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IELTSTM CUE CARD

Describe a Place Where you are Able to Relax

Updated on Oct 08, 2024, 14:39

Overview

‘Describe a Place Where you are Able to Relax’ is a popular IELTS Cue-card topic. The total duration of the Individual Long turn task is 3-4 mins. Followed by part 2, in a two-way discussion round, the examiner will ask you questions related to the topic given to you in the cue-card section.


 

Cue Card/Topic: Describe a place where you are able to relax

You should say

  • Where is it?
  • What is it like?
  • How often do you go there?
  • And how do you feel about the place?
Sample Answer 1

Introduction:

 

  • For me, it is a haven where comfort and relaxation intertwine, a quaint coffee shop in the city's heart. 
  • This cosy retreat has become my go-to place, providing a unique blend of comfort and ambience.
     

Describe the place:

 

  • The coffee shop exudes a warm and inviting atmosphere with its rustic décor, soft lighting, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee.
  • Wooden tables and mismatched chairs create an eclectic charm, while large windows offer glimpses of the bustling city life outside. 
  • Baristas behind the counter diligently craft a variety of beverages, adding to the lively yet calming ambience.


 

Explain the connection and the atmosphere of that place:

 

  • The low hum of conversations, the clinking of mugs, and the subtle background music create a pleasant backdrop. 
  • The comforting scent of coffee beans and the gentle chatter form a harmonious environment that instantly puts me at ease.
  • The welcoming ambience encourages a sense of community, allowing me to unwind, recharge, and appreciate the beauty of small, ordinary moments.

     

Conclusion:

 

  • This coffee shop is more than just a place to grab a cup of coffee; it's a retreat where the familiar and the comforting converge. 
  • Amidst the urban chaos, it provides a sanctuary where I can pause, reflect, and find relaxation in the simple pleasures of life.
Sample Answer 2

Introduction:

 

  • A place where relaxation finds its true meaning for me is the cosy reading nook in my home. 
  • Tucked away in a corner, this small haven holds a unique charm that instantly transports me into a world of tranquillity.
     

Describe the place:

 

  • The reading nook is adorned with soft cushions and a plush chair, bathed in the warm glow of a nearby lamp. 
  • A well-stocked bookshelf stands within arm's reach, offering a diverse collection of literature.
     

Explain the connection and the atmosphere of that place:

 

  • The gentle ambience enhances the atmosphere, with natural light filtering through sheer curtains, creating a soft and inviting glow. 
  • The familiarity of the space and the embrace of a good book work in harmony, creating an environment where stress dissipates and a profound sense of calm prevails.

 

Conclusion:

 

  • It serves as a reminder that amidst the demands of life, a simple and personalised sanctuary can offer respite and rejuvenation. 
  • This unassuming corner of my home is a testament to the power of a well-crafted space tailored to one's passions and the restoration that comes from immersing oneself in the written word.
Sample Answer 3

Introduction:

 

  • Among the hectic daily lifestyle, the go-to retreat space at my house is the backyard garden. This small and enchanting garden is where I find peace and serenity.
     

Describe the place:

 

  • The garden is a symphony of colours, adorned with an array of flowers in full bloom, creating a vibrant and picturesque landscape. 
  • Lush greenery surrounds a quaint wooden bench nestled under the shade of a blossoming cherry tree.


 

Explain the connection and the atmosphere of that place:

 

  • The profound connection I share with this garden is deeply rooted in its ability to offer a break from the outside world's demands. 
  • This intimate space allows me to engage all my senses, fostering a sense of mindfulness and presence.


 

Conclusion:

 

  • My backyard garden stands as a testament to the rejuvenating power of nature. Its beauty lies not only in the vibrant flora but also in the peaceful moments it facilitates. 

A good score answer for the IELTS part 2 task should include a strong introduction, some context to the topic, reasons to support your answer, and how you relate to the topic.
 

The evaluator will assess your answer based on your ability to speak in english communication.
 

Once part 2 begins, you will be handed a cue card and 4 questions related to it. In our case, the cue card will look something like this: 

 

We have divided the answer for our topic, ‘Describe an Interesting Activity That You Remember Enjoying Most in Your Primary School,’ into 4 parts. 

 

Introduction

 

  • Mention the place you are going to describe. 
  • Mention why it is significant to you.

 

Describe the place

 

  • State its physical features, surroundings, and any special elements.
     

Explain the connection and the atmosphere of that place

 

  • Define why you find the place relaxing
  • Mention the environment of the place.
     

Conclusion

 

  • Summarise the context.

Follow-Up Questions

In this section, you will discuss the topic in general, showcasing to the examiner that you can justify your opinions and your ability to discuss the topic in depth. The discussion round's duration, part 3, will be 4-5 mins. 

Q1. Do you think we should take a day off from work?

Answer 1: Yes, taking a day off from work is important for mental and physical well-being. It allows individuals to recharge, reduce stress, and enhance overall productivity when they return to work.
 

Answer 2: While occasional breaks are necessary for maintaining a healthy work-life balance, it's essential to consider workload and deadlines. Taking a day off should be balanced with responsible planning to ensure minimal disruption to work responsibilities.

Q2. What activities do employers organise to help employees relax?

Answer 1: Employers often organise team-building events, wellness workshops, and recreational activities like sports tournaments to help employees relax and foster a positive work environment.
 

Answer 2: Many employers arrange stress-relief programs, social events, and flexible work hours, recognising the importance of a balanced work-life dynamic and employee well-being.

Q3. How do students relax?

Answer 1: Students relax by engaging in activities like listening to music, watching movies, or playing video games. Socialising with friends, reading, and participating in sports or hobbies are common ways to unwind.
 

Answer 2: Students often find relaxation through taking short breaks, practising mindfulness or yoga, enjoying recreational sports, and utilising digital platforms for entertainment and socialising.

Q4. Do people now have more ways to relax than in the past?

Answer 1: Yes, people today have more ways to relax than in the past due to advancements in technology, providing access to various forms of entertainment, online platforms for relaxation, and a wider array of leisure activities.
 

Answer 2: Certainly, the modern era offers a plethora of relaxation options compared to the past. Increased accessibility to travel, diverse hobbies, wellness trends, and digital entertainment has expanded the choices people have for unwinding and finding leisure.

FAQs

Q. Is it okay to use informal language in IELTS speaking?

A. While there are no strict rules against using informal language or slang during the cue card task, sticking to a more formal language and tone is advisable. This is because the IELTS is designed to evaluate your proficiency in using English in formal and academic contexts. Therefore, excessive use of casual language may not be suitable for the test.

Q. What vital language elements should I remember while attempting the cue card section?

A. The vital language elements you should remember while attempting the cue card section are:

  1. Punctuation
  2. Fluency
  3. Language
  4. Pronunciation.
Q. What to wear for your IELTS Speaking test?

A. There is no specific dress code for the speaking test in IELTS. As such, you can wear comfortable and casual clothes to the test. There is no need to wear a suit or tie. However, it is important to dress appropriately and ensure you are well-groomed for the test.

Q. What is the difference between IELTS speaking parts 2 and 3?

A.The IELTS speaking parts 2 and 3 are distinctly different. IELTS part 2 is also known as the Cue card section, and part 3 is the discussion round. In part 2, a topic is given by the examiner, and you are given 1 minute to prepare the answer. After completing the time, you are asked to speak about the topic for 3-4 minutes. In part 3, the examiner asks questions related to the topic given to you in part 2. 

Q. Can we retake IELTS speaking test?

A. The IELTS speaking test can be retaken if you have failed. You will need to repay the fees and then sit for the exam. But before you blindly plan to retake the exam multiple times until you don’t reach the score, you need to analyse your mistake and understand what went wrong in the exam. 

Q. What is the marking scheme for the IELTS speaking test?

A. The marking scheme for the IELTS speaking test includes:

  1. Fluency
  2. Coherence 
  3. Lexical resource 
  4. Grammatical range 
  5. Accuracy
  6. Pronunciation. 
Q. Can I use informal language during my cue card task?

A. While there are no strict rules against using informal language or slang during the cue card task, sticking to a more formal language and tone is advisable. This is because the IELTS is designed to evaluate your proficiency in using English in formal and academic contexts. Therefore, excessive use of casual language may not be suitable for the test.

Q. How can I get 8.5 in IELTS speaking?

A. You can get an 8.5 band score in IELTS speaking with the following tips:

  1. Build up your accent. 
  2. Maintain eye contact while answering the questions.
  3. Practice previous topics that are likely to come in the IELTS exam.
  4. Practice speaking by talking to the mirror; it will build confidence.
Q. Can I exceed the time limit during the speaking test?

A. It is crucial to remember that the speaking test has a strict time limit, and if your answer exceeds the time limit, the examiner may interrupt you and move on to the next question. However, this is a normal exam, and your scores won't be affected.

Q. What is the duration of Part 2 speaking IELTS?

A. The total duration of Part 2 IELTS speaking is 3-4 mins

  1. Preparation time: 1 min
  2. Speaking time: 3-4 mins.
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