Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
Describe a food court you have been to - Cue Card # 623
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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 food court you have been to.
You should say:
- where it is
- what types of food it offers
- what it looks like
and explain how popular this food court is.
[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.]
Sample Answer 1:
Thank you very much for this topic. I will tell you about a food court where I have been to many times, and also explain why it is popular among visitors, where it is located, what it looks like and what types of food they serve.
Being built on the top floor of one of the most famous shopping malls in my hometown, the food court attracts thousands of customers every day not only from my hometown but also from outside of the town. Why? Well, the answer is obvious. They all want to enjoy a bite of their favourite food after finishing their shopping spree.
Taking the entire top floor, the food court sits on an area of about fifteen thousand square feet with more than seventy restaurants and fast food corners which serve pretty much all kinds of foods. If you are in the mood to spend some quality time with your friends and families over some formal dinners at an Italian, Chinese or Indian restaurant, you can certainly do so. But, if you are in a hurry and want some quick food and snacks, you can always grab a burger or sandwich from a McDonald's or Burger King.
Whenever I visit this food court, I always find that the place is occupied by hundreds of customers, eating their favourite food while making the “clicking” sound of their spoons hitting the plates. In fact, the food court looks pretty much like a giant “food market” to me with a very organised seating arrangement, having tables and chairs all around the food court for individuals and groups alike.
Just by looking at the size of the crowds at the food court, it can be said that the food court is very popular not only among city dwellers but also among people from outside of the city. This is a very popular food court also because it doesn’t just attract the shoppers, who come to the mall for shopping, but it also attracts those people, young and old alike, who visit the food court only to eat their favourite food. Some even come just to “see” the grand-looking food court!
Model Answer 2:
I am so glad to have been given this topic to talk about, and I'd be pretty comfortable talking about a food court where I have been to. Well, I recently visited a bustling food court located in the heart of the city centre. Situated within a busy shopping mall, this food court is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
The food court offers a wide variety of culinary delights, catering to diverse tastes and preferences. From traditional local cuisine to international favourites, there is something for everyone. Visitors can indulge in freshly prepared sushi, aromatic stir-fries, savoury burgers, authentic Mexican dishes, mouthwatering desserts, and much more. The food court also features stalls specialising in vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, ensuring inclusivity for all diners.
As for the ambience, the food court is vibrant and lively, with colourful signage, bustling crowds, and enticing aromas filling the air. The seating area is spacious and well-lit, with ample seating options ranging from communal tables to cosy booths. The décor is modern and inviting, creating a welcoming atmosphere for patrons to enjoy their meals.
This food court is incredibly popular and attracts a large number of visitors throughout the day. Whether it's lunchtime rush hour or a weekend shopping spree, the food court is always bustling with activity. The diverse food offerings, convenient location, and vibrant ambience make it a go-to destination for dining out or grabbing a quick bite to eat. Overall, it's a vibrant culinary hub that continues to delight food enthusiasts and remains a favourite spot for dining and socialising in the city.
Sample Answer 3:
I am grateful to you for this nice topic. I will try to tell you about a food court where I have been to several times and enjoyed the food and service they provide. I often meet my friends at this very place, and I believe it is quite popular among the local residents.
To begin with, this food court is on the sixth floor of a shopping complex which is only a 15-minute drive away from my home. So naturally, it is easy for me to get there whenever I want!
These days, food courts and fast food shops are springing up all over the place - they are even spreading across the residential area. The food court I am talking about occupies the entire 6th floor and has more than 30 stalls selling all sorts of local food, international cuisine, different types of desserts and drinks.
Last month I went there with two of my friends to enjoy a meal, and we had a large pizza and a few glasses of smoothies. Different stalls in this food court mainly offer rice, fish, chicken, mutton, naan roti, kebab, soups, spring onions, and a variety of sushi as traditional Chinese cuisine, and other Western food. Pizza and steak are perhaps famous among youngsters, and rice & soup among adults.
This place looks like any other traditional food court in our city, but it has a far better seating arrangement. All these shops give free samples to attract new customers, and they often offer a special menu to regular customers. From a distance, it looks packed, especially during lunch hours, but once you're there to enjoy your meal, you will notice a lively vibe, full of young people enjoying their food and their animated conversations.
From the number of people who go there each day, one can say that it is quite a popular food court. If you are ever there, the busy waiters and the sound of the cash registers would give you the impression that many people like to have their meals at this place. Foreign tourists who like to enjoy local food at a reasonable price often pick this location; perhaps they find this place from Google Maps and Foursquare.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
This topic asks you to talk about a food court you have visited. To give a great answer, mention where the food court is located, what kinds of foods are offered there, how the food court is structured or looks like, and how popular it is among people. You should also add whether you frequently visit the place, your favourite cuisine or stall, and what makes it special in your opinion. Here are a few ideas to help you develop your own answer. Hope you will find this helpful.
1. A modern food court in a popular shopping mall:
The food court is on the top floor of a large shopping mall. It offers a wide range of foods including Italian, Chinese, Indian, Thai, and fast food. It has sleek seating areas, digital menu boards, and live cooking stations. It’s extremely popular with both young people and families, especially during weekends and holidays.
2. An open-air food court near a university campus:
This food court consists of several small stalls arranged in a circle with a central seating space. It mainly caters to university students and staff and offers budget-friendly meals like noodles, burgers, and local snacks. Its casual and lively environment makes it a favourite hangout spot among the youth.
3. A multicultural food court in an international airport:
Located inside the departure terminal, this food court includes global cuisine options such as sushi, Mexican burritos, Turkish kebabs, and western fast food. It has clean, well-lit interiors and comfortable seating. It stays busy due to the high traffic of international travellers passing through the airport daily.
4. A traditional food court in an old city bazaar:
This food court has a rustic charm and features traditional foods like kebabs, flatbreads, lentil soup, and grilled vegetables. With wooden benches and open kitchens, it offers an authentic cultural vibe. Tourists and locals both love it for its heritage feel and affordable, hearty meals.
5. A high-tech food court in a tech park:
Designed for IT professionals working in nearby offices, this food court uses app-based ordering and robotic delivery within the area. It serves healthy meals, protein bowls, and speciality coffee. Its futuristic layout and fast service make it highly efficient and trendy.
6. A street-food themed food court in a city centre:
Styled like a street market, this indoor food court mimics street food stalls but with better hygiene and air conditioning. You can find dumplings, skewers, wraps, and local desserts. It attracts office goers and tourists who want the taste of street food without the chaos.
7. A rooftop food court in a seaside town:
Located on top of a building with a sea view, this food court specialises in seafood dishes like grilled fish, shrimp platters, and clam soup. With an open sky and breezy setup, it is popular in the evenings and often features live music or small events.
8. A vegan food court in an eco-friendly plaza:
This food court is built with sustainability in mind, using bamboo furniture and compostable utensils. It serves only vegan and plant-based meals. It appeals to health-conscious customers and environmental advocates, especially on weekends when there’s a local farmers’ market nearby.
9. A family-friendly food court in a suburban shopping complex:
This place has a large play area for children and family-style dining booths. It includes major fast-food chains, ice cream stands, and kid-friendly meal combos. It becomes very busy in the afternoons and evenings as many parents bring their children after school.
10. A night-time food court near a railway station:
This food court stays open until late night and caters mostly to travellers and late-night workers. It offers quick meals like rice plates, sandwiches, tea, and noodles. It’s simple, affordable, and a lifesaver for people who need a quick bite during odd hours.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
When describing a food court you've visited, using specific vocabulary can effectively convey its location, the variety of cuisine available, its ambience, and its popularity. Thoughtful word choices will help you articulate your overall experience and the unique characteristics of the place, making your response both descriptive and engaging. Here are some relevant words and phrases:
Food court: – An area, typically in a shopping mall or airport, where a number of food vendors prepare and serve food at counters, with a shared dining area.
Example: The new shopping complex boasts an expansive food court on its top floor.
Culinary hub: – A central place or focal point for diverse food and cooking.
Example: It's become a true culinary hub, attracting food lovers from all over the city.
Eatery: – A restaurant or other place where food is served.
Example: The food court features a wide array of eateries, catering to every taste.
Gastronomic: – Relating to the art or science of good eating; culinary.
Example: It offers a gastronomic journey with options from various international cuisines.
Diverse cuisine: – A wide variety of food types or styles.
Example: You can find everything from local street food to diverse international cuisine there.
Food stalls/kiosks: – Small, often temporary, stands or structures from which food is sold.
Example: The food court is filled with vibrant food stalls offering quick bites.
Ambience: – The character and atmosphere of a place.
Example: The food court has a lively and bustling ambience, especially during peak hours.
Spacious: – (Especially of a room or building) having ample space.
Example: It's a very spacious food court with plenty of seating arrangements.
Vibrant: – Full of energy and enthusiasm.
Example: The place has a vibrant atmosphere, always buzzing with activity.
Contemporary design: – A modern or current style of design.
Example: It features a contemporary design with sleek lines and modern lighting.
Crowded: – (Of a space) filled with people to the point of being uncomfortable or restricting movement.
Example: It can get quite crowded, especially on weekends, making it hard to find a seat.
Bustling: – Full of activity; moving in an energetic or noisy manner.
Example: The central dining area is always bustling with people.
Popular haunt: – A place frequently visited by a particular person or group.
Example: It has quickly become a popular haunt for students and office workers alike.
High footfall: – The number of people entering a shop or business in a given period.
Example: The food court enjoys high footfall due to its prime location within the mall.
Caters to: – Provides all that is needed or wanted by a particular person or group.
Example: It caters to a wide range of tastes and budgets, making it appealing to many.
Go-to place: – A person or thing that is regularly and reliably consulted or visited.
Example: For a quick and varied meal, it's definitely my go-to place.
If you prepare for the topic "Describe a food court you have been to", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe a restaurant that you have enjoyed going to.
2) Describe your favourite restaurant.
3) Describe a meal that you have shared with your friends.
4) Describe a meal that you enjoyed with your friends.
5) Describe a meal that you enjoyed eating outside.
6) Describe your favourite place to eat out.
7) Describe a place where you often meet your friends.
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