Describe a place you went to and an outdoor activity you did there: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

Where the place is
What outdoor activity you did
When/with whom you went
And explain why you enjoyed it

103 unique answers with expert feedback

What other activities did you do in Rishikesh besides river rafting?

Besides river rafting, we explored the local markets, visited temples, and enjoyed some trekking in the nearby hills. The scenery was breathtaking, and we also spent time relaxing by the river, which was a great way to bond with my cousins.

How did you prepare for the river rafting experience?

Before the rafting, we attended a safety briefing provided by the instructors. They explained the equipment, safety measures, and basic paddling techniques. I also made sure to wear a life jacket and helmet, which helped ease my fear of the water.

Would you recommend river rafting to others? Why or why not?

Absolutely! I would recommend river rafting because it's an exhilarating experience that combines adventure with the beauty of nature. It teaches teamwork and builds confidence, especially for those who might be afraid of water. It's a memory I cherish.

Band 7

00:00

So, recently I along with my four friends went on a trip to Pondicherry which is a Union Territory located in India. Pondicherry is a place with serine beaches and crystal clear sands along the shore of the beaches. While walking on the shore of the beaches, we can see many children, pets as well as adults playing with sand on the border of the beach. This gives us a positive impression and positive vibes while we see them. The main activity which we all did was scuba diving. It was hell of an activity because we had so much fun in that. It was our first time doing the activity which brought a thrill to our souls. Moreover we did other activities like surfing on the beach and we also kept a little task to ourselves to build a big castle. We were divided into a group of two and three and we started working on our castles. I along with my two friends won. So basically our castle consisted of a door and two bedrooms. And the winner of the game will get a treat from the loser. That was the bet. And as we won that night we had huge fun and of course the dining was great as it was completely free for us.

Follow up questions

What other outdoor activities are popular in Pondicherry?

In addition to scuba diving and surfing, Pondicherry offers activities like kayaking, cycling along the coast, and beach volleyball. Many tourists also enjoy yoga sessions on the beach, which is quite popular due to the serene environment.

How did you prepare for scuba diving?

Before scuba diving, we attended a brief training session where we learned about safety protocols and equipment usage. We also made sure to wear appropriate gear and listened carefully to our instructor, which helped us feel more confident during the dive.

What was the most memorable moment of your trip?

The most memorable moment was definitely when we were underwater during scuba diving. Seeing the vibrant marine life and coral reefs was breathtaking. Additionally, winning the sandcastle competition and celebrating with my friends made the trip even more special.

Band 7

00:00

I recently visited Manali, a beautiful hill station in Himachal Pradesh, India. The place is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, tall pine trees, and a peaceful river flowing through the valley. The air was fresh and cool, and the scenery looked like something straight out of a postcard. During my stay, I went paragliding in Solang valley, which was one of the exciting outdoor activities I have ever done. As I soared high above the valley, I could see the entire landscape, the green meadows, winding roads, and tiny houses below. It felt both thrilling and peaceful at the same time. That experience not only gave me an adrenaline rush, but also helped me overcome my fear of heights. It's a memory I will never forget, and I would love to do it again, once.

Follow up questions

What other outdoor activities are popular in Manali?

In addition to paragliding, Manali offers activities like trekking, skiing, river rafting, and mountain biking. Each of these activities allows visitors to experience the stunning natural beauty of the region while engaging in adventure sports.

How did you prepare for paragliding in Solang Valley?

Before paragliding, I attended a safety briefing where instructors explained the equipment and procedures. I also wore a harness and helmet, and they provided guidance on how to take off and land safely. It was important to feel confident and informed before taking to the skies.

What impact did this experience have on your view of adventure sports?

This experience significantly changed my perspective on adventure sports. Initially, I was apprehensive due to my fear of heights, but after paragliding, I realized how exhilarating and liberating such activities can be. It encouraged me to explore more adventure sports in the future.

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Band 7

00:00

The place I would like to talk about is the beautiful backwaters of Kochi. Kochi is in the middle region of Kerala and it's famous for its open backwaters, seafood and cultural heritage. I had gone there with my mom, dad and my brother for a one day trip. We mostly went there to try out the different food and enjoy some of the museums and zoos which were available there. Now to talk about an activity, this was a fairly impromptu one. We went there for fishing. We were totally unprepared for this. We ran into one of my dad's old friend who had a shop there which had the fishing gear. So we got ourselves some fishing rods, lures and some bait. And it was gradually towards the evening of the day, the sun was setting. And there were the four of us with our own fishing rods trying to catch something. But then again, fishing is not an easy task. We did find it difficult even to catch one fish. At the end we did leave empty handed. But the memories we made, the conversations we had, the jokes we cracked, those things were always in my mind. Because that was one of the few experiences which I shared with my family very recently. Ever since I shifted to Mumbai for my work.

Follow up questions

What other activities would you like to try in Kochi?

In Kochi, I would love to try kayaking or a houseboat ride through the backwaters. The serene environment and beautiful scenery would make it a memorable experience. Additionally, exploring local markets and participating in cultural events would be exciting.

How do you think outdoor activities benefit families?

Outdoor activities like fishing can strengthen family bonds by providing quality time together. They encourage communication, teamwork, and create lasting memories. Engaging in such activities helps families to relax and enjoy each other's company away from daily routines.

What is your favorite memory from that trip to Kochi?

My favorite memory from the trip is the laughter we shared while trying to fish. Even though we didn't catch anything, the jokes and stories exchanged made the experience special. It reminded me of the importance of family time and enjoying the moment, regardless of the outcome.

Band 7

00:00

A place that I recently went to was Ladakh in India. I went there with my family and my extended family that is from my mother's side. It was a beautiful place and we had a lot of fun exploring the different areas in Ladakh. One specific thing that I want to focus on is the outdoor activity that we did there. It was river rafting. It was the first time for all of us and all of us were really excited to go on that. A few of my family relatives were really scared as they did not know how to swim. But rest assured, the team assured us that nothing will happen as we will have floating jackets. They are professional swimmers and are trained to rescue people if they ever fall down. It was a mind-blowing experience for all of us. It was filled with adrenaline and I still remember the force of water and us rafting through the river at high speeds and the water splashing all over us. It was a 15-minute ride and we eventually ended up around 2 kilometers down the terrain. It was one of my most favorite experiences in my life and I loved it.

Follow up questions

What other outdoor activities are popular in Ladakh?

In addition to river rafting, Ladakh offers trekking, mountain biking, and camping. The stunning landscapes and unique terrain make it a perfect destination for adventure enthusiasts. Many tourists also enjoy visiting monasteries and experiencing local culture while engaging in these activities.

How did you prepare for the river rafting experience?

Before going river rafting, we attended a safety briefing provided by the rafting team. They explained the equipment, safety measures, and techniques to paddle effectively. We also wore life jackets and helmets to ensure our safety during the adventure, which helped ease the fears of those who were nervous.

What did you learn from your river rafting experience?

River rafting taught me the importance of teamwork and communication. We had to work together to navigate the rapids effectively. It also helped me overcome my fears and boosted my confidence, as I realized that I could face challenges and enjoy thrilling experiences with my family.

Show all 103 answers

Cue 1:Where the place is

Begin by naming the place and providing a brief description of its location.
Mention any notable features of the place that make it special.

Example

I visited a beautiful hill station called Munnar, located in the Western Ghats of Kerala. It is famous for its lush green tea plantations and stunning landscapes.

Cue 2:What outdoor activity you did

Describe the specific outdoor activity you engaged in and what it involved.
Share any interesting details about the activity that made it enjoyable.

Example

During my visit, I went trekking through the tea gardens. The trek was invigorating, and I loved walking amidst the fragrant tea bushes while enjoying the fresh mountain air.

Cue 3:When/with whom you went

Mention when you visited the place, including the season or time of year.
Talk about who you went with and your relationship with them.

Example

I went to Munnar last summer with my college friends. We had planned this trip for months, and it was a great way to reconnect after our exams.

Cue 4:And explain why you enjoyed it

Reflect on your feelings during the experience and what made it memorable.
Highlight any personal connections or lessons learned from the activity.

Example

I enjoyed the trek immensely because it allowed me to bond with my friends while appreciating nature's beauty. The sense of achievement after reaching the top of the hill was exhilarating, and it reminded me of the importance of adventure in life.

Conclusion

Example

Overall, my trip to Munnar and the trekking experience was not only fun but also refreshing. It helped me unwind and create lasting memories with my friends, making it one of my favorite outdoor adventures.

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 of the place or activity. Specific details help paint a clearer picture for the examiner and make your response more engaging.

Tip

Include specific names, locations, and descriptions of the activity to create a vivid image in the listener's mind.

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 relevance.

Tip

Make sure to cover each cue in your response, ensuring a structured and comprehensive answer.

Overly Simple Language

Using overly simple language can make your response sound unprepared. It may not showcase your full range of vocabulary and grammar skills.

Tip

Incorporate a variety of vocabulary and sentence structures to demonstrate your language proficiency while keeping it clear.

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Answer

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