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 and tulips are among the most popular flowers in gardens due to their beauty and variety. They add vibrant colors and fragrances, making gardens more inviting. Additionally, flowers like sunflowers and daisies are favored for their resilience and ability to attract pollinators.

How do 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 help in reducing urban heat, managing stormwater, and can even contribute to food production if they include vegetable patches or fruit trees.

Why do you think people enjoy visiting gardens?

People enjoy visiting gardens for various reasons, including relaxation, connecting with nature, and finding peace away from daily stress. Gardens offer a sensory experience with their sights, sounds, and scents, making them perfect for reflection, social gatherings, or simply enjoying the beauty of nature.

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 did you enjoy the most in the garden?

I really enjoyed playing on the swings and climbing the ladders with my friends. The jogging track was also great for some fun races with my parents. The variety of gym instruments allowed us to try different exercises, making it a fun and active place to spend time.

How did visiting the garden impact your childhood?

Visiting the garden created many joyful memories for me. It was a place where I could bond with my family and friends, enjoy nature, and engage in physical activities. Those experiences helped shape my love for outdoor activities and staying active even as I grew older.

Do you think gardens are important for communities? Why?

Absolutely! Gardens provide a space for relaxation, recreation, and social interaction. They promote physical health through activities and mental well-being by connecting people with nature. A well-maintained garden can enhance the beauty of a community and foster a sense of belonging.

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 love to take long walks with my dog, have picnics with my family, and sometimes read a book under a tree. The play area is great for kids, and I often see families playing games or enjoying the fresh air. It's a perfect spot for relaxation and bonding.

How does the garden change with the seasons?

The garden looks beautiful in every season. In spring, flowers bloom, and everything is vibrant. Summer brings lush greenery, making it perfect for picnics. In autumn, the leaves change color, creating a picturesque scene, while winter gives it a serene, quiet atmosphere, especially when it’s chilly.

What makes this garden special to you?

This garden is special because it holds many family memories. It's where we celebrate birthdays, have family gatherings, and enjoy quality time together. The connection with nature and the joy it brings to my family and me makes it a cherished place in my heart.

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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?

I have visited several gardens, including Lalbagh Botanical Garden in Bangalore and the Keukenhof in the Netherlands. Each garden has its unique charm, but I particularly enjoyed Lalbagh for its vast collection of plants and the beautiful glass house.

How do gardens impact your mood?

Gardens have a significant impact on my mood. Being surrounded by nature and vibrant flowers helps me relax and reduces my stress. The beauty of the plants and the sounds of nature create a peaceful atmosphere that lifts my spirits.

Why do you think people enjoy visiting gardens?

People enjoy visiting gardens because they provide a serene escape from daily life. Gardens offer a chance to connect with nature, appreciate beauty, and find tranquility. They are also great places for social gatherings and relaxation.

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 types of flowers do you like besides roses?

I really enjoy sunflowers and tulips. Sunflowers are so bright and cheerful, while tulips come in many colors and shapes. I love how they can brighten up any garden and bring a sense of joy.

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 helping to reduce urban heat. They also promote biodiversity and can be a source of food through home gardening.

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 use them in my cooking. I found it relaxing and a great way to connect with nature.

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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