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 showcase the rich traditions of Kerala. The dancers' grace and the music create a mesmerizing atmosphere. It's fascinating to see how these performances are intertwined with the temple's rituals during festivals.

How does visiting the temple with friends differ from going with family?

Visiting with friends is often more relaxed and fun, as we can share our thoughts and experiences. With family, it's more about tradition and respect for the rituals. Both experiences are valuable, but they offer different perspectives on the same place.

Have you ever met any celebrities at the temple? What was that like?

Yes, I have seen a few celebrities during our visits. It was exciting to see them in person, especially during their performances. The atmosphere becomes electric, and it adds a unique charm to the experience, making it even more memorable.

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 jogging on the track and spending time in the open-air gym. It's a great way to stay active while enjoying the beautiful surroundings. I also love exploring the museum to learn more about the history of the place.

How does visiting the garden with your parents differ from going with friends?

When I visit with my parents, we tend to have more relaxed conversations and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. With friends, it's more about engaging in activities like playing sports or jogging together, which adds a fun and energetic vibe to the visit.

What other historical places are there in your hometown?

Apart from Company Garden, there are several historical sites like the old fort and the memorial of another freedom fighter. These places also reflect the rich history of Priyankraj and are worth visiting for their cultural significance.

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 Marine Drive for its beautiful sunset views and the vibrant atmosphere. I also like exploring the local markets like Colaba Causeway, where I can shop for unique items and enjoy street food with my friends.

How often do you visit Elephanta Caves?

I try to visit Elephanta Caves at least once a year, especially during the cooler months when the weather is pleasant. It's a great escape from the city's hustle and bustle, and I love spending quality time with my family and friends there.

What activities do you enjoy doing at Elephanta Caves?

At Elephanta Caves, I enjoy exploring the ancient sculptures and taking photographs. I also love hiking around the island and discovering the quieter spots. Watching the monkeys play and just relaxing by the ocean adds to the experience.

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 love hiking, taking photographs of the stunning landscapes, and enjoying picnics with my family and friends. The fresh air and beautiful views make every activity enjoyable. We often explore the trails and sometimes even do some bird watching.

How often do you visit Nandi Hills?

I try to visit Nandi Hills at least once every few months, especially during the weekends or holidays. It's a great escape from the city, and each visit feels refreshing. The changing seasons also offer different experiences, making each trip unique.

What other places near Bangalore do you recommend?

Apart from Nandi Hills, I recommend visiting places like Coorg for its coffee plantations, Chikmagalur for its scenic beauty, and Mysore for its rich culture and history. Each of these places offers a unique experience and is perfect for a weekend getaway.

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 historical places do you enjoy visiting in your city?

Apart from Tashi Chezong, I also enjoy visiting the National Memorial Chorten and the Buddha Dordenma statue. Both places have significant cultural importance and offer beautiful views of the city. They provide a deeper understanding of Bhutanese history and spirituality.

How do you think Tashi Chezong impacts the local community?

Tashi Chezong plays a vital role in the local community by being a center for cultural events and festivals. It brings people together, fosters a sense of belonging, and helps preserve our traditions. The fortress also attracts tourists, which boosts the local economy.

What activities do you enjoy doing at Tashi Chezong besides attending festivals?

Besides attending festivals, I love exploring the courtyards, taking photographs of the stunning architecture, and enjoying quiet moments of reflection. Sometimes, I participate in meditation sessions or simply sit and appreciate the serene atmosphere with my friends and family.

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.