Describe an important river/lake in your country: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

  • Where is it located?
  • How big/long it is?
  • What it looks like?
  • And explain why it is important.

Band 7

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There are many rivers in my country but the one which is very crucial in our culture is the river Ganga. It starts right from the mountains of the Himalayas where the water is cool and it is originating from ice-capped mountains and it merges in the sea that is Bay of Bengal. So the river Ganga travels through many states before ending its journey at the sea. It is considered holy in our country and it has a huge significance in the religion of Hinduism. It is really beautiful because it starts from the mountains and it covers several kilometers and it is a huge river. It is beautiful and having been at the bank of the river, it gives a serene and scenic view. It is so huge that many cities are located nearby it and it supplies water to these cities. It never dries and moreover this river Ganga has its significance in the religious scriptures of Hinduism. So it holds a very important spot in the history and geographical importance of the country.

Band 7

00:00

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00:00

One of the most important rivers in my country is the Ganga which flows across the northern part of India. It originates in the Himalayas and passes through several states before finally meeting the Bay of Bengal. It is not just a river, for many people it's a lifeline. The Ganga is important for many reasons, first it supports millions of people who rely on it for drinking water, irrigation and daily activities. Many cities and towns have developed along its banks so it plays a crucial role in country's economy. Moreover, the river holds deep spiritual significance for Indians, it is considered scarce and people visit it for rituals, festivals and prayers. In simple words, the Ganga is a river that feeds both the body and the soul. Personally, if I feel a strong connection with this river, whenever I visit it, the calm sound of flowing water gives a sense of peace as if all my worries are washed away. As the saying goes, water has a soul of its own and I genuinely feel that when I stand by the Ganga, it reminds me of rich culture and history of my country and makes me feel proud.

Band 7

00:00

/

00:00

One of the extraordinary river that I could recall of is the river Ganges which is situated in the northern part of India and it originates all the way from Himalaya. What makes it culturally intertwined is how it has evolved with the spirituality of the Indian community. The Indian community views Ganga as its mother. The reason being it flourishes life and when once you are dead it takes away your remanence as well. Starting from the top of the mountain from various tributaries the Ganga gets bigger and bigger and by the time it reaches the Bay of Bengal it almost covers 300 villages, 10 cities and many more states. Before it finally merges with the ocean. And this river is the home to only known Pink Dolphin or known as Gangatic Dolphin. Which is pink in colour.

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Band 7

00:00

/

00:00

India has many rivers, but the one that I am going to talk about today is called Mahanadi. Mahanadi originates from the mountains of Chhattisgarh and drains into the Bay of Bengal near Balesore. It covers almost the entire state of Odisha and partly of Chhattisgarh. The river holds a high significance in the lives of people in the basin because most of them depend on agriculture as their livelihood and hence the river serves as a constant source of water for their agriculture activities. Now, the river has many dams built on it specifically for the reason of water storage for further use to facilitate farming, fishing and other recreational activities in and around. The biggest dam that is built on this river is the Hirakud Dam which is near to my home and has elaborate canal networks that supply water to the entire region in western Odisha. The river also holds a lot of spiritual significance. Being on the bank of a very prominent Shakti Peeth in Chhattisgarh, people often go to the river banks on special occasions praying for the betterment of their family and people's life. As a whole, the river holds enormous economic and traditional values for people's life and affects a lot of people in this area.

Band 7

00:00

/

00:00

India has a lot of rivers and lakes, but one of the most important and auspicious rivers is the river Ganga. I recently visited it on my trip to Uttar Pradesh. It is a river that flows starting from the glaciers of Himalayas and it flows through Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Orissa, Bengal and it empties into the Bay of Bengal. This is considered a very holy river and bathing in it ensures a sort of divine blessing upon oneself and it is worshipped as Goddess Ganga by the Hindu religion in India and many festivals and religious activities are conducted centering around this river and it is a very wide river and many river activities can be conducted on it. The flow of the water is very fast during monsoon so it is not recommended to visit without a guide. Many people take a dip in this river during the festival seasons. I did so myself just this year when I visited it for the festival of Mahakum.
Show all 71 answers

Cue 1:Where is it located?

  • Begin by stating the name of the river or lake and its geographical location in your country.
  • Mention any significant cities or landmarks nearby to give context.

Example

The river I want to talk about is the Ganges, which flows through northern India. It originates from the Himalayas in Uttarakhand and passes through several states, including Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, before emptying into the Bay of Bengal.


Cue 2:How big/long it is?

  • Provide specific measurements, such as the length of the river or the area of the lake.
  • You can also mention how it compares to other rivers or lakes in the country.

Example

The Ganges is approximately 2,525 kilometers long, making it one of the longest rivers in India. It is not only significant in terms of length but also in terms of the vast area it covers, supporting millions of people along its banks.


Cue 3:What it looks like?

  • Describe the physical characteristics of the river or lake, including its color, width, and surrounding scenery.
  • Mention any unique features, such as islands, wildlife, or cultural landmarks.

Example

The Ganges is a majestic river with a wide, flowing body of water that appears a muddy brown due to the sediments it carries. Along its banks, you can find lush greenery, ancient temples, and bustling towns, creating a vibrant and picturesque landscape.


Cue 4:And explain why it is important.

  • Discuss the cultural, economic, and environmental significance of the river or lake.
  • Mention any historical or spiritual importance it holds for the people.

Example

The Ganges is extremely important to India as it is considered sacred by Hindus. It supports agriculture for millions of farmers and is a vital source of drinking water. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in the economy through tourism, as many people visit to experience its spiritual significance and beauty.


Conclusion

    Example

    In conclusion, the Ganges is not just a river; it is a lifeline for millions of people in India. Its beauty, significance, and the life it supports make it an essential part of our culture and environment.


    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: Ignoring Key Cues

    Failing to address all the cues can lead to an incomplete answer. This may result in a lower score as it shows a lack of preparation and understanding of the task.

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    Tip

    Make sure to answer all the cues provided, such as location, size, appearance, and importance, to give a comprehensive response.


    2: Being Vague or General

    Using vague language or general statements can make your answer uninteresting and unclear. Specific details are crucial for a strong response.

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    Tip

    Include specific facts and descriptions about the river or lake, such as its exact location, size, and unique features to enhance your answer.


    Lack of Personal Connection

    Not sharing personal experiences or feelings about the river or lake can make your answer less engaging. Personal connections can add depth to your response.

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    Tip

    Incorporate personal anecdotes or feelings about the river or lake to make your answer more relatable and interesting.


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    All Answers

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

    Band 8

    Where is it located, how big long it is, what it looks like and explain why it is important. An important river in India is the Ganga, it originates from the Gangotri glacier in Uttarakhand and flows through Northern India, passing states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. The river is about 2525 km long, making it one of the longest rivers in India. The Ganga looks wide and calm in many places with greenish blue water and sandy banks. In cities like Varanasi and Haridwar, the river is lined with ghats, temples and people performing rituals which gives it a spiritual and cultural charm. In rural areas, it flows through fields and villages, providing a picturesque view of nature. The Ganga is important because it is a lifeline for millions of people who depend on it for drinking water, irrigation and transportation. It also has religious significance as Hindus consider it sacred and perform ceremonies like festivals on its banks. Additionally, it supports fish and aquatic life, making it vital for the ecosystem. Overall, the Ganga is not just a river but a symbol of life, culture and spirituality in India.

    Band 8

    One of the most significant rivers in my country is the Ganga River, often referred to as the Ganga. It's not only a lifeline for millions of people but also holds immense cultural, spiritual and economic importance. The river originated from the Gangotri glaciers in the Himalayas and flows through several major states before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. It sports countless cities and villages along its course by providing water for drinking, agriculture and industry. What makes the Ganges truly remarkable is its deep spiritual connection with Indian tradition. Many people consider its water sacred and believe that bathing in it cleanses one's sins. Several major festivals, such as Ganga, Dussehra and Kumbh Mela, are celebrated along its bank, attracting millions of devotees. Apart from its religious significance, the river also sustains agriculture in northern India, making it the backbone of the region's economy. However, in recent years pollution has become a major concern, promoting government initiatives like the Namami Ganga Project to clean and protect it. Personally, I find the Ganga fascinating because it represents the perfect blend of nature, culture and faith. It's not just a river, it's an emotion deeply rooted in India's identity.

    Band 7

    One of the most important rivers in my country is the Ganga which flows across the northern part of India. It originates in the Himalayas and passes through several states before finally meeting the Bay of Bengal. It is not just a river, for many people it's a lifeline. The Ganga is important for many reasons, first it supports millions of people who rely on it for drinking water, irrigation and daily activities. Many cities and towns have developed along its banks so it plays a crucial role in country's economy. Moreover, the river holds deep spiritual significance for Indians, it is considered scarce and people visit it for rituals, festivals and prayers. In simple words, the Ganga is a river that feeds both the body and the soul. Personally, if I feel a strong connection with this river, whenever I visit it, the calm sound of flowing water gives a sense of peace as if all my worries are washed away. As the saying goes, water has a soul of its own and I genuinely feel that when I stand by the Ganga, it reminds me of rich culture and history of my country and makes me feel proud.

    Band 7

    India has many rivers, but the one that I am going to talk about today is called Mahanadi. Mahanadi originates from the mountains of Chhattisgarh and drains into the Bay of Bengal near Balesore. It covers almost the entire state of Odisha and partly of Chhattisgarh. The river holds a high significance in the lives of people in the basin because most of them depend on agriculture as their livelihood and hence the river serves as a constant source of water for their agriculture activities. Now, the river has many dams built on it specifically for the reason of water storage for further use to facilitate farming, fishing and other recreational activities in and around. The biggest dam that is built on this river is the Hirakud Dam which is near to my home and has elaborate canal networks that supply water to the entire region in western Odisha. The river also holds a lot of spiritual significance. Being on the bank of a very prominent Shakti Peeth in Chhattisgarh, people often go to the river banks on special occasions praying for the betterment of their family and people's life. As a whole, the river holds enormous economic and traditional values for people's life and affects a lot of people in this area.

    Band 7

    An important river in my country is the Ganges, or more commonly known as Ganga. It is situated in the northern part of my country, India. It holds a sacred importance in the nation. A lot of people consider it to be holy and it is worshipped during festivals. I do not know the exact dimensions of the river, but it is one of the largest water bodies in the country. People have been going to this particular river to wash away their sins. It just holds that kind of importance in the Indian culture. Therefore you can imagine the importance or the significance of this river in the country. It has been flowing since ages and it has been sacred for ages too. Sadly the pollution of the river has been enormous in recent years. That is why I believe it is important to take measures so that the river stays clean and holds its cultural and physical significance.

    Band 7

    One of the extraordinary river that I could recall of is the river Ganges which is situated in the northern part of India and it originates all the way from Himalaya. What makes it culturally intertwined is how it has evolved with the spirituality of the Indian community. The Indian community views Ganga as its mother. The reason being it flourishes life and when once you are dead it takes away your remanence as well. Starting from the top of the mountain from various tributaries the Ganga gets bigger and bigger and by the time it reaches the Bay of Bengal it almost covers 300 villages, 10 cities and many more states. Before it finally merges with the ocean. And this river is the home to only known Pink Dolphin or known as Gangatic Dolphin. Which is pink in colour.

    Band 7

    India has a lot of rivers and lakes, but one of the most important and auspicious rivers is the river Ganga. I recently visited it on my trip to Uttar Pradesh. It is a river that flows starting from the glaciers of Himalayas and it flows through Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Orissa, Bengal and it empties into the Bay of Bengal. This is considered a very holy river and bathing in it ensures a sort of divine blessing upon oneself and it is worshipped as Goddess Ganga by the Hindu religion in India and many festivals and religious activities are conducted centering around this river and it is a very wide river and many river activities can be conducted on it. The flow of the water is very fast during monsoon so it is not recommended to visit without a guide. Many people take a dip in this river during the festival seasons. I did so myself just this year when I visited it for the festival of Mahakum.

    Band 7

    There are many rivers in my country but the one which is very crucial in our culture is the river Ganga. It starts right from the mountains of the Himalayas where the water is cool and it is originating from ice-capped mountains and it merges in the sea that is Bay of Bengal. So the river Ganga travels through many states before ending its journey at the sea. It is considered holy in our country and it has a huge significance in the religion of Hinduism. It is really beautiful because it starts from the mountains and it covers several kilometers and it is a huge river. It is beautiful and having been at the bank of the river, it gives a serene and scenic view. It is so huge that many cities are located nearby it and it supplies water to these cities. It never dries and moreover this river Ganga has its significance in the religious scriptures of Hinduism. So it holds a very important spot in the history and geographical importance of the country.

    Band 6-7

    The lake or the river that I am going to talk about right now is called Ganges or the river Ganga which flows in the northernmost part of India and goes on to converge with another river and just basically goes into an ocean. I saw the river in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The river is very big and very wide. It is of grayish color and the river looks like an endless stream of water that just goes on and on and on. Moreover, the river has a lot of benefits and it is also very important to the people of India. The river Ganges was once the habitat for a lot of fish species and dolphins which are nowhere to be seen in the river now as it is very polluted. Furthermore, the river possesses great significance for the people of the Hindu tradition as they treat the river as a god and worship it.

    Band 6-7

    I'd like to speak about the river Ganga. It is a spiritual river over here in India and it flows from the mountain regions of Himalayas. I think the glacier from which it starts, it's called Gangotri and it flows from the Himalayas, goes through different cities, specifically Varanasi, Kashi and it ends in West Bengal and it mixes in the Bay of Bengal. It is a specifically very famous spiritual river because there are many people visiting it every year. People take holy dips in that river and they do also believe that your sins get washed away when we take a dip in that river. Unfortunately, due to which the river has been contaminated highly in the previous years and it also adds to the increasing pollution. There are also rivers which are connecting to it, which are Ganga, Yamuna, Brahmaputra, which are also polluted as well, which makes Ganga more vulnerable to the pollution. I have never specifically been to Ganga personally, but my parents have been to Varanasi. Over there, there is the Triveni Sangam and which is a meeting point of three different rivers. That is Ganga, Saraswati and Yamuna. There is a Ganga Aarti over there. It is held every evening, which is very, very peculiar to our eyes. You would really want to experience it once in your lifetime. Moreover, it is also a famous tourist spot as well. People really like to go there and take pictures.
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