Describe a picture/photograph of you that you like: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

Where it was taken/drawn
When it was taken/drawn
Who took/drew it
And explain how you felt about it

8 unique answers with expert feedback

What do you think makes family photographs special?

Family photographs capture moments that represent love, unity, and shared experiences. They serve as reminders of happy times and strengthen family bonds, allowing us to relive those cherished memories whenever we look at them.

How often do you take pictures with your family?

I try to take pictures with my family during special occasions like birthdays, holidays, or vacations. It's important to document these moments, and I believe we should capture more everyday moments to appreciate our time together.

What other places do you enjoy visiting with your family?

Apart from the beach, I love visiting parks, mountains, and historical sites with my family. Each place offers unique experiences and opportunities for bonding, whether it's hiking, picnicking, or exploring new cultures together.

Band 6-7

00:00

It was around 2012, I guess, when me and my family members, with my cousins, my uncles and aunts, we went on a trip to Dalhousie, which is in Jammu and Kashmir. So, we took a picture over there and it was quite an amazing moment as we were all get together and we took the picture over there with the help of a local person who took that photo. Actually, this was our family trip and we were planning this for quite a long time and that picture is still with me and it has lots of memories that we spent over there with my cousins because it makes me feel the joy and the happiness I felt over that time and it was quite an amazing experience. I would say it was a well-spent holiday because there was some memories were attached to it. There was one of the incidents that happened over there, like we had encountered some wild monkeys over there and some pictures are also available of those incidents and there were quite an amazing things that happened at that time. We had lots of fun together and we really enjoyed that moment and I would really, really like to recreate that moment with my family again and all over if I get time, I would really want to do that again.

Follow up questions

What other places have you visited with your family?

We have visited several places together, including Manali, Shimla, and even some beaches in Goa. Each trip has its own special memories, but Dalhousie stands out because of the family bonding and the beautiful scenery.

How do you usually keep your photographs and memories?

I usually keep my photographs in albums and also store them digitally. I like to revisit them often, especially during family gatherings, as they spark conversations and bring back fond memories of our trips together.

What do you think makes a family trip memorable?

I believe a family trip becomes memorable through shared experiences, laughter, and the little adventures we encounter. It's the moments spent together, whether good or challenging, that create lasting bonds and cherished memories.

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Band 6-7

00:00

The picture was taken in the Niagara Falls. I flew completely from India to Canada for just celebrating my birthday. It was taken on my birthday near Niagara Falls, like in the center of the water when we went with the ferry over there. And like it was taken from it was taken by my mom. It was so beautiful. If I tell you about my experiences and how I felt over there, just imagine you're in a ferry in the middle of the water. You can see a rainbow very clearly and the water is sparking on your face. It's so beautiful. You feel fresh. You feel alive. It's so interesting seeing the nature around you. It's so nice. And the picture is taken by my mom. So that's make me feel more importance of the picture. And the best part in this is it was on my birthday. It was my 28th birthday, which I celebrated in Canada. And this was planned by my dad. Everything was planned by my dad. It was so beautiful, so immersing.

Follow up questions

What other places have you visited that are special to you?

I have visited several places that hold special memories for me. For instance, I went to the Taj Mahal in India, which is a symbol of love and beauty. I also enjoyed visiting the beaches in Goa, where I spent time with friends and family. Each place has its own charm and significance.

How do you usually celebrate your birthday?

I usually celebrate my birthday with family and close friends. We often have a small gathering at home with cake and decorations. Sometimes, we go out for dinner or plan a trip, like the one to Niagara Falls. I enjoy making memories and spending quality time with loved ones.

Why do you think photographs are important?

Photographs are important because they capture moments in time that we can cherish forever. They evoke memories and emotions, allowing us to relive experiences. A picture can tell a story and remind us of the people we love and the places we've been, making them invaluable.

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Band 6-7

00:00

So, I will talk about the favorite picture of mine. It was taken in a crocodile farm in Langkawi when I went there two months back. The picture is of me holding a crocodile and it was very interesting and it blew up my mind when I held the crocodile in my hand. Many of my friends didn't get the push to hold the crocodile. It was a wonderful picture of mine and everyone told whoever saw the picture that it was very pretty, very beautiful. I was looking so confident while holding the crocodile and it was the best experience or I may say one of the good experiences of mine in Langkawi. The crocodile I was holding, it was for one or two minutes and it was very difficult to hold. The people there, they took a photograph of mine while holding the crocodile and yet I got one more chance to hold it because my friend, she also paid to hold the crocodile but she was so scared that she told me for the picture that you please hold the crocodile for me and I will hold the tail so that at least I can get a picture because I am so scared of reptiles.

Follow up questions

What other animals have you interacted with during your travels?

During my travels, I've interacted with various animals. For instance, I fed elephants in Thailand and swam with dolphins in Mexico. Each experience was unique and memorable, but holding the crocodile was definitely one of the most thrilling moments.

How do you feel about reptiles in general?

I find reptiles fascinating but also a bit intimidating. While I admire their unique characteristics and adaptations, I respect their nature. Holding the crocodile was a challenge for me, but it also made me appreciate these creatures more.

Would you recommend visiting a crocodile farm to others?

Absolutely! Visiting a crocodile farm is an exciting experience. It allows you to learn about these amazing creatures up close. However, I would advise people to be cautious and follow safety guidelines, as they are still wild animals.

Band 6-7

00:00

I like my photograph which was clicked with my cats. It's a very good memory of me where I used to foster the seven kittens and they were very playful and this image was taken when we had brought a new toy for the cats and it was a very amazing day that day and we used to cuddle, play the whole time. Also, I had been taking care of them for like over a six months and they were very cute and unfortunately I had to give them for adoption purpose. So I had lost contact with it but I am very deeply attached with this photograph and I never leave this photograph. I just take it everywhere I go or travel.

Follow up questions

What do you think makes a photograph special?

I believe a photograph becomes special when it captures a moment filled with emotions and memories. It can remind us of joyful times, like playing with my kittens, and evoke feelings of love and nostalgia. The connection we have with the people or pets in the photo also adds to its significance.

How do you feel about adopting pets?

I feel that adopting pets is a wonderful way to give animals a second chance at life. It can be very rewarding to provide a loving home for animals in need. I have fostered kittens before, and while it was hard to let them go, knowing they found good homes made it worthwhile.

What role do pets play in people's lives?

Pets can play a significant role in people's lives by providing companionship, love, and emotional support. They can help reduce stress and loneliness, and they often become part of the family. My experience with the kittens taught me about responsibility and the joy of caring for another being.

Show all 8 answers

Cue 1:Where it was taken/drawn

Begin by describing the location where the photograph was taken, making it vivid and relatable.
Mention any significant elements in the background that add context to the picture.

Example

The photograph was taken at Marine Drive in Mumbai, a beautiful promenade along the coastline. The sun was setting, casting a golden hue over the Arabian Sea, and the iconic skyline of the city was visible in the background.

Cue 2:When it was taken/drawn

Specify the time of year or occasion when the photograph was taken to provide context.
Share any memorable events or feelings associated with that time.

Example

It was taken during the winter of 2022, around December, when I had just completed my final exams. It was a moment of celebration and relief, as I was finally free from the stress of studying.

Cue 3:Who took/drew it

Identify the person who took the photograph and their relationship to you.
Explain why you value their perspective or the way they captured the moment.

Example

My best friend, Priya, took the photograph. She has a great eye for photography and always manages to capture the essence of a moment beautifully. I love how she made me feel so comfortable during the shoot.

Cue 4:And explain how you felt about it

Share your emotions when you first saw the photograph and how it makes you feel now.
Discuss any memories or thoughts that the picture evokes.

Example

When I first saw the photograph, I felt an overwhelming sense of joy and nostalgia. It reminds me of the carefree days of youth and the strong bond I share with my friends. Every time I look at it, I am filled with happiness and gratitude for those moments.

Conclusion

Summarize the significance of the photograph in your life.
Reflect on how it captures a special moment or feeling that you cherish.

Example

In conclusion, this photograph is not just a picture; it represents a beautiful memory of friendship and freedom. It captures a moment in time that I will always cherish and reminds me of the joy of living in the present.

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 About Details

Candidates often give unclear answers without specific details about the picture. This can make the response less engaging and informative.

Tip

Provide specific information about the location, time, and the person who took the picture to create a vivid image for the listener.

2: Neglecting Personal Feelings

Some candidates forget to express their emotions related to the photograph, which is crucial for a personal touch and connection.

Tip

Share your feelings about the picture, explaining why it is meaningful to you and how it makes you feel when you look at it.

Rushing Through the Response

Candidates may rush their answers, leading to incomplete thoughts and a lack of coherence in their speech.

Tip

Take your time to organize your thoughts and speak clearly, ensuring you cover all the cues in a structured manner.

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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

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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.

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

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Anonymous student Band 6.5

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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

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Answer

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Describe a book you recently read

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Answer

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All Answers

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

Band 6-7

Band 6

so it was a photo the photograph which I like the most that I have personally taken is a photo of a cat who is full of white and the eyes of the cat is blue in color diamond blue in fact and it was taken on my house terrace so the cat was just laying around as it was roaming around on the terrace and even I have happened to have to roam around in the terrace and I just took a photo of it and it turns out to be that it was two years ago and it is still my wallpaper from two years so I've been keeping that photo as my wallpaper continuously from two years and the photo went viral in Instagram also when I posted it online and my friends even liked it and shared it to their friends also and the cat is now my beloved friend and is living with me since two years and comes and goes whenever it wants and I feed it every day so that photo has been the most memorable photo that I have ever clicked and I can ever click again also it's it's a cat which is very rare it has a full white body and full blue sky blue color eyes like diamond

Band 5-6

Again In my opinion taking a photograph is the best way to capture our memories Now I would like to say about my one photo Photo, which is I most like it. I I was taken on my house terrace It's time around Evening like a sunset so that can I easily capture one sunset? photo with me Because my house is the Because my house building is one of the tallest building in my area So I normally capture all around space in my photo This photo was taken by my friend He is very professional photographer and also I take my I was take my photo by his camera I Take me around Other 12 photos, but I only like this photo because in that photo. I was covered all space which is Near to my house and also this The sunset time was a very beautiful at that time and Sun was capturing in the round Half around shape so that it makes my photo more alluring

Band 5-6

yeah now I'm going to share about my picture so my favorite picture is from Manali it was taken in Manali. Essentially I have gone to Manali from Delhi with my friends and then I was I was exploring old Manali and then I saw a river then we enjoy there and we click picture of ourself there then I my friend took my a picture which I loved the most and then I saw that it was really nice and there in that picture I'm able to see the mountains river and my face and my good cloths I was looking good at that in that picture so