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?

163 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, exploring the vibrant streets and enjoying the local cuisine. The monsoon season added a magical touch, with the rain creating a beautiful atmosphere. I also remember visiting iconic places like Marine Drive and the Gateway of India.

How does Mumbai compare to other cities you have visited?

Mumbai stands out due to its unique blend of chaos and calm. Unlike Hyderabad, where I feel more at home, Mumbai offers a different energy with its bustling life and serene spots. The efficient transport system and the diversity of people make it a city like no other.

What places in Mumbai do you plan to visit on your next trip?

On my next visit, I want to explore more of South Mumbai, including Colaba and Fort. I also plan to visit some cultural spots like the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and the Kala Ghoda Art Precinct. Additionally, I’d love to spend more time with my relatives and friends there.

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 stunning architecture and serene gardens. Additionally, I want to explore the Howrah Bridge again, as it's an iconic symbol of the city. The local markets are also on my list to experience the vibrant culture and shop for sweets.

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 food culture is diverse, with unique sweets and street food offerings. In contrast, Chennai has a more traditional South Indian influence, focusing on different cuisines and cultural practices.

What memories do you have of your friends in Kolkata?

I have fond memories of playing with my friends in the parks and sharing street food. We would often explore the city together, and their warmth and hospitality made my visit unforgettable. I still keep in touch with some of them, and I cherish those friendships.

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 wish to visit next time?

Next time, I would love to visit the Montreal Botanical Garden, the Old Port, and Mount Royal Park. I heard the views from Mount Royal are stunning, and the Botanical Garden is one of the largest in the world, which I missed during my last visit.

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

Montreal has a unique blend of European charm and North American culture. Compared to cities like Toronto, it feels more relaxed and has a vibrant arts scene. The architecture and the food, especially the poutine, are also highlights that set it apart from other cities I've been to.

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

With my family, I would love to explore the local cuisine, visit museums, and enjoy outdoor activities like biking along the Lachine Canal. I think it would be great to experience the city's festivals and maybe even catch a Canadiens hockey game together.

Practice other cue cards

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

View answers

Describe an unusual but interesting building you would like to visit

View answers

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

View answers

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

View answers

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

View answers

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

View answers

Describe A Long Car Journey You Went On

View answers

Describe a place you went to and an outdoor activity you did there

View answers

Describe A Place Where You Are Able To Relax

View answers

Describe a bicycle / motorcycle / car trip you would like to go on

View answers

Describe a garden you remember visiting.

View answers

Describe a popular place for sports (e.g. a stadium) that you've been to

View answers

Describe A Foreign Country You Would Like To Visit In The Future

View answers

Describe a beautiful city

View answers

Describe a long journey you had and would like to take again

View answers

Talk about a trip where you encountered danger.

View answers

Describe A Noisy Place You Have Been To

View answers

Describe a beautiful place to visit in your country.

View answers

Describe A Natural Place (E.G., Parks, Mountains)

View answers

Describe Someone You Know Who Has Recently Moved To A New Place

View answers

Describe a place you visited and enjoyed in the countryside

View answers

Describe an interesting place you have been to with a friend

View answers

Describe A Quiet Place You Like To Go

View answers

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 stunning architecture and the serene forest surroundings. I also cherish the moments spent with friends, exploring the campus and sharing stories. The late-night discussions and laughter during our summer school sessions are etched in my memory.

How did your experience in Sussex influence your perspective on travel?

My time in Sussex opened my eyes to the beauty of cultural exchange. It taught me the value of stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing new experiences. I now view travel as an opportunity for personal growth and connection with others.

What other cities are on your travel bucket list and why?

I would love to visit cities like Kyoto for its rich history and culture, Barcelona for its unique architecture, and New York for its vibrant energy. Each city offers a different experience that I believe would further enrich my understanding of the world.

Band 7

00:00

The city that I've been to and want to visit again is none other than my hometown, Thalesheri. Now Thalesheri is this little corner of the even more surprisingly beautiful state of Kerala. I've been there for the past 17 years of my life and Thalesheri to this state does not fail to surprise me. Every single year the city keeps pushing out, branching out with new cafes or restaurants or playgrounds that are even better than the ones of the year before. And in that hometown lies my homeland, MCN Cliff. It is a villa kind of compound with up to 70 houses with one of them being my own. Each of them while they are visually similar are so totally different from each other. They reflect their owner's personality, style and individuality. With each of them having different but brightly coloured roofs, their interiors are so different and according to each of their style. Thalesheri lies by the coastlines of the Arabian Sea hugged by water on all three sides. Thalesheri remains windy and cold throughout the whole year. Even during summer when the entirety of Kerala experiences blazing sun, Thalesheri remains comparatively cooler and windy to be exact. To the point that you don't see people having ice creams and so during the summer but chai's to keep their body warm.

Follow up questions

What are some popular attractions in Thalesheri?

Thalesheri is known for its beautiful beaches and scenic views of the Arabian Sea. The local cafes and restaurants offer delicious Kerala cuisine, and there are several parks and playgrounds for families. The unique architecture of the villas in MCN Cliff also attracts visitors who appreciate individuality.

How has Thalesheri changed over the years?

Thalesheri has evolved significantly, with new establishments like cafes and restaurants emerging each year. The community has become more vibrant, with more activities and events that reflect the local culture. The development has maintained the charm of the town while introducing modern amenities.

What do you miss the most about Thalesheri when you are away?

When I'm away from Thalesheri, I miss the cool, breezy weather and the comforting atmosphere of my hometown. The sense of community, the unique character of each villa in MCN Cliff, and the delicious local food are irreplaceable. I also miss the peaceful coastline and the stunning sunsets.

Show all 163 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.

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.