Describe a city you have been to and want to visit again.: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

Where is it?
When & why did you visit there?
Would you go back?

139 unique answers with expert feedback

What specific memories do you cherish from your visits to Mumbai?

One specific memory I cherish is the road trip I took with my sister. We explored the local sights, enjoyed the vibrant street food, and experienced the monsoon rains together. Those moments of joy and adventure really made my visits special.

How does Mumbai compare to other cities you've visited?

Mumbai stands out due to its unique blend of chaos and calm. Unlike other cities, it has a vibrant energy combined with serene spots. The local transport system is also exceptional, making it easy to navigate and explore, which I haven't experienced in other places.

What places in Mumbai would you recommend to someone visiting for the first time?

I would recommend visiting Marine Drive for its stunning views, the Gateway of India for its historical significance, and exploring the local markets for authentic street food. Each of these places offers a glimpse into the heart of Mumbai's culture and charm.

Band >7

00:00

The city that I've been to is Kolkata and I will definitely want to visit again. Kolkata is a city in West Bengal, which is in the northern part of India and I visited when I was very young because my father had to work there. So I got an opportunity to see how the city was. I really loved the sweets from that place and the chat items. The street food was very good. I was amazed by the people and their kindness. So I also got a lot of friends from there, it was very interesting. I love to see the trams on the street because we usually don't have trams back in Chennai. So it was nice to see, it was also, we went a lot of places like Victoria Memorial that I found amusing and the place generally has a happy vibe to it and I really liked because I found a lot of friends, I had a lot of friends there. The fish was amazing and I will go back just for the food. In my, in the future, if I ever get an opportunity to go to Kolkata, I will take the first opportunity to go to Kolkata.

Follow up questions

What specific places in Kolkata would you like to visit again?

I would love to revisit Victoria Memorial for its beautiful architecture and serene gardens. Additionally, I'd like to explore more of the local markets and try different street foods that I missed during my last visit.

How does Kolkata compare to other cities you have visited?

Kolkata has a unique charm with its rich culture and history. Unlike Chennai, where I live, Kolkata has a vibrant street food scene and a different pace of life. The kindness of the people and the presence of trams make it stand out in my memory.

What are some cultural experiences you had in Kolkata?

I experienced the local festivals, which were colorful and lively. The warmth of the people during these celebrations was heartwarming. I also enjoyed learning about Bengali traditions and trying traditional sweets, which added to my appreciation of the culture.

Band >7

00:00

The city that I recently visited was Montreal, which is in the Quebec province in Canada. I was visiting Canada for a month to visit my brother and he and I decided that we should travel to Montreal because he did his masters there and he had told me it's apparently a very beautiful city so we decided to go there. This was in the first week of July 2025 and it was absolutely beautiful. The city life was amazing. It was much cheaper than Toronto. The nightlife was vibrant. Even during the day it was so beautiful. It reminded me of Eastern Europe. Very pretty. And I would love to go back again because we were there only for three days and we had plans with his friends so I did not get to see many places that I had wished I had gone to places I had on my list. So I would love to go back and visit those places again with my whole family this time.

Follow up questions

What specific places in Montreal do you want to visit next time?

Next time, I would love to visit the Notre-Dame Basilica, Mount Royal Park, and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. I also want to explore the local cuisine more and try some famous dishes like poutine and bagels.

How does Montreal compare to other cities you've visited?

Montreal has a unique blend of European charm and North American culture. Unlike Toronto, it feels more laid-back and artistic. The architecture and street art give it a distinct vibe that I haven't experienced in other cities.

What activities would you like to do with your family in Montreal?

With my family, I would love to take a guided tour of the city, visit local markets, and enjoy outdoor activities like biking along the Lachine Canal. I also want to experience the festivals that Montreal is famous for, like the Jazz Festival.

Practice other cue cards

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Describe an unusual but interesting building you would like to visit

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Describe a tourist attraction that very few people visit but you think is interesting

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Describe A Quiet Place You Like To Go

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Describe a place in your country or part of your country that you would like to recommend to visitors/travellers

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Describe a place you have been to and would like to recommend others to live there (not your hometown)

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Describe a place with a lot of trees that you would like to visit (e.g. a forest, oasis)

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Band >7

00:00

The most unforgettable trip I have taken was to Sussex, UK, when I went there for a summer school in University of Sussex. First of all, I couldn't believe that a university's campus could be so breathtaking. It had, it was right in the middle of a forest and it had ancient architecture, so walking around it felt like I was in some different era. Apart from that, the most important thing was that I got to meet a lot of new people. I had the opportunity to connect to people from different countries like Turkey, China, Ireland, Italy, and I was a bit shy at the start to, I was a bit hesitant at the start to, you know, socialise, but this experience pushed me out of my comfort zone and I was able to, you know, and I think now I'm very, now it had, it helped me get better at, you know, interacting with other people. Another highlight was my trip to London. The place, the iconic landmarks, the people, the food, everything was just perfect. I remember standing by the Thames and watching the London Bridge, it felt like I was dreaming. I think it was the most wonderful experience I've ever had because of the friends I made and the personal growth I attained. If ever given the chance, I would just love to go back to Sussex and relive everything all over again.

Follow up questions

What specific memories do you have from your time in Sussex?

I remember the beautiful campus, the ancient architecture, and the feeling of being in a different era. I also recall the friendships I formed and the late-night discussions we had. The experience was enriching and left a lasting impression on me.

How did your experience in Sussex influence your view on traveling?

My time in Sussex opened my eyes to the beauty of cultural exchange. It made me realize how travel can enhance personal growth and help overcome shyness. I now appreciate the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone when exploring new places.

What other cities would you like to visit and why?

I would love to visit cities like Paris for its art and culture, Tokyo for its blend of tradition and modernity, and Barcelona for its unique architecture. Each city offers a different experience that I believe would contribute to my personal growth and understanding of the world.

Band 7

00:00

Last year I went to the city of Jaipur in Rajasthan. I found the city to be absolutely well structured especially when it comes to landscape. I found Jaipur to have vibrant colors all across the city, huge roads and really good traffic sense. People in Jaipur are proud of living in it and maintain a good civic sense. I also noticed that the people in this city are very polite and very generous especially towards tourists. They are very hospitable and they welcome you with grand gestures. I would absolutely love to visit Jaipur again for its rich cultural diversity.

Follow up questions

What specific cultural experiences did you enjoy in Jaipur?

In Jaipur, I enjoyed visiting historical sites like the Amber Fort and City Palace. The local festivals, such as Teej, showcased vibrant traditions and customs. I also loved trying authentic Rajasthani cuisine, which was a delightful experience that reflected the rich culture of the city.

How does Jaipur compare to other cities you have visited?

Jaipur stands out due to its unique blend of history and modernity. Unlike other cities, it has a distinct architectural style with its pink buildings and forts. The hospitality of the locals is also exceptional, making it a memorable experience compared to other places I've been.

What are some activities you would like to do on your next visit to Jaipur?

On my next visit to Jaipur, I would love to explore more local markets, such as Johari Bazaar, for handicrafts. I also want to attend a traditional dance performance and perhaps take a hot air balloon ride to see the city from above, which would be an exhilarating experience.

Show all 139 answers

Cue 1:Where is it?

Begin with a brief introduction of the city, including its geographical location.
Mention any notable landmarks or features that make the city unique.

Example

The city I want to talk about is Jaipur, located in the northern part of India, in the state of Rajasthan. It is famously known as the Pink City due to its distinct pink-colored buildings and rich cultural heritage.

Cue 2:When & why did you visit there?

Provide details about your visit, including the time of year and the duration of your stay.
Explain the reasons for your visit, such as tourism, family, or work.

Example

I visited Jaipur last year during the winter holidays for about a week. I had always wanted to explore its historical sites and experience the vibrant culture, especially the famous Amer Fort and Hawa Mahal.

Cue 3:Would you go back?

Express your feelings about returning to the city, highlighting what you would like to do differently or explore further.
Mention any specific experiences or places you missed during your last visit that you would like to see.

Example

Absolutely, I would love to go back to Jaipur! I want to visit the local markets to shop for traditional handicrafts and try more of the delicious Rajasthani cuisine, which I didn’t get enough of during my last trip.

Conclusion

Summarize your overall feelings about the city and your desire to return.
Reiterate the unique aspects that make the city special to you.

Example

In conclusion, Jaipur holds a special place in my heart due to its stunning architecture and rich traditions. I look forward to revisiting and immersing myself in its beauty once again.

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 less engaging. Avoid general statements that don't provide specific details about the city.

Tip

Include specific landmarks, cultural experiences, or personal anecdotes to make your description vivid and memorable.

2: Ignoring the Cues

Not addressing all the cues can lead to an incomplete answer. This may result in a lower score for coherence and relevance.

Tip

Structure your response by clearly answering each cue: location, visit details, and your desire to return.

Overly Long Responses

Giving excessively long answers can lose the listener's interest and make it hard to follow your main points.

Tip

Be concise and focused. Aim for clear, structured responses that cover all points without unnecessary elaboration.

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Anonymous student Band 7.5

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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

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Anonymous student Band 8

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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

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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

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Anonymous student Band 7

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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

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Anonymous student Band 7.5

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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.