Describe a change that benefitted your neighborhood.: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

What change was it & why was it made?
How was it implemented?

21 unique answers with expert feedback

What other changes would you like to see in your neighborhood?

I would love to see more community events organized, like festivals or sports tournaments. It would help bring everyone together and strengthen our community bonds. Additionally, improving public transportation options would make it easier for residents to access nearby areas.

How do you think the park extension has impacted the community?

The park extension has significantly improved the quality of life for families in the neighborhood. Kids now have a safe place to play, which encourages outdoor activities and social interactions. It has also fostered a sense of community pride and involvement among residents.

What role do you think community meetings play in neighborhood improvements?

Community meetings are crucial as they provide a platform for residents to voice their concerns and ideas. They promote collaboration and ensure that everyone's opinions are considered in decision-making processes. This collective effort often leads to more effective and accepted changes.

Band 7

00:00

The one change that has benefited our neighborhood is plantation of flora and fauna in our environment. Nature has its own power to impact people's perspectives and ideas on their lifestyles. Daily we see a lot of greenery around our environment and in our neighborhood makes people gather together to embrace its positive vibes and enhance communication between humans and the nature. The mother nature has it all and owns the power of changing from a passive state to an active state and therefore makes humans connected in all possible ways. In fact, I would love the idea of gathering of our neighborhoods at one place over a dinner and discussing our daily moments and capturing memories and creating things that feel like a family is a great way to live a life. Which is why I love to live my life in my neighborhood. This one thing has entirely made neighborhood into a family staying community. This small environment changes could bring people at ease and follow such sustainable development practices makes life easier.

Follow up questions

How do you think greenery affects community interactions?

Greenery fosters a sense of community by providing a shared space for people to gather, relax, and communicate. It encourages outdoor activities and social events, which strengthen relationships among neighbors and create a more connected environment.

What other changes could improve your neighborhood?

In addition to more greenery, introducing community events, improving public transportation, and enhancing safety measures could significantly benefit our neighborhood. These changes would promote engagement, accessibility, and a sense of security among residents.

How can communities encourage sustainable practices?

Communities can encourage sustainable practices by organizing workshops on recycling, promoting local gardening initiatives, and creating awareness about environmental issues. Engaging residents in these activities can foster a culture of sustainability and responsibility.

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 6-7

00:00

Yeah, I am here to talk about the change that benefited our neighborhood. So the change was that a park was constructed in our neighborhood right besides our society. So this park helped the people to do some outdoor activities like cycling, jogging and doing yoga. This was majorly done as a common consensus by the society of the people like option was given to the society of the people whether they wanted a parking area, a park or a dedicated bus stop for the society. So the people of the society voted for the park in order to have an open green space for their outdoor activity. Further, this project was implemented by the local governing council of the city and the funding was done 50-50 by public and 50% by the government or by the local government. The implementation took place phase wise, first the park was developed, the lawn, the sitting area and later on in the phase 2, a cycling track and a sit out area to do yoga was made. Further, there are possibilities of expansion to make a cafe in the park.

Follow up questions

What other changes could improve your neighborhood?

Other changes that could improve our neighborhood might include better public transportation options, more community events, or additional recreational facilities. These changes could enhance the quality of life and foster a stronger sense of community among residents.

How do parks impact community health?

Parks significantly impact community health by providing spaces for physical activities, reducing stress, and promoting social interactions. They encourage people to engage in exercise, which can lead to better physical and mental health outcomes for the community.

What role do local governments play in community development?

Local governments play a crucial role in community development by planning and funding projects that meet the needs of residents. They facilitate community engagement, allocate resources, and ensure that developments align with the community's interests and well-being.

Band 6-7

00:00

The recent change that has benefited to my local area or my neighborhood is the gas pipeline. So in few days back, our area has been installed with the gas pipeline. Earlier, we didn't have gas pipeline installed and that's why we used to put gas in the kitchen. The gas was gas cylinder that we used to put in our kitchen and from there it was really not safe because the gas leak and the gas incidents have always happened. But due to the gas pipeline that has been added recently, it is really safe and it also reduces the bills that come monthly. It is more eco-friendly option and great for the environment. The process of installation of the gas included, first they covered area one by one, building by building and a large gas pipeline was installed from top to bottom of the building and each pipe reached the home with someone's gallery or kitchen window to their gas, to their stove and this is the way it was installed. The construction of this was going on for several days which caused a little inconvenience but the end result was totally worth it. Now people are using it, the gas pipeline very fondly and precisely.

Follow up questions

What other changes would you like to see in your neighborhood?

I would love to see more green spaces and parks in our neighborhood. It would provide a place for families to relax and children to play. Additionally, better public transportation options would make it easier for residents to commute and access nearby areas.

How do you think the gas pipeline installation affected local businesses?

The installation of the gas pipeline likely had a positive impact on local businesses, especially restaurants and cafes. They can now use gas more efficiently and safely, which may lead to lower operational costs and improved food preparation, ultimately attracting more customers.

What safety measures should be taken with gas pipelines?

It's important to have regular inspections and maintenance of gas pipelines to prevent leaks. Additionally, educating residents about gas safety, such as recognizing the smell of gas and knowing how to respond in case of a leak, is crucial for ensuring everyone's safety.

Band 6-7

00:00

There were many changes in our neighborhood but I think the most biggest change that benefited our neighborhood was the Kaveri Hospital. It is a big private hospital which was established recently. I think it helps all the people around this area to get access to better doctors and better facilities at a bigger hospital. Before this there was not much of access to a good hospital because we had to travel for more than 4-5 km and in case of emergencies it was very difficult to get or reach there on time. So I think this will help all the people surrounding this hospital to get easier access to facilities. Also I think there are many clinics around this hospital which are good but I think having a big hospital will help citizens in a lot better way. I can give you a real life example of when my mom was sick. My mom was really sick. She has an asthma. She had an asthma attack around July when it was a rainy season. That time it was difficult for us to get to a big hospital and this hospital was built recently so we couldn't go there and we got her treated. It was in the middle of the night at 12 pm around. I think that helped her a lot and that helped all of us a lot and I have heard many stories from all my neighbors and friends also who live in this area that they felt this hospital was such a great boon to them and such a great advantage that it is built here.

Follow up questions

How do you think the hospital has changed the community's health outcomes?

The hospital has significantly improved health outcomes by providing immediate access to medical care. Residents can now receive timely treatment for emergencies, which reduces the risk of complications. Additionally, regular health check-ups and preventive care are more accessible, leading to overall better health in the community.

What other facilities do you think are important for a neighborhood?

In addition to hospitals, I believe that having good schools, parks, and recreational centers is essential. These facilities promote education, physical health, and community bonding. Access to grocery stores and public transport also plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life in a neighborhood.

Have you noticed any changes in community interactions since the hospital opened?

Yes, since the hospital opened, I've noticed that neighbors are more likely to interact and share experiences related to health. People often discuss their visits to the hospital, share recommendations for doctors, and even organize health awareness programs, fostering a stronger sense of community.

Show all 21 answers

Cue 1:What change was it & why was it made?

Begin by clearly stating the specific change that occurred in your neighborhood.
Explain the reasons behind this change, focusing on the needs of the community.

Example

Recently, our neighborhood underwent a significant transformation with the introduction of a community park. This change was made to provide a green space for families and children, as there were very few recreational areas available.

Cue 2:How was it implemented?

Describe the steps taken to implement the change, including any community involvement.
Mention any challenges faced during the implementation and how they were overcome.

Example

The implementation involved several community meetings where residents voiced their ideas and concerns. Local authorities collaborated with us to design the park, and volunteers helped with the landscaping. Initially, there were issues with funding, but a crowdfunding campaign helped us gather the necessary resources.

Cue 3:What benefits has it brought to the neighborhood?

Discuss the positive impacts of the change on the community.
Share personal experiences or observations that highlight these benefits.

Example

Since the park opened, it has become a hub for community activities. Families now spend weekends there, and children have a safe place to play. Personally, I’ve made new friends while participating in yoga classes held in the park, which has greatly enhanced my sense of belonging.

Conclusion

Summarize the overall impact of the change on your neighborhood.
Reflect on how this change has improved the quality of life for residents.

Example

In conclusion, the creation of the community park has not only beautified our neighborhood but has also fostered a stronger sense of community. It has improved our quality of life by providing a space for relaxation and social interaction, making our neighborhood a better place to live.

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: Vague Descriptions

Using vague language can make your answer unclear. It's important to provide specific details about the change and its benefits to engage the listener.

Tip

Use clear examples and specific details to explain the change and its impact on your neighborhood.

2: Ignoring Implementation Details

Failing to explain how the change was implemented can leave your answer incomplete. This information is crucial for understanding the process and effort involved.

Tip

Describe the steps taken to implement the change, including who was involved and any challenges faced.

Lack of Personal Connection

Not sharing your personal feelings or experiences related to the change can make your response less engaging. Personal stories can enhance your answer.

Tip

Include your personal perspective on the change and how it has affected you and your community.