Describe a Foreign Country You Have Never Been To - IELTS Cue Card Sample Answers

While travelling opens our eyes and adds to our experience, exposure to foreign culture challenges our perceptions, and enriches our understanding of the world. Therefore, when it comes to travelling to a foreign country, it is both exciting and adventurous. In one of the cue cards from the list of IELTS cue cards for topic – location/place, Describe a Foreign Country You Have Never Been To, you have to share that thrill and adventures you experienced in one such trip around the world.

To prepare for this topic, in this blog, we will look at three well-structured sample answers. In addition, we have provided helpful vocabulary and phrases for the IELTS Speaking test.

Describe a Foreign Country You Have Never Been To IELTS Speaking Part 2 Question & Sample Answers

During IELTS Speaking Part 2, you will have exactly one minute to prepare and speak on a specific topic like ‘Describe a Foreign Country You Have Never Been To’. This topic tests your ability to describe a place in detail, share personal aspirations, and express cultural curiosity – even if you've only seen the place through photos or media.

Look at the sample answers below to learn how to communicate clearly and successfully.

Describe a Foreign Country You Have Never Been To – IELTS Cue Card Sample Answer 1

• What country it is (including where it is in the world)?

Countless people around the world love to travel. A substantial number of people travel multiple times a year to new and exciting places. Although I am not as inclined towards travelling as some of my peers are, there are a few countries that I would like to visit atleast once in my lifetime. One such country is Japan, a country located in East Asia.

• What this country is like?

Japan is one of the most beautiful and developed countries in the world, if not the most developed. It is famous for its culture, traditional arts, and various world heritage sites. Japan is also renowned for renouncing its right to declare war. The public service system in Japan is a model for the whole world to learn from, and this is a country where the government puts substantial emphasis on the welfare of its citizens.

• What people can do in this country?

When I visit the country, I will participate in the plethora of activities tourists usually embark on here. From visiting heritage sites to trying out delicious Japanese food, that is famous worldwide. Cuisines like Udon, Ramen, and Sushi are some of the food items that are so popular that nearly every country tries to emulate these dishes. Japan is also well known for its folk music and instruments like koto and shamisen. Japanese architecture is also a popular tourist attraction, and places like the Ritsurin Garden and the Shrines of Ise are classic models of Japanese architecture.

• And explain why you would like to go to this country.

One of the main reasons for my interest in visiting Japan is the different food and cuisines. Since I love trying different types of food, Japanese cuisine is one of the top items on my food bucket list. I would also like to witness other aspects of Japanese culture and experience urban life in Japan for a few days.

Audio for Sample Answer 2

Describe a Foreign Country You Have Never Been To – IELTS Cue Card Sample Answer 2

• What country it is (including where it is in the world)?
• What this country is like?

There are so many countries that I have not had a chance to visit, but one of those that I would like to visit in my upcoming trip in Myanmar. It is located in South East Asia. The country is like Thailand 25 years ago, before shopping malls and fast-food chains expanded. Thus it remains rustic and traditional compared to the modern world.

• What people can do in this country?

The people here are said to be friendly; they are willing to go out of their way to show you around, and they are very keen on practicing their English skills. Myanmar is famous for its ancient city named Bagan, with more than 3,000 temples that date back to the 11th century. I would particularly love to see the Shwedagon Pagoda. It is considered to be the greatest and most sacred Buddhist temple in the country. The entire structure, which dates back 2,500 years, is covered with hundreds of gold plates.

• And explain why you would like to go to this country.

Since the country has just been opened up to the outside world, it still keeps the originality of its culture. That’s why I want to go there – to experience the country and the people before globalization ruins everything.

Describe a Foreign Country You Have Never Been To – IELTS Cue Card Sample Answer 3

• What country it is (including where it is in the world)?

One foreign country that I have never been to but would absolutely love to visit is Italy. It is located in Southern Europe, shaped like a boot, and bordered by countries like France, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia. It is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, which gives it beautiful coastlines and a mild climate.

• What this country is like?

Italy is a country that is steeped in history, culture, and art. It is the birthplace of the Roman Empire, the Renaissance, and many of the world’s most celebrated artists and thinkers, such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Galileo Galilei. Cities like Rome, Venice, Florence, and Milan. Each of these destinations has a distinct charm, combining ancient ruins with vibrant, modern life. The architecture, the narrow cobbled streets, the piazzas, and the cathedrals make it feel like a living museum.

• What people can do in this country?

There is so much to do in Italy depending on your interests. If you are into history and archaeology, you can explore the Colosseum, the Pantheon, or the ruins of Pompeii. For art lovers, the Uffizi Gallery in Florence or the Vatican Museums in Rome are absolute treasures. Those who enjoy nature can head to Tuscany’s rolling hills, Amalfi’s stunning coastline, or the Alps in the north for skiing and hiking. Additionally, Italy is a paradise for food lovers; from pizza in Naples to pasta in Bologna and gelato almost everywhere.

• And explain why you would like to go to this country.

The reason I am so drawn to this country is because it represents everything I admire in a travel destination - a perfect blend of culture, cuisine, and creativity. I am fascinated by the way Italians appreciate beauty in everything, from fashion to food to family. The pace of life there also seems more relaxed and joyful, something I believe we all need from time to time. I have also studied a bit of Italian history and language, so being able to experience it firsthand would be incredibly meaningful.

Related Cue Cards

Let’s check one of the latest IELTS speaking cue card topics with sample answers, similar to ‘Describe a Foreign Country You Have Never Been To’.

• Describe a Street that you Like to Visit - IELTS Cue Card Sample Answers 
• Describe a House/ Apartment You Like to Live In - IELTS Speaking Test
• Describe a City You Want to Visit - IELTS Cue Card
• Describe a Cafe You Like to Visit - IELTS Cue Card Sample Answers

Vocabulary for Describe a Foreign Country You Have Never Been To IELTS Cue Card

Listed below are the latest IELTS speaking vocabulary to boost your score  that we have used in the above sample answers and they can also be used in your 'Describe a Foreign Country You Have Never Been To' answer.

In conclusion, speaking well in the IELTS exam involves more than just being confident and fluent. While practicing the topic, ‘Describe a Foreign Country You Have Never Been To’ with the detailed sample answers provided, it is equally important to use a rich vocabulary, express your ideas clearly, and stick to proper grammatical structures expected in the IELTS. If you're aiming for a Band 9, treat the sample responses as a model and regularly practice with updated IELTS Speaking practice tests for your routine preparation.

Useful Links

• 151 IELTS Multilevel Speaking Part 2 & 3 Topics with Model Answers
• How to Prepare a Cue Card for IELTS Speaking?
• Common Mistakes to Avoid in IELTS Speaking Test
• 31 High-scoring Formulas to Answer Ielts Speaking Questions Ebook 
• IELTS Speaking Vocabulary - 10 Academic Words that will Help you Score IELTS Band 9 (Part 1)