The IELTS speaking section is designed to examine a candidate’s skills to communicate effectively in English. It evaluates your grammar, fluency and vocabulary through an interview with the examiner. This section consists of three parts: introduction, cue card and discussion. You can encounter questions on various topics, and one of the prominent topics is “Describe a tourist attraction you enjoyed visiting.” Therefore, this blog includes 3 samples to help you understand how to answer the topic correctly.
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The Cue Card section is a prominent part of the IELTS speaking section, where candidates are required to speak on a given topic for 1-2 minutes. The examiner guides students with prompts provided on the card, allowing them to respond to the questions. The section further followed through with a discussion with the grader for one minute.
You can expect to see a wide range of topics, including family, study, technology, work, friends, achievements, and more. You can understand the precise format of this section by reading the below-mentioned IELTS cue card on the topic “Describe A Tourist Attraction You Enjoyed Visiting”.
To answer the cue card in IELTS speaking part 2 effectively, focus on comprehending the topic details and organising the information in a systematic structure. While answering the cue card, candidates should ensure that they speak with confidence in a natural accent. These are the key strategies to keep in mind when responding to the questions. Now, to gain a precise idea, below are three samples on the topic “Describe A Tourist Attraction You Enjoyed Visiting”, in which you will find how to respond to the questions.
The questions are listed below:
Below is the sample that will help you understand how to answer “describe a tourist attraction you enjoyed visiting” IELTS cue card.
Visiting various tourist destinations can help us explore different cultures, rituals, and people. Recently, I visited the Golden Temple, situated in Amritsar. It is among the most spiritually significant destinations in India and attracts numerous tourists from around the world each year.
The Golden Temple is a spiritual site that represents the culture of the Sikh community. It is popular for its golden dome, stunning architecture and friendly atmosphere. The most attractive feature of this temple is its gold roof, which reflects in the surrounding water.
I visited the place 1 year ago, when I was travelling to Delhi to attend my sister’s wedding. My family members planned a trip to visit Punjab after attending the wedding, and I got the opportunity to visit a holy place.
I attended the opening and closing ceremonies of the Guru Granth Sahib, a holy scripture of the Sikhs. Then, I listened to the continuous chanting of prayers, which created a meditative environment in the entire temple.
The place is full of peace and serenity, which helps to calm my mind. The people in the temple were so friendly, which provided me the opportunity to meet new people, talk to them, and connect with like-minded individuals. I enjoyed sitting there in front of the temple and being grateful for all the things that god has blessed me with.
My impromptu trip to the Golden Temple was delightful, as it allowed me to reflect on all the good things in my life. I would suggest people visit this place, especially if you are seeking peace and want to take a break from your busy schedule.
Here is another sample that shows how to respond to the IELTS cue card correctly. You can learn about the variations in responses by reading the answers below.
Travel helps to broaden our horizons by exposing us to diverse environments and cultures. Therefore, I visited the Dharamshala hill station to expand my knowledge about the Tibetan culture.
Dharamshala is a beautiful hill station, located in Himachal Pradesh. This place has a limited population and is situated in the upper region of the Kangra Valley, making it a more environmentally friendly location. This hill station is ideal for relaxation, offering a completely different experience from city life.
I visited the place 3 years ago when my school organised a trip to the northern parts of India. It was one of the best decisions that I made in my school life. Dharamshala is also renowned for its natural beauty, rich Tibetan culture, and spiritual significance, which are key reasons for visiting the destination.
We spent two days in Dharamshala, starting our exploration of the hill station by visiting the Dalai Lama Temple, a prominent pilgrimage site for Buddhists. After that, we went to Namgyal Monastery, where I witnessed monks meditating, explored the architecture, and ended the day by attending the teachings of Buddhist masters. Then, on the second day, we visited Tirund Hill, a renowned trekking destination, where I enjoyed panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Dharamshala is located in the Himalayas, which is the main reason I enjoy visiting such tourist attractions, as these places help us reconnect with nature. Also, I can enjoy many outdoor activities like trekking and paragliding, which attract me.
Dharamshala is a notable tourist destination that offers a glimpse into Tibetan culture and its rituals. I think people should visit such less crowded places to understand the heritage of our country.
The third sample describes Anokhi Museum, a tourist attraction that you enjoyed visiting.
Travelling to different places and exploring tourist attractions is one of the best experiences. I enjoy visiting places that are not very popular, so I visited the Anokhi museum, which exquisitely depicts the ancient craft.
Anokhi Museum is located in Amer, Jaipur, precisely in a refurbished mansion, which is a 10-minute walk away from the Amer Fort. It is a small museum dedicated to the antique art of hand block printing. It represents the history, method, and traditional techniques of local craft.
I visited Jaipur last year with my friends, and while exploring the city, I came across this place. I decided to visit the museum because it represents the rich tradition of Rajasthan and showcases its rich craft history.
The museum offers a vibrant cultural experience and allows me to explore exhibitions of hand-printed textiles. Further, I watched block carving and participated in a workshop that helped me to learn about this art. I saw the skilled artisans and their method of carving and printing. Lastly, I visited the gift shop, where I purchased a few handcrafted items for my family members.
I truly appreciate the rich heritage of Rajasthan, and visiting places like this helps me to understand their culture closely. Such museums are the best way to learn about ancient history and connect with locals. These are some of the reasons why I enjoyed visiting this museum.
Anokhi Museum is not just a tourist spot, but it also offers an opportunity to learn about ancient art and culture. I feel people should explore such destinations to appreciate the heritage of Rajasthan.
While answering the questions in the IELTS speaking section, you should use strong vocabulary. It contributes significantly to demonstrating your proficiency in the English language. Below are a few lexical resources that might help you to build a strong vocabulary for IELTS speaking part.
| Vocabulary Words | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Rituals | A process or action which is always done in the same way |
| Depicts | To show or describe something / somebody |
| Architecture | The design or style of buildings |
| Scripture | Religious books for specific religions |
| Chanting | To sing a phrase or word many times |
| Serenity | Peaceful or calm |
| Pilgrimage | A long journey that an individual takes to visit religious places |
| Witnessed | To see something happen |
| Panoramic | Showing a wide or full view |
| Exquisitely | In a very delicate and beautiful way |
| Exhibitions | A collection of articles or objects |
| Handcrafted | Made skillfully by hand |
Once you answer the cue card questions in the IELTS speaking part 2, the examiner will ask a few follow-up questions related to your topic. Below are some follow-up questions related to the topic “Describe a tourist attraction you enjoyed visiting.”
1. In your opinion, why is travel crucial?
In my opinion, travelling plays a significant role in our lives. It helps in acquiring life experiences, leads to personal growth, and enhances mental health. Individuals can increase their knowledge about the world by visiting different destinations and meeting new people.
2. Do you think technology has affected the tourism culture?
Yes, technology has a significant impact on tourism culture, especially the way people share and plan their travels. However, it has raised new challenges for locals of tourist destinations because of issues like overcrowding. We can say that the technology has both a positive and a negative influence on the tourism culture.
3. How does travelling impact your perspective?
Travelling has broadened my perception, as it has helped me to explore new cultures and their beliefs. When I met new people, I learned about my views and where they stand in the world. I also feel that you should learn good things from people you meet, which has helped me in developing several good habits.
4. What’s your dream travel destination?
My travel destination is Edinburgh, which attracts me due to its breathtaking landscapes, stunning castles, and rich history. The city becomes more beautiful during the rainy season, as it enhances the historical charms of the city. Lastly, the city has a varied culinary scene that makes me want to visit here.
The IELTS speaking section can be intimidating for several students due to improper guidance and limited practice. However, with the right assistance, you can excel in the speaking section and improve your overall scores. See the points below to find the most effective strategies to practice for the cue card section.
The speaking section of the IELTS exam can have a substantial impact on your overall score because it contributes one-fourth of the final band score. By working on your communication skills, you can easily secure these marks. Additionally, you should learn how to present your thoughts effectively to ensure a logical flow of information, which can be a significant challenge for applicants.
If you are one of them, then feel free to contact our experts at Gradding.com. We offer tailored guidance to students by identifying their areas of weakness. You can also take our online IELTS classes to enhance your overall practice for the exam.
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