Describe a garden you remember visiting.: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

Where is it?
What does it look like?
What do people usually do there?

65 unique answers with expert feedback

What types of flowers do you think are most popular in gardens?

I believe roses, tulips, and sunflowers are among the most popular flowers in gardens. They are not only beautiful but also come in various colors and sizes, making them versatile for different garden designs. Additionally, their fragrances can enhance the overall experience of visiting a garden.

How important do you think gardens are for community spaces?

Gardens play a crucial role in community spaces as they provide a serene environment for relaxation and social interaction. They encourage people to connect with nature and each other, fostering a sense of community. Moreover, gardens can improve mental well-being and promote outdoor activities.

What activities do you enjoy doing in a garden?

In a garden, I enjoy reading, taking leisurely walks, and having picnics with friends or family. It's also a great place for photography, capturing the beauty of nature. Sometimes, I like to simply sit and reflect, enjoying the sounds and sights around me, which is very calming.

Band 7

00:00

When I was a child, I used to visit a garden, also known as Jogger's Park, with my parents. It's placed in Vileparle East, Mumbai. This garden had many features, such as a jogging track, many gym instruments, and most importantly, different toys and wheels to play. This was one of my favorite parks, as I used to have so much fun with my friends and family members. We used to go on swings, ladders, etc. Also, I remember, there used to be this one uncle who used to sell popcorns and kulfi. As a kid, kulfi was my favorite thing to eat. It still is now.

Follow up questions

What activities do you enjoy doing in gardens now?

As an adult, I still enjoy visiting gardens, but now I prefer activities like walking, reading, or having picnics. I appreciate the tranquility and beauty of nature, and I often go to relax or spend quality time with friends.

How do you think gardens contribute to community well-being?

Gardens play a vital role in community well-being by providing a space for recreation, relaxation, and social interaction. They promote physical health through exercise and mental health by offering a peaceful environment to unwind.

What changes have you noticed in gardens over the years?

Over the years, I've noticed that gardens have become more diverse, incorporating eco-friendly designs and native plants. Many now include features like community gardens and educational programs, making them more engaging for visitors.

Band 6-7

00:00

So, the garden which I remember visiting is a kind of a park which is 5 km away from my home. It's a favorite go-to spot for all of my family members including my grandmom, my mother and even my pet dog. Due to various reasons, it is the best place for all generations, in my opinion, because it has all the equipments or play area necessary for children and it has a wide area for the parents or people from any group to relax and relieve after a hectic work day or after anything. They get this fresh air from the ocean nearby and it's a favorite place for the students too because just opposite to the park, we have a college and most of the times, students from there will be coming to this place. It's their favorite go-to place actually and people usually go there and they do a small picnic kind of thing where they pack a blanket from house and some sweets or apples and sit there and sit around and speak about their life.

Follow up questions

What activities do you enjoy doing in the garden?

In the garden, I enjoy having picnics with my family, playing with my dog, and sometimes just relaxing on the grass. It's a great place to unwind and enjoy nature, especially after a busy week.

How does visiting the garden benefit your family?

Visiting the garden brings my family closer together. It allows us to spend quality time, share stories, and enjoy each other's company in a peaceful environment. It's a place where we can all relax and recharge.

Are there any special memories you have from this garden?

Yes, I have many special memories from the garden, like celebrating my birthday there with friends and family, or watching my dog play with other pets. Each visit brings new moments that I cherish.

Practice other cue cards

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Band 6-7

00:00

Yeah, to begin with, I remember the garden I recently visited was Brindavan Garden, it's really an amazing place, it's situated in Bangalore, actually when I was in my college, I went to tour, for college tour we selected that place, and Brindavan Garden of course it is a beautiful garden, where you will see different varieties of hybrids, flowers, full of colours, it's very really colourful, and when we see that place now, it embraces you with nature, it connects you so much with your aesthetics, and it gives you an, what to say, memory loss thing about your life, your stress, everything, it gives ease, and when you walk down the stairs, there is a beautiful waterfalls, which like, when the waterfalls comes all the way from the top of the stairs, it looks like it is washing away all your problems, and it is like so much embracing, you want to connect with the nature, you know, there is no other choice, you have to see them, you have to look and enjoy the flowers, and zest with them, there is no other choice, such a good place, it's a huge garden, where you will find, there is also a part, where you have a dancing fountain, that is a show, which is usually done at night time, so that it looks very beautiful and colourful with all the lights, and then, so this garden was actually prescribed by my school, college HOD, which was.

Follow up questions

What other gardens have you visited, and how do they compare to Brindavan Garden?

I've visited a few other gardens, like Lalbagh in Bangalore and the Rose Garden in Chandigarh. While Lalbagh is more historical and has a variety of plants, Brindavan Garden stands out for its vibrant flowers and the unique dancing fountain, making it a more visually stunning experience.

How do you think gardens contribute to mental well-being?

Gardens provide a serene environment that helps reduce stress and anxiety. Being surrounded by nature, like in Brindavan Garden, allows people to disconnect from their daily worries and find peace. The beauty of flowers and the sound of water can be very therapeutic.

What activities do you enjoy doing in a garden?

In a garden, I love to take leisurely walks, enjoy photography, and sometimes even sketch the beautiful scenery. It's also nice to have picnics with friends or family, soaking in the atmosphere and enjoying the fresh air while surrounded by nature.

Band 6-7

00:00

The first, my first memory of a garden was when I went to Ooty with my family. The place had, the place we visited was known as the Rose Garden and it had roses of myriad of colours. The, the highlight of the, of the garden visit was a rose that they called the Green Rose. It was a rose that was supposed to be green in colour. Unfortunately, we did not go in season and therefore we were not able to see the rose. So I was quite disappointed but I saw different types of roses, a variety of roses of different colours and they were of a larger size than I had ever seen even in my mother's own garden. The roses were as big as my face and they were beautifully spread out and they were of, and they were of a variety of colours such as reds, pinks, oranges. I believe it is because of the cold climate of Ooty that the roses were of such colours.

Follow up questions

What other flowers do you enjoy seeing in gardens?

I enjoy seeing a variety of flowers, especially tulips and sunflowers. Tulips have such vibrant colors, and sunflowers always bring a smile with their bright yellow faces. Each flower has its own charm, and I love how they can change the atmosphere of a garden.

How do you think gardens contribute to the environment?

Gardens play a crucial role in the environment by providing habitats for wildlife, improving air quality, and promoting biodiversity. They also help in reducing urban heat and can be a source of fresh produce, contributing to sustainability.

Have you ever tried gardening yourself?

Yes, I have tried gardening at home. I started with small pots of herbs like basil and mint. It was a rewarding experience to see them grow and to use them in cooking. Gardening taught me patience and the importance of caring for plants.

Show all 65 answers

Cue 1:Where is it?

Begin by mentioning the location of the garden, including the city or town it is in.
Share any personal connection or reason for visiting this particular garden.

Example

The garden I remember visiting is the Lalbagh Botanical Garden in Bangalore. I visited it during a family trip when I was about ten years old, and it left a lasting impression on me.

Cue 2:What does it look like?

Describe the features of the garden, such as the types of plants, flowers, and layout.
Include sensory details to help the listener visualize the garden, like colors, scents, and sounds.

Example

Lalbagh is famous for its vast collection of tropical plants and a stunning glasshouse. The vibrant colors of the flowers, especially the roses, were breathtaking. I remember the sweet fragrance of jasmine in the air and the sound of birds chirping in the trees.

Cue 3:What do people usually do there?

Talk about the activities that visitors engage in while at the garden.
Mention any specific events or experiences you had while visiting.

Example

People usually come to Lalbagh for leisurely strolls, picnics, or photography. During my visit, I saw families enjoying picnics on the grass, while others were taking pictures of the beautiful plants. I also remember joining a guided tour that explained the history of the garden.

Conclusion

Summarize your overall feelings about the garden and its significance to you.
Mention if you would like to visit again and why.

Example

Overall, my visit to Lalbagh was a delightful experience that sparked my love for nature. I would love to visit again someday, as it holds a special place in my heart and reminds me of the beauty of the outdoors.

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: Being Vague in Descriptions

Avoid giving unclear or general descriptions of the garden. This can make your answer less engaging and informative, leading to a lower score.

Tip

Use specific details about the garden's features, such as types of plants, colors, and layout, to create a vivid picture.

2: Ignoring the Cues

Neglecting to address all the cue prompts can result in an incomplete answer. This may leave the examiner with unanswered questions.

Tip

Make sure to cover all the cues: location, appearance, and activities. Structure your response to include each aspect clearly.

Overusing Simple Vocabulary

Relying on basic words can make your speech sound repetitive and dull. This may not showcase your language proficiency effectively.

Tip

Incorporate a variety of descriptive adjectives and verbs to enhance your vocabulary and make your answer more dynamic.

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Answer

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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.

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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.

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Anonymous student Band 7

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Describe a book you recently read

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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.