Describe a time you visited a new place: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

Where the new place is?
When you went there?
Why did you go there?
And explain how you feel about the place.

42 unique answers with expert feedback

What activities did you enjoy the most during your visit to Algonquin Provincial Park?

During my visit, I particularly enjoyed hiking the trails and taking in the stunning fall foliage. The peacefulness of the park allowed me to fully appreciate the beauty of nature. I also loved spotting wildlife, which added to the excitement of the trip.

How did you prepare for your trip to Algonquin Provincial Park?

I prepared by researching the best trails to explore and checking the weather forecast for October. I packed essential items like hiking boots, warm clothing, and snacks. It was important to be ready for the outdoor conditions to fully enjoy the experience.

Would you recommend visiting Algonquin Provincial Park to others? Why?

Absolutely! I would highly recommend Algonquin Provincial Park for anyone looking to escape city life and immerse themselves in nature. The breathtaking landscapes, tranquility, and opportunities for wildlife spotting make it a perfect getaway for nature lovers.

Band 7

00:00

This new place that I am going to talk about is Manali. It is in Himachal Pradesh. It is a hilly town and I went there in the month of August in 2024. I am very fond of hills. I feel like, you know, mountains make you feel a sense of comfort that is not easily found in the city. And that's why when I got a chance to take a break from work, the first thing I told myself is, you know, let's go to the mountains. Manali as a place is easily accessible by road. I had a friend who owns a property there. It's a beautiful hotel surrounded by apple orchards. The natural beauty of the place coupled with the amenities in the hotel drew me closer to that place. And that one week of my holiday in the mountains of Himachal Pradesh totally changed my outlook of what an easygoing vacation should be like. Because we had no itineraries, all we did was spend our time lazing near the streams, in the apple orchards, visiting quaint cafes and interacting with tourists from all over the world. After coming back, I noticed that the charm of the place lies in the slow pace of life and mountains have this quality where everything slows down and there's no hustle culture as such.

Follow up questions

What activities did you enjoy the most in Manali?

I really enjoyed spending time near the streams and exploring the apple orchards. The leisurely pace allowed me to relax and appreciate nature. Visiting quaint cafes and chatting with tourists added to the experience, making it a memorable trip.

How did this trip change your perspective on vacations?

This trip taught me that vacations don't always need to be packed with activities. The slow pace of life in Manali made me realize that sometimes, just relaxing and enjoying the surroundings can be more fulfilling than a busy itinerary.

Would you recommend visiting Manali to others? Why?

Absolutely! Manali offers stunning natural beauty and a peaceful atmosphere. It's perfect for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The friendly locals and the chance to connect with nature make it a must-visit destination.

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Band 7

00:00

Well, it was in February 2024 that my aunt visited us from the U.S. Although we had a whole itinerary planned, Ramuji Film City was never on the list. So we decided to take our time and go to Ramuji. This was my first time visiting this place and all I knew about Ramuji was that it's a very big film city. So I was very excited to go and explore this film city. When I went there, I noticed a lot of different film sets. I noticed there were botanical gardens. I noticed that a lot of people were clicking pictures with statues. And you could also see a lot of wildlife. You see a lot of hotels over there and different types of sets where people have shot their movies. It really gives you insights of how a celebrity's life can look like on a set. And what really goes behind the scenes of shooting a movie. It's around a thousand acre land and it's humongous where you take buses to explore the entire place. We started off in the morning and I remember getting back late at night because there was just so much more to explore. It was almost like a never-ending thing. It was really fun. There was a mini amusement park where you can hop onto different rides. And a lot of different eateries.

Follow up questions

What was your favorite part of the visit to Ramuji Film City?

My favorite part was definitely the mini amusement park. I loved the rides and the thrill they provided. It was a great way to unwind after exploring the film sets, and I enjoyed the fun atmosphere there.

How did visiting Ramuji Film City change your perspective on filmmaking?

Visiting Ramuji gave me a deeper appreciation for the effort that goes into filmmaking. Seeing the sets and understanding the scale of production made me realize how much work and creativity is involved in bringing a film to life.

Would you recommend visiting Ramuji Film City to others? Why?

Absolutely! I would recommend it because it's not just about films; it's a whole experience. The variety of attractions, the beauty of the gardens, and the chance to see behind-the-scenes aspects of filmmaking make it a unique destination.

Practice other cue cards

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

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Describe A Time When You Used A Map

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Describe A Quiet Place You Like To Go

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Describe a place you have been to and would like to recommend others to live there (not your hometown)

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Describe A Long Car Journey You Went On

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Describe a garden you remember visiting.

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Describe a beautiful city

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Talk about a trip where you encountered danger.

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Describe a place where you have taken photos more than once

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Describe a historical building you have been to

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Describe a crowded place you went to.

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Describe a road trip you would like to go on.

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Describe a cafe you like to visit.

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Describe a place you would like to visit.

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Describe a place in a village that you visited.

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Describe A Foreign Country You Would Like To Visit In The Future

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Describe An Unusual Holiday You Had

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Describe a journey that didn't go as planned.

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Describe a place you have been to where things are expensive

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Describe A Place Where You Are Able To Relax

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Describe A Hotel You Have Stayed In

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Describe A Place You Visited On Vacation

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Describe A Historical Period

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Describe a countryside area that you have been to

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Describe A Noisy Place You Have Been To

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Describe Your Favourite Holiday Destination

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Describe A Tourist Attraction You Enjoyed Visiting

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Describe a city you have been to and want to visit again.

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Band 7

00:00

So, the place that I visited was Club Mahindra Resort in Kerala. I was in 7th grade at that time, which was around 6 to 7 years ago. It was a family trip. I had been there with my mom, dad, my uncle, aunt and my two cousins. So what I felt was very close to the nature. It was a very serene environment, which made me feel at peace. I could enjoy delicious delicacies like the ghee roast prawns, which was one of the best things I have tasted in life. I experienced luxury for the first time over there. To emphasize on that, I'll tell you, our hotel room had a Jacuzzi nestled in the balcony, which overlooked the beautiful vast ocean. We also had a bathtub, a fancy shower, wooden flooring, a heated blanket. All that just made my trip wonderful. It was quite a luxurious trip and very close to nature, which I absolutely loved. It was a wonderful and marvelous experience. That is all I have to say.

Follow up questions

What other places have you visited that are close to nature?

I have visited several places that are close to nature, including the hills of Himachal Pradesh and the beaches of Goa. Each place has its own unique beauty, but I particularly enjoyed the tranquility of the hills, where I could hike and enjoy the fresh air.

How do you think travel impacts family relationships?

Travel can significantly strengthen family relationships. It allows family members to spend quality time together, create shared memories, and bond over new experiences. During our trip to Kerala, we laughed, explored, and enjoyed each other's company, which brought us closer.

What is your favorite type of cuisine and why?

My favorite type of cuisine is Indian food, especially coastal dishes. I love the rich flavors and the variety of spices used. The ghee roast prawns I had at Club Mahindra Resort were exceptional, and they made me appreciate the culinary diversity of India even more.

Band 7

00:00

It was the end of January when our school announced that we had an excursion planned to Kerala for five days. I've never been to Kerala and I was extremely excited to visit. I prepared so much learning about the culture, food, clothing and traditions. When we reached Kerala, I was excited to try the appam because that seemed so fascinating how they prepared it from rice flour. Also, the fish fries were delicious. We visited many beaches and a palace which captivated my eyes. There was also a Jewish synagogue which was beautifully carved by old architecture.

Follow up questions

What was your favorite part of the trip to Kerala?

My favorite part of the trip was definitely visiting the beaches. The scenery was breathtaking, and I loved the feeling of the warm sand and the sound of the waves. It was a perfect place to relax and enjoy nature.

How did you prepare for the cultural differences in Kerala?

I researched a lot about Kerala's culture, traditions, and food before the trip. I learned about their customs, the significance of their festivals, and even some basic Malayalam phrases to communicate with the locals. This preparation helped me appreciate the experience more.

Would you like to visit Kerala again in the future?

Absolutely! I would love to visit Kerala again. There is so much more to explore, like the backwaters and the hill stations. Plus, I want to try more local dishes and immerse myself further in the culture.

Show all 42 answers

Cue 1:Where the new place is?

Begin by clearly stating the name and location of the new place you visited.
Provide some context about the place, such as its significance or what makes it unique.

Example

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

Cue 2:When you went there?

Mention the specific time or season when you visited the place.
Share any relevant details about the duration of your stay.

Example

I went there during the summer vacation last year in May. I spent a week exploring the area and enjoying the cool weather.

Cue 3:Why did you go there?

Explain your motivation for choosing this particular place to visit.
You can mention if it was for relaxation, adventure, or to experience something new.

Example

I chose to visit Munnar because I wanted to escape the heat of the city and enjoy some time in nature. I had heard so much about its scenic beauty and wanted to experience it for myself.

Cue 4:And explain how you feel about the place.

Share your emotions and thoughts about the experience you had in that place.
Mention any memorable moments or highlights that made your visit special.

Example

I absolutely loved my time in Munnar. The fresh air and breathtaking views made me feel rejuvenated. One of my favorite moments was watching the sunrise over the tea plantations, which was truly magical.

Conclusion

Example

Overall, visiting Munnar was an unforgettable experience that allowed me to connect with nature and relax away from the hustle and bustle of city life. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a peaceful getaway.

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: Vague Descriptions

Using vague language can make your answer less engaging and informative. Specific details help the examiner understand your experience better.

Tip

Include specific details about the place, such as landmarks, activities, or unique features that made it memorable.

2: Rushing Through Answers

Rushing can lead to incomplete thoughts and a lack of clarity. It may also make you seem unprepared or anxious.

Tip

Take your time to think before speaking. Structure your answer clearly, addressing each cue point one by one.

Neglecting Personal Feelings

Failing to express your feelings about the place can make your response less personal and relatable. It’s important to share your emotions.

Tip

Reflect on how the place impacted you emotionally and include those feelings in your answer to create a connection.

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.