Describe A Place In Your Country That You Think Is Interesting: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

Where is it?
How did you know it?
What special features does it have?
And explain why you think it is interesting.

49 unique answers with expert feedback

What activities can people do at Marine Drive?

At Marine Drive, people can enjoy leisurely walks along the promenade, sit and relax while enjoying the sea breeze, and watch the sunset. It's also a popular spot for photography, and many people come to socialize or have picnics with friends and family.

How does Marine Drive compare to other places in Mumbai?

Marine Drive is unique due to its serene atmosphere and scenic views, especially compared to the bustling markets and crowded areas of Mumbai. While places like Colaba and Bandra are lively and vibrant, Marine Drive offers a peaceful retreat from the city's chaos.

Why do you think Marine Drive is popular among tourists?

Marine Drive is popular among tourists because of its stunning views, especially during sunset, and its iconic status as a symbol of Mumbai. The blend of natural beauty and urban life attracts many visitors looking to experience the essence of the city.

Band 7

00:00

A place in my country that I think interesting is the very own place I live in, a city in Tamil Nadu, India, Madurai, Madurai is known for its rich heritage and culture and for the traditions we follow. The city is filled with rich art and architecture. It is also known as the place where the language Tamil was born. The city has so many beautiful temples which is why it has got the nickname as temple city. As we dig deeper into the city, we realize this place not only has beautiful temples, it is also a food hub. Truly food lovers can enjoy this place. They can find variety of dishes here. They can dive into various local activities and one of the most famous activities is Jallikattu, which you can watch during every summer. The shops, the artifacts here will capture your heart forever. It will make you to stay here for more than the time you would like.

Follow up questions

What are some famous temples in Madurai?

Some of the famous temples in Madurai include the Meenakshi Amman Temple, which is renowned for its stunning architecture and intricate carvings, and the Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple, which is one of the six abodes of Lord Murugan. These temples attract many visitors and are central to the city's culture.

Can you describe the local cuisine of Madurai?

Madurai is famous for its unique cuisine, including dishes like Jigarthanda, a refreshing dessert, and various types of biryani. Street food is also popular, with vendors offering delicious snacks like idli, dosa, and vada. The flavors are rich and diverse, reflecting the cultural heritage of the region.

What cultural activities can visitors participate in Madurai?

Visitors can participate in various cultural activities in Madurai, such as attending traditional festivals like Pongal and the Meenakshi Temple festival. They can also witness Jallikattu, a traditional bull-taming sport, which showcases the local customs and is an exciting experience for tourists.

Band 7

00:00

I live in India. A place in India I like the most is Dehradun. It is a city in Uttarakhand and it is also the capital of Uttarakhand. I love the weather of Dehradun. I have known this place because I studied there for 9 months in my post graduate diploma course. The place has vibrant cultures. Half of the population were Nepalese. The place integrates the cultures of India and Nepal including for a better remarkable cultural significance. The socio-cultural events are held once in a while. The most magnificent part in Dehradun is that it is surrounded by large hills. The hill station present in Dehradun is Masuri. Masuri is also termed as the queen of hills. It has vibrant trees, a lot of flora and fauna. In addition to this, there are a lot of waterfalls which will be flowing at the height of 1000 meters which is extensively flowing waterfall all over the year. The climate in Dehradun is quite appreciable. These are the factors that made me interested in Dehradun.

Follow up questions

What activities can visitors enjoy in Dehradun?

Visitors to Dehradun can enjoy trekking in the hills, exploring the local markets, visiting historical sites, and experiencing the vibrant cultural festivals. The nearby hill station, Mussoorie, offers additional activities like hiking, sightseeing, and enjoying the scenic views.

How does the culture in Dehradun differ from other cities in India?

The culture in Dehradun is unique due to its significant Nepalese population, which influences local traditions, cuisine, and festivals. This blend of Indian and Nepalese cultures creates a rich tapestry of customs and practices that differ from other Indian cities.

What are some popular local dishes in Dehradun?

Dehradun is known for its delicious local cuisine, including dishes like Aloo ke Gutke, Phaanu, and various types of momos, which reflect the influence of both Indian and Nepalese culinary traditions. Street food is also popular, with options like chaat and local sweets.

Practice other cue cards

Describe a place in your country or part of your country that you would like to recommend to visitors/travelers

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Describe an unusual but interesting building you would like to visit

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Describe a tourist attraction that very few people visit but you think is interesting

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Describe A Quiet Place You Like To Go

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Describe a place in your country or part of your country that you would like to recommend to visitors/travellers

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Describe a place you have been to and would like to recommend others to live there (not your hometown)

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Describe a place with a lot of trees that you would like to visit (e.g. a forest, oasis)

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Describe A Long Car Journey You Went On

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Describe a place you went to and an outdoor activity you did there

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Describe A Place Where You Are Able To Relax

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Describe a garden you remember visiting.

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Describe a popular place for sports (e.g. a stadium) that you've been to

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Describe a beautiful place to visit in your country.

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Describe A Natural Place (E.G., Parks, Mountains)

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Describe Someone You Know Who Has Recently Moved To A New Place

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Band 6-7

00:00

Once, I once stayed at Lapland, which is a popular place for a business trip. Then I saw the charming of Lapland. It was a great moment to stay with a member of Lapland. And there I saw the beauty, I saw the beautiful beauty of this place. And there was a special kind of living, a beautiful language, which was amazing. And they were providing every kind of facilities as we said before, to provide to the strangers. And when I got the bonus of the wedding, they provided hospitality without even a cost. So this was a long lasting impression on me, that their behavior, their attitude, is not a type of greatness like we thought there was in India.

Follow up questions

What specific activities did you enjoy while in Lapland?

During my stay in Lapland, I enjoyed various activities such as exploring the beautiful landscapes, participating in local traditions, and experiencing the unique culture. I also took part in outdoor adventures like snowmobiling and visiting the famous Santa Claus Village, which added to the charm of my trip.

How does Lapland compare to other places you've visited in your country?

Lapland stands out due to its unique culture and breathtaking natural beauty. Unlike other places I've visited, it offers a serene environment with stunning snowy landscapes and a rich indigenous heritage. The hospitality and warmth of the locals also make it a memorable experience compared to busier tourist spots.

What did you learn about the local culture during your visit?

I learned a lot about the Sami culture, which is indigenous to the region. Their language, traditions, and way of life are fascinating. I was particularly impressed by their connection to nature and how they maintain their customs while welcoming visitors, which reflects their hospitality and respect for their heritage.

Band 6-7

00:00

So, my favorite place in the country is Delhi, which is the national capital of India. I got to know about Delhi and its various heritages when I was 5 years old. Delhi is situated in between Huff Haryana and Arunachal Pradesh. It is a place rich in cultural heritage and is filled with warm people. I love to visit Delhi because it consists of n number of historical forts. Furthermore, in addition to all the monuments which I have explored in Delhi, there are various other monuments which I have not yet explored. So, I want to go to Delhi again. I am a huge Mughal era fan and I also want to visit Akbar Fort and obviously the Taj Mahal which is situated in Agra. In addition to this, even though people say that Delhi is very not healthy, I personally think it will be healthy if people just take awareness to their surroundings.

Follow up questions

What specific historical sites in Delhi do you recommend visiting?

I highly recommend visiting the Red Fort, Humayun's Tomb, and Qutub Minar. Each site has its unique history and architectural beauty. The Red Fort, for instance, showcases stunning Mughal architecture, while Humayun's Tomb is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that inspired the Taj Mahal.

How do you think Delhi's culture influences its cuisine?

Delhi's culture is incredibly diverse, which is reflected in its cuisine. You can find a mix of traditional North Indian dishes, street food, and international cuisine. The influence of Mughal history is evident in dishes like biryani and kebabs, making Delhi a food lover's paradise.

What challenges do you think Delhi faces as a major city?

Delhi faces several challenges, including pollution, traffic congestion, and overpopulation. While it has a rich cultural heritage, these issues can affect the quality of life. However, initiatives to raise awareness about environmental health are crucial for improving the city's conditions.

Show all 49 answers

Cue 1:Where is it?

Begin by stating the name of the place and its location in your country.
Provide some context about the region or city it is in, mentioning any notable landmarks nearby.

Example

The place I find interesting is the city of Jaipur, located in the state of Rajasthan, India. It is famously known as the Pink City due to the distinct color of its buildings. Jaipur is surrounded by beautiful hills and is part of the larger Golden Triangle tourist circuit.

Cue 2:How did you know it?

Share a personal story about how you first learned about this place.
Mention if it was through travel, school, or perhaps a recommendation from friends or family.

Example

I first heard about Jaipur during a school project on Indian heritage sites. Later, I visited the city with my family during a summer vacation, which made me appreciate its rich history and culture even more.

Cue 3:What special features does it have?

Highlight the unique aspects of the place, such as architecture, festivals, or local cuisine.
Mention any specific attractions that stand out, like forts, palaces, or markets.

Example

Jaipur is home to several stunning forts and palaces, such as the Amer Fort and the City Palace. The intricate architecture and vibrant markets, like Johari Bazaar, are filled with beautiful handicrafts and traditional jewelry, making it a shopper's paradise.

Cue 4:And explain why you think it is interesting.

Discuss your personal feelings about the place and what makes it special to you.
Connect its historical significance or cultural richness to your own experiences.

Example

I find Jaipur interesting because it beautifully blends history with modernity. The stories behind the forts and the vibrant culture of the local people make it a fascinating place to explore. Every time I visit, I discover something new, whether it's a hidden café or a local festival.

Conclusion

Example

In conclusion, Jaipur is not just a city; it's a treasure trove of history and culture. Its unique features and the warmth of its people make it a place I always look forward to visiting again.

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: Vague Descriptions

Using vague language can make your answer less engaging. Candidates often fail to provide specific details about the place, which can lead to a lack of interest from the examiner.

Tip

Include specific features, such as landmarks or activities, to create a vivid picture of the place you are describing.

2: Ignoring the Cues

Not addressing all the cues can result in an incomplete answer. Candidates sometimes focus on one aspect and neglect others, which can affect their score.

Tip

Make sure to answer all the cues: location, how you learned about it, special features, and why it interests you.

Overly Simple Language

Using overly simple or repetitive language can make your response sound unprepared. This can limit your ability to showcase your language skills.

Tip

Use a variety of vocabulary and sentence structures to express your thoughts more clearly and engagingly.

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.