Describe a place that wasn't kept clean.: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

Which place was it?
When did you visit? How untidy was it?
How did you feel about it?

27 unique answers with expert feedback

What do you think causes places like the Taj Mahal to be unclean?

I believe that a lack of proper maintenance and management can lead to such situations. Sometimes, the influx of tourists can overwhelm the local authorities, and if there are not enough resources allocated for cleaning and upkeep, it results in places becoming dirty.

How can tourists contribute to keeping places clean?

Tourists can play a significant role by being responsible and not littering. They should also follow the rules and regulations set by the authorities. Additionally, spreading awareness about the importance of cleanliness can encourage others to take care of these beautiful places.

What impact does littering have on historical sites?

Littering can damage the aesthetic and cultural value of historical sites. It can also lead to environmental issues, affecting local wildlife and ecosystems. Moreover, it can deter future visitors, impacting tourism and the economy of the area.

Band >7

00:00

Imagine walking into a once vibrant park now neglected and overrun with filth. The grass, which used to be lush and green, is patchy and brown, with litter scattered across the ground, plastic bottles, food wrappers, and cigarette butts strewn everywhere. The benches, once a place to relax and enjoy nature, are now covered in dirt, graffiti, and stains, with some even broken or missing slats. A fall odor hangs in the air, emanating from a nearby trash can that has long since overflowed, its contents spilling into the ground, attracting flies and pests. The pathways are cracked and uneven, covered in a mix of mud and trash, making it difficult to walk without stepping on something unpleasant. In the distance, a small pond that once sparkled in the sunlight is now stagnant, with algae covered on the water surface and plastic bags tangled in the reeds. The sounds of nature are muffled, replaced by the occasional sound of debris being blown by the wind or the rustling of litter. The lack of upkeep in this space is not just physical, there is a sense of neglect in the air, a feeling that no one cares enough to preserve the park's beauty. It is a place that once brought people together, but now it feels abandoned, like a forgotten corner of the community. This environment not only reflects a disregard for cleanliness, but also for the collective responsibility we all share in maintaining the spaces we live in.

Follow up questions

What do you think causes places like this to become neglected?

I believe a lack of community involvement and insufficient funding for maintenance are major factors. When people stop caring or when local governments don't prioritize upkeep, these spaces quickly deteriorate. It reflects a broader societal issue regarding environmental responsibility.

How can communities work together to improve neglected areas?

Communities can organize clean-up events, create awareness campaigns, and involve local schools in environmental education. Engaging residents in the upkeep fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility, encouraging them to take pride in their surroundings and work together for improvement.

What impact does a dirty environment have on people's well-being?

A dirty environment can lead to negative mental health effects, such as stress and anxiety. It can also discourage outdoor activities, reducing social interactions and community bonding. Clean spaces promote well-being, while neglected areas can create feelings of abandonment and neglect.

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Anonymous student Band 7.5

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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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Anonymous student Band 8

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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

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

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Anonymous student Band 7.5

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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.

To improve cleanliness, cities can implement better waste management systems, increase public awareness campaigns about littering, and encourage community involvement in clean-up drives. Additionally, local governments can enforce stricter regulations on waste disposal and invest in more public sanitation facilities.

Show all 27 answers

Cue 1:Which place was it?

Begin by naming the place clearly, providing some context about its significance.
Mention any specific features or characteristics that made it memorable.

Example

The place I want to talk about is a public park in my neighborhood called Green Meadows. It's usually a lovely spot for families and children, but on my last visit, it was quite neglected.

Cue 2:When did you visit? How untidy was it?

Specify the time of your visit and any relevant events that might have contributed to the untidiness.
Describe the extent of the mess, including specific examples of litter or disarray.

Example

I visited Green Meadows last Saturday afternoon, and to my dismay, it was littered with plastic bottles, food wrappers, and even some broken furniture. The grass was overgrown, and the benches were covered in dirt, making it look very uninviting.

Cue 3:How did you feel about it?

Share your emotional response to the state of the place, reflecting on any disappointment or frustration.
Consider discussing any thoughts you had about the importance of cleanliness in public spaces.

Example

Seeing the park in such a state made me feel really disappointed. I believe public spaces should be well-maintained for everyone to enjoy. It was frustrating to see that many people were not taking responsibility for keeping it clean.

Conclusion

Summarize your main points about the place and its condition.
Reflect on any actions you think could improve the situation or your hopes for the future.

Example

In conclusion, Green Meadows was a beautiful park that sadly fell into disrepair. I hope that the local community can come together to clean it up and maintain its beauty, as it is a vital space for relaxation and recreation.

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 makes your answer less engaging and informative. Candidates often fail to provide specific details about the place, which can lead to a lack of clarity.

Tip

Use descriptive adjectives and specific examples to paint a clear picture of the place and its untidiness.

2: Ignoring Emotional Impact

Not expressing your feelings about the untidy place can make your response sound flat. Candidates often overlook how the experience affected them emotionally.

Tip

Share your feelings and thoughts about the cleanliness of the place to add depth to your answer.

Lack of Structure

A disorganized response can confuse the listener. Candidates sometimes jump between points without a clear flow, making it hard to follow their story.