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?

150 unique answers with expert feedback

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

One of my fondest memories is the road trip with my sister. We explored the city, enjoyed the local cuisine, and experienced the vibrant culture. The monsoon rains added a magical touch to our adventures, making it unforgettable.

How does Mumbai compare to Hyderabad in your experience?

Mumbai feels more dynamic and bustling, yet it has a unique calmness. The transport system is efficient, allowing easy exploration. In contrast, Hyderabad has its charm, but I find Mumbai's energy and opportunities more appealing.

What places in Mumbai would you like to visit again?

I would love to revisit Marine Drive for its stunning views, explore the local markets for shopping, and enjoy the food at iconic places like Chowpatty Beach. Each visit offers something new, and I want to experience it all again.

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 want to explore more local markets and try different street foods that I missed during my last visit.

How does Kolkata's culture differ from that of Chennai?

Kolkata has a rich cultural heritage with a strong emphasis on arts, literature, and festivals. The people are very warm and welcoming, which contrasts with Chennai's more reserved nature. The food culture is also quite different, with Kolkata's sweets and street food being unique.

What activities would you do with your friends in Kolkata?

I would love to spend time with my friends exploring the city, visiting historical sites, and enjoying street food together. We could also attend cultural events or festivals, which are vibrant in Kolkata, making for a memorable experience.

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 Montreal Botanical Garden, the Old Port, and Mount Royal Park. I’ve heard so much about their beauty and the experiences they offer. I also want to explore more of the local cuisine and maybe catch a festival if the timing is right.

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 is stunning, and the food scene is diverse. I found it to be a refreshing change from the hustle and bustle of larger cities.

What activities did you enjoy during your last visit to Montreal?

During my last visit, I enjoyed exploring the local cafes and trying poutine, which is a must-have. We also walked around the historic districts, enjoyed the street performances, and experienced the vibrant nightlife. It was a great mix of relaxation and adventure.

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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 moments spent with friends. We explored the forest, attended classes, and shared meals together. Each moment felt magical, especially the late-night conversations that deepened our friendships.

How did your experience in Sussex change your perspective on traveling?

My time in Sussex opened my eyes to the beauty of cultural exchange. I learned that traveling is not just about seeing new places but also about connecting with people. It made me more open-minded and eager to explore different cultures in the future.

What other cities are on your travel list and why?

I would love to visit Paris for its art and history, Tokyo for its unique blend of tradition and modernity, and Barcelona for its architecture. Each city offers a different experience, and I’m excited to immerse myself in their cultures and meet new people.

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 aspects of Jaipur would you like to experience again?

I would love to experience the traditional festivals, local cuisine, and the vibrant arts and crafts scene. Jaipur is known for its rich heritage, including the beautiful palaces and forts, and I want to immerse myself in the local culture and traditions during my next visit.

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 royal palaces. The hospitality of the locals and the organized traffic also make it a pleasant experience compared to more chaotic cities.

What activities would you plan for your next visit to Jaipur?

On my next visit, I would plan to explore more of the local markets, visit the Amber Fort, and try cooking classes to learn about Rajasthani cuisine. I also want to take part in local events or festivals to fully experience the culture and traditions of Jaipur.

Show all 150 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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Answer

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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

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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.

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