Describe something special you brought back from a tourist attraction  

In the IELTS Speaking section, one of the most common question types is the Cue Card Speaking prompt. The IELTS Cue Card topics will prompt you to formulate a response and speak on the given topic. To attempt this question, you must narrow down the essential questions on the given topic to answer within the given time. Consider the sample Cue Card below. Study the types of questions that have been formulated based on the cue card and how to go about with your response:

Sample Answer 1

Well, I carry the nerve to relish sightseeing famous destinations across the world. Considering that most of the tourist attractions have their roots in cultural and historical values, I try and buy some mementoes to keep the place alive in my memory. So, I would like to talk about one exceptional remembrance that I purchased in Agra during my visit, which was a decorative showpiece, the Taj Mahal.

Last year in November, I planned a family vacation to Vrindavan. While coming back, we visited Agra as well since it is not far away from Vrindavan. I have visited an array of exquisite attractions and forts all these years. However, the Taj Mahal is hands down the most breathtaking attraction. So, just outside the premises, you can effortlessly come across plenty of vendors selling miniatures of the Taj Mahal, which was made of marble. And, I bought one from them, since it was quite affordable and looked beautiful as well.

This souvenir looked elegant. Also, it represents the deep love of the emperor towards his queen. Referring to the fact that the Taj Mahal symbolizes love, a feeling which is eternal, I bought the miniature without any second thoughts.

The visit to the Taj Mahal was indeed an unforgettable experience for me. I felt really delighted after buying the mini-Mahal as it reminds me what immortal love looks like.

Sample Answer 2

Click on the audio to listen to the sample answer above. Pay attention to the intonation and pronunciation of the words

I’m going to talk about a piece of calligraphy that means a lot to me.

It was quite a few years ago when I was a senior in high school. At the time I was preparing for my university entrance exam, feeling worried and nervous all the time.

In order to feel better, I went to a place called ABC, the first university in my country, to buy some lucky souvenirs. The place is situated in the centre of our capital, its architecture typical of the feudal times, looking very distinct from the modern buildings in its surroundings.

At the entrance, I noticed people in traditional clothing offering calligraphy service. I briefly told one of them what I needed and he soon produced a piece of calligraphy that roughly translates to “success in exams”. I happily paid the fee, took a walk around the complex and then went home.

I don’t know whether my lucky calligraphy worked, but I got a very good result and was accepted to my dream university. Till this day, I still have the piece of writing hung in my living room.

Vocabulary

• Souvenirs: something you keep or give to remember a special visit or event 
  Eg: Rose bought a model of a Eiffel Tower as a souvenir of her trip to Paris. 
• Surrounding: all round a particular place or thing. 
  Eg: Rose was too sick to be aware of her surroundings. 
• Distinct: clearly separate and different (from something else) Eg: Painting and Poetry are distinct from each other. 
• Offer: to give something. 
  Eg: Rose was offered a scholarship. 
• Produce: to create something or bring into existence
  Eg: The plants in my garden have produced tomatoes. 

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