One of the areas where you should focus your time and attention while studying for the IELTS test is the ‘cue card’ component, often known as the IELTS Speaking Part 2. It is a must that you maximize your time because this component of the test is only two minutes long.
We have included sample responses to the cue card topic ‘Describe a country that you want to visit‘ in this article. Continue reading to learn more.
What is the IELTS Cue Card Question?
You will be presented with a task card on a specific topic in the second portion of the IELTS Speaking Test. The subject of your speech is written on this card, which is also known as the ‘cue card.’
This section of the IELTS Speaking Test allows you to talk about a topic for a longer period of time. You have one minute to prepare to speak on the cue card’s topic. You will be provided a pencil and paper to take notes with.
After your speech, the examiner might ask you one or two follow-up questions about the same topic. The IELTS Cue Card component takes about 3-4 minutes to complete.
How to Answer this Specific Question: “Describe a Country that You Want to Visit”?
Topic/ Question
Describe a Country that You Want to Visit
Guidelines to answer this question
You should say:
- What country this is
- How you know about this country
- When you plan to visit this country
And explain why you want to go to this country.
- Think of a country that you have been intending to visit. It could be any country. However, you have to make sure that you have enough knowledge about this country so you would have a lot to discuss and share later on.
- The moment you have a country in mind, stick to it and start writing down notes. Remember that you have only a minute to prepare.
- Take notes on what country it is and in which continent it is located. Include how you come to know about the country and the things that make it appealing and interesting to you.
- Remember to mention too when you plan to go there. Bear in mind that you should not write sentences, just keywords and phrases.
- Employ sophisticated vocabulary. Form complex grammar structures as well. These will help you get a high mark in this part of the test.
- Write quickly but ensure your handwriting is understandable, by you. The examiner will not mark you based on what and you write on the paper but by how you discuss the topic.
- From time to time, do take a look at the notes you have written to ensure that you cover everything. It is fine. You do not get deductions if you do so.
Sample Responses: “Describe a Country that You Want to Visit”
Sample Response 1:
“In my inquisitive mind, I want to see every place on the planet, but I won’t be able to do so because I don’t have an endless supply of money or all the time in the world. So, to put my goals into perspective, I want to visit at least 5 to 6 countries in the next few years, with Switzerland being at the top of my list.
Switzerland is unquestionably one of the most beautiful countries on the planet, and I’m awestruck by the sheer grandeur of the wide-green plains and snow-capped mountains I’ve seen on TV and in publications. One of my schoolmates used to live there with her family, and it was because of her that I became interested in this country. I’ve heard stories of her mountain skiing, fascinating excursions in the countryside, and fabulous cuisines. Despite the fact that they are merely stories and experiences, they piqued my interest in how gorgeous the country would be and how much I would like to explore it.
If all goes according to plan, I’ll be in Switzerland in the middle of next year. My parents have previously heard about my plans, and they are fine with me going with one of my close friends. As a result, I may travel to this country known for its celestial beauty, delectable chocolates, and beautiful watches with Elizabeth, who also wishes to travel to Switzerland with me.
Visiting Switzerland, I suppose, would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me. It will provide fascinating and thrilling adventures while also allowing me to realize my dreams. I’ve also learned and heard a lot about incomparable Swiss timepieces and Swiss people’s punctuality, which I’d like to see for myself. While in Switzerland, I’d like to take in the gorgeous scenery, culture, gastronomy, and other sights that the country has to offer.”
Follow-up Question 1:
Who do you prefer to go with when traveling, family or friends?
Response:
“It depends. I think that there are places where I want to be with my family whereas there are also places where I would prefer to be with my friends instead. Since my parents are devoted Christians and have strong religious beliefs, let’s say I would go to Israel or The Vatican, I would prefer to be with them.
On the other hand, if I want to go to Africa and explore the wildlife there, I would rather be with my friends.”
Follow-up Question 2:
Lots of countries now do not accept unvaccinated travelers, do you think that’s fair?
Response:
“Yes, I think it’s only fair. I mean if you think allowing unvaccinated travelers into your country is a threat, because of the current situation, then it is up to that country’s prerogative who to allow and who not to allow entrance.“
Sample Response 2:
“Life drives us to areas we don’t want to go, whether we like it or not. Nevertheless, there are instances when we simply feel compelled to visit a specific location/country in order to improve our awareness, understanding, and respect for a country and its culture about which we already have a decent understanding. When you hear about a nation like Japan from your father so often as a child, you know it’s worth seeing at least once in your life. I intend to visit this wonderful country next year.
Japan is an East Asian country. This lovely country is located in the Pacific Ocean, off the eastern coast of the Asian continent. So, why would I want to go to Japan? I could definitely come up with thousands of answers to answer the question, such as how Japan is probably one of the most exceptional countries in the world because of its modern comfort, rich history, and culture is a perfect blend, but that doesn’t exactly capture how one should perceive Japan as a country. I could mention hundreds of words describing the delectable Japanese cuisines, but it would still fall short of portraying Japan in its real light. We can claim that Japan has some of the most beautiful buildings because of Mount Fuji, but it doesn’t begin to describe what Japan has to give the rest of the world. We could also claim that Japan is undoubtedly the world’s most resilient country because it withstood the most awful and destructive repercussions of WWII, but that still doesn’t tell much about this amazing country. Japan arguably has the world’s most beautiful cherry blossoms.
I hope to be able to visit this country next year, as it is somewhere I’ve always wanted to go. I’ve never been to a snowy country before so this is a fantastic chance for me.”
Follow-up Question 1:
What climate do you prefer, tropical or temperate? Why?
Response:
“I think that having a tropical and temperate climate has its advantages and disadvantages. Living in a tropical country does not need a lot of adjustments when it comes to the change in climate in a year because the temperature is pretty much the same. Living in a temperate climate on the other hand is completely different. The variations in temperature are drastic and people need a lot of adjustments to adapt.”
Vocabulary List to Answer the Question: “Describe a Country that You Want to Visit”
Here are some words in the sample responses for the cue card topic ‘Describe a country you want to visit.’ with their meanings and sample sentences for your reference.
| Word | Part of Speech | Definition | Example Usage of the Word in a Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| delectable | adjective | Delicious | “Sticky rice and tropical fruits make a light and delectable dessert.” |
| excursion | noun | A small trip or tour, especially one undertaken as a recreational activity | “The yearly excursion will be to Lincoln this year.” |
| grandeur | adjective | Magnificence and impressiveness, especially in appearance or style | “Tourists couldn’t take their eyes off the grandeur and glory with which they had draped France.” |
| inquisitive | adjective | Inquiring or prying | “Once she felt at ease with us, she opened up, revealing a smart and inquisitive intellect.” |
| perspective | noun | A particular attitude or manner of looking at something; a point of view | “She had a fascinating perspective, and she helped him think about things in new ways.” |
| pique | verb | To energize one’s interest or curiosity | “He piqued her interest in theater and took her to see shows on a regular basis.” |
| portray | verb | In a specific way, to describe someone or something | “The lawyer portrayed the client as a child abuse victim.” |
| prerogative | noun | A right or advantage reserved for a specific individual or group | “Managers do not have the sole prerogative to make such decisions.” |
| repercussion | noun | An unanticipated effect that occurs sometime after an occurrence or action, especially one that is unwanted | “His resignation will have major repercussions for the company.” |
| resilient | adjective | A person or animal capable of withstanding or recovering swiftly from adversity | “He is resilient and will soon be cheery again.” |
| sheer | adjective | Nothing but the best; unrivaled, used for emphasis | “Communication is challenging due to the country’s sheer size.” |
| temperate | adjective | Pertaining to or describing a region or climate distinguished by moderate temperatures | “Throughout the year, the Nile Valley has a temperate environment.” |
| tropical | adjective | Approximating the tropics, especially in terms of heat and humidity | “Indonesia has a tropical climate with sunshine all year.” |
| unquestionably | adjective | In a way that cannot be argued or questioned; without a doubt | “The Statue of Liberty is unquestionably one of the USA’s most familiar landmarks.” |
| withstand | verb | To remain unharmed or unaffected by, resist | “His forces are unlikely to be able to withstand an allied attack for long.” |
Additional Reading — IELTS Speaking Cue Card Questions
- Describe a Person You Admire
- Describe Your Best Friend
- Describe Someone Famous that You Want to Meet
- Describe a Person Who You Think is a Good Leader
- Describe a Neighbor You Like
- Describe a Place You Want to Travel Next
- Describe a Historical Place that You Have Been to
- Describe a Place You and Your Friend Went to Recently
- Describe a Place Where You Spend Most of Your Free Time
- Describe a Gift that You Have Received Recently
- Describe an Item of Clothing that You Bought for Someone
- Describe a Piece of Art that You Want to Buy
- Describe Something that You Recently Lost
- Describe a Vehicle that You Want to Buy
- Describe an Activity that You Find Enjoyable
- Describe a Place Where You Love to Shop
- Describe an Event that You Recently Attended
- Describe One of the Busiest Days of Your Life
- Describe a Hobby that You Do with Your Family
- Describe a Difficult Decision that You Made
- Describe a Time When You Felt Lucky
- Describe the First Time You Had a Mobile Phone
- Describe a Time When You Helped a Stranger
- Describe a Time When You Tried to Do Something but Weren’t Successful
- Describe Your Favorite Teacher
- Describe Your Favorite Subject in School
- Describe a Situation that Made You Upset
- Describe a Time When You Had an Argument with Someone
- Describe One of the Happiest Travels You Ever Had
- Describe an Incident When You Got Scared
- Describe a Time When You Felt Relieved
- Describe a Workaholic Person You Know
- Describe an Interesting Course You Took
- Describe a Time When Someone at Work Gave You a Compliment
- Describe a Quiet Place at School Where You Like Spending Your Free Time
- Describe a Time When Something Unfortunate Happened at Work
