Describe a countryside area that you have been to: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

Where is it?
When and why you went there?
Who you went there with?
And explain how you felt about it.

34 unique answers with expert feedback

What activities do you enjoy doing in the countryside?

In the countryside, I love engaging in outdoor activities like playing games with the neighborhood children, exploring nature, and sometimes helping with farming tasks. These activities not only strengthen my bond with family and friends but also allow me to appreciate the beauty of rural life.

How does living in the countryside differ from living in the city?

Living in the countryside is much quieter and more peaceful compared to the hustle and bustle of city life. The community is closer-knit, and people tend to know each other well. Additionally, the natural surroundings and fresh air contribute to a healthier lifestyle, which is often lacking in urban areas.

What are some challenges faced by people living in rural areas?

People in rural areas often face challenges such as limited access to healthcare, education, and job opportunities. Infrastructure may not be as developed, leading to difficulties in transportation and communication. However, the strong sense of community often helps them overcome these challenges together.

Band 7

00:00

I usually don't travel because of my grandmother's health. I remember I traveled six years ago to Agran and Mathura. It was a vacation with my family, a summer vacation to be more precisely, and we went to see Taj Mahal. Although the people around me were busy capturing its beauty into their mobile phones, but I was struck seeing its beauty. It was very beautiful, the way the marbles were crafted and the white color in the contrast with the garden around it, as well as whenever the sun illuminates and its light struck to the Taj Mahal makes it glow. It was such a beautiful moment that even today I couldn't forget. I always remember whenever I go to any vacation, but I still couldn't forget the Taj Mahal. As well as, other than Taj Mahal, I also went to Krishan Temple.

Follow up questions

What other places would you like to visit in the countryside?

I would love to visit places like the hills of Himachal Pradesh or the beaches of Goa. The serene environment and natural beauty of these places attract me. I think spending time in nature can be very refreshing and a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

How do you feel about the preservation of historical sites like the Taj Mahal?

I believe it's crucial to preserve historical sites like the Taj Mahal. They are not only a part of our heritage but also attract tourists, which helps the local economy. It's important to maintain their beauty and significance for future generations to appreciate.

What activities do you enjoy doing when you visit the countryside?

When I visit the countryside, I enjoy activities like hiking, exploring local markets, and trying traditional foods. I also love taking photographs of the landscapes and spending time with family in a peaceful environment away from the city.

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

The place that I have visited is Goa, though it was a hardest place to visit throughout a country because it is visited on a specific period basis only. It was very hard for me to take the decision to whether go to Goa or not because I am kind of an introvert person. However, my friends have forced me or else I can say they have convinced me to visit the Goa and they have planned all the throughout ways, all the tickets, everything they have planned. The only thing I have to do is just go with them. So in that moment, we have started it from Hyderabad. We have traveled it through a train where we have the most beautiful cities we have gone through or I can say most beautiful landscapes that are very fascinating to watch and very mesmerizing to watch. So we have went through all these cities, had a beautiful places throughout all and we have got through a place called Doodh Sagar waterfalls. It was amazing to watch, it was very mesmerizing to watch. I could not express it in words because the view was very fantastic that only one can experience it through visualization and after that we have reached Goa. We had spent a very lot of time there at the beaches, there were several beaches and we have done a few shopping over 2 to 3 days in a week and we have returned with all the packed baggages and also with some champagnes and wines which are almost cheap in Goa to take. We have bought few wine bottles, kept it in bag, took the permission and after a week we have returned to home. It was quite great experience for me.

Follow up questions

What activities did you enjoy the most in Goa?

I really enjoyed spending time at the beaches, relaxing and soaking up the sun. We also tried various water sports, which were thrilling. Shopping for local handicrafts and tasting the delicious seafood was another highlight of the trip.

How did you feel about traveling with friends?

Traveling with friends was a great experience for me. Although I'm an introvert, their enthusiasm helped me step out of my comfort zone. It was fun to share moments and create memories together, which made the trip even more enjoyable.

Would you recommend visiting Goa to others? Why?

Absolutely! Goa has a unique charm with its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and delicious food. It's a great place to relax and unwind, and the scenic landscapes are breathtaking. I think everyone should experience it at least once.

Band 6-7

00:00

Last December I went to a small village near Bhopal, which is called Mandori village, it's in the state of Madhya Pradesh. I went there with my family during our winter holidays around Christmas. Mandori is a very small village with a lot of lakes around. The near most beautiful lake surrounding the village is the Kalyasad lake. It's a man lake formed due to the Kalyasad dam that is in the vicinity. It's an amazing place to be in. It is extremely beautiful and I was completely enchanted and fascinated by the surroundings. The place was so serene that the peace in the surroundings helped me fill myself with a sense of tranquility within. In fact, the people in that village were also very friendly because at that time our car broke down and we had not packed enough water and lunch. One of the people working in the farms even offered to help us and even made us try the local food that was made in their home. It was a perfect way to experience the countryside culture as well as immerse myself in the beauty of the nature. It was a memorable visit to the countryside that I will always hold true close to my heart.

Follow up questions

What activities did you enjoy while visiting Mandori village?

During my visit to Mandori village, I enjoyed exploring the beautiful lakes, taking long walks in nature, and interacting with the locals. We also participated in some traditional farming activities, which gave us a deeper appreciation for the countryside lifestyle.

How does the countryside differ from urban areas in your opinion?

The countryside offers a peaceful and serene environment, which is a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of urban areas. In the countryside, you can connect with nature, enjoy fresh air, and experience a slower pace of life, which I find very refreshing.

Would you recommend visiting rural areas to others? Why?

Absolutely! Visiting rural areas allows you to experience authentic culture, meet friendly locals, and enjoy breathtaking natural beauty. It’s a great way to escape the stress of city life and appreciate the simple joys of life in the countryside.

Band 6-7

00:00

The countryside that I have been to was none other than Lajlum. It is in Meghalaya state, which has a very beautiful plateau and also just by looking at it, it has a panoramic view of the valley and the mountain there in Lajlum. I went there with my friend a few years back, around five years ago, and I was over the moon when I saw the place and also I could experience the calmness of the nature and also it helps me to relax my mind. My main purpose of going there is to recharge my mind after a hectic day at work. So I just wanted to relax my mind and my body and I went there with my friend. The scenic beauty of this place is very captivating and eye-catching. It is a place where many tourists came from everywhere, especially from northeast India like Assam and Meghalaya. The place itself is very picturesque and you wouldn't want to go back when you experience the tranquility and the serenity.

Follow up questions

What activities can visitors do in Lajlum?

Visitors to Lajlum can enjoy trekking, photography, and exploring the local flora and fauna. The panoramic views make it a perfect spot for nature walks and picnics. Additionally, visitors can engage with local culture and cuisine, enhancing their overall experience in this serene environment.

How does visiting the countryside benefit your mental health?

Visiting the countryside, like Lajlum, allows individuals to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of city life. The tranquility and natural beauty help reduce stress, promote relaxation, and improve overall mental well-being. It provides a refreshing break that can rejuvenate one's mind and spirit.

What other countryside areas would you like to visit?

I would love to visit places like the hills of Himachal Pradesh or the valleys of Uttarakhand. Each region has its unique charm and beauty. Exploring different landscapes and cultures in the countryside can be a fulfilling experience, offering new adventures and relaxation opportunities.

Show all 34 answers

Cue 1:Where is it?

Begin by mentioning the name of the countryside area and its location in India.
Describe some notable features of the area, such as its natural beauty or landmarks.

Example

The countryside area I visited is called Coorg, located in the southern part of India, in the state of Karnataka. It is known for its lush green hills, coffee plantations, and stunning waterfalls.

Cue 2:When and why you went there?

Mention the time of year you visited and the occasion for your trip.
Explain your motivation for choosing this particular destination.

Example

I went to Coorg last summer during my vacation in June. I wanted to escape the heat of the city and experience the serene beauty of nature, as I had heard so much about its picturesque landscapes.

Cue 3:Who you went there with?

Talk about the people you traveled with and your relationship to them.
Share any special memories or activities you enjoyed together.

Example

I traveled with my family, including my parents and my younger sister. We had a wonderful time exploring the coffee estates and trekking to the Abbey Falls, which brought us closer together as we shared laughter and created lasting memories.

Cue 4:And explain how you felt about it.

Express your emotions and thoughts about the experience.
Mention any lasting impressions or lessons you took away from the trip.

Example

I felt incredibly relaxed and rejuvenated during my time in Coorg. The fresh air and beautiful scenery made me appreciate the simplicity of nature. It was a refreshing break from my busy life, and I returned home with a sense of peace and a desire to explore more of India’s countryside.

Conclusion

Example

In conclusion, my visit to Coorg was a memorable experience that allowed me to connect with nature and my family. It reminded me of the beauty that exists outside the hustle and bustle of city life, and I hope to visit more countryside areas in the future.

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 and informative. Avoid general statements that do not provide specific details about the countryside area.

Tip

Include specific features of the area, such as landscapes, activities, or local culture, to create a vivid picture for the examiner.

2: Ignoring the Cues

Failing to address all the cues can lead to an incomplete answer. This may result in a lower score as it shows a lack of structure in your response.

Tip

Make sure to systematically answer each cue, such as location, time, companions, and feelings, to provide a comprehensive response.

Overly Simple Language

Using overly simple language can limit your ability to showcase your English proficiency. This may not impress the examiner and could affect your score.

Tip

Try to use a variety of vocabulary and sentence structures to express your thoughts more clearly and effectively.