Cue Card Sample

An important tree or plant in your country - Cue Card # 645

IELTS Speaking Part 2: IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card.

Describe an important tree or plant in your country.

You should say:

  • what it is
  • where it grows
  • how it looks like

and explain why is it an important tree/plant in your country.

[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:

Bangladesh, apart from being the home to the largest mangrove forest in the world, is also a land of many other kinds of trees, making it one of the greenest and most beautiful countries in the world at the same time. However, today we will pick only one of those many different kinds of trees and talk about it. The common name of this tree, I am about to talk, about is “Date palm”, and its scientific name is Phoenix Dactylifera. However, in the Bengali language, it is called the “Khejur” tree.

Being a tree of the palm family, it grows pretty much all over Bangladesh whether we want to grow them in a field or our front yard. It can be anywhere between 15 feet to 60 feet tall, and its trunk is about 10 cubic feet thick at its bottom. Having leaves of about 5 to 6 feet long (depending on the size of the tree), its leaflets are thin and pointy and can be about one to one-and-half feet long and 0.75 inches wide.

The date palm tree is an important tree mainly because of its juice and syrup which is just loved by everybody in my country during the wintertime. In fact, the livelihood of many people depends on this tree since they collect the juice of this tree and then use it to make “jaggery” (or “Gur”) in our local language which, in turn, is also used to make some really savoury and sweet dishes. Its trunks are also used to make furniture and timbers (suitable for structural uses) while its leaflets are also used to make beautiful baskets and mats. Besides, the fibre of date palm trees is used to make rope and packaging materials of high quality. Thus, the date palm has remained a tree of great economic value in my country for thousands of years.


 

Model Answer 2:

The Sugar Maple, scientifically known as Acer saccharum, is an iconic tree native to the northeastern part of North America, particularly prominent in Canada, and for this topic, I would like to talk about this tree. 

Renowned for its stunning autumn foliage and its significance in various cultural, ecological, and economic aspects, the Sugar Maple holds a special place in the hearts of Canadians.

These majestic trees typically grow in mixed hardwood forests, thriving in regions with temperate climates and well-drained soils. They are characterized by their distinctive five-lobed leaves, which turn vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red during the fall, creating breathtaking landscapes that attract tourists from around the world.

The Sugar Maple is not only valued for its aesthetic appeal but also for its ecological importance. It serves as a vital habitat for numerous species of wildlife, providing shelter, food, and nesting sites for birds, mammals, and insects. Additionally, the dense foliage of Sugar Maple trees helps regulate local climates, reduce soil erosion, and improve air quality.

From a cultural perspective, the Sugar Maple holds significant symbolic value for Canadians. It is the emblematic tree featured on the Canadian flag, symbolizing resilience, strength, and natural beauty. Moreover, the sap of Sugar Maple trees is harvested in early spring to produce maple syrup, a beloved Canadian delicacy known worldwide for its rich flavour and versatility in culinary applications.

Economically, the maple syrup industry plays a crucial role in many rural communities across Canada, providing employment opportunities and contributing to local economies. Maple syrup production has become an integral part of Canadian identity, celebrated through festivals, traditions, and culinary events that showcase the cultural heritage and craftsmanship associated with this natural sweetener. Its beauty, ecological importance, and cultural significance make it an indispensable tree in the Canadian landscape, revered by generations past and present.

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