Describe a place where you saw animals: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

What the place was?
Which animals you saw?
What you did while there?
And explain how it felt to see them.

134 unique answers with expert feedback

What other animals did you hope to see during your visit?

Besides tigers, we were also hoping to see leopards and various bird species. The park is known for its biodiversity, and we were excited about the possibility of encountering different wildlife, including elephants and various deer species.

How did you feel when you finally saw the tigers?

Seeing the tigers was an exhilarating experience! We felt a rush of excitement and joy, as it was the highlight of our safari. It was a surreal moment to see such majestic creatures in their natural habitat, and it made the entire trip worthwhile.

Would you recommend visiting Jim Corbett National Park to others?

Absolutely! I would highly recommend visiting Jim Corbett National Park. It's a fantastic experience for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The thrill of spotting animals in the wild and the beauty of the forest make it a memorable adventure.

Band 7

00:00

A place where I saw animals in their natural habitat was Muddu Malai National Park, located at the foothills of Nilgiri Hills in Tamil Nadu, a South Indian district, state. It's part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and is known for its rich wildlife and lush greenery. I went there with my family during a short holiday break. We booked for a safari early in the morning, you know, that golden hour where nature looks like it's straight out of a movie. The jeep took us through winding trails inside the reserve and we spotted a herd of elephants, spotted deer, Indian goats and even a group of peacocks doing their flashy little dance. And the highlight was catching sight of a South bear from a distance, adorable, but definitely not something you'd want to hug. While there apart from the safari, we also visited the elephant camp inside the reserve where rescued elephants are taken care of. I even got the chance to feed one of them a banana and let me tell you, that trunk is stronger than it looks. Seeing animals in the wild, especially in such a peaceful and natural setting, was honestly unforgettable. It made me realize how disconnected we are from the wild and how important it is to protect these creatures and their habitat. There's something humbling about watching them go about their life without a care for human cares. I felt calm and emotional and completely in awe.

Follow up questions

What other wildlife parks have you visited?

I've also visited Bandipur National Park and Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Each park has its unique charm and wildlife. Bandipur is known for its tigers and elephants, while Periyar is famous for its picturesque lake and diverse flora and fauna.

How do you think wildlife conservation can be improved?

I believe raising awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation is crucial. Education programs in schools, community involvement, and stricter laws against poaching can help protect endangered species and their habitats.

What impact did this experience have on you?

This experience deepened my appreciation for nature and wildlife. It made me more aware of environmental issues and motivated me to support conservation efforts, as I realized how vital it is to preserve these beautiful creatures and their ecosystems.

Band 7

00:00

So, recently I went on a trip to Bangalore, wherein I had a chance to visit the Banirkatta Zoo, which is at the outskirts of Bangalore, where there are various kinds of species, you know, lions, tigers, elephants, giraffes, zebras, various types of birds, some of which I can't recall right now. I remember going into a caged bus as we were visiting non-domestic animals, and it wouldn't be safe for us to go via foot. I enjoyed and I tried to understand the history behind each animal, how it was discovered, found, you know, what it is famous for. I also took efforts to go out and beyond and ask the workers of the property as to how they handle their diet, what kind of medication they require, how do they analyse if they are not well, what kind of medication, again, differs from animal to animal. Talking about birds, I had seen various kinds of birds. Of course, the chirping and all always excites you, it makes you feel that you have come away from the city boundaries and you are in, you know, the outskirts. It's so fascinating to see sometimes, you know, the feathers and how beautiful they are just created by God, and that's something which really bamboozles me and I'm so happy to see this creation from God.

Follow up questions

What was your favorite animal at the zoo and why?

My favorite animal at the zoo was the elephant. I was fascinated by its size and intelligence. Watching it interact with the trainers and seeing how gentle it was despite its massive size really left an impression on me. Elephants are known for their strong social bonds, which I find very interesting.

How do you think zoos contribute to wildlife conservation?

Zoos play a crucial role in wildlife conservation by providing a safe environment for endangered species. They also engage in breeding programs to help increase populations and educate the public about the importance of preserving wildlife and their habitats. This awareness can lead to more support for conservation efforts.

Have you visited any other places with animals? How do they compare?

Yes, I have visited a wildlife sanctuary before. Unlike the zoo, the sanctuary allowed animals to roam more freely in a natural habitat. It felt more authentic, but I missed the educational aspect of the zoo. Each place offers a different experience, highlighting various aspects of animal care and conservation.

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Band 7

00:00

When I was doing my fellowship during 2017-18, I was working in education to improve the quality of government school teaching. I was based at Sojangarh in Rajasthan and they had a sanctuary, a deer sanctuary in fact, the largest in Asia and I used to visit it very often with my colleagues and sometimes even alone. It was a huge sanctuary with a guest house and it had a lake in the middle of it and it had rare species of deers, of horned deers and that was the first time that I had seen various exotic species of deers. When I first visited Tal Chhapar Sanctuary, I felt like I was in another world because the stereotypical depiction of a deer is what we see in our folktales, in our books, in our comedies but these were beautiful animals with various sizes of horns and eyes and their furs, so every each species was so different from one another and you could just sit and look at them in awe and wonder. When I went around the lake, the deers used to follow us to sort of be close to us and that felt like a connection with the animals although we are very different from one another.

Follow up questions

What other animals did you see in the sanctuary?

In addition to the deer, I also saw various birds and some smaller mammals. The sanctuary was home to a diverse ecosystem, and it was fascinating to observe how different species interacted with each other in their natural habitat.

How did visiting the sanctuary impact your views on wildlife conservation?

Visiting the sanctuary deepened my appreciation for wildlife and the importance of conservation efforts. It made me realize how vital it is to protect such habitats to ensure that future generations can also experience the beauty of these animals.

Have you visited any other wildlife sanctuaries or parks?

Yes, I have visited a few other wildlife sanctuaries, including one in Uttarakhand. Each place has its unique charm and different species, which has further fueled my interest in wildlife and the need to preserve their environments.

Band 7

00:00

A few years back, my mother and I got the chance to visit a small sanctuary that was run by a veterinarian on the outskirts of my city. There I met orphaned animals of various kinds such as leopards, snakes, tigers, deers, raccoons, etc. Here, the person in charge of the place made us aware about different behavioral patterns that can be observed in various animals, how these animals interact with their habitat and the overall ecosystem in which they reside, most importantly, I got to know how human activities are harming these animals and what we as humans should undertake to prevent man versus nature conflicts. This place gave a memorable experience because it was the first time I could see these animals outside the wild and get to interact with them, observe them. However, this experience often leaves me wondering how and why these animals face the challenges they do.

Follow up questions

What was your favorite animal at the sanctuary and why?

My favorite animal at the sanctuary was the tiger. I was fascinated by its majestic appearance and powerful presence. Learning about its behavior and the challenges it faces in the wild made me appreciate its beauty even more. It was a unique experience to see such a magnificent creature up close.

How do you think visiting such places impacts people's views on wildlife?

Visiting places like the sanctuary can greatly enhance people's understanding of wildlife and the issues they face. It fosters empathy and awareness, encouraging visitors to support conservation efforts. When people see animals in need, they are more likely to take action to protect their habitats and advocate for their rights.

What actions do you think individuals can take to help protect endangered animals?

Individuals can help protect endangered animals by supporting wildlife conservation organizations, reducing their carbon footprint, and spreading awareness about the issues these animals face. Simple actions like recycling, reducing plastic use, and advocating for policies that protect natural habitats can make a significant difference.

Show all 134 answers

Cue 1:What the place was?

Begin by describing the location where you saw the animals, such as a zoo, wildlife sanctuary, or national park.
Mention any specific features of the place that made it special or memorable.

Example

The place I visited was the Bannerghatta Biological Park in Bangalore. It’s a vast area filled with lush greenery and various habitats for animals. The park is well-known for its safari rides and the chance to see animals in a more natural environment.

Cue 2:Which animals you saw?

List the different types of animals you encountered during your visit.
Share any interesting facts or behaviors you observed about these animals.

Example

During my visit, I saw a variety of animals including majestic lions, playful elephants, and colorful peacocks. The lions were lounging in the sun, while the elephants were splashing water on themselves, which was quite amusing to watch.

Cue 3:What you did while there?

Explain the activities you participated in while at the place, such as taking a guided tour, feeding animals, or taking photographs.
Share any memorable experiences or interactions you had.

Example

While at the park, I took a guided safari tour which allowed me to see the animals up close. I also enjoyed feeding some of the deer in the petting area, which was a delightful experience. I captured many photos to remember the day.

Cue 4:And explain how it felt to see them.

Describe your emotions and thoughts while observing the animals.
Reflect on the overall experience and what it meant to you.

Example

Seeing the animals in their natural habitats was an exhilarating experience. I felt a deep sense of connection to nature and a greater appreciation for wildlife. It was heartwarming to see them thriving in such a beautiful environment.

Conclusion

Example

Overall, my visit to the Bannerghatta Biological Park was unforgettable. It not only allowed me to see amazing animals but also reminded me of the importance of wildlife conservation. I left the park feeling inspired and grateful for the experience.

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: Being Too Vague

Candidates often provide unclear or general descriptions of the place and animals, which can make their response less engaging and informative.

Tip

Be specific about the location and the types of animals you saw. Use descriptive language to paint a vivid picture for the examiner.

2: Neglecting Personal Experience

Some candidates forget to share their personal feelings or experiences, which can make their answer sound robotic and uninteresting.

Tip

Include your emotions and thoughts about seeing the animals. Explain how the experience affected you personally to create a more compelling narrative.

Lack of Structure

A disorganized response can confuse the listener and make it hard to follow your story, leading to a lower score.

Tip

Organize your answer by following the cue prompts clearly. Start with the place, then the animals, what you did, and finally your feelings about the experience.

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