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IELTSTM CUE CARD

Describe A Public Facility That Been Renovated And Improved Recently

Updated on Oct 08, 2024, 14:55

Overview

An IELTS Speaking cue card is a prompt used in the Speaking section of the IELTS exam to assess your ability to speak fluently and coherently. You receive a topic on the cue card and have one minute to prepare before speaking for up to two minutes.
 

In this practice test, we will discuss ‘Describe a recently renovated and improved public facility.’ We will explore the details and significance of such a facility, highlighting the changes and their impact.
 

You will find detailed guidance and sample answers to help you confidently address this topic during your IELTS Speaking test.

 

Cue Card/Topic:Describe A Public Facility That Been Renovated And Improved Recently

You should say

  • What the facility is?
  • When it was renovated and improved?
  • What has been renovated and improved?
  • Explain how you feel about it.
Sample Answer 1

Introduction

 

  • I’d like to talk about the local library in my town, which has recently undergone a significant renovation. It’s located in the heart of the town centre, making it accessible to everyone.
  • The library used to be quite outdated and lacked modern amenities, but it has now been transformed into a state-of-the-art facility.
  • This renovation was part of a larger community project aimed at improving public services and facilities.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest

 

  • I’ve been visiting this library since childhood, so I have a strong personal connection to it. The improvements have made it even more enjoyable and useful for me and other regular visitors.
  • The renovation was long overdue. The library had become less popular due to its outdated infrastructure and limited resources.
  • I’m particularly interested in how the new features have attracted a younger audience, encouraging more people to read and use the library’s resources.

 

Key Highlights

 

  • One of the major improvements is the addition of a digital media section, where visitors can access e-books, audiobooks, and online journals. This has made the library more versatile.
  • The children’s area has been completely revamped with new furniture, colourful decor, and interactive learning tools, making it more inviting for young readers.
  • They’ve also introduced several community rooms that can be used for meetings, workshops, and events, which has increased the library’s role as a community hub.

 

Conclusion

 

  • Overall, the renovation has breathed new life into the library, making it a more modern and welcoming space for everyone.
  • These improvements have positively impacted the community, increasing library membership and participation in various programmes.
  • I’m delighted with the changes and believe they will benefit the town for many years to come.
Sample Answer 2

Introduction

 

  • I’d like to describe the renovation of our local sports centre, which was completed recently. This facility is situated in the centre of our town and is popular among residents of all ages.
  • The sports centre was quite old and had limited facilities, but now it has been completely modernised and expanded.
  • This renovation aimed to provide better sports facilities and encourage a healthier lifestyle in the community.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest

 

  • I’ve been a member of this sports centre for several years, and the recent improvements have made a massive difference to my experience. It’s now much more enjoyable to work out there.
  • The renovation was essential, in my opinion. The old centre was often overcrowded and lacked modern equipment, which made it less appealing.
  • I’m particularly interested in the new swimming pool and gym facilities, as they provide excellent opportunities for fitness and recreation.

 

Key Highlights

 

  • One of the major highlights is the addition of a new indoor swimming pool, which is larger and equipped with advanced filtration systems. This has attracted many new members.
  • The gym area has been expanded and filled with state-of-the-art exercise machines and free weights, catering to all fitness levels.
  • They’ve also created a dedicated area for yoga and aerobics classes, providing a variety of fitness options and encouraging more people to participate in group activities.

 

Conclusion

 

  • Overall, the renovation has transformed the sports centre into a modern, well-equipped facility that caters to the entire community's needs.
  • These improvements have significantly increased membership and usage of the centre, promoting a healthier and more active lifestyle.
  • I’m thrilled with the changes and believe they will have a lasting positive impact on our town’s residents.
Sample Answer 3

Introduction

 

  • I’d like to talk about the renovation of our town's central park, which was completed recently. The park is a significant green space in the middle of our community.
  • The park was previously in poor condition with outdated facilities, but it has now been revitalised and improved.
  • This renovation was part of a local government initiative to enhance public spaces and promote outdoor activities.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest

 

  • I often visit this park for jogging and relaxing, so I’ve noticed the improvements firsthand. The changes have made my visits much more pleasant.
  • The renovation was much needed. The park had become less attractive due to worn-out playgrounds and poorly maintained paths.
  • I’m particularly interested in the newly landscaped gardens and improved walking trails, making the park more beautiful and accessible.

 

Key Highlights

 

  • One of the significant highlights is installing modern playground equipment for children, which is safer and more engaging.
  • The park now features a new pond with a small bridge and fountain, creating a tranquil spot for visitors to relax and enjoy nature.
  • They’ve also added several picnic areas with tables and benches, encouraging families and groups to spend more time outdoors.

 

Conclusion

 

  • Overall, the renovation has greatly enhanced the park, making it a more attractive and enjoyable place for everyone.
  • These improvements have increased the park’s popularity, with more people now using it for various recreational activities.
  • I’m delighted with the changes and believe they will greatly benefit our community, providing a beautiful and functional outdoor space for all to enjoy.

Understanding how to answer cue card topics effectively can significantly improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking test. 

 

By knowing how to structure your responses, you can ensure you address all aspects of the topic clearly and coherently, making a positive impression on the examiner.

 

When the cue card section starts, the examiner will give you a cue card with a topic, such as ‘Describe a public facility that has been renovated and improved recently.’ You will have one minute to prepare your response, after which you should speak for up to two minutes.

 

The best way to answer these cue cards is by breaking your response into small, manageable parts: an introduction, describing your experience/opinion/interest, key highlights, and a conclusion.

 

Introduction

 

  • Briefly introduce the public facility you will talk about.
  • Mention the location of the facility.
  • State the type of renovation and improvement that was done.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest

 

  • Share why this facility is significant to you or the community.
  • Explain your personal experience or connection with this facility.
  • Express your opinion on the renovation and its necessity.

 

Key Highlights

 

  • Describe the specific changes and improvements made.
  • Mention any new features or services added.
  • Highlight how these changes have benefited the users.

 

Conclusion

 

  • Summarise your overall thoughts on the renovation.
  • Reflect on the impact these improvements have had on the community.
  • Conclude with a final positive remark about the facility.

Follow-Up Questions

After you finish speaking on the cue card topic, the examiner will ask several follow-up questions. These questions aim to explore the topic you discussed further and assess your ability to express ideas and opinions on related subjects. 

 

You can expect to engage in a more in-depth conversation, so providing thoughtful and well-structured answers is important. These questions allow you to demonstrate your language skills more interactively.

Q1. What are the benefits of public facilities?

Answer 1: Public facilities provide essential services that enhance the quality of life in a community. They offer accessible spaces for recreation, education, and social interaction, promoting a healthier and more connected society. For instance, renovated parks and libraries can encourage physical activity, lifelong learning, and community engagement, which are all crucial for a vibrant community.

 

Answer 2: Public facilities benefit communities by offering essential services and spaces for various activities. They help improve public health by providing places for exercise and relaxation, such as parks and sports centres. Additionally, they support education and culture through libraries and museums, making resources accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial status.

Q2. Why are some public transport methods popular, such as the subway?

Answer 1: Subways are popular because they offer a fast, efficient, and reliable mode of transport, especially in large cities. They help reduce traffic congestion and are often more punctual than buses. Additionally, subways can carry many passengers at once, making them an ideal choice for daily commuting and reducing the overall carbon footprint.

 

Answer 2: Subways are favoured due to their speed and efficiency in urban areas. They run on a fixed schedule and are not affected by road traffic, making them more reliable. Subways also provide extensive city coverage, making it easier for commuters to reach their destinations quickly and conveniently.

Q3. Why are some public transport methods unpopular?

Answer 1: Some public transport methods, like buses, can be unpopular due to their unreliability and discomfort. Buses often face delays because of traffic congestion and can be overcrowded during peak hours. Additionally, the lack of cleanliness and safety concerns can discourage people from using them regularly.

 

Answer 2: Public transport methods such as buses and trams may be unpopular because they are slower and less reliable. They are often delayed by traffic and may have less frequent services. Furthermore, inadequate maintenance and overcrowding can make these modes of transport less appealing to commuters.

Q4. What kind of transport do young people and old people prefer?

Answer 1: Young people often prefer faster and more flexible transport options like bicycles, scooters, or ride-sharing services. They value convenience and speed, and these modes of transport allow them to navigate through traffic easily. On the other hand, older people tend to prefer more reliable and comfortable options, such as buses or trains, which offer seating and are easier to access.

 

Answer 2: Young people generally favour modes of transport that offer flexibility and speed, such as cycling, scooters, or ride-hailing services. These options suit their dynamic lifestyles and frequent short-distance travel. In contrast, older individuals often prefer public transport like buses or trams, which provide a more stable and less physically demanding way to travel, with ample seating and regular schedules.

FAQs

Q. What is the marking scheme 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 weighted equally and scored from 0 to 9. The scores are then averaged to give an overall band score. Examiners look for natural, connected speech, a wide range of vocabulary, correct grammar, and clear pronunciation.

Q. How many hours is the IELTS speaking test?

Ans. The IELTS speaking test lasts approximately 11 to 14 minutes, not hours. It is divided into three parts: an introduction and interview, a long turn where you speak on a cue card topic, and a discussion based on the topic. Despite its short duration, it thoroughly assesses your speaking abilities.

Q. How to find resources for practising cue-card topics?

Ans. You can find resources for practising cue-card topics through various online platforms. Websites for IELTS preparation, such as IELTS.org and British Council, offer sample questions and practice materials. Additionally, YouTube channels, language learning apps, and IELTS preparation books provide valuable practice opportunities. Joining study groups and forums can also help.

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