A complete model answer and preparation guide for this IELTS Speaking cue card topic. Includes key vocabulary, follow-up questions, and examiner-approved response strategies.
Originally published September 2017. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, you will see a sample cue card question, high-level answer and feedback
Model Answer
I’d like to talk about a restaurant that I have visited with my family that is close to our hearts, as it is owned by close friends of my husbands family. This restaurant is a traditional Greek restaurant that is located right on a beach and built overlooking the sea. It is in such a beautiful location that it is very popular with both locals and tourists on the island where I live.
I have visited this restaurant with my family many times before and we return regularly to eat there. They serve all kinds of fresh fish and traditional Greek dishes. My favourite dish is the kokkinisto, which is beef cooked in a red wine sauce, served with rice or potatoes. My husband also enjoys this dish, but he prefers to order the fresh fish, which is usually caught by his friend who works there and is also one of the local policemen. They have an abundant supply of fish, crab, squid and shellfish, they also have a fish pool there, where they keep a supply of sea bream and tanks with lobsters.
This restaurant has a very special place in our hearts because it is where I got married. Friends and family came together to transform the restaurant into a beach side paradise for our wedding celebrations. The food that they served during the wedding was excellent, with a starter of Greek salad and a meat meze, the main course was lamb cooked on a spin outside, with vegetables, and potatoes. Then, for dessert, there were fruit plates and plenty of wedding cake. The food was so delicious that everyone commented on how good it was and how much they had enjoyed it.
The Mediterranean food served in this restaurant is always fresh and cooked by a chef who has years and years of experience making these traditional dishes. The atmosphere there is wonderful and relaxing, with a regular crowd of people who visit. Everybody is made to feel welcome and like they are a part of the family. If anyone was looking for recommendations for places to eat when visiting the island, I would not hesitate to send them there.
Feedback
This is a high-level answer, as there are concrete words being used to tell a story and answer the why, who, where and what questions. Words and phrases are used to describe thoughts and feelings. The bullet points have been covered with the extra information given (examples), which extends the answer. Collocations, plurals and idioms have also been used correctly.
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If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can assist you to achieve your desired band score. We offer an essay correction service, mock exams and online courses.
A complete model answer and preparation guide for this IELTS Speaking cue card topic. Includes key vocabulary, follow-up questions, and examiner-approved response strategies.
Originally published September 2017. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, you will see a sample cue card question, high-level answer and feedback.
Model Answer
I’d like to talk about a small business idea that I have been considering for a while and that is to open a craft cafe. I would like to rent a property in a popular area where I live, with enough space for a coffee bar, tables inside, a workshop in the back and an outside seating area. This would be a creative environment, for people to come and spend time with their friends or on their own to make something and have a coffee.
The creative space inside would have a workshop area where classes could be held regularly, with those attending paying a small fee. Materials would be available for people to knit, crochet or draw. People could donate craft items too, on a sharing basis, for example, if you bring something to share, you can take something in return. This would encourage people to meet fellow makers and make new friends in the community. So many people now are into crafting that there has been a surge in craft classes in local communities. This cafe would be a dedicated craft cafe space.
I would like to start this business in the next five years if possible, starting out with a small property and then possibly expanding into a larger space if the profits allow. The next step would be to create a learning centre next to the workshop so that people could also learn other skills and attend courses there. I have not yet had the time or money to start this business, as quite a lot of money would be needed to rent and renovate a space. I am still looking for the ‘perfect’ property to do this in, as I have in my thoughts somewhere that is small and looks like it would fit into an old English village.
I would like to open a craft cafe so that fellow minded people could meet up and share their skills and knowledge with other crafters. People in the community with various skills could run workshops so that people who wish to learn something new have the opportunity. In my area, there are no classes like this or any opportunity for people to learn new skills in crafts. Bringing people together in this way is a grat idea and would certainly be welcomed by the large crafting community that already exists.
Feedback
This is a high-level answer, as there are concrete words being used to tell a story (the story behind the craft cafe idea). Words and phrases are used to describe thoughts and feelings. The bullet points have been covered with the extra information given (examples), which extends the answer. The answer also includes collocations and the correct use of pronouns.
We hope you found this post useful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. If you have any questions please let us know in the comments below or on the Facebook page.
The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, then follow us on Instagram and Pinterest.
If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can assist you to achieve your desired band score. We offer an essay correction service, mock exams and online courses.
A complete model answer and preparation guide for this IELTS Speaking cue card topic. Includes key vocabulary, follow-up questions, and examiner-approved response strategies.
Originally published September 2017. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, you will see a sample cue card question, high-level answer and feedback.
Describe an activity that you like to do in your free time after work or study
You should say –
What you do
Where you do it
When you do it
Who you do it with
And explain why you like to do this activity.
You will have to talk about the topic for 1-2 minutes. You have one minute to think about what you are going to say and may make notes during that time.
Model Answer
I’d like to talk about walking my dog, we recently rescued a dog who was found by our neighbour by the side of the road. At the time he was only around 4 weeks old and quite ill, he was covered in fleas, had a belly full of worms and various skin conditions. He soon became healthy after many vet visits and now has grown into a large healthy dog, who has a routine of walks at certain times every day to burn off his energy. We started his walking routine slowly when he was little, as he was scared of the park at first. He soon loved to go there and looks really happy with the freedom he has to be able to venture out on his own.
I normally walk him around my village in the morning before work for around 45 minutes. Then in the afternoons after work at around 7 pm we will visit the park, so he can run free. He loves to be able to run around and explore the park, meeting up with other dogs and playing. He enjoys running after people jogging and cycling, showing them that he can go faster than them. He also likes to have his photograph taken with tourists when they are posing next to monuments in the park. I really enjoy seeing him look so happy when he has the freedom off the leash to run as fast as he can and to play with other dogs.
In my opinion, walking with my dog is great exercise, as we walk together (or run) daily for at least 2 hours. This is good for both of us, as he can burn off his energy and I can also keep fit. I also think that getting away from my desk and breathing in the fresh air is beneficial for my health and to clear my mind. It helps to keep my mental health in check, by taking these walks and having the time to think about things. I will continue to walk my dog every day, taking him with me to various locations on the island, as he also enjoys the beach and the town park, but these areas are busy in the summer months, so he will have to wait until the autumn.
Feedback
This is a high-level answer, as there are concrete words being used to tell a story (the story of the dog and the relationship to the activity). Words and phrases are used to describe thoughts and feelings. The bullet points have been covered with the extra information given (examples), which extends the answer.
IELTS Cue Card Topics
People:
Describe a person you once lived with
Describe your favourite politician
Describe your most favourite Math teacher
Describe a teacher from the past whom you remember
Describe one of your relatives whom you like
Describe a famous person you know from your country
Places:
Describe an unusual building you have visited
Describe a cafe/restaurant you have recently visited
Describe your favourite park in your city
Describe a place where you would like to travel to
Describe a place near water where you enjoyed visiting
Describe a garden or a public place you remember visiting
Describe a house or an apartment you would like to live in
Describe your favourite library
IELTS Describe a cyber cafe in your locality
Describe a building/structure with architectural interest
Describe a city you have visited and liked
Describe your favourite shopping mall
Describe a picnic spot or a recreational public spot
Describe a river or a sea you have visited
Describe a shopping center you often go to
Experiences:
Describe an important event in your life
Describe an exam that was very hard for you
Describe an event when someone denied your request
Describe a time when you missed a bus/ train/ aeroplane
Describe a time when you trusted a stranger
Describe a time when you had to wait in a long queue
Describe a night when you could not sleep
Describe a birthday celebration you have attended recently
Describe a competition/contest you have entered
Describe your first day at work or study
Describe a training session
Describe an unusual or interesting thing you did recently
Describe a gift that you gave to someone recently
Describe a room where you stayed for a long time
Describe an outdoor activity that you did for the first time
Describe a funny incident that happened to you
Describe how you would organize a surprise party for your friend
Describe a nation you know well
Describe an occasion or event when you were congratulated
Describe an irritating neighbour in your locality
Describe a trip you have taken recently
Describe a holiday you have recently celebrated
Interesting story you heard when you were a child
Describe a place where you like to go to often
Describe a life-changing experience
Describe a worth-watching theatrical performance
Describe a memorable childhood experience
Describe a sporting event you attended
Describe a bad weather experience you have had
Describe a library that you visited
Describe a happy event of your life
Feelings:
Describe a memorable experience
Describe a peaceful place that you like
Describe the most beautiful natural scenery
Describe a stressful day at school/ university/ work
Describe an interesting holiday destination
Habits and Likes:
Describe a subject you would study
Describe an indoor game that you enjoyed as a child
Something that you want to learn more
Describe the age or stage you enjoyed most
IELTS Academic Reading Sample The history of the biro
Describe someone who is your online friend
Describe your favourite bird
Describe one of your favourite books from your childhood
Describe your favourite subject in your academic life
Describe one of your favourite electronic media
Describe one of your typical days
Describe the best holiday you ever had
Describe the environmental pollution in your city
Describe a practical skill you have
Describe something useful you learned from a member of your family
Describe your favourite animal
Describe your holidays
Describe your favourite season in your country
Describe your favourite music band
Describe a thing which is important to you
Objects:
Describe a successful company you know
Describe a paid job you did or someone you know did
Describe something interesting you learnt from the internet
A gift you have received that was important to you
Describe something you have that you no longer use
Describe a method that helps you to save money
A situation when others didn’t tell you the whole truth
Describe a magazine you think is interesting
Talk about the most important benefit of the internet
Describe the job/ career you have or hope to have
Describe a pet that you or someone you know once had
A product you bought and was dissatisfied about
Describe a foreign country you have planned to visit
Describe an important invention
Describe a traditional meal
Describe a national festival in your country
Describe the most useful household appliance
We hope you found this post helpful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. Let us know in the comments or on the Facebook page if you have any questions. The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, and then follow us onInstagramand Pinterest. We offer essay correction services, mock exams, and online courses. If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can help you achieve your desired band score faster.
We hope you found this post useful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. If you have any questions please let us know in the comments below or on the Facebook page.
The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, then follow us on Instagram and Pinterest.
If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can assist you to achieve your desired band score. We offer an essay correction service, mock exams and online courses.
A complete model answer and preparation guide for this IELTS Speaking cue card topic. Includes key vocabulary, follow-up questions, and examiner-approved response strategies.
Originally published September 2017. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, you will see a sample cue card question, high-level answer and feedback.
Model Answer
I’d like to talk about my idea of a perfect vacation. As I live in Spain, I normally like to visit cities when I go on vacation, to soak up some different types of culture. Of course, there is plenty of culture here on this lovely little piece of paradise, but every now and again I need to leave and visit a busy bustling city. My perfect vacation would probably lead me to New York.
I have visited New York once and I can’t wait to return, the noise, the lights and the non-stop energy of the city makes it a great place to go. I would visit the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and The Met Museum to see both traditional and modern art, before planning my way through the city. Visiting Central Park, 5th Avenue to window shop, Times Square, The Rockefeller Centre and even the Statue of Liberty. There are other places I would like to visit, which include the Natural History Museum, the sex and the city tour and to see a Broadway show. I would also like to see the restaurant close to Times Square that is decorated like a 1950’s diner, where the waiters and waitresses get up on the tables to sing. I have heard they are all amazing and the experience is one that you will never forget.
When I visit again, I will take my husband as he has never been before. he really enjoys travelling and seeing new places, he enjoys looking at famous architecture, so I know that he will want to visit the Empire State building and ground zero, where the twin towers used to be. We could also sample the food whilst in the city, with breakfast in art deco diners, lunch from small cafes in the park and dinner in a different place every night.
This would be my idea of a perfect vacation because it allows us to have a different lifestyle for a week, which is a refreshing change from the quiet, but stunning place we live in now. I like to feel inspired from my vacations, visiting places that give me ideas and make me feel energised. New York is such an amazing city that you can feel the buzz around you of people living their lives. Visiting a busy city like this, makes a vacation feel exciting and full of energy, which is ideal in my perspective.
Feedback
This is a strong answer, as there are examples given of what, where, who and why. The topic has been fully discussed, with additional information added that was not prompted by the bullet points.There are various tenses and structures used, for the past and present. There is also evidence of collocations being used and a high level of vocabulary.
We hope you found this post useful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. If you have any questions please let us know in the comments below or on the Facebook page.
The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, then follow us on Instagram and Pinterest.
If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can assist you to achieve your desired band score. We offer an essay correction service, mock exams and online courses.
A complete model answer and preparation guide for this IELTS Speaking cue card topic. Includes key vocabulary, follow-up questions, and examiner-approved response strategies.
Originally published September 2017. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, you will see a sample cue card question, high-level answer and feedback.
Model Answer
I’d like to talk about how I like to travel to my parents home during the winter. I currently live in Spain and during the winter I like to travel home to visit my parents in the UK. They live in the North of England, so it is often very cold in the winter there. With temperatures getting below zero, you need to wear your warm clothes and make sure that you have the heating on when you are in the house. With living in Spain now, the temperatures in the winter are much warmer than in the UK. You can still sit outside for a coffee in December or January on a sunny day.
I like to visit my parents and in December it snows, with heavy thick snowflakes and a full pinkish, grey sky, the snow can get quite deep. I like to get dressed up in a big thick coat, woolly hat and scarf, put on my Wellington boots and go for a long walk in the snow. It is really pretty and awe inspiring to see everything covered in thick layers of white snow, with an eerie feeling too, as the streets are deserted and everything is quiet. Then after the walk when I return home again, I like to sit and drink tea or hot chocolate by the fire with the dogs and watch some English TV shows. They always have a good programme of viewing in December, with the run up to Christmas.
I really like to visit my parents home during the winter, not only to see them and spend time with them but to enjoy the winter weather. Going for long walks in the countryside or on the beach is really refreshing in the cold weather. You can feel like you have lots of energy after walking your dogs through a forest, so wrapped up in winter clothes so that only your face is exposed.
Being from somewhere that has a regular cold temperature with a vast difference in the seasons is great. I keep my winter wardrobe of a winter coat and wellington boots at their house, as I don’t really need them in Spain. The weather here is never as cold as there unless you travel to places that are high up in the mountains. Winter for me is never the same anywhere else, I always want to go home to get the full frosty experience.
Feedback
This is a strong answer, as there are examples given of what, where and why. The topic has been fully discussed, with additional information added that was not prompted by the bullet points.There are various tenses and structures used, for the past and present. There is also evidence of collocations being used and a high level of vocabulary.
We hope you found this post useful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. If you have any questions please let us know in the comments below or on the Facebook page.
The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, then follow us on Instagram and Pinterest.
If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can assist you to achieve your desired band score. We offer an essay correction service, mock exams and online courses.
