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.

65 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 you a deeper understanding of their way of life. The vibrant colors and music truly enhance the experience.

Can you describe the food you tried in Udaipur?

The food in Udaipur is absolutely delicious! I tried local dishes like dal baati churma, gatte ki sabzi, and various sweets like ghevar. Each meal was rich in flavors and spices, reflecting the culinary heritage of Rajasthan. Dining by the lakeside added to the overall experience, making it unforgettable.

What activities would you recommend for someone visiting Udaipur?

I would recommend taking a boat ride on Lake Pichola, visiting the City Palace, and exploring the local markets. You can also enjoy a sunset view from the Monsoon Palace. Each activity offers a unique perspective of the city's beauty and culture, making your visit truly memorable.

Band 7

00:00

A place that is very close to my heart is Abu Dhabi in United Arab Emirates. I visit there every year. Every vacation of mine that I've had since I turned seven, I spend it there. It is such a beautiful place with skyscrapers and a well-maintained infrastructure. Moreover, the place is very calm and quiet. I went there with my dad. My dad is a businessman there, so every year I go to visit him. And the reason why I would say it is the best place to live in is because of how safe that country is and how well-maintained the streets are. In addition to that, the infrastructure of the city is very well developed. Everything is accessible. Whatever you want, it is in the grabs of your hands. The city is very well-maintained, all the roads are clear, and moreover, everyone there obeys traffic laws. The drivers are very careful on how to drive the car, and the laws are very well-maintained. Whoever breaks the law, they will get punished for it.

Follow up questions

What specific activities do you enjoy doing in Abu Dhabi?

In Abu Dhabi, I enjoy visiting the beautiful beaches, exploring the cultural sites like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and indulging in local cuisine. The city also has great shopping malls and entertainment options, which make my visits even more enjoyable.

How does living in Abu Dhabi compare to your hometown?

Living in Abu Dhabi is quite different from my hometown. Abu Dhabi is more modern, with a focus on infrastructure and safety. In contrast, my hometown has a more traditional vibe and is less developed. The pace of life in Abu Dhabi is faster, but it offers more conveniences.

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

One challenge could be the cultural adjustment, as Abu Dhabi has a different lifestyle and customs. Additionally, the cost of living can be high, which might be a concern for newcomers. However, the benefits of safety and infrastructure often outweigh these challenges.

IELTS Cue Cards asked last week

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.

Band 6-7

00:00

I am a person who always like to visit few new places, spend some time there and recommend those places to others. So there are lot of places where I have visited and I wanted to recommend to others. But now I will talk about Verkala which I have visited recently. I would definitely recommend everyone to visit Verkala because it is such a nice place and you will get that positive and chill vibes when you visit there. I prefer Verkala because I am always a beach person. So I like to visit places which has beaches. So Verkala is one among them. And then I visited there recently with my friends in office and that was a very wonderful trip. I went with Sona, my friend Sona, Adulia, Ashna and everyone. And then it always gave me a chill vibe and we used to walk on the beach during night. We sat there and sang many songs and it was giving a very wonderful feeling. We will be feeling so happy to be with friends. And then there were a lot of tourist people coming there. There was this beach that was so wonderful to see and then moreover, that's it.

Follow up questions

What activities can people enjoy in Verkala besides visiting the beach?

In Verkala, besides enjoying the beach, people can explore local markets, try delicious seafood, visit the ancient temples, and hike along the cliffs for stunning views. There are also yoga retreats and wellness centers for those looking to relax and rejuvenate.

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

Living in Verkala offers a more laid-back lifestyle with a focus on nature and relaxation, unlike my hometown which is busier and more urban. The beach culture and community vibe in Verkala create a unique atmosphere that promotes a slower pace of life.

What makes Verkala a good place for tourists?

Verkala is great for tourists due to its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and friendly locals. The scenic cliffs, Ayurvedic treatments, and various activities like surfing and yoga attract many visitors. The blend of relaxation and adventure makes it appealing to all.

Band 6-7

00:00

Well, the place I visited once during my college years was Alibaug with my family and there I lived in a villa. It was so beautiful and minimalistic that I would never forget about the villa. First of all, the view was so mesmerizing, it actually overlooked the private beach in front of you and the patio was really well furnished. The swimming pool was a smaller one but still it did its job. Moving further, we realized that the villa had a Jacuzzi and a sauna as well. I would like to recommend it to my friend as he is a travel fanatic. He loves to travel different places, explore different kind of terrains or beaches or mountains. I have never seen a beautiful place as much beautiful as the villa I lived in Alibaug. The trip was meant for my baby nephew. It was his first trip and I think it was the most memorable trip we ever had because of the view and as well as the quality time I spent with my family.

Follow up questions

What activities can visitors enjoy in Alibaug?

Visitors to Alibaug can enjoy a variety of activities such as beach sports, water sports like jet skiing, and exploring local markets. The area is also known for its historical forts and temples, which provide a glimpse into the local culture and history.

How does living in a villa differ from staying in a hotel?

Living in a villa offers a more private and spacious experience compared to a hotel. You have your own amenities like a kitchen and pool, which allows for a more homely feel. Additionally, villas often provide stunning views and a peaceful environment, perfect for relaxation.

What makes Alibaug a good destination for families?

Alibaug is a great destination for families due to its safe beaches, family-friendly accommodations, and various activities suitable for all ages. The serene environment allows families to bond and create lasting memories, especially during special occasions like a child's first trip.

Band 6-7

00:00

Recently I have visited to a place called Vishakhapatnam or Vizag which is located in Andhra Pradesh state. So there I have liked the weather firstly because we have reached the place during the perfect time of the year. There are a lot of beaches there like RK beach, Yarada beach etc but my favourite beach was the Rishikonda beach because it was a very clean place and there were a lot of coconut trees there as well giving it a beautiful feeling like I was in Goa and not to forget how hospitable the people are and also I have visited the fish museum where I got to see a lot of fishes like precisely the exotic ones like the Ferana, sharks and the koi fishes. I got to see a lot of turtles and other species of turtles too. After that the place I liked the most was the ropeway. It was really a beautiful sight to behold. The cable cars were good and the ropeways are really nice. And after that we have visited a small museum and a church. From there with 3 hours of journey we have reached to Araku which is called as the Kashmir of the South India. There I got to see the tribal museum and a lot of waterfalls. We have also visited the coffee plantations and I have been to that place with my family precisely my mom, my dad and my daughter and I would totally suggest the place to others as well.

Follow up questions

What activities can visitors enjoy at the beaches in Vishakhapatnam?

Visitors can enjoy various activities at the beaches in Vishakhapatnam, such as swimming, sunbathing, and beach sports. RK Beach is popular for its lively atmosphere, while Rishikonda Beach offers a more serene environment, perfect for relaxation and enjoying the scenic beauty.

How does the local cuisine in Vishakhapatnam compare to other places?

The local cuisine in Vishakhapatnam is known for its seafood, especially fresh fish dishes. The flavors are influenced by coastal Andhra cuisine, which is spicy and aromatic. Compared to other places, the seafood here is exceptionally fresh due to its proximity to the sea.

What cultural experiences can one find in Araku Valley?

In Araku Valley, visitors can experience the rich tribal culture by visiting the tribal museum, where they can learn about the local tribes' traditions and crafts. Additionally, the coffee plantations offer insights into the coffee-making process, enhancing the cultural experience of the region.

Show all 65 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.