Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
Describe a beautiful village or rural area - Cue Card # 820
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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 beautiful village or a rural area that you have visited.
You should say:
- where it is
- when you went there
- why you went there
and explain why you think this place was so beautiful.
[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.]
[Examiner: All right? Remember you have one to two minutes for this, so don't worry if I stop you. I'll tell you when the time is up. Can you start speaking now, please?]
Model Answer 1:
Sometimes, I actually blame my parents for leaving the beautiful village, in which, I grew up. Of course, blaming doesn’t really help because now I and my family are permanently settled in a crowded city. But, fortunately, that doesn’t prevent me from visiting a beautiful village or a rural area once in a while just as I did about a few months ago. I am so glad to be able to share my experience with you here and I'd like to thank you for that.
Before visiting this village, I had no idea about it since it was very far away from my place. In fact, it was located in another province (or administrative area) where one of my friends moved back and lived permanently after finishing his university education with me. And I can certainly understand why he decided to move back to that village because no doubt, it could very easily be one of the most beautiful villages or rural areas, a person could ever visit.
At least, that’s what I had gathered during my visit that lasted for about a few days when I didn’t only get to enjoy the simple yet very welcoming village life, but also some of the most delicious, home-cooked foods that would tickle your taste buds even on your worst days! Besides, the experience of collecting beautiful pebbles from under the shallow river bed with the village children there was so unique and rewarding that I would never trade it for anything. No wonder I still thank that good friend of mine, either in a letter or over the phone, for inviting me to his village to spend my summer holidays.
Anyway, it was one of the most beautiful villages, if not the most beautiful, that I had ever visited, not only because it had so much green all over it, but also because it offered a very beautiful sight of a flowing river that twisted and turned at will. Besides, the beautiful view of the village houses there, maintaining almost a similar design and architectural pattern from above the small hills, was just too hard to ignore. All in all, it was an ideal village which I would like to visit again and again.
Model Answer 2:
For this nice topic, I would like to talk about a small and charming village called Majuli, which is located in Assam, India. It is one of the largest river islands in the world and situated in the middle of the mighty Brahmaputra River, and I had been lucky enough to be able to visit this charming village. I visited this village during my college days when I was pursuing a project on sustainable tourism in Northeast India.
Majuli is a serene and peaceful village with lush green paddy fields and bamboo groves. The village has a rich cultural heritage and is known for its unique mask-making tradition, which is a part of the Assamese theatre. The villagers use natural materials like clay, bamboo, and cow dung to make masks and puppets, and the performances are usually held during the annual Raas festival.
The village is also famous for its Vaishnavite monasteries or Satras, which are centuries-old religious institutions dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. These monasteries are the centre of spiritual and cultural life in Majuli, and they promote traditional forms of music, dance, and crafts.
During my visit to Majuli, I was struck by the simple and sustainable way of life of the villagers. They live close to nature and depend on organic farming, fishing, and weaving for their livelihoods. The villagers were warm and hospitable, and I was welcomed with open arms and treated to delicious Assamese cuisine.
Majuli is a beautiful village that offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Northeast India. The scenic beauty, unique traditions, and friendly people make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in experiencing rural life in India.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
Rural areas and villages often leave lasting impressions with their peaceful environment, natural beauty, and cultural charm. Below are some diverse and detailed ideas that you can use to answer this cue card question confidently and vividly:
1. Sapa, Vietnam:
I visited Sapa last year during the rice harvest season. Located in the northern mountains, the village was surrounded by terraced rice fields and misty hills. I went there to escape the city and enjoy trekking. The green landscape, cool climate, and friendly locals made it breathtakingly beautiful.
2. Hallstatt, Austria:
I travelled to Hallstatt in the spring while touring Europe. It’s a lakeside village with colourful houses and snow-covered mountains in the background. I went with a group of friends and enjoyed the scenery and local history. The reflection of the village on the lake was simply magical.
3. Ghizer Valley, Pakistan:
I visited this region during my summer break two years ago. This beautiful valley in Gilgit-Baltistan was filled with crystal-clear rivers, fruit-laden trees, and majestic peaks. I was there to explore nature and take photos. The untouched beauty and hospitality of the villagers made it unforgettable.
4. Stratford-upon-Avon, England:
I went there during a school literature trip. Known as Shakespeare’s birthplace, the village had charming cottages, flower gardens, and a calm river flowing through. I enjoyed walking along the river and visiting historical sites. The whole place felt like a storybook setting.
5. Punakha, Bhutan:
This peaceful town is surrounded by rice paddies and mountains. I went there with my family to learn more about Bhutanese culture. The natural beauty, traditional buildings, and the sound of the river made it one of the most serene places I’ve ever been.
6. Sylhet, Bangladesh:
I visited my grandmother’s village in Sylhet last winter. The area was lush with tea gardens, small hills, and freshwater streams. We were there for a family reunion. The greenery, simple lifestyle, and birdsong in the morning made it beautifully peaceful.
7. Cappadocia, Turkey:
I went to Cappadocia during a summer holiday. It’s a rural region famous for its unique rock formations and hot air balloons. I went with a travel group and enjoyed sunrise views from a balloon ride. The surreal landscape felt like another planet.
8. Ella, Sri Lanka:
I visited Ella during a backpacking trip. It’s a quiet town surrounded by hills, waterfalls, and tea plantations. I went there to hike and relax. The fresh air, greenery, and scenic train ride made it a stunning destination.
9. Banff, Canada:
I went to Banff during the autumn holidays with my cousins. Although it's a small town, it’s located in the Canadian Rockies and surrounded by lakes and pine forests. We were there for a hiking trip. The golden trees and snow-capped peaks created a beautiful contrast.
10. Arslanbob, Uzbekistan:
I visited this walnut forest village last year during a cultural exchange programme. Nestled in the mountains, the place was full of waterfalls, orchards, and traditional homes. I loved the friendly community and scenic trails. It felt like a hidden gem in Central Asia.
Sample Answer 3:
Thank you very much for this nice topic. In fact, I have visited several beautiful villages in my life, but the one that stands out to me the most is the village of Riquewihr in France. It was a breathtaking experience, and I would love to visit there again someday.
Riquewihr is a small village located in the Alsace region of France, near the border of Germany. I visited the village a few years ago when I was travelling through France. I had heard that the village was known for its beauty and was interested in seeing it for myself.
As someone who enjoys experiencing different cultures, I was excited to visit Riquewihr and learn more about the local way of life. I also wanted to see the famous architecture and vineyards that the village is known for.
As soon as I arrived in Riquewihr, I was struck by the beauty of the village. The narrow streets were lined with colourful half-timbered houses, many of which had flower boxes in the windows. The local vineyards were also stunning, with rows of grapevines stretching out as far as the eye could see. The village had a peaceful and idyllic atmosphere, and I could not help but feel relaxed as I explored the town.
Riquewihr was a stunning place that left a lasting impression on me. The combination of the colourful houses, vineyards, and peaceful atmosphere made it one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited. I would recommend it to anyone who is looking to experience the charm and beauty of a traditional French village.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
When describing a beautiful village or rural area, using evocative language related to the scenery, atmosphere, and your sensory experiences can create a vivid picture for the listener. Here are some useful words and phrases with example sentences:
Picturesque setting – A place with scenery that is beautiful and looks like a picture.
Example: The village was nestled in a picturesque setting amidst rolling hills.
Serene atmosphere – A calm, peaceful, and tranquil environment.
Example: There was a wonderfully serene atmosphere, far from the city bustle.
Idyllic countryside – A charming and peaceful rural area, often seeming perfect.
Example: We spent a weekend in the idyllic countryside.
Breathtaking scenery – Extremely beautiful and impressive natural views.
Example: The area boasts breathtaking scenery with majestic mountains and lush valleys.
Rolling hills – Gentle, sloping hills that stretch out in the landscape.
Example: The village was surrounded by verdant rolling hills.
Lush greenery – Thick, healthy vegetation and foliage.
Example: The lush greenery was incredibly vibrant after the monsoon rains.
Crystal-clear streams – Streams with water so clear that you can see to the bottom.
Example: We walked along crystal-clear streams where the water sparkled in the sunlight.
Quaint cottages – Charming and old-fashioned small houses.
Example: The village was dotted with quaint cottages with thatched roofs.
Rustic charm – A simple, old-fashioned attractiveness typical of the countryside.
Example: The area had a certain rustic charm that I found very appealing.
Unspoiled beauty – Natural beauty that has not been damaged or changed by development.
Example: What struck me most was the unspoiled beauty of the landscape.
Panoramic views – Wide views of a large area of scenery.
Example: From the hilltop, there were panoramic views of the entire valley.
Tranquil setting – A peaceful and quiet location.
Example: It was a truly tranquil setting, perfect for relaxation.
Sense of harmony with nature – A feeling of being connected to and at peace with the natural world.
Example: I felt a strong sense of harmony with nature there.
Vibrant flora and fauna – Lively and diverse plant and animal life.
Example: The area was teeming with vibrant flora and fauna.
If you prepare for the topic "Describe a beautiful village or a rural area that you have visited", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe a place in the countryside/ village where you visited.
2) Describe a beautiful place you have visited and liked.
3) Describe an enjoyable place you have visited in the countryside.
4) Describe a naturally beautiful place.
5) Describe a beautiful place you would like to visit.
6) Describe an enjoyable day you spent in the countryside.
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