CUE CARD -Talk about an important river or lake in your country or hometown

November 30, 2022 IELTS Research

Speaking -Part 2 (Cue Card)

Talk about an important river or lake in your country or hometown.
You should say:

What water body is that ?

How do you know about it?

Why does it impress you so much?

Sample Answer

India is a diverse country and it is known for its charismatic natural beauty of which rivers also form an integral part of. Today, I would like to talk about a river which is crucial to our Indian geography, the Ganges. This river is not a mere water body, but holds a sentimental value in the heart of Indians, especially Hindus, who worship it and consider it pivotal to their existence.

I think that it is quite impossible to not know about Ganga, as the river stretches across the country passing through different states and gathers a lot of tributaries on the way. I first came to know about it from my grandfather who told me a very interesting mythological story about its arrival on earth, by the tough penance and prayers of the mythological character, Bhagirath. I was quite stunned after hearing the story, and tried to Google about it. To my astonishment, I came to realise that the river originates from the highest glaciers of the Himalayan mountain range from where the river Bhagirathi originates and confluences at Alaknanda.

The reason why I am intrigued by this river is, because of its geographical significance to my nation. The river is somehow a reminder of life on Earth. It is home to many aquatic animals like, fishes. Apart from this, it is also used to generate electricity using hydro-electric dams that are built on it. Sadly, today in the name of development we are actually exploiting the river and its resources by polluting it with industrial effluents, and, the domestic waste that are being released into it. But, that does not decrease its spiritual value among people and they still tend to worship and pray on the occasions as they belief it washes off all the sins of the past and the present life. Thus, the river does not form the part of belief system of Hindus, but rather is considered to be a belief system in itself.

Overall, Ganga is the river which is quite popular in my hometown.

Speaking -Part 3 (Follow up questions)
Here are some examples of follow up questions that examiner may ask during your speaking (part 3) related to cue card ‘talk about an important river or lake in your country or hometown’.

Q1. Why do many people like going to places with water such as lakes, river or seas?
This is because there are many recreational activities related to water, that people like to indulge themselves in, it provides them a sense of adventure in life, and brings them calm and peace of mind. Some of the water activities that people like to do are, boating, fishing, river rafting and surfing. Thus, many individuals like going to places with water.

Q2. Do children and old people relax in the same ways when they go to beach?
Well, I was not expecting this question. To be honest, I do think so, because the children are full of energy and enthusiasm. So, they tend to put their energy to more of the adventurous activities like scuba diving rather than the simpler water exercises. On the other hand, the older people generally sit on the beach and enjoy the sunrise and the sunset. Therefore, the young people and old people relax differently, whenever, they go to beach.