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 enjoy playing games with the neighborhood children, exploring nature, and helping with farming activities. It's a great way to bond with family and friends while appreciating the beauty of the rural landscape.

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 the city. There's a strong sense of community, and people are more connected to nature and agriculture, which creates a different lifestyle focused on simplicity and togetherness.

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. Additionally, they may struggle with infrastructure issues, such as poor roads and lack of public transport, which can make daily life more difficult.

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 explore more rural areas, especially places known for their natural beauty like Himachal Pradesh or Uttarakhand. I think the serene landscapes and the simplicity of life in the countryside would be a refreshing change from the hustle and bustle of the city.

How do you think countryside areas differ from urban areas?

Countryside areas are generally quieter and more peaceful compared to urban areas. They often have beautiful landscapes, fresh air, and a slower pace of life. In contrast, urban areas are bustling with activity, have more amenities, but can be overwhelming and noisy.

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

When I visit the countryside, I enjoy activities like hiking, exploring nature, and spending time with family. I also love visiting local markets and trying traditional foods. It's a great way to connect with the culture and enjoy the tranquility of nature.

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 went shopping for local souvenirs and enjoyed the vibrant nightlife. The food was amazing too, especially the seafood, which made the experience even more memorable.

How did the trip to Goa change your perspective on traveling?

Initially, I was hesitant about traveling due to my introverted nature. However, this trip helped me realize the joy of exploring new places and spending time with friends. It opened my eyes to the beauty of nature and the fun of experiencing different cultures.

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 perfect getaway for anyone looking to relax or have fun. The scenic landscapes and friendly locals make it a memorable destination for travelers.

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 doing in Mandori village?

In Mandori village, I enjoyed exploring the lakes, taking long walks in nature, and interacting with the locals. We also spent time relaxing by the Kalyasad lake, which was perfect for unwinding and appreciating the beautiful scenery.

How does visiting the countryside differ from city life for you?

Visiting the countryside offers a stark contrast to city life. In the countryside, I experience tranquility, fresh air, and a slower pace of life. It allows me to connect with nature and appreciate the simplicity and beauty that often gets lost in the hustle and bustle of city living.

Would you recommend visiting rural areas to others? Why?

Absolutely! I would recommend visiting rural areas because they provide a unique experience of culture, nature, and community. It's a chance to escape the noise of urban life, enjoy scenic beauty, and meet friendly people who can share their traditions and way of life.

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 great spot for nature walks and relaxation. Additionally, visitors can engage with local culture and cuisine, enhancing their experience in this serene environment.

How does visiting the countryside differ from city life?

Visiting the countryside offers a stark contrast to city life, providing peace and tranquility. In the countryside, one can enjoy fresh air, natural beauty, and a slower pace of life, which helps in reducing stress. This experience allows for a deeper connection with nature and a break from the hustle and bustle of urban living.

What are some other countryside areas you would like to visit?

I would love to visit places like the Scottish Highlands for their rugged beauty, or the countryside in Tuscany, Italy, known for its rolling hills and vineyards. Each of these places offers unique landscapes and cultural experiences that would be refreshing and inspiring, much like my experience in Lajlum.

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.