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IELTSTM CUE CARD

Describe a Long Car Journey You Went On: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

Updated on Nov 12, 2024, 08:55

Overview

Describe a Long Car Journey You Went On’ is a popular cue card topic in the speaking section. In this task, you should briefly describe the journey and things that made it memorable, such as the scenery, the people you were with, or the things you experienced.

 

The IELTS Speaking test is a crucial part of the IELTS examination. It assesses your English speaking skills in a 1:1 interview with a certified examiner. 

 

This part 2 of the IELTS speaking test is known as the ‘Individual Long Turn’ or the ‘cue card section’. In this part, you are given a cue card topic, such as ’Describe a Long Car Journey You Went On’. You have one minute to prepare your response and speak for up to two minutes on the topic

 

During this time, your ability to speak fluently, coherently, and accurately on a given topic is evaluated.

 

The Speaking test is divided into three parts, each assessing a different aspect of your speaking skills:

 

  • Part 1 is an introduction and warm-up section where the examiner asks general questions about the candidate’s life, interests and hobbies.
  • Part 2 is a two-minute monologue where you are given a cue card with a topic to speak about. 
  • Part 3 is a discussion between you and the examiner, involving in-depth questions related to the topic in Part 2.

 

Cue Card/Topic: Describe a Long Car Journey You Went On

You should say

  • Where did you go?
  • Who did you go there with?
  • What did you do there?
  • How did you feel about the journey?
Sample Answer 1

Introduction (Covers: Where did you go?)

 

  • I’d like to talk about a long car journey I went on last December. 
  • We travelled from Delhi to Manali, a beautiful hill station in Himachal Pradesh. 
  • The trip was planned during the winter holidays, making it a perfect getaway. 
  • The journey was around 12 hours long, covering about 550 kilometres.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: Who did you go there with?)

 

  • I went on this journey with my family – my parents and my younger brother, Rohit. 
  • We started early in the morning to avoid traffic and make the most of daylight. 
  • My father drove the car while my mother and I took turns navigating. 
  • We packed plenty of snacks and music to keep us entertained throughout the trip.

 

Key Highlights (Covers: What did you do there?)

 

  • We stopped at several interesting spots. Our first stop was at Murthal, famous for its delicious parathas. 
  • We had breakfast there and resumed our journey. 
  • As we entered the hills, the scenery became breathtaking, with lush greenery and winding roads. 
  • We also stopped at a small village market, where we bought some local handicrafts and enjoyed a hot cup of tea. 
  • The most memorable part was when we reached the Rohtang Pass, which was covered in snow, where we had a mini snowball fight.

 

Conclusion (Covers: How did you feel about the journey?)

 

  • Overall, the journey was an unforgettable experience. 
  • The long drive allowed us to spend quality time together and enjoy the changing landscapes. 
  • I felt a mix of excitement and relaxation throughout the trip. 
  • It was refreshing to take a break from our busy lives and reconnect with nature and each other. 
  • This journey made me realise the beauty of road trips and the joy of exploring new places with loved ones.
Sample Answer 2

Introduction (Covers: Where did you go?)

 

  • I’d like to share my experience of a long car journey I went on last summer. 
  • We drove from Bangalore to Goa, which is about 600 kilometres away. 
  • This trip was a much-needed break planned during my college vacation. 
  • The drive took around 10 hours, making it an adventurous journey.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: Who did you go there with?)

 

  • I took this journey with my best friends, Anil and Priya. 
  • We decided to leave early in the morning to avoid the city traffic and enjoy the cool morning breeze. 
  • Anil drove the car while Priya and I took care of the music playlist and snacks. We were all excited and looking forward to the road trip.

 

Key Highlights (Covers: What did you do there?)

 

  • We went to many places, and our first stop was a small town called Chitradurga, where we visited the Chitradurga Fort. 
  • It was fascinating to see such a historic site. 
  • After that, we continued our journey and stopped for lunch at a roadside dhaba, enjoying some delicious South Indian food. 
  • As we entered the Western Ghats, the view was spectacular, with lush green hills and winding roads. 
  • We also took a break at a waterfall we found along the way, where we spent some time relaxing and taking pictures.

 

Conclusion (Covers: How did you feel about the journey?)

 

  • In the end, the journey was a memorable experience. 
  • The long drive gave us a chance to bond and enjoy the scenic beauty of the countryside.
  •  I felt a mix of excitement and serenity throughout the trip.
  •  It was refreshing to escape the routine and explore new places with my closest friends. 
  • This journey made me appreciate the joy of road trips and the wonderful memories they create.
Sample Answer 3

Introduction (Covers: Where did you go?)

 

  • I want to describe a long car journey I went on last year. We drove from Chennai to Munnar, a beautiful hill station in Kerala. 
  • This trip was planned during the New Year holidays, making it an ideal way to start the year. 
  • The drive was approximately 10 hours, covering around 580 kilometres.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: Who did you go there with?)

 

  • I went on this journey with my cousins, Raj and Meera. 
  • We started our trip early in the morning to make the most of the day and avoid the city traffic. 
  • Raj was the driver, and Meera and I handled the navigation and snacks. 
  • We were all excited about the journey and the adventure that lay ahead.

 

Key Highlights (Covers: What did you do there?)

 

  • Along the way, we explored several memorable stops. 
  • Our first stop was at a famous eatery in Vellore for breakfast, where we enjoyed some delicious dosas and coffee. 
  • As we continued, the scenery changed dramatically, with the flatlands giving way to rolling hills and tea plantations. 
  • We stopped at a picturesque viewpoint near Dindigul, where we took a lot of photos and soaked in the natural beauty. 
  • Another highlight was stopping at a spice garden, where we learned about various spices and bought some to take home.

 

Conclusion (Covers: How did you feel about the journey?)

  • The journey was an unforgettable experience for all of us. 
  • The long drive allowed us to enjoy each other’s company and appreciate the stunning landscapes. 
  • I felt a mix of excitement and peace throughout the trip. 
  • It was refreshing to break away from our daily routines and explore new places together. 
  • This journey made me realise the joy of road trips and the lasting memories they create with loved ones.

The Speaking Test is conducted in a friendly and interactive manner, with the examiner encouraging you to speak freely and express your thoughts clearly. 

 

Knowing how to answer the cue cards section is crucial for achieving a high band score. Developing your speaking skills demonstrates that you can speak clearly, confidently and coherently. 

 

The topics given in the cue card range from personal experiences to abstract ideas, and you are expected to provide relevant and interesting information to engage the examiner.

 

Once you are given the topic, you have only 1 minute to prepare your response. During this time, you should not down keywords and main points of the topic. After your preparation time, speak uninterruptedly for 2 minutes to discuss your background, experience and key details related to the topic.

 

The best way to answer the question is to break down your response into smaller parts. Begin with the introduction, describe your experiences, give details about the topic, and provide concluding remarks to conclude your topic. 

 

Here’s how you should focus on each section:

 

Introduction (Covers: Where did you go?)

 

  • Start with a brief introduction to your journey.
  • Mention the destination of your journey.
  • State when the journey took place

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: Who did you go there with?)

 

  • Describe the people you travelled with, such as family or friends.
  • Mention any specific roles or responsibilities each person had during the journey.
  • Explain how travelling with these people influenced your experience.
  • Share any initial feelings or expectations about the journey.

 

Key Highlights (Covers: What did you do there?)

 

  • Discuss memorable events or activities during the journey.
  • Mention any interesting stops or sights along the way.
  • Describe any challenges or unexpected experiences you encountered.
  • Highlight the most enjoyable or significant moments of the journey.

 

Conclusion (Covers: How did you feel about the journey?)

 

  • Summarise your overall experience of the journey.
  • Reflect on what you enjoyed the most.
  • Share any lessons or insights gained from the trip.
  • Conclude with a final thought or statement that ties everything together.

 

By following this structure, you will be able to deliver a well-organised, comprehensive and engaging response within the time limit of two minutes.

Follow-Up Questions

The third part of the IELTS Speaking Test is the Discussion section. This part of the test assesses your ability to express your opinions, ideas, and thoughts on a particular topic more in-depth and sophisticated. 

 

During this section, the examiner will ask questions about the topic you covered in Part 2, like “Describe a long car journey you went on”. The questions will be more complex and require you to provide more detailed answers. 

 

To perform well in this section, you need to listen carefully to the questions asked and answer them thoughtfully. You should also provide examples and supporting details to strengthen your arguments. 

 

Now, let’s look at some follow-up questions.

Q1. How did this journey change your perspective on travelling?

Answer 1: The journey taught me that the soul of travel lies in the journey itself, not just the destination. It’s about the experiences and the people you encounter along the way. Before this trip, I was always focused on reaching the final destination quickly. Still, I realise now that the enjoyable journey is just as important as the destination.

 

Answer 2:  I recently had an amazing road trip that made me realise how wonderful it is to explore new places by car. I loved the freedom and flexibility that comes with a road trip and learned to enjoy the journey just as much as the destination. I now think that road trips allow you to really connect with nature and the local culture in a special way.

Q2. What are some other destinations you would like to travel by car?

Answer 1: I  love travelling and am eager to explore the beautiful destinations in India that can be reached by car. Some popular destinations for long car journeys in India are the Leh-Ladakh region and the Konkan Coast in Maharashtra and Goa. I am particularly excited about exploring the Leh-Ladakh region, known for its breathtaking landscapes, serene lakes, and unique cultural experiences. 

 

Answer 2: I would love to drive to Rajasthan and explore cities like Jaipur and Udaipur. The idea of experiencing the rich cultural heritage and majestic forts by road really excites me. Also, there is one more destination on my list, the coastal route from Chennai to Pondicherry, which I believe would be a scenic and relaxing drive.

Q3. Why do people like to have private cars?

Answer 1:  There are several reasons why people like to have private cars. One of the main reasons is convenience. Having a personal vehicle allows us to travel at our own pace and on our schedule, without the constraints of public transportation schedules or ride-sharing services. 

Additionally, having a car provides greater independence and freedom, allowing us to explore new places and take impromptu trips. Private cars also offer a more comfortable and personalised travel experience, with the ability to control the temperature, music, and overall environment. 

 

Answer 2: Many people like having their own cars because they are convenient and flexible. With a private car, you can travel at your own speed and on your own schedule without relying on public transport. It also provides comfort, especially for long journeys, and allows for unplanned stops and detours, making the overall travel experience better.

Q4. Do many families own private cars in India?

Answer 1:  Yes, many families in India own private cars. Car ownership has been increasing steadily in India over the years, with the rise in disposable incomes and the availability of car loans. Cars have become a symbol of status and comfort for many families, especially in urban areas. However, public transportation is still widely used, especially in cities where traffic congestion and parking space can be challenging.

 

Answer 2: Yes, nowadays, every family owns at least 3-4 cars. With the rise in income levels and affordable financing options, more people are able to purchase cars. However, in rural areas, car ownership is less common due to different economic conditions and the availability of alternative modes of transport.

Q5. What will cars be like in the future?

Answer 1: . Some trends suggest the direction in which they might be headed. For example, a growing focus is on making cars more environmentally friendly, so we might expect to see a continued shift towards electric or hybrid vehicles.

In addition, there could be an increased emphasis on safety features, such as self-driving technology or advanced sensors, to prevent accidents. Ultimately, the future of cars will likely be shaped by various factors, including technological advancements, changing consumer preferences, and government regulations.

 

Answer 2: I believe that cars in the future will be much more advanced, focusing on sustainability and technology.  Electric cars will probably become more popular, which will help reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. We can also expect to see more features for autonomous driving, making travel safer and more efficient. The integration of smart technology will also improve the overall driving experience.

FAQs

Q. What are some common topics for IELTS Cue Card speaking?

Ans. The IELTS Cue Card speaking topics can vary but generally revolve around personal experiences, opinions, or views on a particular topic. The topics can range from describing a place, a person, an event, or a memorable experience.

Q. How many parts are in the IELTS Speaking Test?

Ans. The IELTS Speaking Test consists of three parts. The first part includes an introduction and briefly discusses personal interests and experiences. The second part requires you to speak for a few minutes on a given topic. The third part involves a more in-depth discussion based on the topic of the second part.

Q. How can I start IELTS practice at home?

Ans. To start IELTS practice at home, you can start understanding the test format and structure. You can also find sample tests and practice materials online or in IELTS preparation books. Additionally, you can join online study groups or hire a tutor to guide you through the process.

Q. What is the marking system for the IELTS Speaking Test?

Ans. The IELTS Speaking Test is marked based on four criteria: fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. Each criterion is given a score of 0-9, which is then averaged to determine the final speaking band score.

Q. Is it OK to speak slowly in IELTS?

Ans. It is essential to keep a moderate pace with IELTS. The most important thing is to speak clearly and coherently so the examiner can understand you. Speaking slowly can be advantageous as it gives you more time to think about your answers and express your ideas more effectively.

Q. What will be the total number of questions in the IELTS Speaking Test?

Ans. The IELTS Speaking Test consists of three parts, and the total number of questions varies depending on the part. In Part 1, the examiner usually asks you around 12 questions. In Part 2, you will be given a topic and asked to talk about it for 2 minutes, with an additional 1 minute for preparation. In Part 3, the examiner will ask you more complex questions related to the topic in Part 2, and there are usually around 5-6 questions in this part.

Q. Where can I find the practice sample test papers for the IELTS Speaking Test?

Ans. There are various resources available for IELTS Speaking Test practice, such as online platforms, books, and the official IELTS website. These practice tests can help you familiarize yourself with the test format and the types of questions you can expect.

Q. What can I do if I do not understand the question?

Ans. If you do not understand a question during the IELTS Speaking Test, you can ask the examiner to repeat or rephrase the question or ask for clarification. It’s crucial to ensure you understand the question before answering it, as this will help you provide a clear and accurate response.

Q. Is the IELTS Speaking Test easy?

Ans. When it comes to IELTS speaking, whether it is easy or not is subjective and depends on various factors. For instance, your proficiency level in English, ability to express yourself clearly, and confidence level can all impact how easy or difficult IELTS speaking may seem to you. However, speaking in IELTS can become much more manageable with practice, guidance, and support.

Q. How can I get 8.5 in IELTS speaking?

Ans. To get an 8.5 in IELTS speaking, you must communicate effectively, using advanced vocabulary and natural expressions. You should also be able to speak fluently, with minimal hesitation and repetition, and demonstrate a range of grammatical structures. Additionally, you should be able to demonstrate good pronunciation and intonation. To achieve this level, you need to practice regularly, seek feedback from a qualified instructor, and familiarise yourself with the format and expectations of the speaking test.

Q. Can you say yeah in IELTS?

Ans. Using informal language, such as “yeah,” is generally discouraged in IELTS speaking. The test assesses your ability to communicate effectively in a formal setting, and using informal language can detract from your overall score. Instead, it’s advisable to use more formal expressions, such as “yes,” “absolutely,” or “certainly,” to convey the same meaning.

Q. What is the IELTS exam fees in India?

Ans. The IELTS exam fee is INR 17,000. The IELTS exam fees for Computer-delivered IELTS for UKVI have also been revised to INR 17,250. It’s important to note that these fees are subject to change, and you should keep a check on the official IELTS website or contact their local test centre to get the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the fees for their specific location and test format.

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