Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
A city or a town where you live or lived - Cue Card # 434
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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 a city or a town where you currently live or once lived.
You should say:
- where it is located
- what part of it you are most familiar with
- what are the important landmarks and places there
and explain what makes that city or town special to you.
[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:
I live in one of the least populated regions of my country, which only has about half a million people. Located in the north-eastern part of my country, the city (...tell the name of this city...) is not exactly known to many people in my country. But, as far as I am concerned, this city has always been very special to me, and here I would like to tell you why in a minute.
Anyway, even though this isn’t exactly a famous place, like many other cities of my country, the legend has it that it is one of the oldest, if not the oldest, regions of my country where people have been living for more than 500 years. Since most of the people here are either involved with farming or small businesses, only a very few industries or companies can be found there. Of course, recently, some agro-based industries are trying to make their way into this medium-sized city of ours, but the common people there, including me, aren’t too happy or excited about it as it will most likely raise the cost of living of an otherwise very ‘inexpensive” town.
But, inexpensive or not, I've always loved everything about this city, especially its downtown area, which is always lively with lots of people, trying to enjoy their afternoon snacks and tea. By the way, I don’t only like this downtown area of my city, but also it happens to be the most familiar part of my city to me because it is in the wide streets of this area where I grew up riding my bicycle and hanging out with my friends as a young boy. The city has a few important landmarks too, which include a very old church, a big public library and a big lake.
Anyway, a couple of things make this city very special to me. First thing, of course, is that I have grown up here with all kinds of happy memories. Second thing is that I really like the laid-back and easy-going lifestyle of our people here.
Sample Answer 2:
I am originally from Nepal, and I have spent most of my life in Kathmandu, which is my place of birth. However, for a couple of years, I had to live in Dhaka, which is the capital city of Bangladesh and is a wonderful city. I stayed in this city for about 5 years, and this is the city I would talk about for this topic.
According to the official map, Dhaka is located in the middle of Bangladesh. Dhaka is a small city, but it is quite crowded and busy. Set beside the Buriganga River, Dhaka city has an area of 315 square miles. In the 17th century, Dhaka was the Mughal capital of Bengal, and it still has many old architectural works and buildings from this era.
I stayed at the Dhaka University campus, which is near the Shahbagh area, and this is the area I was most familiar with. To be honest, this is a spectacular and lively city and the rich tradition and Bengali culture make it so unique. There are a lot of famous and important landmarks in this city, including Lalbagh Fort, Liberation War Museum, Ahsan Manzil, Sonargaon, National Museum, National Parliament House, War Memorial Monument, Sixty Dome Mosque and so on. Interestingly, I have visited all of these significant landmarks in Dhaka except for the Sixty Dome Mosque. I personally enjoyed visiting the Ahsan Manzil, Sonargaon and War Memorial Monument.
Old Dhaka is a unique place with old and traditional buildings and the distinctive lifestyle of people. The university campus was another fascinating place for me. I often went to the new market for shopping, and Nilkhet was a very popular place for book lovers.
I believe that the university years are quite memorable and pleasant years for everyone. In fact, I had some of the best years of my life while I was at my university. I spent those golden years in this very city and made many good friends during this time. The friendly people, colourful festivals, pleasant memories, comfortable weather and my exposure to a different culture are the reasons I will never forget this city. This will always be a city I would love to visit, and my pleasant time in this city makes it very special to me.
Sample Answer 3:
Thank you for allowing me to talk about a city which belongs to my heart. So, the city that I know very well, and which left a deep impression on me, is New Delhi, the capital of India. I spent several years living there as an undergraduate student, and it’s truly one of the most vibrant and fascinating places I’ve ever experienced.
New Delhi has a unique blend of history and modernity. The city was formally inaugurated as the capital in 1931, designed by two British architects, and since then it has grown into one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world. What makes it particularly striking is the way centuries of history coexist with rapid urban development. On one side, you’ll find grand colonial buildings, Mughal-era monuments, and ancient temples, while on the other, you’ll see high-rise offices, bustling shopping malls, and busy metro lines.
Living there gave me the chance to explore some of its iconic landmarks. For example, India Gate, a war memorial built in honour of soldiers who died in the First World War, stands proudly in the heart of the city. Nearby, Rajpath is where the famous Republic Day parade is held every year. I also visited Rajghat, the resting place of Mahatma Gandhi, which is a very serene and moving site along the Yamuna River. Apart from these, the National Museum, Jantar Mantar observatory, and countless gardens and parks made my weekends both educational and enjoyable.
What I loved most about New Delhi, though, was the atmosphere. The city is alive 24/7 – street food stalls on every corner, colourful markets full of energy, and a cultural diversity that makes it feel like a microcosm of all of India. I especially enjoyed trying traditional Indian food with my friends, and to this day, I still miss the flavours of authentic Delhi street snacks. On top of that, people were incredibly welcoming. Although I was a foreign student, my teachers, classmates, and even neighbours made me feel at home. For me, it was not only an exciting city to live in, but also a second home, and I would love to return one day to relive those memories.
Model Answer 4:
Thank you for giving me this interesting topic, and I’m really glad to have the chance to talk about it. I would like to describe Kuala Lumpur, the city where I once lived and which left a lasting impression on me.
Kuala Lumpur is the capital of Malaysia, located in the western part of the country. It’s a vibrant and modern city, often regarded as the financial and cultural hub of the nation. I lived there for a couple of years, and during that time, I became quite familiar with both its bustling city centre and its quieter residential neighbourhoods.
The part of the city I am most familiar with is the area around Bukit Bintang, which is the entertainment and shopping district. It’s always lively, with countless restaurants, malls, and street performances. I also spent a lot of time around KLCC, which is home to the famous Petronas Twin Towers.
Speaking of landmarks, Kuala Lumpur has quite a few that make it unique. The Petronas Towers are perhaps the most iconic, and they are still among the tallest twin structures in the world. Then there’s the Batu Caves, a remarkable Hindu temple built into a limestone hill, which attracts both tourists and worshippers. Merdeka Square is another important place, symbolising Malaysia’s independence and history.
What makes Kuala Lumpur so special to me is the combination of cultures that coexist there. The city is a melting pot of Malay, Chinese, and Indian traditions, which can be seen in its food, festivals, and everyday life. I especially loved exploring the night markets, tasting different cuisines, and experiencing the multicultural atmosphere. It gave me a sense of both excitement and belonging. To me, Kuala Lumpur is not only a city of skyscrapers and shopping malls but also a place where history, culture, and diversity come together. That’s why it remains such a significant city to me personally.
Idea Generation for this topic:
This topic asks you to talk about a city or town that you are familiar with - either the place where you currently live or one where you have lived in the past. You should describe its location, the areas you know best, the landmarks or places that are significant there, and finally explain why this city or town holds a special meaning for you. Here are some ideas from different countries to help you develop your own response:
1. London, United Kingdom:
Located in the southeast of England, I am most familiar with central London, especially areas around Westminster and the River Thames. Important landmarks include the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and Tower Bridge. What makes it special to me is the blend of modern life with deep history, and the diversity of people and cultures.
2. Dhaka, Bangladesh:
Situated in central Bangladesh, I know the Dhanmondi and Gulshan areas best. Important landmarks include Lalbagh Fort, Ahsan Manzil, and the National Parliament House. It feels special because of its vibrant street life, traditional cuisine, and the emotional attachment of it being my hometown.
3. Paris, France:
Located in northern France, I am most familiar with the Left Bank around the Latin Quarter. Landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and the Louvre Museum dominate the cityscape. Paris is special to me because of its artistic vibe and the romantic atmosphere that makes every corner feel alive.
4. New York City, USA:
Found in the northeastern United States, I am most familiar with Manhattan. Iconic landmarks include Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, and Central Park. NYC is special because it never sleeps - its energy, skyscrapers, and cultural variety make it one of the most dynamic cities I’ve lived in.
5. Tokyo, Japan:
Located in eastern Japan, I am most familiar with the Shibuya and Shinjuku districts. Landmarks include the Tokyo Tower, Meiji Shrine, and the Imperial Palace. What makes Tokyo special to me is its fascinating mix of futuristic technology with traditional culture.
6. Sydney, Australia:
Situated on the southeastern coast of Australia, I know the Circular Quay and Bondi Beach areas best. Landmarks include the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Sydney feels special because of its relaxed coastal lifestyle combined with a cosmopolitan environment.
7. Cairo, Egypt:
Located in northeastern Africa, I am most familiar with Giza and downtown Cairo. Landmarks include the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the Egyptian Museum. Cairo feels unique to me because it is like stepping back in time while also being part of a bustling modern capital.
8. Istanbul, Turkey:
Positioned on both the European and Asian sides of Turkey, I am familiar with the Sultanahmet area. Landmarks include Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar. Istanbul is special to me as it perfectly merges East and West in culture, food, and architecture.
9. Toronto, Canada:
Located in southern Ontario, I know downtown Toronto and the Harbourfront best. Landmarks include the CN Tower, Royal Ontario Museum, and Toronto Islands. Toronto feels special because of its multiculturalism and the sense of inclusivity I experienced living there.
10. Barcelona, Spain:
Found on the northeastern coast of Spain, I am most familiar with the Gothic Quarter and Las Ramblas. Landmarks include Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, and Camp Nou. Barcelona is special to me because of its unique architectural style and lively Mediterranean atmosphere.
11. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil:
Located in southeastern Brazil, I know the Copacabana and Ipanema areas best. Landmarks include Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, and Maracanã Stadium. Rio feels special because of its festive spirit, breathtaking beaches, and samba culture.
12. Rome, Italy:
Situated in central Italy, I am familiar with the Colosseum area and the Vatican. Landmarks include the Roman Forum, Pantheon, and St. Peter’s Basilica. Rome is special to me because it feels like an open-air museum where every corner tells a story of ancient history.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
When describing a city or town where you live or once lived, using specific vocabulary can effectively convey its location, your familiarity with it, its notable landmarks, and what makes it personally significant. Thoughtful word choices will help you articulate the city's unique character, atmosphere, and the reasons for your emotional connection, making your response both descriptive and heartfelt. Here are some relevant words and phrases:
Hometown: – The town or city that a person is from, especially the one in which they were born and raised.
Example: My hometown is a small town with a lot of natural beauty.
Urban landscape: – The physical environment of a city or urban area.
Example: I am most familiar with the urban landscape of the city centre.
Suburbs: – An outlying district of a city, especially a residential one.
Example: I lived in the suburbs, which was a very peaceful part of the town.
Landmark: – An object or feature of a landscape or town that is easily seen and recognised from a distance.
Example: The old clock tower is a famous landmark that everyone knows.
Historic site: – A location that is the scene of an important event in history.
Example: The old fort is a significant historic site that tells a lot about the town's past.
Downtown/City centre: – The main commercial and business area of a town or city.
Example: I know the downtown area best because I used to work there.
Bustling: – Full of energetic and noisy activity.
Example: The city centre is a bustling place, always full of people and things to do.
Vibrant: – Full of energy and enthusiasm; lively.
Example: The market is a vibrant place with a lively atmosphere.
Picturesque: – Visually attractive, especially in a charming or quaint way.
Example: The old town square is very picturesque, with its narrow streets and old buildings.
Charm: – The power or quality of delighting, attracting, or fascinating others.
Example: What makes my hometown special is its unique charm and friendly people.
Sense of community: – A feeling that one belongs to a group and is connected to its members.
Example: The small town has a strong sense of community that you don't find everywhere.
Nostalgic: – Characterised by a sentimental longing or affection for the past.
Example: I feel nostalgic whenever I think about my childhood in that town.
Cultural hub: – A central place where culture and art flourish.
Example: The city is known as a cultural hub with many museums and theatres.
Character: – The distinctive nature of a person or place.
Example: The city has a unique character that is hard to describe but easy to feel.
Familiar: – Well known from long or close association.
Example: I feel very familiar with every street and corner of the neighbourhood.
Indelible mark: – A lasting or permanent effect.
Example: The city left an indelible mark on me and will always be special.
If you prepare for the topic "Describe a city or a town where you currently live or once lived", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe a city you have visited and liked.
2) Describe the place where you grew up in your childhood..
3) Describe an interesting place in your hometown.
4) Describe a village or suburban area you have visited.
5) Describe a big city you would like to visit.
6) Describe a place where you lived for a short period of time.
7) Describe a beautiful place where you want to have a home.
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