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 such a contrast in cleanliness at tourist sites?

I believe the contrast in cleanliness can be attributed to a lack of proper waste management and maintenance. Many tourist sites attract large crowds, and if the authorities do not have a plan in place to manage waste effectively, it can lead to such unsightly conditions.

How can local authorities improve cleanliness in popular tourist destinations?

Local authorities can improve cleanliness by increasing the number of waste bins, employing more cleaning staff, and organizing regular clean-up drives. Additionally, they can raise awareness among visitors about the importance of keeping the area clean.

Have you noticed similar cleanliness issues in other places you have visited?

Yes, I have noticed similar issues in other tourist spots, especially in areas that are not as well-funded or maintained. It seems that some places prioritize the main attractions but neglect the surrounding areas, which can detract from the overall experience.

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 authorities don't prioritize upkeep, these spaces quickly deteriorate. It's a cycle of neglect that can be hard to break.

How can communities work together to improve such neglected areas?

Communities can organize clean-up events, create awareness campaigns, and involve local schools in environmental education. Engaging residents in the maintenance and beautification of their surroundings fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility.

Have you ever participated in a clean-up effort? What was your experience?

Yes, I participated in a local beach clean-up last summer. It was rewarding to see the immediate impact of our efforts. We collected a lot of trash, and it felt great to contribute to a cleaner environment while also bonding with fellow volunteers.

Band 6-7

00:00

Well, I would like to mention about one of my trips to Mangalore. I visited Mangalore when I was in my 12th standard. To be honest, we had planned to visit Kerala but then things went out of hand and we ended up staying back in Karnataka only. That's when I visited a beach there. Basically, I am a beach person. So, I visited Panambur beach and for God's sake, I regret my visit. It was the worst experience ever. To be honest, that is not a beach at all. The beach was fully surrounded with all garbage, plastic bags. It was literally like a garbage place visit instead of a beach visit. You wouldn't get that peace of mind if you visit that beach. I really felt very very disappointed. I visited there with my family. So, I was expecting to go have a nice beach view, experience the waves tapping my feet, take a boating if possible but then, no. It really didn't happen. To be honest, we were hardly there only for 10 minutes because beach was so beautiful as I mentioned with that garbage all around. We ended up returning from the beach within 10 minutes. I would really not recommend anybody to go visit that beach because it is not a place to be visited. Literally, I didn't feel like I was there in a picnic spot. I really felt like I just visited one of the roads next to my house and wow, it's a picnic spot.

Follow up questions

What do you think causes places like Panambur beach to become dirty?

I believe a lack of proper waste management and public awareness contributes to the pollution. Many visitors may not care about littering, and local authorities might not enforce cleanliness regulations effectively.

How can communities improve the cleanliness of their public spaces?

Communities can organize regular clean-up drives, educate the public about the importance of keeping places clean, and provide more trash bins. Additionally, promoting responsible tourism can help maintain the beauty of such locations.

Have you seen any successful examples of clean beaches or parks?

Yes, I have seen beaches in places like Goa and international locations where cleanliness is prioritized. They have strict regulations, regular maintenance, and community involvement, which keeps the areas clean and enjoyable for visitors.

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Band 6-7

00:00

Cleanliness is next to glordliness. This is a phrase which have I have been learning from my childhood. The place which was not at all clean and was messy was a restaurant that I have visited in the last few months but I still remember how that chaos was made and how ugly it was looking. We just sat on the dinner dining table with my children and there was like water spilled on the floor which I did not want to I mean I did not even wanted to sit there but as we were hungry and all the restaurants were closed we had to stay tuned in that restaurant. Moreover it was really bad experience that I had. The food was also very much unhealthy and the oily foods that were served I would not recommend anyone to visit that restaurant again. It was really horrible. The children were crying and it was really noisy in that restaurant. Mostly it was the children who have done the mess. I am not in any doubt but just further to add I just want all the restaurants to keep their things or the furniture also to be cleaned every time so that the customers are really

Follow up questions

What impact does cleanliness have on your dining experience?

Cleanliness greatly affects my dining experience. A clean environment makes me feel comfortable and safe to eat. It also reflects the restaurant's standards and care for customers. When a place is dirty, it can ruin my appetite and make me question the quality of the food.

How do you think restaurants can improve their cleanliness?

Restaurants can improve cleanliness by implementing regular cleaning schedules, training staff on hygiene practices, and conducting inspections. They should also encourage feedback from customers about cleanliness and address any issues promptly to maintain a positive dining environment.

Have you ever reported a cleanliness issue to a restaurant?

Yes, I have reported cleanliness issues before. I believe it's important to communicate concerns to management so they can take action. I once mentioned a dirty table to the staff, and they promptly cleaned it, which improved my experience and showed they care about customer feedback.

Band 6-7

00:00

So, recently I visited Mumbai for my interview, which was in a management college. It was my first time that I was visiting Mumbai, so as soon as I entered Mumbai, I noticed that everywhere there was garbage around and it was pretty dirty and lots of foul smell was coming wherever I went. Mumbai is very, I would say, very unhygienic. It is full of, everywhere there is litter around, there are lots of sewage also. I also visited to beach, which was also not clean. It was also very dirty and visiting to Mumbai, I didn't like Mumbai because it was not clean. It was, in every area that I visited, a consistent foul smell was coming and also at the hotel which I stayed was not so clean and hygienic. There were mosquitoes all around and I didn't find...

Follow up questions

What do you think causes the lack of cleanliness in cities like Mumbai?

I believe the lack of cleanliness in cities like Mumbai is due to a combination of factors, including rapid urbanization, inadequate waste management systems, and a lack of public awareness about hygiene. Many people may not have access to proper disposal facilities, leading to littering.

How can cities improve their cleanliness and hygiene?

Cities can improve cleanliness by implementing better waste management systems, increasing public awareness campaigns about littering, and encouraging community involvement in clean-up drives. Additionally, local governments can invest in more public sanitation facilities and regular cleaning services.

Have you experienced cleanliness issues in other cities as well?

Yes, I have noticed cleanliness issues in other cities too, especially in densely populated areas. For example, during my travels, I found that some tourist spots were not well-maintained, which detracted from the overall experience. It's a common issue in many urban environments.

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.

Tip

Organize your answer by addressing each cue in order, ensuring a logical progression from one point to the next.

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