Describe A Historical Place That You Know About: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

What kind of place is it?
What does it look like?
Where is it?
And explain how the place is related to history.

8 unique answers with expert feedback

What other historical places in India are significant?

Apart from the Taj Mahal, India has many significant historical places like the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, and Hampi. Each of these sites has its own unique history and architectural style, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of India.

How does the Taj Mahal influence tourism in India?

The Taj Mahal is a major tourist attraction, drawing millions of visitors each year. Its beauty and historical significance contribute to India's tourism industry, boosting the local economy and promoting cultural exchange.

What role does architecture play in representing history?

Architecture serves as a physical representation of historical events, cultures, and values. Buildings like the Taj Mahal reflect the artistic styles and societal norms of their time, allowing us to understand and appreciate the past.

Band 6-7

00:00

A historical place which is very close to my heart actually is near my house 35 minutes away from the town. It is situated in Nilachal Pahar. The place's name is the Kamakhya Temple. It's a very famous temple in the North East and also in India. It is a temple situated in the mountain of the North East. It looks like a tomb. The walls of the temple are made of the eggshells and a glue which was found in the earlier ancient days. It is away from the city, near to the, it's in the outskirts of the city I would say. It is related to the history because it has a very beautiful story to it. When Lord Shiva took the burning body of Goddess Parvati and went wandering around the world with her burning body, then parts of her body fell into that place and was then later considered to be a holy place. And people from all over India visit this temple because of its power they believe in and the energy it has to give to the human being. It is a very strong and, it is a very strong symbol for the women because it is all about women. The temple is about women. It gives you the values of women.

Follow up questions

What makes Kamakhya Temple significant in Indian culture?

Kamakhya Temple is significant as it represents the power of femininity and is dedicated to Goddess Parvati. It attracts many devotees who believe in its spiritual energy and healing properties. The temple's unique architecture and the mythological stories associated with it enhance its cultural importance.

How do you think historical places like Kamakhya Temple impact local tourism?

Historical places like Kamakhya Temple greatly boost local tourism by attracting visitors from across India and beyond. They create job opportunities for locals, promote cultural exchange, and contribute to the economy. The temple's unique history and spiritual significance draw tourists interested in heritage and spirituality.

Can you share any personal experiences you have had at Kamakhya Temple?

Visiting Kamakhya Temple has always been a profound experience for me. The serene atmosphere and the devotion of the people create a unique energy. I remember feeling a deep sense of peace and connection to the history and spirituality of the place, which left a lasting impression on me.

Band 6-7

00:00

A historical place I recently visited was the Kargil War Memorial. It is a place dedicated to the martyrs of the Kargil War and it is located in the state of Jammu and Kashmir in the city Leh. I was there for a family trip and we went to this memorial. It is also a museum. The building takes you through the lives of these martyrs, how they were living under such harsh conditions, how they were surviving, how they were setting up tents, what kind of clothes they used to wear, what kind of equipment they used to carry and it was a very humbling experience seeing the difficult lives of people who dedicated their lives to the country and gave their lives for the country. The place in itself is located in the backdrop of the hills of Leh and it is a very beautiful backdrop. You feel a range of emotions when you see the memorial, the people, the names of the people and it was an unforgettable experience. This was during the India-Pakistan war which went on for about a year. Many people lost their lives and this place was created as a shrine to honour them. It was a very humbling experience.

Follow up questions

What emotions did you feel while visiting the Kargil War Memorial?

Visiting the memorial evoked a deep sense of respect and gratitude. I felt sadness for the lives lost, pride in their bravery, and a profound appreciation for their sacrifices. The atmosphere was heavy with emotion, making it a reflective experience.

How does the Kargil War Memorial compare to other historical places you've visited?

Unlike other historical sites, the Kargil War Memorial has a personal connection to recent history and the sacrifices of soldiers. While other places may focus on ancient history, this memorial is a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by our soldiers, making it uniquely impactful.

What did you learn about the Kargil War from your visit?

I learned about the harsh conditions faced by soldiers during the Kargil War, their strategies, and the sacrifices they made. The museum provided insights into their daily lives, the equipment they used, and the camaraderie among them, enriching my understanding of this significant event in history.

Practice other cue cards

Talk about a historical building.

View answers

Describe a place in your city you have been to where you can see wildlife (eg, animals, birds, insects, plants)

View answers

Describe a public holiday that people enjoy.

View answers

Describe a city that is very interesting.

View answers

Describe a place in your hometown/city that is different from other places and that you enjoy visiting with your parents/friends.

View answers

Describe a place that you would like to learn the culture there (eg, a library, museum, theatre)

View answers

Describe Your Favourite Season

View answers

Describe A New Development In Your Country Or The Area Where You Live (Like A Shopping Centre, Park, Etc.)

View answers

Describe A Person Who Likes To Grow Plants

View answers

Describe an interesting traditional story

View answers

Describe a natural place (e.g. parks, mountains)

View answers

Describe an important plant in your country

View answers

Talk About A Traditional Object Of Your Country

View answers

Describe a place in your city you have been to where you can see wildlife (e.g. animals, birds, insects, plants)

View answers

Describe an old tree that you have seen.

View answers

Describe A Street Market In Your City

View answers

Describe A Foreign Country You Have Never Been To

View answers

Describe A Poisonous Plant You Know About

View answers

Describe a park or a garden in your city

View answers

Describe A Festival That Is Important In Your Country

View answers

Describe a place where there was a lot of noise/ Describe a noisy place you have been to

View answers

Describe A Quiet Place

View answers

Describe a public park or garden.

View answers

Describe an important river/lake in your country

View answers

Describe A Crop You Are Familiar With

View answers

Describe a change that benefitted your neighborhood.

View answers

Describe a time when you saw something in the sky

View answers

Describe A Time When You Saw A Lot Of Plastic Waste

View answers

Describe a person who helps to protect the environment

View answers

Describe a unique animal you've encountered.

View answers

Describe a time you were in a place where you didn't know the local language.

View answers

Describe a place that wasn't kept clean.

View answers

Describe Your Favourite Weather

View answers

Describe a time when the electricity suddenly went off

View answers

Describe A Traditional Product In Your Country

View answers

Band 6

00:00

The historical place that I know about is Taj Mahal. It was constructed by Shah Jahan in the memory of Mumtaz. It is very unique and it is situated in Agra, in India. And it is one of the most beautiful structure I have ever seen, I ever came across. And also, it is made up of white marbles, which has been washed out from last couple of years with the acid rain. But still, the glory of it, it's amazing. And also, it has a historical place because it was back, it was constructed back in 2000, very, very, very way back. But now, it is a very historical place and everybody wants to visit it. It is one of the wonders of the world. And it is one of the wonders, it is one of the wonders in the world, out of seven.

Follow up questions

What makes the Taj Mahal a wonder of the world?

The Taj Mahal is considered a wonder of the world due to its stunning architecture, intricate design, and the romantic story behind its construction. It showcases the artistry of Mughal architecture and is a symbol of love, attracting millions of visitors each year.

How has the condition of the Taj Mahal changed over the years?

Over the years, the Taj Mahal has faced challenges such as pollution and acid rain, which have affected its white marble façade. Efforts are being made to preserve its beauty, including cleaning and restoration projects to combat the effects of environmental damage.

Why do you think historical places are important to visit?

Visiting historical places like the Taj Mahal is important as it helps us connect with our past, understand different cultures, and appreciate architectural achievements. They serve as reminders of history and inspire future generations to learn and preserve heritage.

Band 6

00:00

There are many historical places in my country and today I would like to talk about one such historical place which is situated in the city of Vadodara in the state Gujarat. The Lakshmi Vilas Palace is the historical place which I would like to talk about. I visited this historical palace 2 or 3 months ago with my cousins. It is located in Vadodara and is the largest residential area in the entire world. It was built by Maharaja Sayajirao Gayakwad during his reign and is considered as the most beautiful palace in terms of architecture and the surrounding place. The palace consists of a garden in which there is a fountain in the middle and also the palace has so many peacocks in the garden. Moreover, a museum is there itself in the palace. The museum shows the swords and the spears which were used during the ancient time by the king at that time. There was a special attraction at that time. The special attraction was the sword which was golden plated and was the sword of Sayajirao Gayakwad. Moreover, the construction of the palace was done using the stones which were specially imported from Italy during that time. It is one of the magnificent marvellous buildings in the city of Vadodara. I also visited the

Follow up questions

What other historical places are popular in your country?

In addition to Lakshmi Vilas Palace, other popular historical places in my country include the Taj Mahal, Qutub Minar, and Hampi. Each of these sites has its own unique history and architectural significance, attracting tourists from around the world.

How does visiting historical places impact your understanding of history?

Visiting historical places allows me to connect with the past in a tangible way. It helps me understand the cultural and historical context of my country, making history more relatable and engaging. I feel a sense of pride and appreciation for my heritage when I explore these sites.

What role do you think historical places play in tourism?

Historical places play a crucial role in tourism as they attract visitors interested in culture and history. They provide insights into a region's past and contribute to the local economy. Additionally, they help preserve cultural heritage and educate people about historical events and figures.

Show all 8 answers

Cue 1:What kind of place is it?

Begin by identifying the historical place you want to talk about, such as a monument, fort, or temple.
Mention its significance and why it stands out as a historical site.

Example

The historical place I want to describe is the Red Fort in Delhi. It is a magnificent fort built in the 17th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fort is known for its stunning Mughal architecture and rich history.

Cue 2:What does it look like?

Provide a vivid description of the place, focusing on its architectural features and surroundings.
Use sensory details to help the listener visualize the site.

Example

The Red Fort is made of red sandstone, which gives it a unique appearance. It has tall walls, beautiful gardens, and intricate carvings. The main entrance, called the Lahore Gate, is grand and impressive, leading visitors into the fort's expansive courtyards and palaces.

Cue 3:Where is it?

Clearly state the location of the historical place, including the city and any notable landmarks nearby.
Mention how accessible it is for visitors.

Example

The Red Fort is located in the heart of Delhi, near Chandni Chowk, which is a bustling market area. It is easily accessible by metro and is a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

Cue 4:And explain how the place is related to history.

Discuss the historical significance of the place and any important events that took place there.
Mention any famous figures associated with the site.

Example

The Red Fort served as the main residence of the Mughal emperors for nearly 200 years. It witnessed many significant events, including the first flag hoisting by Jawaharlal Nehru on Independence Day in 1947. This makes it a symbol of India's freedom struggle.

Conclusion

Example

In conclusion, the Red Fort is not just a beautiful architectural marvel but also a significant historical site that tells the story of India's rich heritage. Visiting it always reminds me of the struggles and triumphs of our past.

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 unclear. Avoid general statements that do not provide specific details about the historical place.

Tip

Use descriptive adjectives and specific examples to paint a clear picture of the place, such as its architecture, colors, and surroundings.

2: Ignoring Historical Context

Failing to explain the historical significance can weaken your response. It's important to connect the place to its historical background.

Tip

Research and include key historical events or figures related to the place to demonstrate its importance and relevance.

Lack of Structure

A disorganized response can confuse the listener. Make sure your answer flows logically from one point to the next.

Tip

Follow the cue prompts in order, addressing each one clearly to create a cohesive and structured response.

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.

All Answers

Here are all the answers by real-users practicing speaking for IELTS Cue Cards on our IELTS Prep App.

Band 7

Band 6-7

Band 6

I would like to talk about a historical place, that is, Tanjavur, a large Shiva temple, which was built by Rajaraja Cholan, great emperor in ancient days, he did many achievements during war, he is well known for architecture and he built many temples and dams, moreover he is well known for his generous and additionally he focused in future of the temple, so it's well developed now and there are many places, like there is a separate garden and very big statues like Nandi and there are many sculptures in that temple, whenever I go to the temple I feel very spiritual, moreover it is a good place to spend time with family, we can educate the children about our cultural heritage to them and moreover it's a very good place.

Band 6

I would like to talk about this famous tourist spot that is in Malaysia known as Batu Caves which is a historical place that was founded 400 million years ago. It was firstly constructed by a well-known person in Malaysia known as Tambusami Pillai. He was the one who created the shrine for Lord Murugan, made it as a temple. Before that the caves was used as a shelter by Malaysian native tribes and it was also used for limestone extraction during the British era. So this place has a very breathtaking view right from the entrance until the top of the hill. It is a huge cave situated in a hill area which has a 43 meter long tall statue of the Hindu deity Lord Muruga and it also consists of more than 200 steps and over the time this place has also been developed and is a beautiful spot to be not missed when you visit Malaysia.

Band 6

Band 5

The Taj Mahal is actually I know the more about the Taj Mahal is a special place and nowadays it's also a tourist place many people from foreign and all around the world are coming in India to see the Taj Mahal. Actually furthermore it is situated in Agra, Uttar Pradesh and it is constructed in 17th century by Sahajars in epitome of his wife named as Mumtaz. Actually it is look like a gila which is constructed by the 12000 workers. After completing of the construction of the Taj Mahal and the Sahajars announced that they have cut the hands of all workers and the workers were scared. Actually one of the most important thing of the Taj Mahal is the Taj Mahal, the infrastructure of the Taj Mahal is very very very very very different, architecture is very different are all over the world so it's considered as the 7th Azuba and 7th Azuba, it's the one of the 7th Azuba in the world, actually it is a beautiful place.