Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
Describe a crop that grows well in your country - Cue Card # 747
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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 crop that grows well in your country.
You should say:
- what crop it is
- where it grows
- how expensive it is
and explain how important it is for your country.
[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:
Our country has fertile lands and favourable weather conditions to grow various types of crops, vegetables, fruits and other plants throughout the year. For this topic, I've decided to talk about "tea", which is an important plantation crop for our country.
"Tea" is a delicate, delicious and popular drink in many countries, and we grow and produce some of the finest tea crops in the whole world. Tea plants grow from four to seven feet high, and its leaf, which produces tea, could be one to two inches long. The leaf is plucked off from the branches, dried and then processed to make tea.
Tea plants grow well on the slopes of hills and require heat, humidity and plenty of rainfall. The leaves are plucked thrice or four times a year by the workers. As far as I know, tea plants only grew in China a long ago, but now they are cultivated in many countries in Asia. In our country, it grows well in areas where many hills are present and that have sufficient rainfall throughout the year.
Since we grow plenty of tea plants and produce a large volume of tea in our country, it is much cheaper than other comparable items like coffee. In most parts of our country, you can get a cup of delicious and refreshing tea for just a few cents.
Tea is called a "cash crop" for our country since it is one of the most important export items. The love for a delightful and refreshing cup of tea among citizens in our country is legendary. For many, tea is a must to start the day, and others consider it a healthy drink for being revived and energised.
Model Answer 2:
Rice is a staple crop that thrives abundantly in my country. Its cultural and economic significance is also deeply ingrained in our society. Therefore, I have decided to talk about this crop for this topic.
Rice paddies blanket vast landscapes, particularly in the fertile plains and deltas of regions where water is abundant. These paddies are carefully managed to maintain the right water levels essential for rice cultivation.
Rice is relatively affordable in my country due to its widespread cultivation. The abundance of rice production keeps the prices within a reasonable range, making it accessible to a majority of the population.
The importance of rice in my country extends beyond being a dietary staple; it is intricately tied to our cultural, social, and economic fabric. Culturally, rice is often symbolic of prosperity and is woven into religious ceremonies and traditional rituals. Socially, rice is a unifying element, forming the core of many traditional dishes that bring families and communities together.
Economically, rice cultivation provides a livelihood for a significant portion of the population. Many farmers depend on rice cultivation as their primary source of income. Moreover, rice plays a vital role in ensuring food security. As a staple food, it is a primary source of carbohydrates for the majority of the population. Any disruptions in rice production could have far-reaching consequences on the nation's food supply and security.
The following is a list of major crops around the globe:
Cereal Grains (Staple Food Crops):
1. Rice: A primary staple for over half of the world's population, especially in Asia.
2. Wheat: A foundational crop for bread, pasta, and other staple foods, widely grown across continents.
3. Maize (Corn): Highly versatile, used for human food, animal feed, and industrial applications like biofuels.
4. Barley: Used for food (e.g., in soups, stews), livestock feed, and in brewing (beer).
5. Sorghum: A drought-tolerant grain important in semi-arid regions of Africa and Asia.
6. Oats: Commonly consumed as breakfast cereal and in animal feed.
7. Millet: A nutritious, drought-resistant grain, a staple in parts of Asia and Africa.
8. Rye: Used for bread, particularly in cooler climates.
Root and Tuber Crops:
1. Potatoes: A major food source globally, originating from the Andes.
2. Cassava (Yuca/Manioc): A vital staple in tropical and subtropical regions, especially in Africa and South America.
3. Sweet Potatoes: Important for their nutritional value and adaptability.
4. Yams: Similar to sweet potatoes, a staple in many parts of Africa.
Legumes (Pulses):
1. Soybeans: A major source of protein, oil, and ingredients for various food products (e.g., tofu, soy milk) and animal feed.
2. Beans (various types like common bean, lima bean): Widely consumed globally.
3. Lentils: A staple in many diets, particularly in Asia.
4. Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans): Popular in Middle Eastern and Indian cuisines.
Oilseed Crops:
1. Soybeans (also listed under legumes, as they are dual-purpose)
2. Palm Oil: Highly productive, a major source of vegetable oil.
3. Canola (Rapeseed): Important for cooking oil and animal feed.
4. Sunflower: Grown for oil and seeds.
Sugar Crops:
1. Sugarcane: The primary source of sugar globally, mainly grown in tropical and subtropical regions.
2. Sugar Beet: Another significant source of sugar, grown in temperate climates.
Fiber Crops:
1. Cotton: The most important natural fiber crop, used for textiles.
2. Jute: Used for sacks, ropes, and other fibrous materials.
Plantation Crops:
1. Tea: Tea is an aromatic beverage prepared by steeping cured leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant in hot water. Originating in East Asia, it is the second most widely consumed drink globally after water.
2. Coffee: Grown for its beans, which are roasted and ground to make the popular beverage.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
Crops are vital to a country's agriculture and economy. Different crops thrive in specific climates and regions, providing food, raw materials, and economic opportunities. Here are a few ideas for describing a crop that grows well in your country:
1. Rice:
Rice is a staple crop that grows abundantly in my country, especially in the southern and eastern regions, where the climate is humid and tropical. It is not very expensive and is widely available. Rice is extremely important because it is the main food source for a large portion of the population, and it also plays a key role in our agricultural exports, contributing significantly to the economy.
2. Wheat:
Wheat is another major crop that grows well in my country, particularly in the northern plains. It is moderately priced and a key part of the diet, often used to make bread and other food products. Wheat is important because it is one of the country's main food staples, and it also supports the livestock industry, providing feed for animals.
3. Sugarcane:
Sugarcane grows well in the tropical and sub-tropical regions of my country, especially in areas with a lot of sunlight and rainfall. It is considered a relatively expensive crop due to the labour-intensive process of harvesting. Sugarcane is crucial for the country because it is used to produce sugar, molasses, and biofuels, and it is a significant export product.
4. Coffee:
Coffee grows in the highland areas of my country, particularly in the central and northern regions. It is a moderately expensive crop, and it is one of the country’s most important exports. Coffee is vital not only for the economy but also for the livelihoods of many farmers who rely on it as their primary source of income. The industry also supports a large number of jobs in processing and distribution.
5. Maize (Corn):
Maize is a versatile crop that grows well in various regions of my country, particularly in the midland and highland areas. It is relatively affordable and a common food crop. Maize is important because it is used in a wide variety of food products and animal feed, and it contributes to the food security of the population.
6. Tea:
Tea is widely cultivated in the highland areas of my country, where the climate is ideal for its growth. It is considered a moderately expensive crop and is one of the country’s main exports. Tea is of great importance as it supports the economy, provides employment in rural areas, and is a cultural staple, with tea drinking being an integral part of daily life.
7. Cotton:
Cotton grows well in the dry, hot regions of my country, where irrigation is available. It is an important but relatively expensive crop due to the cost of irrigation and labour involved. Cotton is important for my country’s textile industry, which is one of the largest in the world, contributing significantly to both domestic markets and international exports.
8. Cocoa:
Cocoa grows in the tropical regions of my country, particularly in areas with rich, well-drained soil and consistent rainfall. It is a moderately expensive crop, and its prices fluctuate based on global demand. Cocoa is extremely important for my country as it is used in the chocolate industry, one of the most profitable sectors of the agricultural export market.
9. Potatoes:
Potatoes grow well in the cooler regions of my country, particularly in highland areas. They are affordable and widely consumed in various dishes. Potatoes are an important crop for my country, as they contribute to food security and are a significant part of the local diet, providing essential nutrients and calories for the population.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
When describing a crop that thrives in your country, using specific agricultural and economic vocabulary can effectively convey its characteristics, cultivation, and societal significance. Employing a range of terms will help you articulate its importance to the nation, making your response more comprehensive and insightful. Here are some relevant words and phrases:
Staple: – A main or important element of something, especially food.
Example: This crop is a staple food for a large portion of the population.
Cultivation: – The process of growing crops.
Example: Its widespread cultivation is supported by favourable climatic conditions.
Arable land: – Land suitable for growing crops.
Example: It primarily grows in the fertile arable land of the southern plains.
Bountiful harvest: – A large and plentiful yield of crops.
Example: We typically experience a bountiful harvest, allowing for both consumption and export.
Cash crop: – A crop produced for its commercial value rather than for use by the grower.
Example: While also a food source, it serves significantly as a cash crop for farmers.
Export commodity: – A raw material or primary agricultural product that can be bought and sold, traded internationally.
Example: It has become a major export commodity, contributing substantially to our trade balance.
Subsistence farming: – Farming in which nearly all of the crops or livestock raised are used to maintain the farmer and the farmer's family, with little or no surplus for sale.
Example: Many rural communities rely on its growth for subsistence farming.
Agricultural backbone: – The fundamental and most important part of the agricultural sector.
Example: This crop forms the agricultural backbone of our economy.
Resilient to climate variations: – Able to withstand or recover quickly from changes in weather patterns.
Example: The crop is particularly resilient to climate variations, making it reliable.
Fluctuations in market price: – Irregular rises and falls in the cost of the crop.
Example: Farmers are often affected by sudden fluctuations in its market price.
Strategic importance: – Having great significance for the success or well-being of a country.
Example: Beyond its economic value, it holds strategic importance for the nation's self-sufficiency.
Contributes to GDP: – Adds to the Gross Domestic Product, a measure of a country's economic output.
Example: The agricultural sector, driven by this crop, contributes significantly to the national GDP.
If you prepare for the topic "Describe a crop that grows well in your country", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe a crop that you know about.
2) Describe a common crop in your country.
3) Describe a plant, vegetable or crop that grows in your country.
4) Describe something that is produced or made in your country.
5) Describe a major export item in your country.
6) Describe a plant you know about.
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