Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
Describe a time when you talked to a foreign tourist - Cue Card # 836
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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 time when you talked to a foreign tourist who was visiting your country.
You should say:
- when and where it was
- why you talked to this tourist
- what you talked about
and explain how interesting this conversation was.
[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:
We get many foreign visitors every year in my country. Of course, they don’t visit my small town that often, but still, I get to see them once in a while. And when I see them, I try to chat with them just like I did with one international traveller about a few years ago.
It was during the summertime when he visited my town. I saw him for the first time, walking on the same street where I was riding my bicycle. I didn’t really care to pay much attention to him, but just after taking a quick glance at him, I realized that he was of European origin with very fair skin and blonde hair. But, when I saw him the next day, walking at a brisk speed on the same street, I decided to have a chat with him. So, I stopped my two-wheeler and walked towards him. Seeing me walking towards him, he smilingly said "hello" to me as if he was expecting me.
After exchanging greetings, I asked him if the weather was too hot for him since he was sweating profusely. In response, he told me with a very radiant smile that he actually could do that his whole life! Later, he also told me with a serious face that the world was big enough for everybody and yet, we can’t travel from one place to another, freely, meaning there were just too many regulations for world citizens to move freely from one country to another.
By the way, I stopped to have that conversation with him because I wanted to tell him that he would probably get sick, walking like that in such hot weather. But, in the end, I thought that it was a rather interesting conversation because it taught me how we take so many things in our lives (like sunshine and warm weather) for granted. Besides, because of that little talk, I learned that there were still many people in this world who, just like me, didn’t like the artificial separation between humans and countries, imposed by the governments.
Sample Answer 2:
Introduction:
I live in a country that attracts many foreign tourists because of its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and historical significance. I have had several interactions with tourists over the years, but one conversation stands out in my mind because of its interesting topics. Here, I will share the experience of talking to this foreigner with you.
When and where it was:
It was a few months ago when I visited a famous tourist spot in my country called the Red Fort. The Red Fort is located in the capital city and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. While I was exploring the fort, I came across a foreign tourist who looked lost and was struggling to find his way around.
Why you talked to this tourist:
I approached the tourist and asked if he needed any help. He told me that he was trying to find the exit and was having difficulty navigating the complex layout of the fort. I offered to help him find his way and walked with him through the fort to the exit.
What you talked about:
As we were walking, we started to have a conversation about our respective countries and cultures. The tourist was from Europe, and I was fascinated by his stories about life in his country. We also talked about the importance of environmental protection and reducing our carbon footprint. The tourist was surprised to learn about some of the conservation efforts being made in my country to preserve our national history and cultural identity.
And explain how interesting this conversation was:
Well, I found the conversation to be very interesting and informative. It was refreshing to hear someone from a different part of the world share their experiences and thoughts on important global issues. It was also fascinating because, despite our differences in origins and nationalities, we agreed on important issues that the world is facing today. The conversation lasted for about 15 minutes, and we exchanged contact information before parting ways.
Model Answer 3:
Thank you very much for this interesting topic which allows me to talk about a time I interacted with a tourist who was visiting my country. Here, I will share the story with you.
It was probably about a year ago, during the winter months, which is a popular time for tourists to visit Bangladesh. I was at Sonargaon, the old historical capital near Dhaka. It's a fascinating place with remnants of ancient architecture and a vibrant folk art museum. I was there with my family, just strolling around and taking in the sights. I noticed a gentleman standing a little apart from the main group of visitors, looking a bit lost and intently studying a somewhat faded information board. I decided to approach him because he seemed to be having some difficulty understanding the information.
We started talking quite casually. He introduced himself as David, and he was from Australia. He mentioned how impressed he was with the history of Sonargaon and the intricate terracotta work on the old buildings. I shared what I knew about the history associated with Sonargaon and the traditional artwork of the region, like Jamdani weaving. He was particularly interested in the process of Jamdani making and where he might be able to find authentic pieces. We also talked a bit about the differences in our cultures, and his impressions of Bangladesh so far. It seemed he was enjoying the warmth of the people and the delicious food and I asked him about his travels in other parts of Asia.
I found this conversation incredibly interesting because it was a great opportunity to share aspects of my country's history and culture with someone from a different background. It made me appreciate the richness of our heritage even more as I explained it to someone who was genuinely curious. Moreover, David had a fresh perspective, and his observations about Bangladesh - both positive and sometimes a little puzzled - gave me a new way of looking at things I often take for granted. It was a really positive exchange, and it felt good to have helped a visitor experience my country a little more deeply.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
Talking to a foreign tourist in your country can be a fascinating and eye-opening experience. Below is a range of examples from different settings and countries. These ideas are designed to help you create your own response by seeing how such interactions can unfold and be memorable.
1. Conversation at a heritage site:
I met a tourist from Germany at the Taj Mahal in India. I was there with my cousins, and I noticed her trying to understand the guidebook. I offered to explain some facts about the monument. We talked about Indian history and Mughal architecture, and she told me about her travels in Asia. It was fascinating to learn how different her country is in terms of culture and food.
2. Encounter on a hiking trail:
While hiking in the Sapa Mountains in Vietnam, I met a French tourist who had lost his way. I offered to guide him back to the village. Along the way, we talked about his passion for nature, Vietnamese cuisine, and travel photography. I found the exchange truly enriching and it sparked my own interest in exploring more places.
3. Airport conversation:
At Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, I was waiting for my flight when I started a conversation with a tourist from Australia. He had just finished a two-week trip around Thailand. We discussed the local food, street markets, and Thai hospitality. It was a light-hearted and fun conversation that made my wait feel shorter.
4. Volunteering interaction:
Last summer, I volunteered as a city guide in Lisbon, Portugal. One of the tourists I met was from Canada, and she was curious about the city’s architecture. We explored a few historical buildings together, and I shared stories about Portuguese history. It was meaningful to help someone understand my culture better.
5. Train journey encounter:
During a train ride from Lahore to Islamabad, I met a tourist from the UK. He was backpacking across Pakistan and wanted to know more about local customs and traditions. We had a long discussion about regional foods, local etiquette, and scenic spots. I really enjoyed how genuinely interested he was in everything I said.
6. Conversation during a festival:
At the Songkran Festival in Thailand, I met a group of tourists from Sweden. We had a water fight together and later sat down to chat. They asked me about the history of the festival and I learned a lot about how they celebrate Easter back home. It felt like two cultures meeting through fun and laughter.
7. Helping at a local market:
While shopping at a local market in Dhaka, I noticed a confused tourist from Japan who was struggling to bargain. I offered to help translate and guide her. We ended up talking about Japanese and Bengali cultures, and exchanged social media contacts. It felt great to assist someone in need and connect across cultures.
8. In a university workshop:
At a short course on global economics at my university, I met an exchange student from Nigeria. We were placed in the same discussion group. We shared our perspectives on economic development, education, and cultural differences. The conversation left a lasting impact and helped me see things from a new viewpoint.
9. During a homestay program:
When my family hosted a student from Turkey for a cultural exchange, I had many opportunities to talk to him. We discussed everything from food and sports to religion and politics. These conversations gave me a broader worldview and also made me proud of my own culture.
10. Tour guide interaction:
While touring the Angkor Wat temple complex in Cambodia, I joined a small tour group with tourists from different countries. One man from South Korea stood out and we ended up discussing Buddhism and ancient architecture. His thoughtful questions made the visit even more meaningful for me.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
When describing a conversation with a foreign tourist, using descriptive language about the encounter, the setting, the exchange of information, and your feelings about it can make your response more vivid and engaging. Here are some useful words and phrases with example sentences:
Serendipitous encounter – A chance and pleasant meeting.
Example: It was a serendipitous encounter at the local market.
Bustling marketplace – A lively and crowded area where goods are sold.
Example: The bustling marketplace was full of vibrant colours and sounds.
Iconic landmark – A well-known and significant place of interest.
Example: We struck up a conversation near one of the city's iconic landmarks.
Overcame the language barrier – Managed to communicate despite differences in language.
Example: Despite the initial language barrier, we managed to have a good conversation.
Exchanged pleasantries – Said polite and friendly greetings.
Example: We started by exchanging pleasantries about the weather.
Genuine curiosity – A sincere interest in learning about something.
Example: The tourist showed genuine curiosity about our local customs.
Shared insights – Offered understanding or knowledge about a topic.
Example: We shared insights about our respective cultures and traditions.
Local delicacies – Traditional foods specific to a region or country.
Example: I recommended some local delicacies that they should try.
Hidden gems – Less well-known but valuable or interesting places.
Example: I told them about some hidden gems that weren't in the tourist guides.
Cultural nuances – Subtle differences in customs, behaviours, or meanings within a culture.
Example: We discussed some interesting cultural nuances between our countries.
Broadened my perspective – Helped me to see things from a different viewpoint.
Example: Talking to the tourist broadened my perspective on global issues.
Eye-opening experience – A surprising and informative encounter.
Example: It was an eye-opening experience to hear about their life back home.
Memorable exchange – A conversation that is worth remembering.
Example: It was a truly memorable exchange that I still recall fondly.
Fostered a sense of connection – Created a feeling of understanding and relationship.
Example: Despite our different backgrounds, the conversation fostered a sense of connection.
If you prepare for the topic "Describe a time when you talked to a foreign tourist who was visiting your country", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe an interesting conversation you had with someone you did not know.
2) Describe a time when you spoke with someone in a foreign language.
3) Describe a time when talked to a stranger.
4) Describe an interesting conversation you recently have had.
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