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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.
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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    Tip

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


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    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
    anonymous person icon

    Reported by

    Anonymous student Band 7.5

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    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
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    Reported by

    Anonymous student Band 8

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    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
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    Reported by

    Anonymous student Band 6.5

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    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
    anonymous person icon

    Reported by

    Anonymous student Band 7

    location icon

    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
    anonymous person icon

    Reported by

    Anonymous student Band 7.5

    location icon

    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.

    All Answers

    Here are all the answers by real-users practicing speaking for IELTS Cue Cards on our IELTS Prep App.

    Band 7

    Udupi is the most recommended place by me to most of the people. It is in Karnataka in Mangalore. So this is a really beautiful and a gorgeous place which has a lot of things an individual can enjoy. It can cover all the age group from kids till the elderly. It has beaches where you can search for shells, do fishing, play water games and activities. You can also go to beach to make yourself feel calm, relaxed, peaceful. So it covers both the age groups. It also has a lot of historical aspects that is it has a lot of temples which are very old like around 100 plus year old which is really nice to see. In addition to that the people are here are really humble. They help you with each and everything. They even help you to navigate certain places if you don't have any idea about it. I had gone to this place around a month ago with my friends and I had enjoyed a lot the hospitality which I had received, the places where we had gone. It was really nice. Even the food over there was really nice. The authentic food which we tried was so delicious that I would recommend everyone to go and have once that is Mangalore Bhaji, Mangalore Buns. So it is really nice to taste. You can also go to the main temple in the Udupi that is Sri Udupi Mata where you can have free lunch or dinner during certain hours which is also mentioned. Near to Udupi I had also gone to the main city that is Mangalore where you can go and see zoo which is a biological park and also a lot of animals.

    Band 7

    One place I have visited and would highly recommend to others as a place to live is Chandigarh, a well-planned city in northern India. It's the shared capital of Punjab and Haryana, and it's often known as the beautiful city. I spent several days there during a holiday trip with my family. While I was there, I visited the famous rock garden, which is full of sculptures made from recycled materials. I also walked around the Sukla Lake, which is a peaceful spot where people go for boating, jogging, or just to enjoy the view. Another memorable thing I did was explore Sector Satra Plaza, the main shopping area, which has a great mix of cafes, stores, and open spaces. What I like the most about Chandigarh is its cleanliness and organization. The city is divided into neat sectors, and the roads are wide and well-maintained. There's plenty of greenery everywhere, parks, gardens, and true-line streets, so the air feels fresh and the environment is very calming. It also feels less crowded compared to other major Indian cities. I would recommend Chandigarh to others because it offers a high quality of life. It's safe, well-planned, and easy to get around. The city has good schools, healthcare facilities, and a pleasant, relaxed lifestyle. Overall, Chandigarh is an ideal place for someone who wants modern amenities but also values peace, cleanliness, and nature.

    Band 7

    So recently I visited a place in India, it is actually a state called Aspartarakhand, it is present in the northern part of the country India. This place is very beautiful, it is actually full of nature, full of religious things and it is totally rich in culture. You can see the beauty of the river Ganga in there. The Ganga originates and flows from this state and to be there, to feel the presence of so many devotional people, the meditations, the chants make you truly excited about visiting this place. I visited this city of Ganga in October along with my family and it was truly a wonderful experience to immerse myself into the divine Hindu culture, to experience the traditional Ganga Aarti on the Ganga Ghats of Rishikesh is truly awesome. It is very important for us to detoxify ourselves from the outside world, from the outside competitions of the world and it is truly amazing to embed ourselves into our culture and cherish the religion, to cherish the devotion along with thousands and lakhs of people standing with you on the Ganga Ghats. Thank you very much.

    Band 7

    The best place I've been to is definitely Japan. It's one of those beautiful countries in the world. I've been to Japan recently and I've traveled to places that is Osaka, Kyoto, Sapporo which is the northernmost prefecture of Japan and of course Tokyo. Coming to Japan, the culture, the people, the whole weather of Japan is something that everyone can cherish off in terms of hospitality, in terms of how Japanese people are in general. It's one of those beautiful places that makes you want to be there and that's particularly why I like it most and like most of the Japan, the majority of the population resides in the coastal area because the 70% of the land or the area of Japan is completely surrounded by thick cover of forests and hills but the coastal areas of Japan is very beautiful especially I would say the small town of Ikebono and the other small town of Kamakura. It reminds me of my childhood hometown Vishakhapatnam, India. The whole coastal town with sea cliffs and warm Mediterranean Sun that is actually the perfect weather to stay there and also to talk about the cleanliness of the country, it makes you wonder how people can be so civilized with so much of civic sense that they don't leave any trash anywhere around and they're very particular about their culture. It's one of those beautiful things about Japan that makes me wonder that I want to go and settle there and also to my friends they need to experience to feel the actual of Japan

    Band 7

    The place I would like to describe is Kandy, the vibrant cultural capital or the hill capital nestled in the mountainous heart of Sri Lanka. It is a city that effortlessly blends ancient history with serene natural beauty and I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking an immersive and multi-sensory travel experience. So I had the opportunity to visit Kandy last year during school holidays with my friends and family. So what struck me immediately upon arrival was the refreshing atmosphere, a welcome contrast to the coastal heat and the city's picturesque setting around the artificial but breathtaking Kandy Lake. The lake with its tranquil waters and surrounding hills creates a very peaceful focal point for the buzzling city. The most significant landmark I would say is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is called the Temple of Tooth Relic or in Sri Lankan terms we call it Sri Dalda Maligava. I was completely captivated by the temple's complex which is significant pilgrimage site for Buddhists around the world. Rituals and that palpable sense of reverence among the throne of devotees created an incredibly moving and spiritual experience. So if you want to experience something similar, a vibrant culture with a bit of cool chilly weather, I think I would recommend Kandy for you to think of living there.

    Band 7

    Well, to begin with, India is full of beautiful destinations, and each place has its own unique charm. One city I would like to recommend is Chandigarh, it is a capital of both Punjab and Haryana. It is often called the city of beautiful. And that claim is true because it has clean roads, green paths, and a very neat and planned layout. It is located in northern part of India, and it is surrounded by the hills, and it is known for being India's first planned city. The design of the city is modern, but also it is very peaceful, with lots of greenery and open spaces to relax. And also there are plenty of things to do for the tourists who enjoy both nature and culture. For example, we can visit the rope garden, a creative place full of statues and art made from waste materials, and it has wonderful structure. And just next to it, there is a lake where visitors can enjoy boating and walking along the path or just sitting and relaxing in the water. Another great spot is the rose garden, which has thousands of beautiful roses, and it is a perfect spot for nature lovers. Apart from the people who love shopping, also you can go to sectors in the market, which has everything from traditional items to modern clothes. And then local food is also a big attraction, eye-catching things. And there is also a street snack stores around it. There is something for everyone in that place. So, the other place is something like a heaven in India. Visitors who are interested in culture can explore the art galleries and museums, which shows the rich history of the region. All in all, I would recommend Chandigarh in a heartbeat, because it is so beautiful.

    Band 7

    One of the best places I have been to is Coorg which is the beautiful hill station in the state of Karnataka, India. It's often called the Scotland of India because of its stunning green hills and the pleasant climate throughout the year. I visited Coorg last year during my summer vacation with my close friends. We stayed in a cosy homestay surrounded by coffee plantation and tall trees. The atmosphere was peaceful and the air was so fresh compared to city life. Coorg has everything you could ask for, beautiful waterfalls, clean roads, friendly local peoples and delicious food. Especially the local coffee and homemade chocolates, the people there are very welcoming and helpful. I would recommend others to live there because it's an ideal place for those who want to calm, stress-free life. The lifestyle is slow-paced, the environment is clean and it's a great place to connect with nature. Living there would definitely improve both mental and physical health.

    Band 7

    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.

    Band 7

    The cue card asks me to describe a place where I have visited and would like to recommend to others. Last year I visited Barcelona in Spain after giving my board exams. Barcelona is in the heart of Europe which is known for its cultural diversity. The people in Barcelona are very friendly and welcoming. Barcelona is known for its culture and architecture. The architecture in Barcelona was breathtaking. I was especially mesmerized by Sagrada Familia which was made by Antonio Gaudi. It is still under construction and is expected to be over by 2030. I also visited various other famous places in Barcelona which I would like to recommend to others such as Park Güell which is a beautiful park again made by Antonio Gaudi. Barcelona is also known for its food especially paella and churros. The beaches in Barcelona are also extremely beautiful. The sand is white and the weather is cool. I did multiple water sports such as jet ski and parasailing in Barcelona. I also did the famous snorkeling in Barcelona where I saw a variety of fishes and aquatic animals. The corals were an exciting watch. The nightlife in Barcelona is also very happening. There are multiple clubs where college and young people go to party and hang out. Barcelona is also known for its nature. On one side of Barcelona there are beautiful and breathtaking beaches while on the other side there are mountains.

    Band 7

    One place I have visited and would strongly recommend for living in Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan. I first visited Jaipur about 3 years ago during a cultural trip and I was immediately captivated by its unique blend of history, culture and modern development. Jaipur is famously known as the Pink City because of its beautiful pink colored buildings including historical fort, palaces and havelis that give the city a royal charm. Living in Jaipur has many advantages. The city is meticulously planned with wide road, organized market and well-maintained public spaces which make daily life convenient and comfortable. Despite being a major city, Jaipur doesn't feel overwhelmingly crowded like Delhi or Mumbai. It has a perfect balance between urban facilities and cultural heritage. There are numerous educational institutions, hospitals and shopping complexes which cater to the needs of both families and young professionals. Another reason I would recommend Jaipur is its vibrant cultural scene. The city celebrates festivals like Diwali, Holi and the Jaipur Literature Festival with great enthusiasm, which allows residents to experience rich traditions and communities bonding. In addition, Jaipur has a thriving job market in tourism, education and emerging industries, making it suitable for career growth. Moreover, Jaipur offers a high quality of life at a reasonable cost. Accommodation, food and transport are much more affordable than in metropolitan cities.
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