Describe Something In Your Country That You Are Interested In: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

What is it
How do you know about it?
Why you are interested in it?
Explain whether you would like to know more about it.

39 unique answers with expert feedback

What other sports are popular in India besides cricket?

In addition to cricket, sports like field hockey, football, badminton, and kabaddi are also very popular in India. Each sport has its own fan base and cultural significance, with events like the Indian Super League for football and the Pro Kabaddi League gaining immense popularity.

How has cricket influenced your life personally?

Cricket has significantly influenced my life by teaching me valuable life lessons such as perseverance, teamwork, and discipline. It has also provided me with a sense of community and belonging, as I bond with friends and family over matches and discussions about the game.

Do you think sports can help reduce stress? Why?

Absolutely! Engaging in sports can be a great way to relieve stress. It allows individuals to focus on something enjoyable, promotes physical activity, and can lead to social interactions, all of which contribute to better mental health and a more balanced life.

Band 7

00:00

Absolutely. Temples are the most fascinating monuments in my country. I am interested in these historical relics because they hold a lot of mysteries and some believe they have connection to ancient civilization. Additionally, I am fascinated with temples because I see them as an engineering marvel with strategic design and marvelous sculpturing which captivates my attention whenever I visit any historic temple. It is believed that temples are built or sculptured using a single stone which are known as monolithic temples. Researchers have been studying these temples and some researchers reveal that these are built on geocentric locations where the gravitational fields are very heavy. These points are what caught my attention.

Follow up questions

What specific temple do you find most fascinating and why?

The temple that I find most fascinating is the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur. Its grand architecture and intricate carvings tell stories of the Chola dynasty. The sheer size and the engineering behind its dome, which was built without modern technology, truly captivate me.

How do you think temples contribute to the culture of your country?

Temples play a significant role in preserving our cultural heritage. They are not just places of worship but also centers for art, music, and festivals. They bring communities together and serve as a reminder of our historical roots and traditions, enriching our cultural identity.

Have you ever participated in any rituals or festivals at these temples?

Yes, I have participated in several festivals, such as Diwali and Pongal, at various temples. These events are vibrant and filled with rituals that connect people to their spirituality and heritage. The atmosphere is electric, with music, dance, and communal feasting, making it a memorable experience.

Band 7

00:00

One of the things in my country that I am really interested is the Taj Mahal. It is one of the most famous monuments in India and is also known all over the world. The Taj Mahal is located in Agra in the state of Uttar Pradesh. It is a beautiful white marble structure built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. The design is very detailed and elegant with big domes, minarets and beautiful gardens around it. Many people visit the Taj Mahal every day to see its beauty and take photos. When you go there, you can walk around the gardens, visit the inside of the monument and learn about its history. The best time to visit is early in the morning or during sunset when the light makes marble glow in different colors. I am interested in the Taj Mahal because of its history, architecture and emotional story. It is not just a building, it is a symbol of love and a big part of Indian heritage. Even though I have seen many pictures of it, visiting it in real life is a completely different and amazing experience.

Follow up questions

What other historical sites are popular in India?

India is home to many historical sites like the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, and Hampi. Each site has its own unique architecture and history, attracting tourists and history enthusiasts alike. These sites reflect India's rich cultural heritage and diversity.

How does the Taj Mahal impact tourism in India?

The Taj Mahal significantly boosts tourism in India, drawing millions of visitors each year. It contributes to the local economy by creating jobs in hospitality, transportation, and guiding services. Its global recognition also enhances India's cultural image worldwide.

What is the best time of year to visit the Taj Mahal?

The best time to visit the Taj Mahal is during the cooler months from October to March. The weather is pleasant, making it ideal for sightseeing. Additionally, visiting during sunrise or sunset offers stunning views of the monument as the light changes.

Practice other cue cards

Describe a public facility( for example a museum or a library ) that been renovated and improved recently

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Describe a development in your country like shopping centre, park etcetera

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Describe a rule that you don't like.

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Describe a rule that you don't like.

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Describe a law on environmental protection.

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Describe a time you saw children behave badly in public

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Describe an article on health you read in a magazine or on the Internet

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Describe someone (a famous person) that is a role model for young people

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Band 7

00:00

I am interested in politics. We come across politics everyday in our lives. It might be in televisions or in casual talks or during some inauguration of projects, especially government projects and such things. I would gladly like to get into politics because here I can showcase my leadership skills, gain respect from the people which I mostly admire in my life and also politics would expose me to a wide range of new world which I wanted since my younger age. I had this desire for politics. I don't know why but whenever I see politicians, it gives me a vibe, making me feel that they are somewhat special. I would like to be in the shows for once. I would like to gain more knowledge about this field which would help me to actually get into the field which I currently lack. For example, I don't know how to gather people. I am a good...

Follow up questions

What specific political issues interest you the most?

I am particularly interested in issues like education reform and environmental policies. These areas impact our society significantly, and I believe that addressing them can lead to positive changes. I often follow debates and discussions around these topics to understand different perspectives.

How do you think politics can influence everyday life?

Politics shapes laws and regulations that affect our daily lives, from the quality of education to healthcare access. For instance, local government decisions can impact community services, and national policies can influence economic stability, which ultimately affects everyone.

What steps are you planning to take to get involved in politics?

I plan to start by volunteering for local political campaigns and attending community meetings. Additionally, I want to join political clubs or organizations at my school or in my community to network with like-minded individuals and learn more about the political process.

Band 7

00:00

So one thing that I'm really interested about my country right now is the influence of cinema. Since I am coming from the southern part of my country I believe and I'm excited and interested to speak about the influence of cinema in the society. I came to know about it because I am someone who is very interested in watching movies. Whenever I get to see a good movie I'm able to understand the impact that movie has made in my society. Why it has been interesting is because it talks about various topics from mental health to sexuality to the crimes that has been happening in the societies even to an extent of illegal drugs and the effect of drugs on the society has been discussed through movies and what makes it interesting because in the olden times people used to know about all these topics through books and through literature but now they can watch it on screen they can understand by watching it and they get to know from the people who are familiar to them and I am more interested to know how the script writers are coming to this idea so that people can explore it and people can exploit their creative mind to an extent where they're able to help the society and they're able to influence the mankind in a better way. So altogether I feel really proud that this particular thing of cinema is making a huge impact in my country and especially in my home state.

Follow up questions

How do you think cinema can influence social change?

Cinema has the power to raise awareness about social issues and inspire change. By portraying real-life struggles and triumphs, films can motivate audiences to take action, engage in discussions, and even influence policies that address these issues.

What types of movies do you think have the most impact?

Movies that tackle serious themes, such as documentaries or dramas based on true stories, often have the most impact. They can evoke strong emotions and provoke thought, making viewers more aware of societal issues and encouraging them to reflect on their own beliefs.

Can you name a specific film that influenced you?

One film that influenced me is 'A Beautiful Mind.' It addresses mental health issues and shows the struggles of living with a mental illness. It opened my eyes to the importance of understanding and supporting those who face similar challenges in society.

Show all 39 answers

Cue 1:What is it?

Begin by clearly stating what the thing is that interests you in your country.
Provide some basic information about it, such as its significance or uniqueness.

Example

One thing in my country that I am particularly interested in is the traditional art of Madhubani painting. This art form originates from the Mithila region of Bihar and is known for its vibrant colors and intricate patterns.

Cue 2:How do you know about it?

Share how you first learned about this art form, whether through school, family, or personal exploration.
Mention any specific experiences or encounters that deepened your understanding.

Example

I first came across Madhubani painting during a school project on Indian art. My art teacher introduced us to various forms, and I was fascinated by the stories depicted in the paintings. Later, I visited a local exhibition where I met artists who create these beautiful works.

Cue 3:Why are you interested in it?

Explain what draws you to this art form, such as its cultural significance or aesthetic appeal.
Discuss any personal connections or emotions it evokes in you.

Example

I am interested in Madhubani painting because it represents the rich cultural heritage of India. The themes often revolve around nature, mythology, and daily life, which resonate with me. I find the colors and patterns incredibly beautiful, and they inspire my own creativity.

Cue 4:Would you like to know more about it?

Express your desire to learn more about the art form, mentioning specific aspects you want to explore.
Consider how this knowledge could enhance your appreciation or skills.

Example

Yes, I would love to know more about Madhubani painting. I am particularly interested in learning the techniques used by artists and the history behind the motifs. I believe that understanding these elements would deepen my appreciation and perhaps inspire me to try my hand at painting.

Conclusion

Example

In conclusion, Madhubani painting is not just an art form for me; it is a window into my country's culture and traditions. My interest in it continues to grow, and I hope to explore it further in the future.

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 unclear and unengaging. It's important to provide specific details about the topic to capture the examiner's interest.

Tip

Use descriptive language and examples to illustrate your points. For instance, mention specific locations, events, or personal experiences related to the topic.

2: Ignoring the Cues

Failing to address all the cues can lead to an incomplete answer. Each cue is designed to help you structure your response effectively.

Tip

Make sure to answer each cue in order. Prepare a brief outline in your mind before you start speaking to ensure you cover everything.

Lack of Personal Connection

Not sharing your personal feelings or experiences can make your response less engaging. The examiner wants to hear your unique perspective.

Tip

Include personal anecdotes or reasons for your interest. Explain how this topic relates to your life or experiences in your country.

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.