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 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 it hard to forget the taste for a week. Each bite brings back fond memories of my time spent there with friends.

How does visiting cafes with friends enhance your experience?

Visiting cafes with friends enhances the experience by creating a social atmosphere filled with laughter and shared moments. It allows us to bond over good food and reminisce about our college days, making the experience more enjoyable and memorable.

What other cafes do you enjoy, and how do they compare to Half Way Cafe?

I enjoy visiting a few other cafes, but Half Way Cafe stands out due to its unique offerings and the memories attached to it. While other cafes may have great ambiance or different menus, none have the same personal connection and nostalgia that I feel for Half Way Cafe.

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 enjoy a hot chocolate and a pastry while reading a book or chatting with friends. The ambiance encourages relaxation, so I often take my time to unwind and enjoy the moment.

How does the atmosphere of a cafe affect your experience?

The atmosphere of a cafe greatly influences my experience. A serene and beautiful environment like Sapa helps me relax and enjoy my time there. It allows me to escape from daily stress and truly savor my food and company.

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 laughter. Each experience offers something unique and enjoyable.

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. Comfortable seating and a welcoming vibe are essential for relaxation and socializing. Additionally, having games or activities can enhance the experience, making it a fun place to spend time with friends.

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. We often explore new places, but Glow Cafe has become a favorite due to its ambiance and food. Regular visits help strengthen friendships and create lasting memories.

What other activities do you enjoy doing at cafes?

Besides chatting and enjoying food, I love playing board games or reading a book at cafes. Some cafes have a relaxed vibe that makes it perfect for studying or working on personal projects. It’s nice to have a change of scenery while still being productive or entertained.

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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 makes the atmosphere of the cafe special for you?

The atmosphere at God's Own Country is special because of its serene location by the beach. The combination of the sound of waves, the beautiful sunset, and the presence of nature creates a peaceful environment that allows me to relax and enjoy my coffee.

How do you feel about the food options at the cafe?

I love the food options at the cafe, especially their seafood dishes like fish and prawns. The croissants are also a must-try. The menu caters to my taste, and I appreciate the variety they offer, which makes each visit exciting.

Do you think cafes play an important role in socializing?

Absolutely! Cafes like God's Own Country provide a great space for socializing. Whether I'm with friends enjoying live music or just relaxing with my dog, the cafe's vibe encourages interaction and creates memorable experiences.

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 a small Italian cafe called Caffe Nero. They serve amazing pastries and authentic Italian coffee. The atmosphere is cozy, and it's a great place to relax and catch up with friends.

How important is the ambience of a cafe to you?

The ambience is extremely important to me. A good atmosphere enhances the overall experience. I love places that have a unique decor and a comfortable setting, as it makes my time there more enjoyable and helps me relax.

Do you prefer visiting cafes alone or with friends?

I prefer visiting cafes with friends. Sharing good food and drinks with others makes the experience more enjoyable. We can chat, laugh, and create memories together, which adds to the joy of the cafe visit.

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.

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