Describe Your Favourite Holiday Destination: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

Where this place was?
When did you go there?
How did you go there?
What did you do there?

21 unique answers with expert feedback

What specific experiences do you hope to have in London?

In London, I hope to visit iconic landmarks like the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace. I also want to explore local markets, enjoy traditional British cuisine, and immerse myself in the vibrant arts scene, including theaters and museums.

How does your family's history influence your desire to visit the UK?

My father's stories about his time in the UK have sparked my curiosity and desire to explore the places he loved. His experiences make the destination feel more personal and meaningful, as I want to connect with the culture and history he shared with me.

What attracts you to the Cotswolds and Edinburgh specifically?

The Cotswolds attract me with their picturesque villages and historical charm, offering a glimpse into traditional English life. Edinburgh, on the other hand, fascinates me with its stunning architecture, rich history, and the unique atmosphere created by its ancient castle and vibrant culture.

Band 6-7

00:00

My favorite picnic destination is Gulmarg. It is located in Kashmir. I visited there in my last summer holidays. The best thing I like about this destination is its weather. The weather there is amazing. Moreover, there are many sports activities that we can do in Gulmarg like ski. There is ski because there is lot of snowfall that happens in Gulmarg. Along with this, the culture there is very good. People there are very friendly. Everybody just helps you. Nobody like try to loot you because you are a tourist. Gulmarg is also known as heaven on earth. Along with this, it is also known as mini Suzhalad. When I went there in last summer holidays, I went there by aeroplane. It was also my first experience for aeroplane. Along with all these, Kashmir is located on the topmost part of our country India. That's why there is a lot of snowfall there and Gulmarg is also located in Kashmir that I told you earlier. So, this is the reason why it is the epicenter of the snowfall in India. I really love snowfall so it became my favorite destination.

Follow up questions

What other activities can tourists enjoy in Gulmarg besides skiing?

In addition to skiing, tourists can enjoy snowboarding, trekking, and gondola rides. The beautiful landscapes also offer opportunities for photography and sightseeing. During summer, activities like hiking and mountain biking are popular as well.

How does the culture in Gulmarg differ from other places you've visited?

The culture in Gulmarg is unique due to its Kashmiri heritage. The locals are known for their hospitality and warmth. Unlike some tourist-heavy areas, the people here are genuinely helpful and welcoming, which creates a more authentic experience for visitors.

What was your experience like flying for the first time?

Flying for the first time was exhilarating! I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. The view from the airplane was breathtaking, especially as we approached Kashmir. It made the journey to my favorite destination even more memorable.

Band 6-7

00:00

We recently visited Coorg which is located in the south of India and up till now that is the best destination that I have been to. We went there, I went there with my family, we were four people together, we stayed in a good luxurious hotel there called Purple Palms. For travel we booked flights both ways and we had to take a separate taxi from Mangalore as it is a hill station. It was a more 4 hour ride after the plane's journey. We enjoyed a lot there, there was a lot to do. First day we went to the Mandalpatti hills and saw this picturesque landscape of hills and water. Coorg is surrounded and is famous for a lot of coffee plantations so we made sure we go to one of their coffee plantations. They also gave us freebies of their coffee known as Levista, it is my favourite coffee which I drink every morning now. After that we also went to a very famous elephant park over there, we enjoyed a ride on elephants and also we saw a cute baby elephant who was bathing himself. There was a small boy who was sitting on the elephant and they both were enjoying the bath it seems. In the evening we usually chilled in the hotel itself, enjoyed the beautiful swimming pool and a live music show and we used to have our dinner and go to bed. It was a pretty chill holiday we could say, not too much of roaming but we made sure we went, it was a four day trip so we made sure we went somewhere each day and then also prioritised relaxation.

Follow up questions

What activities did you enjoy the most during your trip to Coorg?

I really enjoyed visiting the Mandalpatti hills for the stunning views and exploring the coffee plantation. The elephant park was also a highlight, especially seeing the baby elephant and riding the elephants. Each activity was unique and added to the overall experience.

How did you choose Coorg as your holiday destination?

We chose Coorg because we wanted a peaceful getaway in nature, and it came highly recommended by friends. The combination of beautiful landscapes, coffee plantations, and family-friendly activities made it an ideal choice for our family trip.

What would you recommend to someone planning to visit Coorg?

I would recommend visiting the coffee plantations and the elephant park for sure. Also, make time to relax at your hotel and enjoy the local cuisine. Don't forget to try the Levista coffee; it's a must! Planning a mix of activities and relaxation is key.

Practice other cue cards

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

View answers

Describe A Quiet Place You Like To Go

View answers

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

View answers

Describe A Long Car Journey You Went On

View answers

Describe a place with a lot of trees that you would like to visit (e.g. a forest, oasis)

View answers

Describe A Tourist Attraction You Enjoyed Visiting

View answers

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

View answers

Describe a place in your country or part of your country that you would like to recommend to visitors/travellers

View answers

Band 6-7

00:00

My favorite destination place is Chennai. It is located in Tamil Nadu, the southern part of India. I visited that place during last month. I went there in flight. So I went with my family. I stayed in a hotel for one week. So it was a very good experience. So we went to visit many prominent historical places like malls, beach, museums, forts, like that. And we really enjoyed different types of food over there, different cuisines. We enjoyed the street food. And the people over there were so friendly, they were so helpful. And we booked a cab to visit local places. And we went for shopping as well. We went to T Nagar. That street consists of many small businesses for clothing and for accessories. And they have many hotels over there also. So we really had a very good time. We also had an opportunity to meet the VIPs and actors in that area. And we are planning to go there again for the next year trip as well. During that time, the climate was so chill and moody. And we really enjoyed it. Chennai is actually a metropolitan city. And the traffic is so much because people from other cities have come to Chennai for work purpose. And they have settled there. So the traffic is hectic. But still we enjoyed it. Sunrise is very amazing in Chennai. You have to really go there. And sunsets are equally good as well. And you can travel in local train which will be a special experience.

Follow up questions

What historical places did you visit in Chennai?

We visited several historical places including forts and museums. The architecture was fascinating, and each site had its own story. The museums showcased the rich culture and history of Tamil Nadu, which made the visits educational and enjoyable.

What types of food did you enjoy in Chennai?

We tried a variety of cuisines, including traditional South Indian dishes like dosa and idli. The street food was a highlight, with delicious snacks like vada and pani puri. Each meal was a delightful experience, showcasing the local flavors and spices.

How did you find the local transportation in Chennai?

Local transportation was quite convenient. We booked cabs for most of our trips, but we also experienced traveling by local trains, which was unique. Despite the traffic, the local train rides offered a glimpse into the daily life of Chennai's residents.

Band 6-7

00:00

I would say I am a travel enthusiast. Whenever I get a chance to visit anywhere, I will go there. Recently, we had a trip to Walpare. It is a mountainous region situated on the boundary of Kerala and Tamil Nadu districts. Me and my friends are going for the trip. We started our journey at night. We ride on a motorcycle. We know the ride on a motorcycle through a forest area is very difficult and quite dangerous. However, I enjoyed it a lot. I consider it as an adventurous trip because the journey gives me much thrilling. The most exciting part of this trip was that I was impressed by the driver skill of a local. Next day, we had a trekking. I was impressed by the driver's skill because he drives smoothly through the curvy and terrible roads. At last, we reached our destination, Walpare. It is a hilltop station. We witnessed the breathtaking sunrise, the warm climate and soft rays from the sun makes the ambience even more beautiful. We had a cup of tea from the local nearby shop.

Follow up questions

What other activities did you enjoy during your trip to Walpare?

Apart from trekking, we explored the local culture and cuisine. We visited nearby villages, interacted with locals, and tried traditional dishes. The experience was enriching and gave us a deeper understanding of the region.

How do you usually plan your trips?

I usually start by researching the destination online, looking for interesting places to visit and activities to do. I also consider the best time to visit and create a rough itinerary. I like to include some flexibility for spontaneous adventures.

What makes a holiday destination your favorite?

A favorite holiday destination combines natural beauty, adventure, and cultural experiences. I love places that offer thrilling activities and a chance to connect with nature, as well as opportunities to learn about local traditions and meet new people.

Show all 21 answers

Cue 1:Where this place was?

Begin by naming your favorite holiday destination clearly.
Provide a brief description of its location, including any notable landmarks or features.

Example

My favorite holiday destination is Goa, located on the western coast of India. It is famous for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and Portuguese heritage.

Cue 2:When did you go there?

Mention the specific time or season when you visited the place.
Share any memorable events or experiences that occurred during that time.

Example

I visited Goa last December during the winter holidays. The weather was perfect, and it was the peak tourist season, which added to the lively atmosphere.

Cue 3:How did you go there?

Explain your mode of transportation to reach the destination.
Include any interesting details about the journey that made it memorable.

Example

I traveled to Goa by train from Mumbai. The journey was scenic, with beautiful views of the countryside, and it took about 12 hours. I enjoyed the company of friends, which made the trip even more enjoyable.

Cue 4:What did you do there?

Describe the activities you engaged in while at the destination.
Highlight any unique experiences or attractions that stood out to you.

Example

During my stay in Goa, I spent my days relaxing on the beach, trying water sports like parasailing, and exploring the local markets. One of the highlights was visiting the Basilica of Bom Jesus, which was fascinating due to its historical significance.

Conclusion

Example

Overall, my trip to Goa was unforgettable. The combination of beautiful scenery, rich culture, and fun activities made it my favorite holiday destination. I look forward to visiting again 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 less engaging. It's important to provide specific details about your holiday destination to paint a clear picture for the examiner.

Tip

Include specific landmarks, activities, or experiences that made the destination special to you.

2: Rushed Responses

Speaking too quickly can lead to unclear answers and missed details. It's essential to take your time and articulate your thoughts clearly.

Tip

Practice pacing your speech by pausing briefly between points to ensure clarity and coherence.

Ignoring the Cues

Neglecting the provided cues can result in incomplete answers. Each cue is designed to help structure your response effectively.

Tip

Make sure to address each cue in your answer to provide a well-rounded description of your holiday.

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.