Describe a crowded place you went to.: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

When & why did you go there?
Who were you with?
How did you feel about the place?

34 unique answers with expert feedback

What activities did you enjoy the most in Goa despite the crowd?

Despite the crowd, we enjoyed various activities like beach volleyball, swimming, and exploring local markets. The vibrant atmosphere made it exciting, and we also indulged in delicious local cuisine, which added to our overall experience.

How did the crowd affect your overall experience in Goa?

Initially, the crowd was a bit overwhelming, but we quickly adapted. It actually enhanced our experience as we met new people and shared moments with fellow travelers. The lively environment contributed to the fun and excitement of our trip.

Would you prefer a crowded place or a quieter destination for future vacations?

It depends on the mood! For a fun and lively experience, a crowded place like Goa is great. However, for relaxation and solitude, I would prefer a quieter destination where I can unwind and enjoy nature without distractions.

Band 6-7

00:00

The third place I've been to was a place called, it was a temple which is located in a small village called Devarayanathurga which is about 800 km from Bangalore, the place where I stay. I had been to this place about 2 months ago. I visited with my mom, my father and my mother's sister. We travelled there via public transport. We travelled early in the morning and reached there by 12 pm in the afternoon. The place was heavily crowded with a lot of people as there was a fair going on that day and they were taking the God around the temple for a ride. There was a lot of people there that day and it was really very crowded actually and that place is filled with positive vibes and people regularly visit that place because it is such a devotional place and they believe in that God a lot because people see that praying there has helped them in many ways and all of the issues have been solved. So that is the recent crowded place I've been to because that God is a really powerful God who

Follow up questions

What do you think makes a place feel crowded?

I believe a place feels crowded when there are a lot of people in a small area, making it difficult to move around. The atmosphere can become lively and energetic, but it can also feel overwhelming if there are too many people.

How do you usually feel in crowded places?

In crowded places, I often feel a mix of excitement and anxiety. The energy of the crowd can be invigorating, but sometimes I also feel a bit claustrophobic or stressed if I can't find my way through the crowd.

Do you prefer visiting crowded places or quieter ones?

I generally prefer quieter places because they allow for more relaxation and reflection. However, I do enjoy the vibrancy of crowded places occasionally, especially during festivals or events where the atmosphere is festive and communal.

Band 6-7

00:00

I usually try to avoid going in a crowded place but sometimes I have to go because of my family and my friends. Last year I went to Amritsar which is pretty much a crowded place. It has a lot of crowd. I went there in the February 2024 and I booked a train from Phagwada which is the nearby station for me and I reached there at 6am in the morning. I went there with my friend whose name is Gurdeep Kumar and we reached at sharp 6am because we have to pick a train that will be there for 6.15am. We went there at 8.30am and when we reached there, it has a lot of crowd when we reached at Amritsar railway station. After that we picked an auto to go to Golden Temple and we stayed there for almost 2-3 It took us 1 hour to do our 2 prayers for us which shows how crowded it is.

Follow up questions

What do you think are the reasons for the crowd in Amritsar?

I believe the crowd in Amritsar is mainly due to its religious significance, especially the Golden Temple, which attracts many visitors. Additionally, it is a popular tourist destination, and many people visit for cultural experiences and to enjoy the local cuisine.

How do you feel when you are in a crowded place?

When I am in a crowded place, I often feel a mix of excitement and anxiety. The energy of the crowd can be exhilarating, but at the same time, I sometimes feel overwhelmed by the noise and the lack of personal space.

What are some strategies you use to cope with crowded places?

To cope with crowded places, I try to stay calm and focused. I often plan my visits during off-peak hours if possible. I also make sure to stay close to my friends or family, so I feel more secure and less anxious in the crowd.

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 6-7

00:00

So, I feel the most crowded place I have been to was last month, when, if you know Diljit Dosanjh, he came to perform in Hyderabad, I think in December. And all of us, which were like 20 people, a group of my friends from college, all of us went there. And I think we had a lot of fun. So, it was very crowded, I believe, there were around 5000 passes sold, so a gathering of such a huge, of such huge was very, you know, very not neat and clean, there was a lot of things on the floor, and it was not really that great, but I think the security and the view of the stage was very, very clearly visible, that was a very good advantage, because we had paid a lot of, we had paid a lot to get a pass. And I think it was all in all good, but then there were some cases of phone theft and wallet pickpocketers of cases of pickpocketers being there, but the police really helped, but then such a large crowd, you cannot really do anything if something gets lost of yours. And I think all of us were really careful, so I think that was an advantage, but if something would have happened like that, it would have been really upsetting. So I think that was the main disadvantage of being there. And all in all, the concert was really great, all of us had a lot of fun. There was no pushing around, or you know, unwanted touching, anything like that happened. It was just a great, fun concert that all of us enjoyed a lot, and I think

Follow up questions

What do you think makes a place feel crowded?

I believe a place feels crowded when there are too many people in a confined space, making it hard to move around. Factors like noise levels, the number of people, and the layout of the area contribute to that feeling. In the concert, the sheer number of attendees made it feel very packed.

How do you usually feel in crowded places?

In crowded places, I often feel a mix of excitement and anxiety. The excitement comes from being part of a large group enjoying an event, while the anxiety stems from concerns about personal space and safety. At the concert, I was excited to see the performance but also cautious about my belongings.

Have you ever experienced any negative situations in crowded places?

Yes, I have encountered some negative situations in crowded places, like losing my belongings or feeling overwhelmed by the crowd. At the concert, there were reports of pickpocketing, which made me more vigilant about my things, but thankfully, nothing happened to me or my friends.

Band 6-7

00:00

The crowded place which I am going to talk about is the church which is there in my hometown and I being a Catholic teacher, we have to do our duty during the Christmas time into the churches which are there in the school amenities and we have to perform our duties every year during the festive season of Christmas. So I have to go there to fulfill my duties and also I really enjoy being around Jesus and it's a very holy place for me although I being a Hindu but I don't believe in all these things. I believe that we should follow all the traditions and it's a very religious thing to follow all the customs of other religion as well. And I went there with my husband and son and of course because we were having our duties so my all colleagues and the staff members, all the office staff and the teaching staff, primary, seniors, everybody was there in the church. Some of them they were having their duties at the time and some have done their duties and they were enjoying themselves. After I have completed my duty, I went to the fair and I enjoyed in between so many Christians and see what their tradition is and I also found very pleased and it was a very happy moment for me. And whenever it's a festive time, we all should enjoy ourselves, leaving behind all our tensions and worries and we should encourage everyone to enjoy and to light up their mood and focus more on the future and to forget about the past. So I went to church.

Follow up questions

What other crowded places do you enjoy visiting during festivals?

I enjoy visiting local markets and fairs during festivals. The vibrant atmosphere, colorful decorations, and the variety of food stalls make it a delightful experience. It's a great way to immerse myself in the festive spirit and connect with the community.

How do you feel about the importance of traditions in different cultures?

I believe traditions play a crucial role in preserving cultural identity and fostering community bonds. They provide a sense of belonging and continuity. Participating in different cultural traditions helps us appreciate diversity and promotes mutual respect among various communities.

Can you describe a memorable experience you had at a crowded event?

One memorable experience was at a Diwali celebration in my city. The streets were filled with people, lights, and fireworks. I enjoyed the festive food, music, and the sense of joy among everyone. It was heartwarming to see people from different backgrounds coming together to celebrate.

Show all 34 answers

Cue 1:When & why did you go there?

Start by mentioning the specific event or occasion that led you to visit the crowded place.
Explain your motivation for going there, such as a festival, a concert, or a special sale.

Example

I went to Connaught Place in Delhi last Diwali because I wanted to experience the festive atmosphere and do some shopping. It’s a popular spot during the festival season, and I was excited to see the decorations and enjoy the lively vibe.

Cue 2:Who were you with?

Mention the people you were with and your relationship to them, such as friends, family, or colleagues.
Describe how their presence contributed to your experience of the crowded place.

Example

I was with my close friends, Priya and Aman. We decided to go together because we always enjoy shopping and exploring new places as a group. Their company made the crowded environment feel more fun and less overwhelming.

Cue 3:How did you feel about the place?

Share your initial feelings upon arriving at the crowded place, whether it was excitement, anxiety, or curiosity.
Reflect on how your feelings changed as you spent more time there.

Example

At first, I felt a bit anxious because of the huge crowd and the noise. However, as I got into the spirit of the festival, I started to enjoy the energy around me. The vibrant lights and the laughter of people made it a memorable experience.

Conclusion

Summarize your overall impression of the crowded place and its significance to you.
Mention any lessons learned or memorable moments that stood out during your visit.

Example

Overall, visiting Connaught Place during Diwali was an unforgettable experience. It taught me to embrace the chaos of crowded places and appreciate the joy of celebrating festivals with friends. The memories we created that day will always hold a special place in my heart.

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: Lack of Specific Details

Avoid giving vague answers without specific details about the crowded place. This can make your response less engaging and informative.

Tip

Include specific details like the location, time of visit, and activities happening to make your answer more vivid and interesting.

2: Ignoring Emotional Response

Not expressing how you felt about the crowded place can make your answer seem flat. Emotions add depth to your response.

Tip

Share your feelings about the atmosphere, whether it was overwhelming, exciting, or enjoyable, to create a more personal connection.

Neglecting to Mention Companions

Failing to mention who you were with can miss an important aspect of your experience. Companions can influence your feelings about the place.

Tip

Briefly describe who you were with and how their presence affected your experience to provide a fuller picture.

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.