Describe a Village or Suburban Area you Have Visited- IELTS Cue Card

and explain what you liked/disliked about this village or suburban area.

Sample Answer 1

Life in villages and cities each holds a different sort of appeal for people. The rustic charm of village life offers a refreshing change from the endless bustle and mayhem of cities. In this regard, I would like to describe my experiences in a village I once visited.

On a holiday trip to Rajasthan with my family, I had the opportunity to visit Kuldhara village. Situated around 17 km from the ‘Golden City’ of Jaisalmer, Kuldhara is known as a ‘ghost village’. Such villages are commonly found across Rajasthan, having long been abandoned by their original inhabitants. Local legend states that the degenerate prime minister of the state, Salim Singh, expressed his desire to wed the village chief’s daughter and threatened the villagers with severe consequences if they refused. Unwilling to submit to the whims of the despot, a council was held with the residents of the villages, which totalled eighty-five in number, and they decided to abscond under cover of the night. Before they departed, however, legend has it that they placed a curse upon the village and declared that not a soul would ever be able to reside in that village ever after.

A far less sinister account of local history suggests that the villagers, who were Paliwal brahmins, escaped overnight to avoid unjust taxation. Kuldhara is now maintained by the Archeological Survey of India. What is most striking about the place is how everything seems to be frozen in time, with the buildings preserved in a near-intact manner since the residents left over three centuries ago. A sense of melancholy pervades the very air, offering visitors a rare glimpse into history.

I remember the profound impression this village left on me as a child. Even years later, the desolate, forlorn huts remain vividly etched in my memories and bring a strange sense of wistfulness when I reflect upon my visit there.

Sample Answer 2

Life in both, city and country has a different charm. However, the endless pleasures of country life cannot be denied. Living amidst nature and scenic greenery, life is comparatively slow compared to the hustle and bustle of the cities. Here, I’d like to talk about a village I recently visited.

Being born, brought up and having lived the majority of my life in a metropolis, I was unaware of the laid-back lifestyle of villages until I visited Renukaji in Himachal Pradesh, India, a few months ago. The village is located almost 400 kilometres away from Delhi, where I live. I visited Renukaji for research purposes as the village boasts incredible architectural sites. Thus, along with friends, I hired a rental cab to reach the village.

Although the 7-hour journey was monotonous, we were awestruck by the small scenic villages situated in between the huge mountains, and the Renukaji village was nestled beautifully amidst the natural beauty, lush greenery, and the serene Renuka lake. Upon our arrival in the village, we saw a secluded village with a very sparse population, making it tranquil and peaceful. Furthermore, the indigenous people of Renukaji were extremely hospitable and chivalrous and greeted us with a wide smile. They guided us to locate the monumental sites and helped us in the accommodation.

During my stay in Renukaji, I observed some of the best things. The first is that the people are extremely courteous towards strangers. They have mastered the art of balancing work and life. They’re less stressed and more content with life. I admired the village people’s ability to enjoy life at a slower pace, which we as city folk often fail to achieve.

Vocabulary

• Deny

Meaning: state that one refuses to admit the truth or existence of.
Eg: The students denied malpractice.

• Hustle and bustle

Meaning: A large amount of activity and work, usually in a noisy surrounding
Eg: I was tired of the hustle and bustle of city life.

• Seclude

Meaning: (of a place) not seen or visited by many people; sheltered and private
Eg: My grandmother lives in a secluded village.

• Monotonous

Meaning: dull, tedious, and repetitious; lacking in variety and interest.
Eg: Kay had a monotonous day.

• Hospitable

Meaning: friendly and generous to guests and visitors
Eg: Despite being rich, Mr Chang was a hospitable person.

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