Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
Describe something which is produced in your country - Cue Card # 259
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IELTS Speaking Part 2: IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card.
[The topic for your talk will be written on a card which the examiner will hand over to you. Read it carefully and then make some brief notes.]
Describe something which is produced in your country (e.g. food, a handicraft item, or a car).
You should say:
- what it is
- what it is used for
- how it is made/produced
and explain why you think your country produces it.
[Instruction: You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you are going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.]
Model Answer 1: [A traditional product in Bangladesh]
People in Bangladesh, my native country, engage in producing different kinds of things for their livelihoods, ranging from food products to clothing items to electronics. However, today, I would like to talk about a handicraft item which arguably is indigenous to Bangladesh only.
This product is called “Nakshi Kantha”. The term “Nakshi” has been derived from the word “Naksha” which means an array of colourful patterns and designs, and “Kantha” means “patched cloth”, which is a kind of quilt, on which many gorgeous looking “Naksha” is made.
Anyway, this “Nakshi Kantha” lineage can be traced back to a time when rural women in greater Bangla (including today’s Bangladesh and parts of today’s India) engaged in this form of craft, not necessarily because they wanted to create some kind of 'art', but out of daily need. Nakshi Kantha essentially is a heritage product of Bangladesh, however, they are also prized by many Europeans and Americans today because of their stunning looks.
Even though in the beginning, the sole purpose of the Nakshi Kantha was to be used only as a quilt, but, with the passage of time, they became so popular that it was incorporated into many things, including everyday wear, such as "sari" (a single piece of unstitched drape or garment which is used by the women in the Indian subcontinent), "Kurtis" (a loose collarless shirt which is worn in many regions of South Asia), tablecloths and decorative wall hangings. However, even though, these "Kanthas" are used for multi-purposes today, they serve primarily as bed pallets and light wraps. The small Kanthas are used as swaddling clothes for babies in rural areas of Bangladesh also. And, these “special” quilts are made by putting three to seven layers of colourful saris one over another and then sewing them with a simple running stitch.
Bangladesh produces this particular handicraft item because the country wants to preserve it as a national heritage. Besides, they not only help employ a substantial number of unskilled women workers in my country but also help earn a significant amount of foreign currency since these Kanthas are adored by many foreigners.
Model Answer 2:
We, as a nation, produce many different products which we use as consumers or export to other countries. Among those products, sports items are very famous. We produce fine-quality game products like football, cricket bats, stumps and jerseys. Our cricket bats are used by many cricket-playing nations as well as in many big events of ICC. For this topic, I am going to talk about the cricket bat that is made in our country and used worldwide.
Cricket bats are used by batsmen (or batters) to score runs in a cricket match. A batter hits the ball with his or her bat and adds runs to the scoreboard.
The cricket bats are made from fine wood, and professional and experienced people work in this industry besides manual labourers. The wood is first selected, collected and dried to get rid of water from it. Then the wood is cut into recommended pieces to make the bat. After the appearance is given to the wood, the bat is then shaped and fine-tuned to produce a good quality bat. Some mechanical help is needed to give the bats good shapes and to make them flawless. After that, the bats are covered with grippers and stickers. Thus the final product is ready to be used.
Cricket is a popular game in our country, and the materials and expertise which are required to produce those bats are also available in our country. Many people have acquired the knowledge and expertise to produce these quality bats, and as they have high demand both in our country and in other cricket-playing countries, our country makes them in plenty.
Model Answer 3:
Thank you very much for this interesting topic, which allows me to talk about a unique product deeply associated with my country and is produced here. The item I'd like to describe is maple syrup, a quintessential Canadian product.
Maple syrup is a natural sweetener derived from the sap of maple trees, primarily sugar maples. It's a thick, amber-coloured liquid, renowned for its distinctive sweet flavour. While many people associate it primarily with breakfast, drizzled over pancakes, waffles, or French toast, its uses are quite diverse. It's an excellent natural alternative to refined sugar in baking and can be used as a glaze for meats, in salad dressings, or even in cocktails. It’s also often used in traditional Canadian confectionery.
The production of maple syrup is a fascinating, centuries-old process, deeply rooted in the spring season. It begins when the maple trees are "tapped" – a small hole is drilled into the tree trunk, and a spout is inserted. This allows the sap, which is a clear, slightly sweet liquid, to flow out. This sap is then collected in buckets or, more commonly in modern operations, through a network of plastic tubing that gravity-feeds the sap to a central collection point. The collected sap is then transported to a "sugar shack" or "sugar house," which is essentially an evaporator. Here, the sap is boiled down to remove most of its water content. It takes roughly 40 litres of sap to produce just one litre of finished maple syrup! As the water evaporates, the sugar becomes concentrated, and the liquid thickens and darkens, transforming into the golden or amber syrup we know. It's then filtered and graded based on its colour and flavour intensity before being bottled.
My country, Canada, produces maple syrup primarily because of its unique geographical and climatic conditions. The vast forests across eastern Canada, particularly in provinces like Quebec, Ontario, and New Brunswick, are home to millions of sugar maple trees. These trees thrive in specific climatic conditions characterized by cold winters and a distinct freeze-thaw cycle in early spring. This fluctuation between freezing nights and warmer days creates pressure in the trees that causes the sap to flow. This natural phenomenon, combined with the historical knowledge passed down from Indigenous peoples who first discovered maple tapping, has made Canada the world's leading producer of maple syrup, accounting for over 80% of global production.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
This topic asks you to describe something that is produced in your country. To make your answer great, mention what the item is, what it is used for, how it is made or manufactured, and why it is produced in your country. You can talk about traditional products, foods, crafts, or even industrial goods. Here are a few ideas to help you structure your response:
1. Jamdani saree (Bangladesh):
One iconic item produced in Bangladesh is the Jamdani saree. It is a traditional handwoven garment worn by women, especially during festivals and weddings. It is made using fine cotton threads and intricate weaving techniques passed down for generations. Bangladesh produces it due to its rich heritage in textile craftsmanship and skilled weavers in areas like Narayanganj and Tangail.
2. Nakshi Kantha/ embroidered quilt (Bangladesh):
Nakshi Kantha is a traditional handmade quilt that features elaborate embroidered patterns. It is commonly used as bedding or decorative items in rural households. Made by stitching together old sarees and clothing, it is a symbol of cultural expression. This item is produced widely in Bangladesh because of its deep-rooted tradition in rural art and storytelling through fabric.
3. Basmati rice (India):
Basmati rice is a premium variety of long-grain rice grown primarily in India. It is used for making dishes like biryani and pulao. The rice is cultivated in the fertile plains of northern India and requires specific weather conditions. India is known for producing it due to its traditional farming techniques and the region’s ideal climate.
4. Persian rugs (Iran):
Persian rugs are handwoven carpets produced in Iran. They are used for home decoration and are known for their intricate patterns and craftsmanship. These rugs are made using wool or silk, and weaving them can take several months. Iran produces them because of its long-standing tradition of carpet weaving and highly skilled artisans.
5. Maple syrup (Canada):
Maple syrup is a sweet syrup made from the sap of maple trees, and it’s a famous product of Canada. It is commonly used on pancakes, waffles, and desserts. The sap is collected in spring, then boiled and filtered to create the syrup. Canada produces it on a large scale due to its cold climate and vast maple forests.
5. Olive oil (Spain):
Spain is one of the world’s largest producers of olive oil. It is used for cooking, salad dressing, and cosmetics. The oil is extracted by crushing and pressing olives harvested in Mediterranean groves. Spain produces it widely because of its favourable climate, fertile soil, and centuries of expertise in olive farming.
6. Sushi-grade seafood (Japan):
Japan is known for producing high-quality seafood used in sushi and sashimi. It is primarily used in traditional Japanese cuisine. The seafood is caught, stored, and processed under strict hygiene standards. Japan’s access to rich marine resources and its culinary tradition contribute to the global reputation of its seafood.
7. Thai silk (Thailand):
Thai silk is a luxurious fabric produced in Thailand, especially in the northeastern regions. It is used for clothing, scarves, and home décor. The silk is made by raising silkworms and hand-weaving the fibres. Thailand produces it because of its rich cultural heritage and skilled craftsmanship passed down through generations.
8. Kangaroo leather products (Australia):
Australia produces various goods made from kangaroo leather, such as shoes, gloves, and sporting equipment. The leather is lightweight yet durable. It is produced through controlled, regulated programs. Australia is known for it because of the abundance of kangaroos and its responsible wildlife management practices.
9. Leather handbags (Italy):
Italy is famous for producing high-end leather handbags used in fashion and everyday use. These are handcrafted using traditional techniques in cities like Florence and Milan. Italy leads in this field because of its heritage in leatherworking, design innovation, and attention to detail.
10. Tea (Sri Lanka):
Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, is known for its world-famous Ceylon tea. It is consumed globally as a daily beverage. The tea is grown in the central highlands and harvested by hand. Sri Lanka is ideal for tea production because of its elevation, rainfall, and skilled labour force.
11. Mobile phones (South Korea):
South Korea is a major producer of mobile phones, especially through global brands like Samsung. These are used worldwide for communication, business, and entertainment. The production involves high-tech factories and advanced R&D. South Korea’s leadership in electronics and innovation fuels its dominance in mobile technology.
Part 3 – Two-way discussion:
Food Production:
Q. What are some of the main food products ("foods") that a country should produce?
Answer: Since rice is the staple food for more than half of the world’s total population, and since around 35% of the world’s total population heavily relies on wheat food products for the majority of their calorie intake, then it is safe to conclude that a country should try to produce more and more rice grains along with wheat products. Of course, the problem is that not every country has enough suitable or fertile lands to cultivate these two (rice and wheat) staple foods, and if that is actually the case, they should try to produce other food products which complement rice and wheat. They should also try to grow a diverse range of fruits and vegetables.
Q. Why do many countries still import important food items?
Answer: Well, it would be just great if all the countries around the world were able to produce all the important food items for their own consumption. But that would be wishful thinking because, unfortunately, the climate, land structures and hostile terrains of many countries don’t allow them to do so despite their best intention and efforts. And that’s precisely the reason many countries around the world still import important food items from other countries. Let’s just say, such practice is purely a matter of survival for many countries.
Q. Do you think it's important that a country is self-sufficient in food?
Answer: Yes, I think that it is a matter of utmost importance that a country should try its best to become self-sufficient in food, not only because it would meet the needs of its own citizens, but also the demands and needs of other countries around the world which just don’t have enough resources to do so on their own. Besides, being self-sufficient in food production would also allow a country to dodge undue political pressure and influence in many cases from other “dominating nations”.
Other Products /International Trade:
Q. Do you think the globalisation of industry and commerce is a good thing? [Why/Why not?]
Answer: If we consider the effects of globalization of industry and commerce with an objective mind, we will find that it is a good thing in the greater scheme of things. One of the main advantages of globalization is that it allows greater access to new markets while also developing new products at the same time. And developing new products also means creating new revenue streams for all kinds of businesses. Besides, it also helps connect the world with each other by sharing new knowledge, information, technologies and cultural practices on a grandeur scale.
Q. Do you think every country should make everything it needs or should it import most of the things?
Answer: I don’t think that any country should either try to make everything it needs or import most of the things it needs, because that’s just not possible on a practical level. After all, no single country in our world has all the resources, tools and technologies to produce or make everything it needs. In the same way, a country can’t possibly import everything it needs because that would prove out to be too costly of an affair unless, of course, that country is filthy rich with an insane amount of revenue generation and resources.
Q. What are the disadvantages of a country producing everything it needs?
Answer: In my humble opinion, a country may face a few challenges if it tries to produce everything it needs (considering that it is even a “reality” in this globalized world). The first disadvantage, of course, such a thing would almost inevitably increase production cost and the market price of the products because it would need to import a lot of raw materials from other countries. The second challenge is that the country would put some undue pressure on its natural resources and environments which certainly is not good for the country’s existence in the long run.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
When describing a product from your country, using precise vocabulary can effectively convey its nature, utility, production process, and national significance. Thoughtful word choices will help you articulate its characteristics and the reasons for its prominence, making your response informative and well-rounded. Here are some relevant words and phrases:
Commodity: – A raw material or primary agricultural product that can be bought and sold, such as copper or coffee.
Example: This crop is a major agricultural commodity produced extensively in my country.
Artisan: – A skilled craftsperson who makes things by hand.
Example: Many artisan goods, often made from natural fibers, are a source of national pride.
Staple: – A main or important element of something, especially food.
Example: This grain is a staple food that forms a significant part of our diet.
Indigenous to: – Originating or occurring naturally in a particular place; native.
Example: This particular type of textile is indigenous to our region, with a long history.
Agricultural yield: – The amount of a crop produced from a given area of land.
Example: Our climate allows for a significant agricultural yield of this specific crop.
Labor-intensive: – Needing a lot of work to produce.
Example: The process of crafting these items is quite labor-intensive, requiring skilled hands.
Raw material: – The basic material from which something is made.
Example: The country is rich in the raw materials necessary for producing this product.
Value-added product: – A product that has had its value increased through processing, manufacturing, or other treatment.
Example: By processing the raw materials, we create a high value-added product for export.
Sustains livelihoods: – Provides the means of support or subsistence for many people.
Example: The industry built around this product sustains the livelihoods of millions.
Export-oriented industry: – An industry focused on producing goods for sale to other countries.
Example: The garment sector is a key export-oriented industry in our country.
Traditional craftsmanship: – Skills and methods of making things by hand that have been passed down through generations.
Example: The production relies heavily on traditional craftsmanship, preserving ancient techniques.
Competitive advantage: – A condition or circumstance that puts a company in a favorable or superior business position.
Example: Abundant resources give us a significant competitive advantage in producing this item.
Economic backbone: – The most important part of an economy or industry.
Example: This sector forms the economic backbone of several rural regions.
Employs a significant workforce: – Provides jobs for a large number of people.
Example: The factories producing this item employ a significant workforce, both skilled and unskilled.
Similar Cue Card Topics
If you prepare for the topic "Describe something which is produced in your country (e.g. food, a handicraft item, or a car)", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe a traditional product from your country.
2) Describe a crop that grows plenty in your country.
3) Describe a plant or crop you know about.
4) Describe an export item in your country that you know about.
5) Describe a plant/ vegetable or crop that grows well in your country.
6) Describe something that your country exports.
7) Describe something produced or grown in your country.
8) Describe an important crop in your country.
9) Describe a traditional product in your country that you know about.
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