Describe a place you have been to and would like to recommend others to live there (not your hometown): IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

Where is it?
What the place is like?
When you visited there?
Who you went there with?
And explain why you would recommend this place to others.

116 unique answers with expert feedback

What specific cultural practices did you enjoy in Udaipur?

In Udaipur, I enjoyed various cultural practices such as traditional dance performances, local festivals, and the art of pottery. The locals are very welcoming and often share their customs, which gives visitors a deeper understanding of their heritage.

Can you describe a memorable experience you had while visiting Udaipur?

One memorable experience was a boat ride on Lake Pichola during sunset. The view of the City Palace and the surrounding hills was breathtaking. It felt magical, and I still remember the serene atmosphere and the beautiful colors of the sky reflecting on the water.

What local dishes would you recommend trying in Udaipur?

I would recommend trying Dal Baati Churma, a traditional Rajasthani dish, and Gatte ki Sabzi, which is made from gram flour. The street food is also amazing, especially the Pyaaz Kachori and the sweet delicacies like Ghevar. Each dish has a unique flavor that represents the region.

Band >7

00:00

The place is Chandigarh, it is a city of Punjab and it's a lot of places where we can go and the last month we can go with my family and we can enjoy the evening and lots of fun. I recommend this city because it is a clean city and their rules and regulations can be followed properly and different events can be organized at every month and the business is safe and the employment was higher in this city, the job opportunities can happen.

Follow up questions

What specific places in Chandigarh do you recommend visiting?

I recommend visiting the Rock Garden, Sukhna Lake, and the Rose Garden. Each offers unique experiences, from art and nature to relaxation. The Rock Garden is famous for its sculptures made from recycled materials, while Sukhna Lake is perfect for boating and enjoying sunsets.

How does the culture in Chandigarh differ from your hometown?

Chandigarh has a blend of modern and traditional culture, influenced by its planned architecture and diverse population. Unlike my hometown, which is more traditional, Chandigarh has a cosmopolitan vibe with various cultural events, festivals, and a vibrant nightlife.

What types of job opportunities are available in Chandigarh?

Chandigarh offers a range of job opportunities in sectors like IT, education, healthcare, and retail. Many multinational companies have offices here, and the city is also known for its educational institutions, which create jobs in teaching and administration.

Band >7

00:00

I would like to describe a place where I have been and I would like to recommend it to others. It's Dubai. It's a beautiful place, it's a fantastic place to visit. I have been there many times. I have been there with my family to enjoy the weekends and the holidays. There are many places to visit and see. For example, there's Miracle Garden, Dubai Frame, Dubai Mall and many shopping malls where we can do our shopping and for children's entertainment. Whenever my parents visit us, I used to take them to Dubai to see all the places. They also enjoy very much the infrastructure of Dubai's well-planned, the transportation and the malls where we can entertain ourselves and do our shopping and have a delicious meal. I recommend Dubai for a nice place to live.

Follow up questions

What are some cultural aspects of Dubai that you find appealing?

Dubai is a melting pot of cultures, with a rich blend of traditions and modernity. I appreciate the diverse food options, cultural festivals, and the welcoming nature of its residents. The blend of traditional markets and contemporary architecture showcases the city's unique identity.

How does living in Dubai compare to living in your hometown?

Living in Dubai offers a fast-paced lifestyle with modern amenities and a cosmopolitan atmosphere. In contrast, my hometown is more laid-back and traditional. Dubai's infrastructure, job opportunities, and entertainment options are much more extensive, making it an exciting place to live.

What challenges do you think people might face when moving to Dubai?

One challenge could be the high cost of living, especially housing and schooling. Additionally, adjusting to the climate can be tough, as summers are extremely hot. Lastly, newcomers may need time to adapt to the diverse culture and lifestyle, which can be quite different from their own.

Practice other cue cards

Describe a place in your country or part of your country that you would like to recommend to visitors/travelers

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Describe an unusual but interesting building you would like to visit

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Describe a tourist attraction that very few people visit but you think is interesting

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Describe a place in your country or part of your country that you would like to recommend to visitors/travellers

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Describe a place with a lot of trees that you would like to visit (e.g. a forest, oasis)

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Describe A Long Car Journey You Went On

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Describe a place you went to and an outdoor activity you did there

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Describe A Tourist Attraction You Enjoyed Visiting

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Band 7

00:00

The place I would recommend others to live is Iceland. The capital city is magnificent and other parts of the country are so beautiful, you don't want to leave that place. I visited this country in June of this month along with my wife and friends and it was a lovely trip. We were there for two weeks and we travelled around the country by car. They have a ring road which covers the whole circumference of the country and we did that. It's an island and it's an island, Iceland is an island, we all know that but when you go from west to south, then to east and then to north, you see the changes in the landscape of the country. I can bet you that 9 out of 10 wallpapers of scenic beauty in windows or in apple are shooted in Iceland or similar landscape. We also saw blue whale during our trip and seals as well. We also had a glacial hike, we went to the western part of the country where you have a wonderful capital city of Reykjavik which is very happening. At night you can see people drinking at bars, enjoying live music which is produced by themselves. It's not like the music is influenced by US or the music from other parts of the country. It is a music that they own, they are created by their own artist.

Follow up questions

What activities can visitors enjoy in Iceland besides sightseeing?

Visitors to Iceland can enjoy a variety of activities such as hiking on glaciers, soaking in hot springs, and exploring ice caves. Additionally, they can partake in whale watching tours, visit the famous Blue Lagoon, and experience the vibrant nightlife in Reykjavik with its unique music scene.

How does the culture in Iceland differ from your own?

Icelandic culture is quite unique, with a strong emphasis on literature, music, and community. Unlike many places, their music is deeply rooted in local traditions and often features themes from their history and nature. The people are also known for their friendliness and openness, which can be quite different from more reserved cultures.

What was your favorite part of the trip to Iceland?

My favorite part of the trip was definitely the glacial hike. It was an incredible experience to walk on a glacier and see the stunning ice formations up close. Additionally, witnessing the blue whales in their natural habitat was unforgettable and truly a highlight of our adventure.

Band 7

00:00

A place I have been to and would definitely recommend others to live in is Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, which is in North-East of India. I visited it last year during my college vacation and it instantly became one of my favourite destinations. Shillong is often called the Scotland of the East because of its rolling hills, pine trees and pleasant weather. The air there feels so fresh and the city has a calm, peaceful vibe that's very different from the noise and rush of big cities. I remember walking through local markets filled with handmade crafts and enjoying hot momos while listening to the live music in cafes. What I liked most about Shillong was its natural beauty and friendly people. The lifestyle over there is relaxed and the weather stays cool almost all year round, which makes it a perfect place to live for those who prefer a quite comfortable life surrounded by nature. I'd recommend Shillong because it offers a great balance between urban facilities and natural surroundings. It's safe, clean and culturally rich with amazing food and music. Staying there would feel like a permanent vacation away from pollution and stress.

Follow up questions

What activities can people enjoy in Shillong?

In Shillong, people can enjoy various activities such as trekking in the hills, visiting waterfalls, exploring local markets, and experiencing the vibrant music scene. There are also opportunities for outdoor sports and cultural festivals that showcase the rich heritage of the region.

How does Shillong compare to your hometown?

Shillong offers a more serene and nature-oriented lifestyle compared to my hometown, which is busier and more urbanized. The fresh air, cooler climate, and slower pace of life in Shillong make it a refreshing change, especially for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

What are some cultural aspects of Shillong?

Shillong is known for its rich cultural heritage, including traditional music, dance, and festivals. The local cuisine is diverse, featuring dishes like momos and various meat preparations. The people are warm and welcoming, and there are many cultural events that celebrate the indigenous traditions of the Khasi tribe.

Show all 116 answers

Cue 1:Where is it?

Begin by stating the name of the place and its geographical location.
You can mention any notable landmarks or features that make it easy to identify.

Example

The place I would like to recommend is Udaipur, located in the southern part of Rajasthan, India. It is famously known as the 'City of Lakes' and is surrounded by beautiful hills and palaces.

Cue 2:What the place is like?

Describe the atmosphere and the key attractions of the place.
Mention any unique cultural aspects or experiences that stand out.

Example

Udaipur is a picturesque city with stunning lakes, such as Lake Pichola, and magnificent palaces like the City Palace. The city has a rich cultural heritage, with vibrant markets and traditional Rajasthani cuisine that adds to its charm.

Cue 3:When you visited there?

Share the time of year or specific occasion when you visited.
Explain how the timing affected your experience.

Example

I visited Udaipur last winter, in December. The weather was perfect for exploring the city, and I enjoyed the pleasant evenings by the lakeside, which made my trip even more memorable.

Cue 4:Who you went there with?

Mention who accompanied you on your trip and your relationship with them.
Share how their presence enhanced your experience.

Example

I went there with my family, including my parents and my younger sister. Traveling together made the experience more enjoyable, as we shared laughter and created beautiful memories while exploring the city.

Cue 5:And explain why you would recommend this place to others.

Highlight the reasons that make this place special and worth visiting.
Include any personal experiences that illustrate your recommendation.

Example

I would highly recommend Udaipur to others because of its breathtaking beauty and rich history. The hospitality of the locals and the delicious food made our stay unforgettable. I believe anyone who visits will fall in love with its charm, just like I did.

Conclusion

Example

In conclusion, Udaipur is a magical place that offers a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. I encourage everyone to visit and experience its wonders for themselves.

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: Lack of Specific Details

Avoid vague descriptions that do not provide specific details about the place. This can make your answer less engaging and informative.

Tip

Include specific features, landmarks, or experiences that highlight what makes the place unique and appealing.

2: Ignoring the Cues

Failing to address all the cues can lead to an incomplete answer. This may result in a lower score for coherence and fluency.

Tip

Structure your response by systematically addressing each cue to ensure a comprehensive and organized answer.

Overly General Recommendations

Making broad statements without personal experiences can weaken your recommendation. Listeners want to know why you personally enjoyed the place.

Tip

Share personal anecdotes or specific reasons that made your experience memorable, which will make your recommendation more convincing.

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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.