IELTS Exam has four sections to test the basic English skills of a candidate i.e. Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. While reading, writing, and listening are conducted on the same day, the speaking test is conducted separately. It is probably the most important part of IELTS.
Are you also scared of the IELTS Speaking test? Well, don’t be it is not that touch with proper strategy and practice you can ace this part. And your overall band scale would soar high. In this article, you will find solved answers to dream destination cue cards.
IELTS Speaking Session
The IELTS speaking test is a face-to-face interview with the examiner. It is conducted in three sections:
# Section 1: Introduction and Interview
This section lasts for 4-5 minutes.
Candidates will have to introduce themselves and answer questions related to their daily routine or lifestyle such as work, family, hobby, leisure time, pet, friends, hometown, country, etc. |
# Section 2: Lon Turn or Cue Card
This section lasts around 3-4 minutes. Candidates are given 1 minute to think, 2 minutes to speak and 1-2 minutes to answer follow-up questions.
In this section, candidates are given a random cue card topic. They will then have 1-2 minutes to carefully think about it, construct the sentence and then get ready to speak. They will also be provided with pen and paper to write down their throat or topics to be covered. Then they have to speak continuously for 2 minutes and then answer some follow up questions related to what they have just spoken. |
# Section 3: Debates or Discussion
This minute lasts for 4-5 minutes.
This last part involves a discussion between the examiner and candidate on a similar theme to what they have spoken about in the second part. The examiner generally asks around 4-5 questions in 2 sets. |
Also Read: General Questions for IELTS Speaking 2021: List of Must-come Questions in IELTS 2021
What is a Cue Card in IELTS Speaking Part 2?
The IELTS Speaking part 2 consists of the cue card. In this part, the candidates will be given a topic card that will contain the main topic along with a few talking points or instructions.
You will be given a pen and paper to write down major points to speak about. Then you will be required to speak for about 1-2 minutes and then the examiner will ask some rounding off questions. These questions will be related to what you have already said.
The topic can be related to your lifestyle, your hobbies, places, and anything similar. You have to describe something that you like, dislike, or simply know about.
Here look at this example,
Describe your dream destination where you would like to visit.
You should say: # What is your dream destination? # What does your dream destination look like? # Why is it your dream destination? |
Let’s break down this topic for further explanations,
The IELTS Speaking Cue Card Topic – Dream Destination
The test taker has to speak about the topic given on the cue card. Here the main topic is to describe your dream destination where you would like to visit. The test taker has to speak something about this main topic.
When you see the topic, think about the first thing that comes to your mind. This can be related to real-life experiences or the experiences of your friends or family. This can help you to speak more about the topic without thinking more about it. You can also use your imagination to come with the matter.
When you will see the topic several ideas could jump in your mind but rather than thinking about each just choose anyone that you have a clear idea and subject matter to speak.
Instruction
The topic is followed by a set of instructions. These instructions tell you about what you should cover in your speech. Here,
You should say:
# What is your dream destination?
# What does your dream destination look like?
# Why is it your dream destination?
As you can see from the above example, in this question you have to tell about your dream destination, describe its features and then give reasons.
Probably the most difficult and important part is the why question. In this, you have to explain why you like that place. This also provides you with an opportunity to speak about your topic more and I’ve justified reasons why you actually like it.
Also Read: Describe an Old Friend You Got in Contact with Again: Sample IELTS Cue Card for 2021-22
How to Score High in your IELTS Speaking Part 2?
To score an Inner-cityfollow-up8.0 band scale or higher you need to focus on these important things.
#1. Lexical Resource
You should use a wide variety of languages while you speak, including some idiomatic languages, phrases and a wide range of vocabulary.
#2. Fluency and Coherence
You should understand this, this session is all about talking, therefore, you should speak fluently. You can take a small pause but talk with fluency and coherence. Your talk should be well structured and relevant to the topic.
For example, while speaking about the topic of dream destination don’t start describing your dream or when you dreamt it. Simply describe your dream destination.
#3. Grammar
Make sure to use a wide variety of grammatical structures in your talk. Also, try to omit any grammatical mistakes while you speak.
#4. Vocabulary
This is very important to score high. Here are some examples of vocabulary you can use in this particular topic.
Words to Describe a Place
Alive | Full of life |
Attractive | Pleasing; charming |
Beautiful | Having qualities that are pleasing or appealing |
Bustling | Full of life, energy |
Calm | Peaceful; free from stress |
Charming | Fascinating; likeable |
Cosmopolitan | Appealing to people from all across the globe |
Enchanting | Delightful; fascinating |
Fascinating | Alluring; captivating |
Fresh | Something newly made and full of vigour |
Homey | Cosy; inviting |
Inspiring | Enlivening; motivating |
Lively | Full of life and spirit |
Peaceful | Calm; friendly |
Picturesque | Scenic; beautiful |
Unspoiled | Untouched by man; pure |
Vibrant | Full of life; energy |
Ancient | Belonging to an earlier period of time |
Contemporary | Existing in the present time |
Magical | Captivating; enchanting |
Majestic | Grand; impressive; stately |
Modern | Of or relating to the current time |
Mystical | Magical; enigmatic |
Quiet | Not noisy |
Traditional | In keeping with conventional customs |
More Words
Boarded up shops | shops that are no longer doing business |
Chain stores | well-known brands with shops in multiple cities |
To close down | to stop doing business |
Fashionable boutiques | fashionable clothes shops |
To get around | to travel around |
High-rise flats | multi-story apartments |
Inner city | the central part of a city where people live and where conditions are often poor |
In the suburbs | the outer area of large towns and cities where people live |
Lively bars/restaurants | bars or restaurants with a good atmosphere |
Local facilities | local buildings or services serving the public |
Multi-story car parks | car parks on several floors |
Office block | a large building that contains offices |
Out of town shopping centre/retail park | large shopping centres outside of the town or city |
Pavement cafe | cafes with tables outside on the pavement |
Places of interest | buildings that have a particular interest for visitors |
Poor housing | housing that is not in good condition |
Public spaces | areas in a town or city that are open to the public |
Public transport system | public vehicles such as buses and trains that operate at regular times on fixed routes |
Residential area | an area where people live |
Run down | old and of a poor standard |
Shopping centre | an area consisting of multiple shops |
Shopping malls | large indoor shopping centres |
Sprawling city | a city that has grown over time and which covers a wide area |
Tourist attraction | a place of interest to tourists |
Traffic congestion | heavy traffic making it difficult to move around a town or city |
UpmarketRundown shops | expensive fashionable shops |
#4. Pronunciation
You should also focus on your pronunciation and use its features carefully like intonation, connected speech and maintain a steady pace.
Also Read: IELTS Previous Year Question Papers: Speaking Cue Card Question with Answer 2021-2022
IELTS Sample Answer I : Cue Card Topic Dream Destination
Well, there are many places I long to visit but If I have to talk about my dream destination, then I would like to speak about South Korea.
South Korea is a small country in East Asia. It is located in the southern part of the Korean peninsula. This country is famous for its picture-perfect natural sceneries, rich culture, friendly people, delicious food, Korean drama, music, beauty industry, and many more.
It is a heaven for both nature’s lovers and tech junkies. It has some jaw-dropping destinations for nature lovers.
For example, Jeju Island, Changwon’s Cherry blossom, Cheongsando’s Rapeseed Flower Fields, Seoraksan National Park, Boseong’s Green Tea Fields, Gyeongju’s Pink Muhly Field, and many more.
Moreover, it is covered by forests by more than 80%. It is a perfect destination for hiking, sightseeing, trekking, camping and many more.
It is also a haven for tech junkies owing to its internet connection. It has the world’s top speed internet connection. It is also a paradise for gamers as it has many game parlours where you can experience some of the best main experiences without any disturbance.
Other features are futuristic architecture, delicious and popular dishes such as ramyeon, soju, kimchi, bibimbap, etc.
It is my dream destination because it’s a full-packed country. It has everything a person would want such as technological advancement, rich culture, natural wonders, delicious food, friendly people, etc.
It rose to fame due to its Korean beauty industry, k-pop music, and K-drama wave. I also got to know about this country due to this wave.
Sample Answer II: Cue Card Dream Destination IELTS
Today I would like to speak about my dream destination. There are many destinations I would like to visit but my favourite dream destination would be Switzerland. It is one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Switzerland is one of the most attractive vacations in the world. This small country is located in Europe and one of the biggest tourists attraction in the world. It attracts thousands of tourists every year owing to its natural wonders such as lakes, mountain ranges, ice-capped peaks, etc. It is popular for its numerous lakes, villages, high peaks.
The capital of this country is Zurich. It has some modern, business-oriented, and high tech cities and some have traditional medieval looks such as ern’s zytglogge clock tower and Lucerne’s wooden chapel bridge.
Some of the famous tourist’s attraction is Mount Pilatus, the Swiss National park, the Matterhorn, St. Moritz, The Rhine falls, and many more. It is famous for its food items such as milk, yoghurt, butter and swiss cheese. Another important thing is Swiss chocolates.
This country is my dream destination as it is really like heaven on earth. Anyone that visits this country is mesmerized by its beauty. It has lakes, mountains, marvellous and breathtaking sceneries that can capture anyone’s heart.
Sample Answer III: Cue Card Dream Destination IELTS
My dream destination is Australia. It is the most fascinating and splendid tourist attraction. It is a full-packed continent-cum-country that has high-tech cities as well as natural sceneries.
Australia is a highly developed country and is located in the southern hemisphere of the Earth. It is a land of dreams and has breathtaking views. It is the world’s smallest continent and largest island of the world.
It has various beaches, multicultural cities, deserts, rainforests, and islands. It is famous for natural wonders such as the Great Barrier Reef. It has the world’s famous tourists attraction such as the great ocean road, Kakadu national park, blue mountains national park, Fraser island, Heide museum, the harbour bridge, etc.
It is the best attraction for shopping lovers as it has some famous shopping streets such as Chapel street Melbourne, Pitt street mall Sydney, queen street mall Brisbane, etc.
It is my dream destination as it has so many things to offer. It has some beautiful beaches, islands, coral reefs, parks, etc. You can enjoy several activities such as watersports, trekking, hiking, scuba diving, surfing, etc.
Also Read: 7 Tips to Master the IELTS Speaking Cue Card Questions 2021: A Guide to Better Band Score
Conclusion
To score a higher band scale you need to score higher in each section. In the IELTS speaking section, the cue card is probably the most important one. It carries 50% marks of this section and therefore a proper strategy is a must.
For more such IELTS preparation notes and materials visit IELTS Ninja. It is one of the best sites dedicated to helping IELTS students out there.
Also Read: Describe a Very Open Person: IELTS Speaking Cue Card Sample Answers 2021-22