Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
Describe a river, lake or sea which you like - Cue Card # 809
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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 river, lake or sea which you like.
You should say:
- what the river, lake or sea is called
- where it is
- what the land near it is like
and explain why you like this river, lake or sea.
[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: [A lake]
If you are into enjoying the beauty of mother nature, then you will also have to appreciate the beauty of a picturesque lake that is not only all-natural but also very ancient. The West Lake of Hangzhou in China is one such lake, and I would like to talk about it a little for this topic.
Hangzhou, the capital city of the Chinese province “Zhejiang”, was marvelled by Marco Polo who once said that Zhejiang was the most beautiful and elegant place in the world. And it is in this elegant place that West Lake (Xi Hu) is located. Located in the western part of the capital city of Hangzhou, to be precise, it covers an area of about 566 kilometres that has a circumference of 15 km and an average depth of 1.5 m. It is so much renowned for its beautiful scenery that it has actually inspired countless paintings and poems!
As far as its surrounding landscape is concerned, it is surrounded by “cloud-capped hills” on three sides. It also has more than 40 scenic spots and historic sites and more than 30 key cultural relics and historic sites, scattered over the area. In order to make it even more beautiful, its islands, causeways and the lower slopes of its hills have been improved by the addition of numerous temples, pagodas, pavilions, gardens and ornamental trees which beautifully merge with the farmed landscape, in the end. The landscape of West Lake was so unique and appealing that it actually had a profound impact on the design of gardens not only in China but further afield like in Japan, the Korean peninsula and other parts of East Asia.
I like this lake because it could very easily be the most ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, in order to enjoy a weekend in some of its scenic spots. I like it also because it has some of the most beautiful, elegant and deep landscapes that carry some truly remarkable historical and cultural heritage.
Sample Answer 2: [A sea]
Introduction:
For some unknown reasons, water bodies such as rivers, lakes, and seas have always been fascinating to me. They not only offer picturesque views but also have a calming effect on the mind. One such water body that I particularly like is the Bay of Bengal. Thank you for this nice topic.
What the river, lake or sea is called:
The Bay of Bengal is a large body of water in the northeastern part of the Indian Ocean. It is surrounded by several countries, including India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
Where it is:
The Bay of Bengal is situated in South Asia, with India being one of its major coastlines. The coastline stretches for over 2,000 km from the east coast of India, starting from West Bengal and ending at Tamil Nadu.
What the land near it is like:
The land near the Bay of Bengal is diverse and rich in culture. On the Indian side, the states of West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu offer stunning views of the coastline. The beaches are a major attraction for tourists, and the seafood cuisine is renowned across the region. The land is also home to several endangered species, including the Royal Bengal Tiger, Olive Ridley Turtles, and Saltwater Crocodiles.
And explain why you like this river, lake or sea:
I particularly like the Bay of Bengal for its serene and calming nature. Whenever I visit any of the beaches, I feel at peace with myself. The sound of the waves crashing on the shore and the smell of the salty sea breeze has a rejuvenating effect on me. Additionally, the diverse culture and rich history of the region make it a fascinating place to explore.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card / Cue card topic:
Many people feel a deep connection with water bodies like rivers, lakes, or seas. These places often hold personal, cultural, or scenic value. Below are some ideas you can use to build your response to this cue card. Each idea covers the name and location of the water body, the surrounding area, and a reason for liking it.
1. Lake Bled (Slovenia):
Lake Bled is a stunning glacial lake located in the Julian Alps of Slovenia. The land around the lake is mountainous and forested, with a picturesque church on a small island in the middle. I love it for its fairytale-like scenery and peaceful atmosphere.
2. The Mekong River (Vietnam):
This river flows through several Southeast Asian countries and plays a vital role in the livelihood of Vietnamese farmers. The land around it is mostly flat and fertile, with rice paddies and small villages. I like the Mekong because it’s full of life and cultural richness.
3. Loch Ness (Scotland):
Located in the Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness is a deep freshwater lake famous for its legendary monster. The surrounding land is rugged, misty, and full of historical charm. I enjoy it for the myths and the tranquil, moody atmosphere.
4. The Ganges River (India):
One of the most sacred rivers in the world, the Ganges runs through northern India. It’s surrounded by plains, cities, and pilgrimage sites. I admire it not only for its spiritual significance but also for the strong cultural traditions tied to it.
5. Lake Tahoe (USA):
Lake Tahoe lies on the border of California and Nevada, surrounded by mountains and pine forests. The area is ideal for hiking and skiing. I enjoy visiting for the clear blue waters and stunning alpine scenery.
6. Halong Bay (Vietnam):
This UNESCO World Heritage site in northern Vietnam is technically part of the sea but feels like a mystical lake. It’s known for its emerald waters and towering limestone islands. I love it for the surreal beauty and peaceful boat rides.
7. The Danube River (Europe):
Stretching across many European countries, the Danube flows through cities like Vienna and Budapest. The banks are lined with castles, hills, and vineyards. I find it fascinating for its length and cultural importance.
8. Inle Lake (Myanmar):
This large freshwater lake is surrounded by mountains and small stilt-house villages. Locals practice unique fishing techniques using their legs. I enjoy learning about the culture and watching the calm life unfold on the water.
9. Arabian Sea (Pakistan):
The Arabian Sea stretches along Pakistan’s southern coastline. The land around it is coastal with sandy beaches and bustling harbours. I enjoy it for the fresh breeze and watching fishing boats return at sunset.
10. Lake Geneva (Switzerland/France):
This crescent-shaped lake sits between the Alps and the Jura mountains. Its shores host vineyards, small towns, and the city of Geneva. I like it for the combination of natural beauty and urban sophistication.
Model Answer 3: [A river]
A river that I deeply admire and truly enjoy visiting is the Ganges River, known as the Ganga in India. It’s not only one of the most iconic rivers in the world but also holds deep spiritual and cultural significance for millions of people in India and beyond.
The Ganges flows across northern India, originating from the majestic Himalayas and winding its way through several states before finally emptying into the Bay of Bengal. The stretch I’m most familiar with runs through the holy city of Varanasi, which I had the chance to visit during a cultural trip a couple of years ago. That visit left a lasting impression on me.
The land near the river, especially around Varanasi, is bustling with life. There are ancient temples, narrow winding lanes, ghats - these are long stone steps leading down to the river - and an atmosphere that's both chaotic and calming. The ghats are where people come to pray, bathe, meditate, and even cremate their loved ones. Despite all the activity, there's a strange and peaceful rhythm to the place, especially at dawn when the first rays of sunlight reflect off the water and the air fills with the sound of temple bells and devotional songs.
What draws me to the Ganges isn’t just its physical beauty, though it’s stunning in its own way, especially during sunrise or sunset. I love the Ganges because it embodies both serenity and energy. Sitting by the river, watching life unfold - priests performing rituals, children playing in the water, boats gently floating by - makes me feel connected to something larger than myself. It’s a reminder of how timeless and powerful nature can be.
Sample Answer 4: [A lake]
For this excellent topic, I'd like to talk about Lake Louise, which is a beautiful glacial lake located in Banff National Park, Canada.
Lake Louise is situated in the province of Alberta and is part of the Canadian Rockies. The lake is surrounded by mountains and forests, which makes for a breathtaking view.
The land near Lake Louise is largely mountainous, and the lake is fed by several glaciers in the area. The water in the lake is known for its striking blue-green color, which is a result of the rock flour that gets carried into the lake from the melting glaciers. The lake is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, elk, and moose, among others.
I particularly like Lake Louise because of its stunning scenery. The view of the turquoise waters surrounded by towering mountains is truly breathtaking, and it's no wonder that it's a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. The area around the lake is also great for hiking, skiing, and other outdoor activities, which makes it a perfect spot for adventure enthusiasts like myself.
In addition, Lake Louise is known for its crystal-clear water, which is safe for swimming and other water-based activities. The lake is also well-preserved, and the park authorities have done a great job of keeping it clean and protected from pollution.
Model Answer 5: [A river]
A river that holds a very special place in my heart is the Mekong River, which flows through several countries in Southeast Asia but truly comes to life in the southern region of Vietnam, particularly in the Mekong Delta. For this interesting topic, I would like to talk about this river.
I had the opportunity to visit the Mekong Delta a couple of years ago during a cultural exploration trip, and the experience was both peaceful and deeply enriching. The Mekong River is not just a body of water, it’s a lifeline. In Vietnam, it branches out into a vast network of rivers, canals, and streams that crisscross lush green fields, villages, and floating markets.
The land surrounding the Mekong River is incredibly fertile. You can see endless stretches of rice paddies, coconut groves, and fruit orchards. It’s an area where agriculture thrives, thanks to the river’s abundant resources. The people living near the river rely on it for everything - from transportation and fishing to farming and daily household needs.
What I love most about the Mekong River is how it connects people and nature in such a harmonious way. I remember taking a boat ride at dawn through the narrow canals. The stillness of the water, the mist rising off the surface, and the soft hum of life beginning for the day was almost poetic. Along the way, I passed locals rowing to work, children waving from riverbanks, and women preparing their stalls in floating markets.
It was a deeply human experience, and I admired how gracefully the river supported such a rich and vibrant culture.
Part 3: Details Discussion:
Discussion topics: Water-based leisure activities
Q. What do people enjoy doing when they visit rivers, lakes or the sea? Why do you think these activities are popular?
Answer: Rivers, lakes or the seas can be a perfect getaway from the hustling and bustling of the city crowd for many who want to remain close to nature. While visiting any of these places, people can enjoy swimming, riding a boat or playing some kinds of water sports. If they are not into any of these activities, they can simply walk by the shores to breathe some fresh air to feel a bit more “alive and healthy”.
These activities are popular because they allow people to break free from the monotony of working life. Besides, these activities require much less time, effort and cost, unlike some activities such as mountain hiking or snowboarding.
Q. What benefits do you think people get from the activities they enjoy in the water?
Answer: Activities in the water have several benefits. One of those benefits is that they allow people to become physically active and thereby healthy. Besides, these activities make people feel more rejuvenated and energized so that they can become more productive at work while feeling more positive about themselves and their lives. Finally, they can also learn to appreciate Mother Nature and take care of it, when needed, by taking part in these activities.
Q. What are the different advantages of going to the sea or to a swimming pool to enjoy yourself? What do you think the disadvantages are?
Answer: One of the major advantages of going to the sea is that it allows us to enjoy Mother Nature from up close. Being able to see such a large body of water from such close proximity truly is very stimulating for our minds and bodies. On the other hand, the advantage of going to a swimming pool is that it allows us to get fit, and learn a new life-saving skill – swimming that is – in safety.
Talking about disadvantages, going to the sea can be a bit dangerous because of either huge waves or the attacks of some insects, or marine animals like sharks or stingrays. The disadvantage of going to a swimming pool is that it can be too crowded and the water might be dirty or contaminated.
Discussion topics: The economic importance of rivers, lakes and the sea
Q. How does water transport, like boats and ships, compare with other kinds? Are there any advantages/disadvantages of water transport?
Answer: Boats and ships are probably the oldest modes of long-distance transportation. In fact, almost 90% of global trade today is done through ships.
Some of the advantages of water transport are that they are the least expensive mode of transportation that can carry a rather huge and heavy load of goods in bulk. Their maintenance cost is comparatively much lesser than rail and road transportation, and they cause less pollution.
They have some disadvantages too, such as they can be painfully slow, and riskier due to the possibility of sinking. Sometimes, they can be very difficult to navigate with too because of the bad weather.
Q. How important is it for a town or city to be located near a river or the sea? Why?
Answer: It is very important for a city to be located near a river or the sea. In fact, from very ancient times to this modern day, people have chosen to live in such places because rivers and oceans have provided them with the provisions of life and livelihood. Living near these rivers and oceans doesn’t only allow people to meet their food and irrigation needs, but also facilitates the process of carrying their goods from one place to another seamlessly for the purpose of completing their business transactions.
Q. Have there been any changes in the number of jobs available in the fishing and water transport industries, do you think? Why do you think this is?
Answer: Some recent reports suggest that the number of available jobs in the water transportation industry and the fishing industry is increasing. In fact, one report by the USA Labour Bureau of Statistics says that overall employment of water transportation workers is projected to grow 12 per cent from 2020 to 2030 because more and more countries rely on water transport to do their business cheaply and conveniently.
The number of jobs in the fishing industry has also slightly changed for the better, despite climate change and pollution, because advanced technologies are being used in this sector to make fishing easier. Besides, some concrete steps have also been taken to reduce or stop water pollution to help fish grow.
Vocabulary for this Candidate Task Card / Cue Card topic:
Talking about a river, lake, or sea requires vocabulary that describes water bodies, surrounding landscapes, and emotional or aesthetic experiences. Below is a list of moderately advanced words and expressions that will help you explain your thoughts clearly and impressively in the IELTS Speaking test.
Scenic – Beautiful, picturesque, offering pleasant natural views.
Tranquil – Peaceful and calm, often used to describe water or nature.
Serene – Calm and untroubled, often describing the environment.
Crystal-clear – Extremely clear and transparent, often used for water.
Coastal – Related to or near a sea or ocean coast.
Shoreline – The boundary between land and a body of water.
Rippling water – Water that forms small waves or undulations.
Reflections – Images mirrored on the surface of the water.
Surrounding landscape – The natural environment around a lake, river or sea.
Majestic – Grand and impressive in appearance or nature.
Fertile plains – Flat land near rivers that is good for agriculture.
Tide – The regular rise and fall of sea levels caused by the moon.
Waterfront – Land alongside a river, lake, or sea, often developed or scenic.
Embark on a boat ride – To begin a journey on water using a boat.
Refreshing atmosphere – A feeling of renewal or calm, usually near nature.
Aquatic life – Animals and plants that live in or near water.
Picturesque setting – Visually attractive, like a painting.
Waves lapping – Gentle movement of waves against the shore.
Meandering river – A river that flows with many curves and bends.
Reconnect with nature – To feel close to or part of the natural environment again.
If you prepare for the topic "Describe a river, lake or sea which you like", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe a beautiful place you have visited and liked.
2) Describe a river or sea you have visited.
3) Describe a place you would recommend a foreigner should visit in your country.
4) Describe a naturally beautiful place.
5) Describe a beautiful place you would like to visit.
6) Describe a place near water that you enjoyed visiting.
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