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.

78 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 my family and neighborhood children. We often play traditional games in the paddy fields, which brings back fond memories of my childhood. Additionally, I enjoy exploring nature and appreciating the serene environment.

How does living in a countryside area differ from living in a city?

Living in the countryside offers a peaceful and close-knit community atmosphere, unlike the hustle and bustle of city life. In rural areas, people know each other well and often help one another, creating a sense of belonging. The natural beauty and slower pace of life are also significant differences.

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 as in cities, which can affect transportation and communication. Additionally, younger generations may move to cities for better prospects, leading to a decline in rural populations.

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 experiencing the countryside's tranquility would be refreshing, especially after my previous trips.

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 educate people about their significance.

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 nature, away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Band 7

00:00

I once visited a countryside area near Udaipur in Rajasthan. I went there last winter during my school holidays with my family. We wanted a break from the busy city life so we planned a short trip. The place was surrounded by green fields, small hills and clear blue skies. I remember walking through narrow village paths, seeing farmers working in the fields and hearing birds everywhere. Like life there felt calm and simple compared to the city. I went with my parents and cousins and we spent the day exploring, eating local food and enjoying the fresh air. I felt very peaceful and refreshed there as if all stress was left behind. It gave me a sense of closeness to nature and a slower, more relaxed lifestyle.

Follow up questions

What activities did you enjoy the most during your visit to the countryside?

I really enjoyed exploring the village paths and interacting with the locals. The highlight was trying the local food, which was delicious and unique. We also spent time relaxing in the fields, which was a great way to connect with nature.

How does the countryside compare to the city in your opinion?

The countryside is much calmer and more peaceful than the city. In the city, life is fast-paced and often stressful, while in the countryside, everything feels slower and more relaxed. I appreciate the simplicity and beauty of nature, which is often missing in urban environments.

Would you like to visit the countryside again in the future?

Absolutely! I would love to return to the countryside. It was a refreshing escape from city life, and I think it’s important to reconnect with nature. I would also like to explore more rural areas and experience different cultures and lifestyles.

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 Quiet Place You Like To Go

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

Band 7

00:00

A countryside I have been visited is Poonmudi, located in the backdrop of picturesque hills, luscious valleys, verdant landscapes and idyllic countrysides. I visited Poonmudi for the first time in the year 2022 along with my friend for a small staycation in a resort there, named High Hills. I felt a lot of emotions together when I visited there, first and foremost, I felt the place was so colourful and resplendent because of its scenery, it offered me a constant source of comfort and a cathartic relief from the pressure of a busy schedule. What sets Poonmudi apart from other places is its soothing and emotionally enriching climate, Poonmudi not only helps me to unwind, but also connects me to my cultural roots.

Follow up questions

What activities did you enjoy while visiting Poonmudi?

During my visit to Poonmudi, I enjoyed hiking in the hills, exploring the lush valleys, and taking long walks in the serene environment. The fresh air and beautiful scenery made every activity feel refreshing and rejuvenating.

How does visiting the countryside compare to urban areas for you?

Visiting the countryside like Poonmudi offers a stark contrast to urban life. The tranquility, natural beauty, and slower pace allow me to relax and recharge, whereas urban areas often feel hectic and overwhelming.

What cultural aspects did you connect with during your visit?

In Poonmudi, I connected with local traditions, such as the cuisine and folk music. The warmth of the local people and their stories about the land deepened my appreciation for my cultural roots and made the experience even more enriching.

Band 7

00:00

A countryside area that I have recently been to is Bhutan. In Bhutan, I specifically went to a Dzong, Dzong is nothing but a temple and it was situated in this countryside with water, surrounded with mountains and also a very small bridge. I went there in the month of March for the purpose of vacation for 10 days. The weather was super cold, the temperature was around 5 degrees to 10 degrees and I went there along with a group of 10 Bhutan people, 3 of them were girls including me and the rest of them were boys. This experience was exhilarating, amazing and also overwhelming. This Dzong was situated in such an area where nature came alive. My soul literally felt devotion, there was a glimpse of the cultural blast, the tradition of the Bhutanese festivals, what they wear, the colours, it was explosive.

Follow up questions

What activities did you enjoy while visiting the countryside in Bhutan?

During my visit, I enjoyed exploring the Dzong, hiking in the surrounding mountains, and experiencing local festivals. The vibrant colors of traditional Bhutanese clothing and the serene environment made every activity memorable.

How does the countryside in Bhutan compare to urban areas you have visited?

The countryside in Bhutan is vastly different from urban areas. It is peaceful, with stunning natural landscapes and a slower pace of life. In contrast, urban areas are bustling with activity, noise, and modern conveniences, which can be overwhelming.

What cultural aspects of Bhutan did you find most interesting?

I found the Bhutanese festivals and their traditional attire fascinating. The way they celebrate their culture with music, dance, and colorful clothing was truly captivating. It gave me a deeper appreciation for their rich heritage and customs.

Show all 78 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.

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.