Describe a beautiful city: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

Where the city is?
How you knew the city?
What buildings the city has?
What it is famous for?
And explain why you think this city is beautiful.

28 unique answers with expert feedback

What are some specific places you enjoy visiting in Dubai?

I particularly enjoy visiting the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall, and the Palm Jumeirah. Each of these places offers unique experiences, from breathtaking views to incredible shopping and dining options. Exploring these landmarks with my mom makes the visits even more special.

How does the culture in Dubai differ from your home country?

The culture in Dubai is a fascinating blend of traditional Arab culture and modern influences. Unlike my home country, Dubai is very cosmopolitan, with people from all over the world. This diversity is reflected in the food, festivals, and lifestyle, making it an exciting place to explore.

What activities do you and your mom enjoy doing together in Dubai?

My mom and I love trying out different cuisines at various restaurants, visiting art galleries, and going to the beach. We also enjoy shopping at the souks and spending time at parks. Each visit is an opportunity to create new memories together in this vibrant city.

Band 7

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In the heart of Maharashtra, a state in India, along the coast of Arabian Sea, lies a calm and serene city of Vasai Virar. Vasai Virar is an ancient city which originates from the time of Mahabharata and later developed by the Portuguese and the British. It gets its name from the Portuguese name Basin. Vasai Virar is known for its majestic clean beaches and lush green palm trees and the mesmerizing landscape that it has. I was born here and was lucky enough to be brought up in this beautiful city. The city is famous for the bungalows and the buildings that it has. The architecture has influence of the Portuguese as well as the British. It also has Indo-Saracenic style of forts. The people here are very warm and friendly. As it is nearby to Mumbai, it is also one of the important urban centers here in Maharashtra. Vasai Virar is also very well known for its food. Bhojjing, a local food item, is known for its delicious spices. People from all over the world visit Vasai Virar during summers.

Follow up questions

What are some popular tourist attractions in Vasai Virar?

Some popular tourist attractions in Vasai Virar include the Vasai Fort, which showcases Indo-Saracenic architecture, and the beautiful beaches like Arnala Beach. The city also has several temples and historical sites that attract visitors interested in its rich history.

How does the local cuisine reflect the culture of Vasai Virar?

The local cuisine of Vasai Virar, especially dishes like Bhojjing, reflects a blend of Portuguese and Indian flavors, showcasing the city's historical influences. The use of spices and fresh ingredients highlights the region's agricultural heritage and the warmth of its people.

How has the development of Vasai Virar affected its traditional culture?

The development of Vasai Virar, being close to Mumbai, has led to urbanization and modernization, which sometimes challenges traditional culture. However, many locals strive to preserve their heritage through festivals, local crafts, and maintaining traditional food practices.

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.

Bangalore is a melting pot of cultures, with people from various states and countries living there. This diversity is reflected in its cuisine, festivals, and languages spoken. You can find a mix of traditional and modern influences, making it a vibrant place to live.

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Cue 1:Where the city is?

Begin by mentioning the geographical location of the city, including the country and any notable landmarks nearby.
Provide a brief context about the city’s significance in its region.

Example

The city I want to talk about is Jaipur, located in the northwestern part of India, in the state of Rajasthan. It is famously known as the Pink City due to the distinct color of its buildings and is surrounded by the Aravalli hills.

Cue 2:How you knew the city?

Share your personal experience of how you first learned about the city, whether through travel, studies, or stories.
Mention any specific trip or event that made you visit or explore the city.

Example

I first learned about Jaipur during my school history lessons, where we studied the rich heritage of Rajasthan. Later, I had the opportunity to visit the city during a family vacation, which deepened my appreciation for its culture.

Cue 3:What buildings the city has?

Highlight some of the iconic buildings and structures that represent the city’s architectural beauty.
Describe at least one or two specific buildings and their historical significance.

Example

Jaipur is home to several stunning buildings, including the Hawa Mahal, known for its unique façade with numerous windows, and the City Palace, which showcases a blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture. These structures are not only beautiful but also tell the story of the city’s royal past.

Cue 4:What it is famous for?

Discuss the cultural, historical, or culinary aspects that make the city well-known.
Include any festivals or events that attract tourists to the city.

Example

Jaipur is famous for its vibrant culture and rich history. It is known for its traditional handicrafts, jewelry, and the annual Jaipur Literature Festival, which attracts writers and readers from all over the world.

Cue 5:And explain why you think this city is beautiful.

Share your personal feelings about the city’s beauty, focusing on its aesthetics, culture, and atmosphere.
Mention how the city’s beauty impacts visitors and locals alike.

Example

I believe Jaipur is beautiful not just because of its stunning architecture but also due to its lively atmosphere and warm hospitality. The vibrant colors, the bustling markets, and the rich traditions create an enchanting experience that stays with you long after you leave.

Conclusion

Summarize your main points about the city’s beauty and significance.
End with a personal reflection or a recommendation for others to visit.

Example

In conclusion, Jaipur is a city that beautifully combines history, culture, and stunning architecture. I highly recommend visiting it to anyone who wants to experience the essence of India’s royal heritage.

Following this structure will ensure you cover all the essential points while providing a clear and engaging response to the cue card topic.