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

You should say

Where it is
What it is like
What you often do there
Who do you often go there with
And explain why you think it is different

43 unique answers with expert feedback

What cultural activities do you enjoy the most at the temple?

I particularly enjoy the Mohiniyattam performances, as they are graceful and tell beautiful stories through dance. The atmosphere during these events is vibrant, and it's fascinating to see how the performers express emotions through their movements.

How do you feel when you visit the temple with your friends or family?

Visiting the temple with my family and friends is always a joyful experience. It strengthens our bond and allows us to share our thoughts and feelings about the cultural performances. The spiritual ambiance also brings a sense of peace and happiness.

Have you ever participated in any events at the temple?

Yes, I have participated in some local festivals at the temple. It was an enriching experience to be part of the celebrations, helping with decorations and enjoying the food. It made me appreciate the community spirit and the significance of these cultural events even more.

Band 7

00:00

There is a garden called Company Garden in Priyankraj, that is my hometown. That garden is a huge one which is well maintained by the government but at the same time carries a historical importance in the country. Chandrashekhar Azad, who was one of the freedom fighters of the country, had sacrificed his life in that garden. There is a memorial in his name, there is a statue for the same and it creates a great historical impact on the country. It also brings a historical value to the city as well. Besides historical importance, it is just beautiful to roam around in the garden, there is a huge walking track, there is a commendable jogging track as well. There is an open air gym, there is a museum. I think you can spend the entire day in the garden without getting bored. There is something to do for everyone there, be it a senior citizen, be it a child, be it a youngster, you will see all kind of people doing different activities. People start visiting the place from early in the morning till 6 or 7 in the evening, and after that the place closes because it is a huge place and safety becomes a concern because it cannot be regulated after it is dark. There is a huge sports complex as well within the garden, you will see a lot of young people training themselves for cricket, tennis, badminton. Plenty of adults are walking around early in the morning, even in the evening. There are athletes training themselves in the jogging track. I just love visiting there with my parents.

Follow up questions

What activities do you enjoy the most in Company Garden?

I particularly enjoy walking along the tracks and visiting the museum. The open-air gym is also a great place to exercise, and I love watching the athletes train. It's a vibrant atmosphere with so much happening around.

How does the historical significance of the garden affect your visits?

The historical significance adds a deep sense of respect and appreciation for the place. Knowing that a freedom fighter like Chandrashekhar Azad sacrificed his life there makes my visits feel more meaningful and connects me to my country's history.

Do you think places like Company Garden are important for communities?

Absolutely! Places like Company Garden foster community interaction, promote physical activity, and provide a space for relaxation and learning. They are essential for enhancing the quality of life in a city and bringing people together.

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 7

00:00

There are not many places that I visit in Mumbai, but when I do, it's definitely Elephanta Caves. It is on an island near Mumbai. I've gone there a couple of times with my family and my friends as well. I find it quite beautiful and the scenery there is quite breathtaking. There are certain points which we have found are quite isolated and so there is peace there. From there, there's a beautiful view of the ocean and you can just stay there and rest in mother nature and relax yourself. To reach there from my house, I have to take a bus to reach station and railway station and from there, via train, I can reach CSMT railway station and from there, taxis and buses are available to get to Gateway of India and from there, there are multiple options of ferries from which you can choose to reach Elephanta. There is time restriction there, I guess from the first ferry, it's from morning 7 o'clock and the last one from Elephanta is around 7-ish in the evening. It is a beautiful place to go to and there are monkeys there as well and I love the travelling as well because going by boat, sitting on the upper deck is definitely my favourite part and just watching over the ocean, it is quite wonderful to see.

Follow up questions

What other places in Mumbai do you enjoy visiting?

Apart from Elephanta Caves, I enjoy visiting places like Marine Drive for its beautiful promenade and Gateway of India for its historical significance. I also love exploring local markets and trying street food, which gives me a taste of the vibrant culture in Mumbai.

How do you feel about the importance of nature in urban areas?

I believe nature plays a crucial role in urban areas as it provides a much-needed escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Places like Elephanta Caves allow people to connect with nature, relax, and recharge, which is essential for mental well-being.

Have you ever faced any challenges while visiting Elephanta Caves?

Yes, sometimes the ferry schedules can be a bit tricky, especially during monsoon season when the sea can be rough. Additionally, the crowds can be overwhelming during weekends, making it harder to find those peaceful spots I enjoy. But overall, the experience is worth it.

Band 7

00:00

Like everyone, I also want to get away from the hustle bustle of living in a metropolitan city. I live in a regular metro city, which is Bangalore, but the luxury that it offers is that it is surrounded by wonderful places that are so close to nature. To be able to get away from the hustle and hard-working city that we live in and be so close to nature is so relaxing. I, with my family and friends, like to travel to the nearby hill stations that surround us and one of those hill stations is Nandi Hills. This hill station is only 4 hours away from my house and the best way to get there is waking up early in the morning and going on a drive. There's just something about being secluded from the city, the vehicles and the noise that is found in nature and is so relaxing to a person. The trip itself is so beautiful, surrounded by scenery and the wind just changes and the cool breeze touching your face, it makes you feel truly relaxed. When you get on top of the hill, you can see the city and the nature around you and you're above the clouds and seeing the sun and this scene is not something that you can replicate in your day-to-day life. When you get the chance to get away from your daily work and experience this, it really brings you closer to nature and appreciate life. I love to travel and having this kind of facility to travel to a nearby location that offers such serene peace is wonderful.

Follow up questions

What activities do you enjoy doing at Nandi Hills?

At Nandi Hills, I enjoy hiking, taking photographs of the stunning landscapes, and having picnics with my family and friends. The fresh air and beautiful views make every activity enjoyable, and we often spend hours just relaxing and soaking in the natural beauty.

How often do you visit Nandi Hills?

I try to visit Nandi Hills at least a few times a year, especially during the weekends or holidays. It's a great escape from the city, and I love to experience the changing seasons there, whether it's the lush greenery in the monsoon or the cool weather in winter.

What other places near Bangalore do you recommend for nature lovers?

Apart from Nandi Hills, I recommend visiting places like Coorg, Chikmagalur, and Sakleshpur. Each of these locations offers beautiful landscapes, coffee plantations, and opportunities for trekking, making them perfect for nature lovers looking to unwind.

Band 7

00:00

One of my favorite places to visit in my hometown is Tashi Chezong, located in Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. It is a large and beautiful fortress that serves as both a religious and administrative center. The zone stands out from other places because of its impressive architecture, rich history, and sense of peace it offers. What makes Tashi Chezong unique is its blend of tradition and modernity. It is not only the office of the king and the government, but also a spiritual place with beautiful temples and courtyards. The structure is built in a classic Bhutanese style, with intricate woodwork and whitewashed walls, which makes it visually stunning. Whenever I visit my parents or friends, we usually explore vast courtyards, admire the artwork, and sometimes attend religious festivals like Thimphu Tsechu. During the festival, the zone comes alive with colorful performances, masked dances, and a joyful crowd. I enjoy visiting Tashi Chezong because it offers a calm and meaningful experience. The place gives me a sense of pride in my culture and history. Additionally, spending time there with loved ones allows me to share stories, learn more about my country's traditions, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Whether it's during the festival or on a quiet evening, every visit feels special and memorable.

Follow up questions

What other cultural sites are important in your hometown?

In addition to Tashi Chezong, there are several other cultural sites in Thimphu, such as the National Memorial Chorten and the Buddha Dordenma statue. These places also reflect Bhutan's rich heritage and are popular among both locals and tourists, offering insights into our traditions and beliefs.

How do you think visiting Tashi Chezong impacts your understanding of Bhutanese culture?

Visiting Tashi Chezong deepens my understanding of Bhutanese culture by allowing me to witness our traditions firsthand. The architecture, festivals, and rituals observed there provide a tangible connection to our history and values, fostering a sense of identity and belonging.

What activities do you enjoy doing at Tashi Chezong with your friends?

When I visit Tashi Chezong with friends, we enjoy exploring the courtyards, taking photos of the stunning architecture, and participating in the festivals. We also like to sit quietly, reflect on our culture, and share stories about our experiences, which makes our visits even more meaningful.

Show all 43 answers

Cue 1:Where it is

Begin by specifying the exact location of the place in your hometown or city.
Mention any notable landmarks or areas nearby to help the listener visualize it.

Example

The place I want to describe is a beautiful garden called 'Lodhi Garden', located in the heart of Delhi. It’s surrounded by busy streets and is near the famous India Gate, making it quite accessible.

Cue 2:What it is like

Describe the ambiance and features of the place, such as its natural beauty or architectural elements.
Use sensory details to paint a vivid picture, mentioning sights, sounds, and smells.

Example

Lodhi Garden is a serene oasis filled with lush greenery, ancient tombs, and vibrant flowers. The sound of chirping birds and the fragrance of blooming jasmine create a peaceful atmosphere, making it a perfect escape from the city’s hustle.

Cue 3:What you often do there

Share specific activities you enjoy doing at this place, highlighting any unique experiences.
Mention how these activities contribute to your enjoyment of the place.

Example

I often go there for morning walks with my parents, where we enjoy jogging along the winding paths. Sometimes, we pack a picnic and spend the afternoon relaxing on the grass, enjoying the fresh air and each other’s company.

Cue 4:Who do you often go there with

Identify the people you typically visit this place with and explain your relationship with them.
Discuss how these visits strengthen your bond with them.

Example

I usually go to Lodhi Garden with my parents and occasionally with friends. These outings allow us to bond over shared experiences and create lasting memories together.

Cue 5:And explain why you think it is different

Highlight what makes this place unique compared to other locations in your city.
Discuss any personal significance it holds for you or your family.

Example

What makes Lodhi Garden different is its blend of history and nature. Unlike other parks, it has historical monuments that tell stories of the past, making every visit feel like a journey through time. It holds a special place in my heart as it’s where I learned to appreciate nature and history together.

Conclusion

Summarize your feelings about the place and its importance in your life.
Express a final thought on why you would recommend it to others.

Example

In conclusion, Lodhi Garden is not just a beautiful place; it’s a cherished spot that brings my family together and allows us to enjoy nature. I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting Delhi for a peaceful retreat.

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 you are describing.

Tip

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

2: Lack of Personal Connection

Failing to express your personal feelings or experiences can make your response less engaging. It's important to share why the place is special to you.

Tip

Include personal anecdotes or memories that highlight your connection to the place, such as a memorable event or a favorite activity you do there.

Ignoring the Unique Aspects

Not explaining what makes the place different from others can lead to a missed opportunity to showcase your understanding and perspective.

Tip

Clearly identify and elaborate on the unique features of the place, such as its history, culture, or activities that set it apart from similar locations.