Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
Describe an interesting historic place - Cue Card # 143
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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 an interesting historic place.
You should say:
- what it is
- where it is located
- what you can see or do there now
and explain why this historic place is interesting.
[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:
Historical places always intrigue me, as they almost always carry some kinds of special memories and messages in order to help us understand and respect the people of different eras, which significantly shape our world one way or another. Today, I would like to talk about one such historical place which probably holds more significance in our part of the world called “India” than any other place because of its devastating political, economic and geographical effects.
The name of this historical place is called “Palashi”, anglicised as Plassey, which is located in Nadia district in the Indian state of “West Bengal”. It is particularly well known due to the Battle of Plassey which was fought in June 1757, between the private army of the British East India Company and the army of the last independent king of the then undivided Bengal called Nawab Siraj Ud Daulah.
The name “Palashi”, the name of a village on the bank of a river called “Hooghly”, is derived from the Bengali word for a red-flowered tree named “Pôlash” (but “Butea” in English”). This is the place that witnessed the monumental betrayal of a Bengali army general called “Mir Jafar Ali Khan”, working under King Siraj Ud Daulah, which eventually led to the defeat of 50,000-strong army men of the kingdom of Bengal against an army of only 3,000 soldiers, led by an English Lieutenant-general called Robert Clive. By visiting this great historical place, one can see the monument, commonly known as the “Palashi” Monument, which is marked with shrines, obelisks and memorials to the fallen generals and soldiers of Siraj Ud-Daulah, who fought to their deaths to save their last independent king.
Anyway, this is a very significant and interesting historical place, mainly because it was from the war victory of this place that the British were able to establish their reign all over the Indian subcontinent slowly but surely. Besides, this place also provides a glimpse of a very glorious and rich past of a nation which still hasn’t fully recovered from the setback of a devastating defeat more than 250 years ago.
Model Answer 2:
For this topic, I'd talk about an amazing historic place I know about, even though I’ve never visited it. I’ll tell you what it is, where it is, the historical meaning of the place as much as I can, what one can see or do there, and finally why it is an interesting historical place.
Well, I want to tell you about "Stonehenge". This is an ancient set of standing stones, arranged in a circle. It is located in Wiltshire, in England, but I think it would be fair to say that the image of it would be recognised worldwide, as it is possibly one of the most famous historic sites in the world.
It is so very old that even archaeologists aren’t sure exactly when it was built, estimates go back to as long ago as 3000 BC, which is mind-boggling to me! It is certainly accurate to describe it as a prehistoric monument. Some people think it might have started as a burial mound and be even more ancient than 5,000 years. The colossal slabs are arranged like huge door frames, and no one really knows how they were erected without the technology of modern times. However, everyone agrees it was an incredible feat of engineering and showed foresight and tenacity in space!
However, it is certain that they were somehow aligned so that at key stages of the lunar (moon) and solar (sun) cycles, the way the light strikes the stones is of some significance. Apparently, it was deliberately constructed so that the rising sun only reached the middle of the stones for just one day of the year.
Lots of people like to try and imagine what sort of ceremonies and importance the stones might have had for the people who built it, but the truth is we can’t say. Even today, modern-day druids have for many years gathered at the stones for the summer solstice (longest day of the year) and winter solstice (shortest day of the year) to watch the sunrise and mark the event with their own celebrations.
For me, I think this is the ultimate historical place, even though I have yet to visit it. It is just so remarkable to think it was constructed all those thousands of years ago just by physical labour. Even the stones themselves – the largest of which are up to 30 feet and weigh about 25 tons, had to be brought to the site from about 20 miles away, how on earth was that possible? For me, the stones prove that with determination, tenacity and working together it is sometimes possible to achieve what seems impossible.
[ Written by - Lucy Marris | Careers Adviser (UK), TEFL teacher (Vietnam) ]
Model Answer 3:
Machu Picchu in southern Peru is a fascinating historic place, and I've great enthusiasm about this place. Though I haven't visited this place yet, I would definitely love to be there someday. I mostly learned about this place from one of my friends who visited there, and also from the TV, internet and newspapers.
Machu Picchu is located in Machupicchu District in southern Peru, and it is historically connected with the 15th-century Inca civilisation. It is located in 2,430 meters area above sea level, and it lies on top of a mountain. It is a very popular destination for tourists from all around the world. This place is referred to as the "Lost City of the Incas" and it was named one of the 7 wonders of the world in 2007. UNESCO nominated it as a World Heritage in 1983.
This historic place was built as an estate for the Pachacuti emperor of the Inca civilisation in around 1450, and it is considered the most significant and familiar icon of the Inca civilisation.
Well, a tourist can see the finest work of the Inca civilisation there and can learn many things about this great civilisation. Apart from the ruins and cultural icons, one can enjoy the great beauty surrounding this place. I've heard from my friend that the sunset eve is outstanding and eye-witnessing the hills there is something unforgettable. The Inca bridge is another attraction, and the scattered stones in the place offer a unique experience. The Condor, Steps, Falling stairs, Temples, Sacred Rock, Llamas and other Animals, and Inca Trail will surely fascinate visitors, and will remind them that they are visiting one of the 7 wonders of the world!
This is an interesting place due to the vast area and iconic meaning of the Inca civilisation. There is a lot to see, a lot to do and enjoy and being at one of the 7 wonders of the world is something a visitor will never forget. This place takes us to the past, in a time when the Inca nation was there and how they were able to build such a place without any help from modern technology.
Sample Answer 4:
An interesting historic place in my country is (...say the name of a historic place...). It is situated at (...area name...) in (...city/town name ...). In my opinion, this is a fascinating historic place as it is almost two thousand years old, and it was discovered in the middle of the last century. This was the centre of the (...say a civilisation name...) civilisation and was one of the most prominent cities in our country back then. More than several hundred feet had to be dug in to discover it and the whole work took more than six years!
Now that the place has been renovated to reflect the city it had once been, it gives a mystic aura of the past time and civilisation. This site has more than three hundred acres of land, and most of them are the remains of the lost civilisation of that time. The place has several old buildings, castles, fortresses, monuments, rivers, canon, cryptic houses, under paths and sculptures. A museum was built as recently as 20 years ago for the visitors to learn more about this lost city and the people who lived there. The museum is impressive in terms of its collection and reflection of that civilisation.
To me, this is an interesting historic place because it bears many proofs of the advancements of this civilisation. I have read a lot about this civilisation and the cultures of these people and visiting this place was a really good experience. The museum was very rich as well. The city is more than two thousand years old, yet it has many amazing artworks, tools, intricate designs, and houses with amazing exteriors - all proofs of their advancements in that era. Visiting this place was an amazing experience for me.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card / Cue card topic:
Historic places can offer fascinating insights into the past and provide a memorable experience. Here are some detailed ideas that you could use for describing an interesting historic place effectively:
1. The Pyramids of Giza, Egypt:
The Pyramids of Giza are monumental tombs situated near Cairo. Visitors can explore the site, enter certain chambers, and take camel rides around the complex. The pyramids are immensely intriguing because of their ancient origins, impressive scale, and the mysteries surrounding their construction.
2. The Great Wall of China, China:
The Great Wall stretches across northern China, symbolizing resilience and strength. Visitors today can hike along certain sections, take memorable photographs, and enjoy panoramic views. It's fascinating due to its immense length, historical importance, and the incredible effort it took to build.
3. The Colosseum, Rome:
The Colosseum is an iconic amphitheater located in the heart of Rome, Italy. Visiting today, you can explore the ruins, take guided tours, and imagine the gladiatorial battles and public spectacles once held there. It’s interesting because it symbolizes ancient Roman power, engineering skill, and the vivid historical stories associated with its past.
4. Machu Picchu, Peru:
Located high in the Andes Mountains, Machu Picchu is an ancient Inca city that was hidden from the outside world for centuries. Now visitors can hike the Inca trail, explore impressive stone structures, terraces, and temples. Its remote setting and mysterious history make it incredibly intriguing and captivating.
5. The Taj Mahal, India:
The Taj Mahal in Agra, India, is a breathtaking white marble mausoleum. Nowadays, visitors can appreciate its architectural beauty, intricate details, and serene gardens. The monument is particularly interesting due to its romantic backstory as a symbol of love and the incredible craftsmanship involved in its construction.
6. Angkor Wat, Cambodia:
Located in Siem Reap, Cambodia, Angkor Wat is a majestic temple complex showcasing Khmer architecture. Visitors today enjoy touring intricate carvings, exploring ancient temples, and capturing stunning sunrise views. Its uniqueness and cultural significance make it exceptionally fascinating.
7. Stonehenge, England:
Stonehenge, located on Salisbury Plain in England, is a prehistoric monument composed of giant standing stones. Visitors can experience guided tours, exhibitions, and marvel at the mysterious arrangement of the stones. Its enigmatic origins and astronomical significance make it particularly compelling.
8. The Acropolis, Athens, Greece:
The Acropolis in Athens is home to historic Greek buildings such as the Parthenon. Today, tourists can explore ancient ruins, museums, and learn about Greek mythology and civilization. The site is fascinating due to its historical importance, architectural beauty, and cultural symbolism.
9. Chichen Itza, Mexico:
Chichen Itza is an ancient Mayan city located in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. Visitors today explore impressive pyramids, temples, and observe astronomical alignments during certain times of the year. Its fascinating blend of astronomy, architecture, and Mayan cultural heritage make it an intriguing destination.
10. Petra, Jordan:
Petra, known as the "Rose City," is an ancient city carved into cliffs in southern Jordan. Visitors can hike through narrow canyons, discover temples and tombs carved into sandstone, and experience a dramatic landscape. Petra's unique architecture, hidden location, and rich history make it captivating and memorable.
Part 3: Details Discussion
Discussion topics: Looking after historic places
Q. How do people in your country feel about protecting historic buildings?
Answer: I think that most people in my country are rather pragmatic about dealing with and protecting historic buildings. In other words, they are in favour of protecting those buildings that can be saved without compromising or altering their original looks and structures while getting rid of those which have completely become worn out due to their old age and the adverse effects of weather. Besides, our government has a strict policy to safeguard historic buildings and the common people generally support all of their initiatives.
Q. Do you think an area can benefit from having an interesting historic place locally? In what way?
Answer: I don’t think that any distinction should be made when it comes to measuring the benefits of historic buildings that are classified as “local” and those that are classified to be “international”. After all, many local sites or places, home to historic buildings, also benefit economically and culturally since a lot of people visit those historical sites on a regular basis. Besides, many of these places come under government development and beautification schemes, apparently because they want to make those historical places more attractive and organized for visitors.
Q. What do you think will happen to historic places or buildings in the future? [Why?]
Answer: Barring some odd exceptions, the future of many of these historical places looks rather bleak, not only because they have become too old to survive, but also because the cost of maintaining and preserving those places is becoming a bit too high for many countries around the world. Besides, the commercial needs, and demands for infrastructural developments, will most likely trump the need for protecting and maintaining those historical sites in many cases, meaning many of these sites, as a result, will probably be destroyed in future to make room for the development works.
Discussion topics: The teaching of history at school
Q. How were you taught history when you were at school?
Answer: In my country, all school-going kids, especially the ones who attend high school, are taught history by making it mandatory for them to study “history” as an important subject in their curricula. Needless to say, it was no exception for me, as I also studied history and I liked it too. And I liked it because my history teacher used to make this subject rather interesting for all of us by citing many historical and interesting examples and references which were not usually mentioned in our textbooks in many cases. Sometimes, we were taken to important historic sites to witness those places first-hand and learn from our experiences. But such an expedition was very rare - just once or twice a year.
Q. Are there other ways people can learn about history, apart from at school? How?
Answer: Apart from schools, there are some other channels too through which we can learn history. For example, we can learn it by watching different TV programmes that talk about different historical events. In fact, there is a TV channel called “History” just for this purpose. Besides, people can also learn about many interesting historical events and facts by visiting a museum of “History” that preserves many facts about the history of our world. Moreover, travelling extensively can also expose us to the history of different places and cultures. Finally, reading some interesting “history journals” at a library can also be a great way to learn history, in addition to browsing the history of our world and civilization on the internet.
Q. Do you think history will still be a school subject in the future? [Why?]
Answer: History is so complicated and vast as it contains everything from the past which also, by the way, keeps changing because of its different interpretations by different people, over time, that only some expert professionals on “history” can analyze and put those historical events in proper perspectives. Putting these historical events, data and analysis in proper perspectives is absolutely imperative if we want to secure the present and future of our world, and I just don’t think that there is any better alternative to schools just yet which can analyze these historical events in such objective and methodological manner for us. So, yes, history will very much be taught at our schools in the future.
Vocabulary for this Candidate Task Card / Cue Card topic:
When describing an interesting historic place, it helps to use precise and vivid vocabulary. Here are some essential words and phrases that will enrich your description and make your speech engaging and expressive:
Historic significance:
Heritage, legacy, landmark, historical importance, culturally significant, timeless, renowned, celebrated, symbolic meaning, notable.
Architecture and structure:
Architectural wonder, monumental, magnificent, awe-inspiring, elaborate designs, intricate carvings, imposing structure, preserved ruins, grand, ornate.
Location and surroundings:
Picturesque setting, nestled in, located in the heart of, remote area, scenic views, tranquil surroundings, majestic landscape, panoramic view, stunning backdrop, secluded.
Visitor activities and experiences:
Guided tours, sightseeing, exploration, hiking trails, educational displays, interactive exhibits, cultural immersion, photography opportunities, memorable encounter, enlightening experience.
Emotional impressions:
Awe-inspiring, mesmerizing, evocative, unforgettable, captivating, fascinating, intriguing, overwhelming, inspiring curiosity, thought-provoking.
Similar Cue Card Topics
Your ability to talk about this Cue Card Topic would enable you to talk about the following Cue Card Topics as well:
1. Describe a historic place you have ever visited.
2. Describe a worth-visiting tourist spot in your city.
3. Describe a famous tourist attraction in your country.
4. Describe an interesting place you have been to.
5> Describe a historic place you have visited.
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