sambar and Aviyal. These all the kinds of foods are making with the vegetables.

Talk about a toy you liked in your childhood

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 8

Sector 34 Test Centre, Chandigarh

Answer

The toy which I liked in my childhood was a panda doll, which makes me pleasant and makes me more blush. The pandas are the most beautiful creatures of the world, which looks gigantic and has pooshy cheeks and they are like stars in the clouds and they dream in me. Furthermore, these have been given by my father. My father is a very very beautiful artistic person, who makes me think of that. Every day you will face every difficulties and make you suffer and move forward. Pandas are always seen in Japanese countries. It is my lifelong dream to visit a Japanese country and click a photo with the original pandas, which makes sounds better.

Describe a time you were in a place where you didn't know the local language

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 6.5

Whitefield Test Center, Bengaluru

Answer

As India is a very large country full of diversity, so there are many places which have their own language and speak their native language. The place which I visited and I didn't know about their language was Leladakh, which is about 300 km away from my hometown and it is a very good place as it consists of different kind of trees, animals and have many scenic views and I visited over there last year in summers as it was the best time to visit because it has many, it was cold over there and we had summers in our area so it was the best time to visit over there and I went over there with my whole family.

Describe a time when your friend damaged something you owned

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7

Begumpet Test Centre, Hyderabad

Answer

When I was a kid, I had a little pencil box which had these four buttons which gave the pencil box an operative use. When you press the button, the box would open up. When you press the second button, a little part of it would slide out. Basically it was just a little electronical and a fun thing to have and I owned it when I was in 6th. One day after break, I was standing and talking there with one of my friends and another friend of mine was running through the hallway and accidentally she pushed my shoulder and my pencil box hit the ground and it broke into multiple pieces to the point that it was not functional anymore.

Describe a book you recently read

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7.5

CBD Belapur Test Centre, Navi Mumbai

Answer

It Ends With Us is a book I read recently. It's by the author Colleen Hoare. It's mainly a story about two teenagers, Atlas and Lily, and how they just handle their life going through high school, adolescence, and just domestic violence at home. Both of them come from very, very different families. However, they have one common determining factor between them, which is domestic violence. The abuse that they've seen their moms go through is just insane, and they connect through that on a different level. They're actually in the same high school, but they never speak to each other until Atlas actually crashes into an empty house next to Lily's villa. When Atlas is homeless and he doesn't have anywhere to go, he just comes and breaks into the house next to Lily's, and Lily helps him with all the daily necessities like clothes and food, medicines and stuff. Furthermore, their friendship blossoms into love, but it doesn't really fructify as Atlas has to leave. This book really gave me a lot of knowledge about domestic abuse and how to deal with it.