IELTS Cue Cards

Environment/Culture

IELTS Cue Cards on Environment/Culture

What is the Environment/Culture Category?

The IELTS Speaking test often includes cue card topics related to the environment and culture, reflecting their significance in today's global world. Whether it’s talking about climate change, a cultural festival, or a place with a unique tradition, this topic tests your ability to discuss significant global issues and personal experiences.

39 Topics

Describe a person who helps to protect the environment

Describe A Person Who Likes To Grow Plants

Describe A Time When You Saw A Lot Of Plastic Waste

Describe a time when you saw something in the sky

Describe an important river/lake in your country

Describe a time when the electricity suddenly went off

Describe an interesting traditional story

Describe a public holiday that people enjoy.

Describe A Crop You Are Familiar With

Describe Your Favourite Weather

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

Describe A Traditional Product In Your Country

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

Describe Your Favourite Season

Talk about a historical building.

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

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

Describe A Poisonous Plant You Know About

Describe a time when you were fascinated with another culture.

Describe an aquatic animal.

Describe an old tree that you have seen.

Describe a change that benefitted your neighborhood.

Describe a place you visited where the air was polluted

Describe a city that is very interesting.

Describe a unique animal you've encountered.

Describe a park or a garden in your city

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

Describe a place that wasn't kept clean.

Describe an important plant in your country

Describe A Street Market In Your City

Describe A Festival That Is Important In Your Country

Describe A Quiet Place

Describe A Foreign Country You Have Never Been To

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

Talk About A Traditional Object Of Your Country

Describe A Historical Place That You Know About

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

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

Describe a public park or garden.

More About IELTS Cue Cards on Environment/Culture

Answering an IELTS Speaking cue card on topics like Environment or Culture requires a structured approach, clear ideas, and the ability to express yourself fluently.

1. Apply the 5W’s Technique for a Well-Structured Response

Organising your answer using the 5W’s ensures clarity and coherence:

Who: Who was with you during this experience?
What: What cultural or environmental aspects did you observe?
When: When did this event or experience take place?
Where: Where did you encounter this environment or culture?
Why: Why was this significant to you?

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2. Use Vivid Descriptive Language

To make your response more compelling, include sensory details:

Sight: "The lush green landscapes were a treat for the eyes."
Sound: "The rhythmic beats of folk music filled the air."
Smell: "The aroma of traditional spices was irresistible."
Touch: "The handmade pottery had a rough yet artistic texture."
Taste: "The locally sourced organic food was both healthy and delicious."

Using such details helps create a vivid mental picture for the examiner.

3. Incorporate Environment/Culture Specific Vocabulary

A strong IELTS Speaking vocabulary demonstrates your language skills and adds depth to your responses. Below are some useful words:

Word	Meaning	Example
Artisan	A worker skilled in a craft, especially one that involves making things by hand	The artisan crafted beautiful pottery using traditional methods.
Biodiversity	The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat	The rainforest is known for its incredible biodiversity, supporting thousands of species.
Climate Change	Long-term alteration of temperature and typical weather patterns	Climate change has led to unpredictable weather conditions in recent years.
Conservation	The action of preserving the environment or cultural artefacts.	Conservation efforts have led to the revival of the endangered species.
Ecosystem	A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment	Pollution poses a significant threat to the marine ecosystem.
Folklore	The traditional beliefs, customs, and stories of a community	The folklore of the region includes tales of mythical creatures.
Heritage	Valued objects and qualities such as cultural traditions passed down through generations.	The festival celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the community.
Ritual	A religious or solemn ceremony consisting of a series of actions performed according to a prescribed order	The ritual involves lighting candles and offering prayers to ancestors.
Sustainability	Avoidance of the depletion of natural resources to maintain ecological balance	The city has implemented sustainability practices to reduce its carbon footprint.
Tradition	Customs or beliefs passed down from generation to generation	Wearing traditional attire during the ceremony is a cherished tradition.

By following this approach, you can deliver a well-structured, descriptive, and vocabulary-rich response that enhances your IELTS Speaking band score.

FAQs

Q. Does IELTS Cue Card repeat?

Ans. Yes, IELTS Cue Cards can be repeated. The pool of topics is extensive, but some may reappear, especially since cue cards are updated approximately every four months. However, it's essential to prepare for a wide range of topics to perform well.

Q. Can I take IELTS twice?

Ans. Yes, you can take the IELTS exam as many times as you want. There is no restriction on retaking the test, but you must wait for at least 90 days between attempts if you're applying for a visa or immigration purposes.

Q. What are some common cue card topics about culture?

Ans. You may be asked to "Describe a cultural festival in your country," "Describe a traditional custom you follow," or "Describe an interesting historical place." These topics assess your ability to talk about cultural heritage and traditions.

Q. How can I prepare for culture-related cue cards?

Ans. Learn about significant festivals, customs, and historical sites in your country. Use descriptive language and include details about why the tradition or event is important and how people celebrate it.

Q. How many points will a cue card have?

Ans. A typical IELTS Cue Card will have 3-4 prompts or bullet points. These guide you on what aspects to cover in your speech, such as describing, explaining, or giving reasons related to the topic.