Describe a place (city/town) that is good for people to live in: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

Where it is
How you knew this place
What it is like
And explain why it is better than other places to live in

21 unique answers with expert feedback

What are some other cities in India that are good for living?

Apart from Jalandhar, cities like Bangalore, Mumbai, and Pune are also great for living. Bangalore is known for its pleasant climate and IT industry, Mumbai for its vibrant culture and opportunities, and Pune for its educational institutions and quality of life.

How does the culture in Jalandhar influence daily life?

The culture in Jalandhar greatly influences daily life through its festivals, traditional food, and community gatherings. People often celebrate festivals like Baisakhi and Lohri with enthusiasm, and local cuisine, such as butter chicken and sarson da saag, plays a significant role in social interactions.

What challenges do people face living in Jalandhar?

While Jalandhar has many advantages, challenges include traffic congestion and pollution, especially during peak seasons. Additionally, the rapid urbanization can lead to issues like inadequate public services and housing shortages, which residents must navigate.

Band 6-7

00:00

I suggest my hometown Warangal as a place that is good for living for people. It is situated in heart of the Telangana state and it is surrounded by many forests and rivers. Additionally, these rivers flow throughout the year creating beautiful scenic view and a good opportunity for empowering fishermen and farmers. Our hometown is very famous in terms of providing employment. Additionally, it has huge growth in agriculture. It is like forest rather than city, however, it is a village in the heart of forest and surrounded by many hills that are resources for many tribal peoples. It is better in terms of good living standards and provides natural way of living to the people who prefer to stay in it. However, there are some drawbacks, majorly some resources like transport facilities may lack, but it is good in terms of food culture, rich in history, and it is

Follow up questions

What are some specific benefits of living in Warangal?

Living in Warangal offers a peaceful environment with natural beauty, a strong agricultural economy, and a rich cultural heritage. The presence of forests and rivers enhances the quality of life, making it ideal for those who appreciate nature and a slower pace of living.

How does the local food culture in Warangal compare to other places?

Warangal's food culture is diverse and rich, influenced by its history and local agriculture. Traditional dishes often feature locally sourced ingredients, and the community takes pride in its culinary heritage, making it a delightful experience for food lovers.

What improvements could be made to enhance living standards in Warangal?

To improve living standards, enhancing transport facilities would be crucial. Additionally, investing in infrastructure, healthcare, and education can help attract more residents and provide better services, while still maintaining the town's natural charm.

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.

Band 6-7

00:00

Well, in my opinion, one of the finest cities that one can live in this country is Bangalore, for sure. I've been living in Bangalore for the past three years, and in my opinion, I have not faced any problematic challenges as such, and it has its own, of course, being a metropolitan, it has its own drawbacks, such as being crowded, but I don't think that marrs my impression of this being the finest city to live in. It is quite affordable to live here in Bangalore. In terms of cost of living, it's quite affordable, apart from that, it has some good food, it has a lovely weather, and this is the reason why I would suggest people to try and look jobs over here. India is a big country, it is a gigantic country. Well, India is a vast country, and being a vast country, it has many cities which people can explore. I've got the privilege of exploring the majority of the cities in India, but what I would suggest people would be Bangalore, for sure. I've been living in Bangalore for the past three years, and it is one of the finest cities that I have experienced in India. It has good food, it has lovely weather, and the major part of me suggesting this place would be the affordability and cost of living, in terms of cost of living. It is a land of opportunities, of course, being a metropolitan, it has its own drawbacks, such as being overcrowded in terms of traffic, but I would suggest that it is one of the finest places to be in India. If you're working somewhere, it can be this city.

Follow up questions

What are some specific neighborhoods in Bangalore that you recommend?

Some neighborhoods I recommend in Bangalore include Koramangala for its vibrant culture, Indiranagar for its cafes and nightlife, and Whitefield for its tech hubs. Each area has its own unique charm and amenities that cater to different lifestyles.

How does the cost of living in Bangalore compare to other cities in India?

Bangalore's cost of living is generally lower than cities like Mumbai and Delhi, especially in terms of housing and food. While it is a metropolitan city, it offers a range of affordable options for both accommodation and dining, making it attractive for many.

What are some challenges of living in Bangalore despite its advantages?

Despite its advantages, Bangalore faces challenges like heavy traffic congestion, pollution, and occasional water shortages. These issues can affect daily life, but many residents find ways to adapt and enjoy the city's offerings.

Band 6-7

00:00

There are multiple cities which I can recommend people to live or settle in, it is totally dependent on the preference and the reason they are looking for the cities. If a person is in hustling stage, where they are looking for better opportunities in career, I will suggest metro cities like Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad. Among all the cities, I personally prefer Hyderabad as the best city to live in or get settled in. I know this place as I am currently residing in Hyderabad. Hyderabad as a city is a very good city, provides the best lifestyle according to the surveys of India. It also has very good opportunities for career and for exploring the different type of occupations. I prefer to live in this city because when I moved to the city, the city literally welcomed me with the heart. It provided me all the essentials which a newcomer can need. I moved to this city around 3 years back and I didn't face any issues with the place to live in. I currently have a flat here which is also economical. I have a good job which helps me in better growth as a career wise. I have made new friends and literally explored a lot of places which is very good for me. Moreover, it also offers diversity of culture and people and perspectives.

Follow up questions

What specific aspects of Hyderabad do you find most appealing?

I find the blend of modernity and tradition in Hyderabad very appealing. The city has a rich cultural heritage, delicious cuisine, and a vibrant social scene. Additionally, the infrastructure and amenities available make it convenient for daily living.

How does living in a metro city like Hyderabad compare to smaller towns?

Living in a metro city like Hyderabad offers more job opportunities, entertainment options, and social activities compared to smaller towns. However, smaller towns may provide a quieter lifestyle and a stronger sense of community, which some people prefer.

What challenges do you think newcomers might face in Hyderabad?

Newcomers might face challenges such as navigating the city's public transport system, finding suitable housing, and adjusting to the fast-paced lifestyle. Language barriers can also be an issue for those not familiar with the local languages.

Band 6-7

00:00

Bangalore is a city which is an excellent place to live in. I moved to Bangalore back in 2013 when my father was transferred here for his job and I've been living here since. We decided not to go back to my home city because Bangalore has some state-of-the-art educational institutions and as I wanted to pursue a degree in computer science, Bangalore is the best place for a thriving career in tech. Bangalore as a city is also known for its amazing weather. There is pleasant weather all over the year from January to December. We neither have harsh summers or harsh winters. Apart from that, Bangalore has created a lot of employment opportunities for people coming from all parts of the country. It is also very diverse when it comes to culture. There are people from North East, there are people from North India, there are also people from Western parts of India and we get to celebrate all types of festivals. The job market in Bangalore is also very good. There are a lot of people who are able to find jobs here and who are able to sustain a life for themselves over here. So I believe Bangalore is a city where anyone can come and adjust and they will completely fall in love with the city.

Follow up questions

What are some challenges of living in Bangalore?

While Bangalore has many advantages, it also faces challenges like traffic congestion and rising living costs. The rapid growth of the city has led to infrastructure strain, making commuting difficult at times. Additionally, the cost of housing can be high, which might be a concern for newcomers.

How does the culture in Bangalore differ from your hometown?

Bangalore's culture is very diverse, with influences from various regions of India. Unlike my hometown, where the culture is more homogenous, Bangalore celebrates a wide range of festivals and traditions, allowing for a rich cultural experience that includes food, music, and art from different communities.

What recreational activities are popular in Bangalore?

Bangalore offers numerous recreational activities, including parks, cafes, and cultural events. Popular spots like Cubbon Park and Lalbagh Botanical Garden provide green spaces for relaxation. The city also has a vibrant nightlife, with many restaurants and pubs, making it a lively place for socializing.

Show all 21 answers

Cue 1:Where it is

Begin by stating the name of the city or town and its location in India.
Mention any notable landmarks or geographical features that define the place.

Example

I would like to talk about Pune, a vibrant city located in the western part of India, in the state of Maharashtra. It is known for its pleasant climate and is situated near the Sahyadri mountain range.

Cue 2:How you knew this place

Share your personal connection or experience with the place.
Mention if you have lived there, visited frequently, or heard about it from friends or family.

Example

I first got to know about Pune when I moved there for my studies about five years ago. My friends had recommended it for its educational institutions and cultural diversity, which piqued my interest.

Cue 3:What it is like

Describe the atmosphere, lifestyle, and amenities available in the city.
Highlight aspects such as safety, cleanliness, and community spirit.

Example

Pune has a unique blend of modernity and tradition. The city is bustling with life, featuring numerous parks, cafes, and shopping malls. It is also known for its safety and cleanliness, making it a comfortable place for families and young professionals alike.

Cue 4:And explain why it is better than other places to live in

Compare Pune with other cities in terms of quality of life, cost of living, and opportunities.
Emphasize the reasons that make it stand out, such as education, job opportunities, or cultural experiences.

Example

What makes Pune better than other cities like Mumbai or Delhi is its relatively lower cost of living while still offering excellent job opportunities in the IT and education sectors. Additionally, the city's rich cultural heritage and vibrant festivals create a lively environment that is hard to find elsewhere.

Conclusion

Summarize your main points about why this place is ideal for living.
End with a personal note about your feelings towards the city.

Example

In conclusion, Pune is an exceptional city that combines a high quality of life with affordable living. I feel fortunate to have experienced its charm, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great place to live.

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 place.

Tip

Use specific examples and descriptive language to paint a clear picture of the city or town you are describing.

2: Neglecting Personal Experience

Failing to share personal experiences can make your response less engaging. It’s important to connect your knowledge of the place to your own experiences.

Tip

Include a personal story or anecdote about your time in the place to make your answer more relatable and interesting.

Ignoring Comparisons

Not explaining why the place is better than others can weaken your argument. Candidates often forget to highlight unique features that set the place apart.

Tip

Clearly state the advantages of the place compared to others, focusing on aspects like safety, community, and amenities.