Describe a historical building you have been to: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

Where it is?
What it looks like?
What it is used for now?
What you learned there?
And how you felt about this historical building.

29 unique answers with expert feedback

What do you think makes the Taj Mahal a symbol of love?

The Taj Mahal is often considered a symbol of love because it was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. The intricate designs and the sheer beauty of the structure reflect the deep affection he had for her, making it a timeless representation of love.

How does visiting historical buildings impact your understanding of history?

Visiting historical buildings like the Taj Mahal provides a tangible connection to the past. It allows you to appreciate the architectural styles, cultural significance, and historical events associated with them, deepening your understanding of history in a way that books alone cannot.

Are there any other historical buildings you would like to visit?

Yes, I would love to visit the Colosseum in Rome and the Great Wall of China. Both of these structures have rich histories and unique architectural features that tell stories of their respective cultures and eras, making them fascinating places to explore.

Band 6-7

00:00

I have been to plenty of historical places in my life. I have been to many forts and many museums which are quite historical. But there's this one place that is extremely close to my heart and it's the temple of Mahadev, Lord Shiva. It's called the Somnath temple and it's just 40 km from my house, from the city of Raipur. The temple is around 1000 years old and it's constructed enhancing and embracing the culture of Sanatan Dharma. It is constructed in an extremely ancient architectural design. The main emphasis of temple is on the Shivling which according to legend actually grows a centimeter year by year. The temple also has various statues which are actually designed showcasing different gods and goddesses in the Sanatan Dharma culture. There are also plenty of monkeys around the temple which are fun to interact or engage with. The temple also has a humongous garden where one can just sit in and have a picnic over there. There are also plenty of shops there which sell a lot of traditional goods such as lockets or rings. They also sell a lot of statues and lots of regional and basically spiritual goods such as agarbattis which are also called incenses. So there are lots of things.

Follow up questions

What other historical buildings have you visited?

I have visited several forts and museums, each with its unique history. Some notable ones include the Red Fort in Delhi and the Ajanta Caves in Maharashtra. Each place offers a glimpse into India's rich heritage and architectural brilliance.

How do you think historical buildings impact local culture?

Historical buildings play a crucial role in preserving local culture and traditions. They serve as a reminder of our past, attract tourists, and foster a sense of pride among locals. They also provide opportunities for education and cultural exchange.

What is the significance of the Somnath temple in Indian culture?

The Somnath temple is significant as it is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. It symbolizes resilience and devotion, having been rebuilt several times throughout history. It attracts pilgrims and tourists, reinforcing the spiritual heritage of India.

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.

Visiting historical buildings makes me feel a deep sense of connection to history. I often feel awe and admiration for the craftsmanship and the stories behind these structures. It's a calming experience that allows me to reflect on the past and appreciate the beauty of human creativity.

Show all 29 answers

Cue 1:Where it is?

Begin by mentioning the city and specific location of the building.
Include any notable landmarks or features nearby to give context.

Example

The historical building I visited is the Red Fort, located in the heart of Delhi. It's situated near Chandni Chowk, a bustling market area known for its vibrant culture and street food.

Cue 2:What it looks like?

Describe the architectural style and materials used in the building.
Mention any distinctive features that make the building unique.

Example

The Red Fort is an impressive example of Mughal architecture, with its massive red sandstone walls and intricate carvings. The main entrance, called the Lahore Gate, is adorned with beautiful floral patterns and gives a glimpse of the grandeur inside.

Cue 3:What it is used for now?

Explain the current function of the building, such as a museum or tourist attraction.
Mention any events or activities that take place there.

Example

Today, the Red Fort serves as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination. It hosts various cultural events and exhibitions, especially during national holidays like Independence Day.

Cue 4:What you learned there?

Share any historical facts or insights you gained during your visit.
Reflect on how this knowledge impacted your understanding of history.

Example

During my visit, I learned about the rich history of the Mughal Empire and the significance of the fort in India's struggle for independence. It was fascinating to see how the fort has witnessed many important events in Indian history.

Cue 5:And how you felt about this historical building?

Express your emotions and thoughts about the building and its history.
Mention any personal connections or reflections you had while visiting.

Example

I felt a deep sense of pride and nostalgia while exploring the Red Fort. Standing in such a historic place made me appreciate my country's heritage and the sacrifices made for our freedom.

Conclusion

Summarize your overall experience and feelings about the historical building.
Mention the importance of preserving such sites for future generations.

Example

In conclusion, visiting the Red Fort was a memorable experience that deepened my appreciation for India's history. It is vital to preserve such historical buildings so that future generations can learn from and cherish our rich cultural heritage.

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. Candidates often fail to provide specific details about the building, which can lead to a lack of clarity.

Tip

Use descriptive adjectives and specific details to paint a clear picture of the building. Mention colors, shapes, and unique features.

2: Ignoring the Cues

Not addressing all the cues can result in an incomplete answer. Candidates may focus too much on one aspect and neglect others, which can affect their score.

Tip

Structure your response by addressing each cue in order. This ensures a comprehensive answer and helps you stay organized.

Lack of Personal Reflection

Failing to share personal feelings or insights can make your response less engaging. Candidates often miss the opportunity to connect their experiences with the historical significance of the building.