Describe a place that you would like to learn the culture there (eg, a library, museum, theatre): IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

Where it is?
How you knew this place?
What it is like?
And explain how the place is related to culture.

36 unique answers with expert feedback

What specific artifacts would you like to see at the British Museum?

I would love to see the Rosetta Stone, as it played a crucial role in deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphs. Additionally, the Elgin Marbles are fascinating because they represent ancient Greek culture and art. Each artifact tells a unique story about the civilization it comes from.

How do you think museums contribute to cultural understanding?

Museums like the British Museum play a vital role in cultural understanding by preserving artifacts that represent different societies. They provide context and education about historical events, traditions, and beliefs, allowing visitors to appreciate the diversity and interconnectedness of human experiences.

Have you visited any other museums that impacted your understanding of culture?

Yes, I visited the Louvre in Paris, which significantly impacted my understanding of French art and history. The vast collection of paintings and sculptures helped me appreciate the evolution of artistic styles and the cultural significance behind them, enhancing my overall cultural awareness.

Band 6-7

00:00

I would like to talk about Chepauk Stadium. That is one of the well-renowned cricket stadiums in the world. When I was young, I used to watch a lot of matches in Chepauk Stadium. One instance for me is watching the famous tie test which happened in 2018 between India and Australia. It was one of the greatest matches I ever watched. It is not a place which is very expensive but while comparing with other stadiums, it is quite cheap. Moreover, the atmosphere there will be electrifying. Apart from the DJ sound, the sound of the drums, whistles will be at another level. Also, as a professional cricket player, I used to play a lot of club matches here. Moreover, from being a spectator admiring their skills to actually playing on the same field is something special according to me. Basically, the culture in Chepauk Stadium is quite different. People don't wear slippers or slides inside the cricket ground as their symbol of showing respect to the ground. Also, you can notice that no support staff or the ground mens are allowed to split inside the cricketing field. Also, there are many legends who have played here. So, it is like a temple to me as a professional cricket player.

Follow up questions

What aspects of Chepauk Stadium's culture do you find most fascinating?

I find the respect shown by spectators and players towards the ground fascinating. The tradition of not wearing slippers and the strict rules about support staff not entering the field highlight the reverence for cricket as a sport and the history associated with the stadium.

How does the atmosphere at Chepauk Stadium compare to other stadiums you've visited?

The atmosphere at Chepauk is unique due to the passionate crowd and the vibrant sounds of drums and cheers. Unlike other stadiums, the energy here feels more intense, and the connection between players and fans is palpable, making every match an unforgettable experience.

Can you share a memorable experience from your time playing at Chepauk Stadium?

One memorable experience was playing a club match where I hit my first six. The crowd erupted, and it felt surreal to be part of such an iconic venue. The cheers from the stands made me feel like a professional player, and it was a moment I will cherish forever.

Band 6-7

00:00

The country which I would like to visit is Netherland, which is an European country. It is an exciting country where it has a lot of advancement in engineering technology and also in science. It also gives a lot of importance to nation and the people also have a work-life balance which is inspiring and admiring. It is only one of the countries which has a separate bicycle track, it is an inspiring and admiring part of the country, which has to be followed by many countries around the world, which is mechanic, but the people and culture in Netherlands is also inspiring because it is nature-oriented. They prefer a lot of organic vegetables and organic lifestyle. They have a work-life balance which has helped them to lead a healthy and happy life throughout. So I would like to visit Netherland and live there for the entire life and I am also looking for an opportunity to live and work there and to meet and indulge between the culture and cuisine there. I am looking forward to move to another country and this is a part of learning where I can get an opportunity to work and learn from Netherland and I also have an opportunity and will also get an opportunity to roam around European countries with the Czech and Russia. So it will be a wonderful opportunity if I get to work and study in Netherlands and live there forever. So I am looking forward to that opportunity to work and live in European countries in my future.

Follow up questions

What specific aspects of Dutch culture are you most excited to experience?

I am particularly excited to experience the Dutch approach to sustainability and their emphasis on organic living. The way they integrate nature into their daily lives, along with their unique traditions and festivals, fascinates me. I also look forward to trying traditional Dutch cuisine.

How do you think living in the Netherlands will change your perspective on work-life balance?

Living in the Netherlands will likely give me a deeper appreciation for work-life balance. I believe observing how the Dutch prioritize leisure and family time will inspire me to adopt similar practices in my own life, leading to a healthier and more fulfilling lifestyle.

What challenges do you anticipate when adapting to a new culture in the Netherlands?

I anticipate challenges such as language barriers and adjusting to different social norms. Understanding the Dutch directness in communication might take some time. However, I believe these challenges will ultimately enrich my experience and help me grow personally and professionally.

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Band 6-7

00:00

A place that I would like to learn the culture would be Helsman Art Gallery. Helsman Art Gallery is well known for their variety of arts and artifacts in one place having origins around the world. To be specific, Helsman Art Gallery has n number of German, French, Spanish artifacts in them. Moreover, I like it because it is a place where we can learn culture of various countries at some extent in one place. Hence, a place that I would like to learn the culture would be Helsman Art Gallery.

Follow up questions

What specific artifact from the gallery interests you the most?

I am particularly interested in the German artifacts, especially the traditional pottery. It showcases the craftsmanship and cultural significance of everyday items in German history. Learning about the stories behind these artifacts would deepen my understanding of their culture.

How do you think visiting such a gallery can enhance cultural understanding?

Visiting a gallery like Helsman allows us to see art and artifacts firsthand, which can evoke emotions and thoughts that textbooks cannot. It provides a tangible connection to different cultures, helping us appreciate their uniqueness and the historical context behind each piece.

Have you visited any other cultural places before? How was that experience?

Yes, I have visited several museums and cultural centers. Each experience was enriching, as I learned about different traditions and histories. For instance, visiting a local museum helped me understand my own culture better by comparing it with others, which was quite enlightening.

Band 6-7

00:00

Last October I went on a vacation with my friends in a city called Udaipur which is situated in Rajasthan, it's a state in India. I like the culture, the architecture and the history of that place. That place has so many forts and so much history when we were going around. The people over there has a different kind of tradition. The food was very different, they had a very famous food called Dal Bati Churma which is prepared in ghee. The most important thing which I want to explore over there is the royalty of that place. I was very keen about exploring the history of that place, how the kings and queens used to live there, their history and the cultures that they used to follow. Even now they have a king to that city who stays in the palace over there called city palace. They have donated 80% of that palace for the tourism and in the 20% they have their own residence. By looking at that palace the only thing I visualise is how royal the life was back in that time and it really excites me.

Follow up questions

What specific traditions did you observe in Udaipur?

In Udaipur, I noticed various traditions such as the colorful festivals celebrated with music and dance, traditional attire worn by the locals, and rituals performed at temples. The hospitality of the people was also remarkable, showcasing their warmth and welcoming nature.

How does the food in Udaipur reflect its culture?

The food in Udaipur, like Dal Bati Churma, reflects the rich culinary heritage of Rajasthan. It is often prepared with local ingredients and traditional methods, showcasing the region's flavors and cooking techniques. Meals are usually enjoyed in a communal setting, emphasizing the importance of togetherness in their culture.

What other historical sites would you like to visit in Rajasthan?

Apart from Udaipur, I would love to visit Jaipur, known for its forts like Amber Fort and City Palace. Jaisalmer's golden fort and the desert culture are also fascinating. Each city has its unique history and architecture, offering a deeper understanding of Rajasthan's royal past.

Show all 36 answers

Cue 1:Where it is?

Begin by stating the location of the place you want to learn about.
Mention any notable landmarks or the city it is in to give context.

Example

The place I would like to learn the culture of is the National Museum in New Delhi. It is located near India Gate, which is a well-known landmark in the city.

Cue 2:How you knew this place?

Share how you first heard about the museum, whether through friends, school, or media.
Explain what piqued your interest in visiting this place.

Example

I first learned about the National Museum during my history class in school. My teacher spoke highly of its vast collection of artifacts, and I became curious to explore it myself.

Cue 3:What it is like?

Describe the atmosphere and the layout of the museum.
Mention specific exhibits or features that stand out to you.

Example

The museum has a serene atmosphere, with spacious halls filled with ancient sculptures and paintings. One exhibit that particularly fascinates me is the collection of Mughal artifacts, which showcases the rich history of India.

Cue 4:And explain how the place is related to culture.

Discuss the significance of the museum in preserving cultural heritage.
Explain how visiting this place can enhance your understanding of Indian culture.

Example

The National Museum plays a crucial role in preserving India's cultural heritage. By visiting, I can learn about the diverse traditions, art forms, and historical events that have shaped our society, deepening my appreciation for Indian culture.

Conclusion

Example

In conclusion, the National Museum in New Delhi is a place I am eager to explore. It not only offers a glimpse into India's rich history but also allows me to connect with the cultural roots of my country.

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

Avoid being too general when describing the place. Vague answers can make it hard for the examiner to understand your thoughts and may lead to lower scores.

Tip

Use specific details about the place, such as its location, unique features, and your personal experiences to create a vivid picture.

2: Ignoring Cultural Significance

Do not overlook the cultural aspects of the place. Failing to explain its cultural relevance can make your answer incomplete and less engaging.

Tip

Clearly connect the place to its cultural importance by discussing traditions, events, or historical significance related to it.

Lack of Personal Connection

Avoid giving a purely factual answer without personal insights. This can make your response sound robotic and uninteresting.

Tip

Share your feelings or experiences related to the place to make your answer more relatable and engaging for the examiner.

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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

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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.