Describe a cafe you like to visit.: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

Where is it?
What kinds of food and drinks does it serve?
Why do you like to go there?

35 unique answers with expert feedback

What makes the cakes at Half Way Cafe so special to you?

The cakes at Half Way Cafe are special because they are incredibly creamy and delightful. The unique flavors and textures leave a lasting impression, making them unforgettable. Each bite brings back memories of joyful moments spent with friends, enhancing the overall experience.

How do you think cafes contribute to social interactions?

Cafes serve as social hubs where people can gather, relax, and connect. They provide a comfortable atmosphere for conversations, celebrations, and creating memories. The ambiance and shared experiences over food and drinks foster friendships and strengthen bonds among individuals.

Have you tried any other cafes in Bangalore? How do they compare?

Yes, I've tried a few other cafes in Bangalore, but none have the same charm as Half Way Cafe. While others may offer great food, the nostalgic memories and the unique dishes at Half Way Cafe make it stand out. It's not just about the food; it's about the experiences tied to it.

Band 7

00:00

I enjoy going to a cafe called Sapa in Mysore. It is so beautiful and aesthetically pleasing as it is situated in the midst of greenery. The entire atmosphere of the cafe is so serene and peaceful. They're famous for their baked goods such as croissants, cakes and buns which are just mouth-watering. Also they're famous for their hot chocolate which is a good selling point of the cafe. All the cafes primarily serve the purpose of having a great relaxing period to recount, recollect and wind out after a long hectic day or just to spend a quality time and that's exactly what this cafe does for me every time.

Follow up questions

What do you usually do when you visit Sapa?

When I visit Sapa, I usually order a hot chocolate and a pastry. I enjoy sitting by the window, reading a book or chatting with friends. Sometimes, I just sit quietly and enjoy the ambiance, which helps me relax and recharge.

How does the atmosphere of a cafe affect your experience?

The atmosphere of a cafe plays a crucial role in my experience. A serene and beautiful environment like Sapa enhances my mood and allows me to unwind. It makes me feel more comfortable and encourages me to stay longer, enjoying my time there.

Do you prefer visiting cafes alone or with friends?

I enjoy visiting cafes both alone and with friends. Alone, I can reflect and enjoy my own company, while with friends, I can share good conversations and experiences. Each visit offers a different kind of joy depending on the company.

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.

Band 7

00:00

A cafe I recently visited with my friends was a cozy little place called Glow Cafe. We went there to celebrate one of my friend's birthday. The cafe is located in Nungambakkam. It's a popular spot for friends because of its friendly vibe and great food. The cafe has a warm and welcoming atmosphere with soft lighting and comfortable seating. We reserved a table in advance and surprised our friend with a small donut cake. After the cake cutting ceremony, we ordered some delicious snacks like sandwiches, pizza, burger and their signature cold coffee. We spent hours chatting, laughing and even playing game boards and the cafe provides for customers. I really liked the cafe because of its cozy environment and friendly staff. The food was excellent and the overall experience made the celebration even more special. It's a place where we could relax and enjoy each other's company. Visiting the Glow Cafe for my friend's birthday celebration was a wonderful experience. It's now one of my favorite places to hang out with friends and I look forward to going there again.

Follow up questions

What do you think makes a cafe a good place to hang out?

A good cafe should have a cozy atmosphere, friendly staff, and a diverse menu. It's important that the seating is comfortable and the ambiance is inviting, allowing friends to relax and enjoy their time together. Good food and drinks also play a crucial role in enhancing the overall experience.

How often do you visit cafes with friends?

I try to visit cafes with friends at least once a month. It's a great way to catch up and unwind after a busy week. We often explore new cafes, but we also have our favorites like Glow Cafe where we can enjoy good food and a pleasant atmosphere.

What types of food do you usually order at cafes?

At cafes, I usually order a mix of snacks and beverages. I enjoy sandwiches, burgers, and pizzas, as they are easy to share. I also love trying their specialty drinks, especially cold coffee or smoothies, which complement the food perfectly and enhance the overall experience.

Band 7

00:00

My favorite cafe or a cafe that I would like to visit is in Varkala, Kerala. It's in the southernmost part of Kerala, where you can have a coffee while enjoying the views of the beach and the sunset, if you go there on the right time. And the cafe's name is God's Own Country. It stands true to its name. Usually when I visit the cafe, I order their famous croissant along with the coffee. And I like to go there alone to enjoy the peace and the serenity that the country has to offer along with the coffee. I also like to order different things on the menu, such as their fish. The cafe is famous for their fish and their prawns. I'm a huge fan of seafood. Therefore, the God's Own Country cafe is my favorite place because it caters to my expectations. Also, I like going to the cafe because they are pet friendly and I can sometimes take my dog along with me when I visit that cafe. Along with my dog, I like to take sips of my coffee and just enjoy the views of the nature. Especially, like I mentioned before, I like to watch the sunset where the birds flock around over the horizon. Along with my pet, who's a beagle. His name is Koch. I like to watch the views. I also like to sometimes take my friends there when I want some company, especially during the night time when the vibe entirely changes to party mode. And there are songs, there's live music, there's a dance floor, and there are lights for us to enjoy. And it gives a different vibe when compared to the sunsets. The cafe also offers carry-on shopping.

Follow up questions

What do you think makes a cafe special?

A cafe becomes special through its ambiance, unique menu offerings, and the experiences it provides. For me, the views, the pet-friendly policy, and the peaceful atmosphere at God's Own Country make it a standout place. The combination of good food and a relaxing environment is key.

How often do you visit cafes like God's Own Country?

I try to visit cafes like God's Own Country at least once a week, especially when I need a break from my routine. It’s a great way to unwind and enjoy some quality time with my dog or friends. The frequency depends on my schedule, but I always look forward to those visits.

What other activities do you enjoy doing at cafes?

Besides enjoying coffee and food, I love people-watching and sometimes reading a book. The lively atmosphere, especially during live music nights, adds to the experience. I also enjoy socializing with friends, making it a perfect spot for both relaxation and fun.

Band 7

00:00

One cafe that comes to my mind when I think of pleasant, good food and coffee is the Bukko Cafe in Mangalore. Bukko Cafe is located in the center of Mangalore which is the Balmata Junction. One thing I love about this place is the ambience and the interior. It has a very rural interior with bricks and chairs like the ones we have in the local bus stands in a rural area. So the food is mainly what I love here. One is the Grinch Burger which consists of two patties and a special sauce which is made from coriander. That brings so much peace to my soul because I have never had a burger in my life which has the coriander sauce because typically everyone has this mayo, the ketchup and the mustard. I think this brings a uniqueness in the burger and also the chili cheese toast which is like mouth-watering when I am talking about it. I am the person who really likes not too sweet food but the tiramisu over there is the one I can have everyday, every single day. Whenever I go to this place with my friends, I always find it so peaceful to sit and sip on a hot chocolate and my tiramisu. I think this is what brings me peace and I would like to go everyday if it would be possible for me. It was located nearby my house. It is in a distance of 10-15 minutes away from my house but then it's very easy to go there and I can't wait to visit it again as I am talking about it.

Follow up questions

What other cafes do you enjoy visiting?

Apart from Bukko Cafe, I also enjoy visiting Cafe Coffee Day for their coffee and pastries. I like the cozy atmosphere there, and it’s a great place to catch up with friends. Another favorite is the local bakery, which has amazing cakes and snacks.

How important is the ambience of a cafe to you?

The ambience is very important to me. A good atmosphere enhances the overall experience. I prefer cafes with a relaxed vibe, comfortable seating, and unique decor, as it makes my time there more enjoyable and helps me unwind.

Do you prefer going to cafes alone or with friends?

I enjoy going to cafes with friends because it allows for social interaction and sharing experiences. However, I also appreciate solo visits for some quiet time, where I can read or reflect while enjoying my favorite food and drinks.

Show all 35 answers

Cue 1:Where is it?

Begin by mentioning the location of the cafe, including the city and neighborhood.
Describe the ambiance and surroundings that make the cafe appealing.

Example

The cafe I love to visit is located in the bustling area of Connaught Place in New Delhi. It’s nestled between some vibrant shops and has a cozy outdoor seating area that is perfect for people-watching.

Cue 2:What kinds of food and drinks does it serve?

List some of your favorite items from the menu, focusing on both food and beverages.
Mention any unique or signature dishes that the cafe is known for.

Example

The cafe serves a variety of delicious items, including freshly brewed coffee, aromatic teas, and mouth-watering pastries. I particularly enjoy their signature masala chai and the chocolate croissant, which are simply delightful.

Cue 3:Why do you like to go there?

Share personal reasons for your preference, such as the atmosphere, service, or special memories.
Highlight any unique features that set this cafe apart from others.

Example

I love going there because it has a warm and inviting atmosphere that makes me feel relaxed. The staff are friendly and always greet me with a smile, which adds to the overall experience. It’s also a great place to catch up with friends or spend some quiet time reading.

Conclusion

Summarize your overall feelings about the cafe.
Mention how often you visit and any future plans you have regarding the cafe.

Example

In conclusion, this cafe holds a special place in my heart. I try to visit at least once a week, and I look forward to trying new items on the menu each time I go.

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: Being Vague About Location

Candidates often give unclear or general descriptions of the cafe's location, which makes it hard for the examiner to visualize. Specific details help create a clearer picture.

Tip

Mention the exact area or landmark near the cafe to provide a clear context. For example, say 'It's located near the city park' instead of just 'in the city.'

2: Listing Too Many Menu Items

Some candidates list too many food and drink items, which can overwhelm the listener. It's better to focus on a few favorites that highlight the cafe's uniqueness.

Tip

Choose two or three signature dishes or drinks that you love and explain why they are special. This keeps your answer concise and engaging.

Not Explaining Personal Connection

Candidates often fail to explain why they like the cafe, making their answer less personal and relatable. Sharing personal experiences makes your response more engaging.

Tip

Share a specific memory or feeling associated with the cafe, such as a special occasion or a favorite moment spent there, to create a connection.