In the IELTS Speaking test, during part 2, you are required to speak for 2 minutes about the topic you will get on your cue card, asking you to share personal experiences. This section of the test evaluates not just your proficiency in English communication but also your capacity for understanding, analysing, and sharing personal narratives engagingly and thoughtfully. In this blog, we will guide you on how to address one of the cue card topics: "Describe a beautiful city".
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IELTS Speaking test format
The Speaking test takes between 11 and 14 minutes and consists of 3 parts.
Part 1: The first part of the test where the examiner will ask you some general questions about familiar topics like work, family, studies, and hobbies.
Part 2: You will be given a cue card with a topic. You will be given one minute to take notes on the topic and will be given a pencil and paper to prepare your response. You will then speak on the topic for two minutes.
Part 3: In the interview, you will have a two-way discussion with the examiner where they will ask questions related to the topic discussed in Part 2.
Explore more: Prepare for IELTS Speaking test
Describe a beautiful city – IELTS cue card topic (Speaking part 2)
In this task you will be given a cue card, for example: With the topic “Describe a beautiful city”
You can form your answer based on your favourite city, It could be about any city that you like or want to visit.
Note: This topic requires you to share a story that illustrates your ability to make a conversation with others.
Describe a beautiful city – IELTS cue card (Sample question)
Describe a beautiful city
Where the city is?
How do you know the city?
What buildings does the city have?
What it is famous for?
Explain why you think this city is beautiful.
Describe a beautiful city – IELTS cue card (Sample answers)
Creating responses to an IELTS cue card answer that targets different band scores involves adjusting several aspects of the response, including the style of language, the detail and depth of the description, coherence, and the ability to engage the listener with interesting information. Here's how responses might differ across bands 6, 7, and 8.
Sample response for IELTS band 6
Where the city is?
The city is located in France, and it's called Paris.
How do you know the city?
I know this city because I read a lot about it in books and have seen it in movies. It's very popular.
What buildings does the city have?
Paris has many old buildings, like the Eiffel Tower, which is very tall, and the Louvre, which is a huge museum.
What it is famous for?
It's famous for its history, art, and beautiful landmarks. A lot of people go there to see the sights and enjoy the food.
Explain why you think this city is beautiful.
I think Paris is beautiful because of its architecture and the romantic atmosphere. Walking through the streets, you can see beautiful buildings and lots of art everywhere.
Sample response for band 7
Where the city is?
The city that I love is situated in the heart of France, which is Paris as it stands as a beacon of culture and beauty.
How do you know the city?
My fascination with Paris began through the pages of novels and the frames of countless films, portraying its enchanting streets and vibrant life.
What buildings does the city have?
Among its architectural marvels, the Eiffel Tower commands the skyline, while the Louvre Museum, home to thousands of works of art, invites exploration and wonder.
What it is famous for?
Paris is celebrated worldwide not just for its historical and cultural significance, but also for its influential fashion scene and culinary delights that cater to every palate.
Explain why you think this city is beautiful.
To me, Paris's beauty lies in its ability to merge the past with the present in a seamless tapestry, where every street corner tells a story, and the city’s artistic heart beats loudly for all who visit.
Sample response for band 8
Where is the city?
The most beautiful city according to me is Paris right by the Seine River in France. It's known for being very elegant and sophisticated.
How do you know the city?
I learned about Paris from books and movies that show its beautiful streets. I've also talked to people who have been there, and their stories made me want to know more about it.
What buildings does the city have?
In Paris, you can see amazing buildings like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum, which have some of the most famous art and historical items in the world.
What is it famous for?
Paris is famous for being a leader in fashion and for its food. There are fashion events that attract famous people, and you can find everything from cozy cafés to top-notch restaurants with Michelin stars.
Explain why you think this city is beautiful.
I think Paris is beautiful not just because of how it looks but because of its atmosphere. The culture is vibrant, the people are welcoming, and there's a strong sense of beauty and new ideas everywhere. It feels like the whole city is a piece of art that you can get to know and love.
Hope these examples help you get ready for your IELTS test and achieve the score you need. If you have any questions about the IELTS, you can reach out to the closest IDP IELTS test centre. Our team will help you find the right answers.
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