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| IELTS Cue Card - Describe a historic place that you know about |
Describe a historic place that you know about
You should say:
- what the place is
- where it is located
- what is the significance of the place
and describe your experience of the place.
You will have one to two minutes to speak about the topic. You have one minute to consider what you will say. If you want, you can make some notes to help you.
Model Answer 1
The Taj Mahal is a monument commemorating the love of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his wife, Arjumand Banu Begum, more generally known as Mumtaz Mahal. It is located in Agra, India. A member of the German Cultural Affairs team, I visited this one-of-a-kind structure last year when it first attracted international recognition.
Located in Agra, India, on the south bank of the Yamuna River is the tomb commonly referred to as the Taj Mahal. This is a mausoleum built in honor of his late wife Mumtaz Mahal. Below the massive dome are the tombs of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan. Only this one structure from India's rich past can claim to be one of the Seven Wonders of the World. A precise construction date is unknown, but it is believed that work began in the early 1600s. Every surface of this structure is a pure white, pristine marble. More than twenty thousand people worked on the project over the course of twenty years. The rumor goes that the emperor had the hands of the laborers who built the edifice chopped off so that they could never create anything similar again. Even though it was quite violent, it was a demonstration of his undying love and devotion to his wife. The building's color shifts with the passing of the day, and it's at its most beautiful when viewed against a moonlit sky at night.
Because of its enormous dome and white stones, the Taj Mahal is also known as the Crown of Palaces. When viewed from the outside, the building's unique style of construction and architecture are immediately impressive. The entire property sits on a walled-in plot of land that's roughly 42 acres in size. Similar to Mughal architecture, traditional Persian motifs have been incorporated here. The building was inspired by various different Mughal constructions, but it was altered to fit Shah Jahan's specifications. The Mughals' usage of red sandstone in construction prior to the Taj Mahal was an outlier to their normal building practices. The entire structure is clad in white marble, and the tomb has been meticulously polished with expensive stones that reflect the emperor's taste. The highest point is a cylinder-shaped dome that is roughly 35 meters in height. Each of the four smaller domes flanks the larger central dome in one of the roof's four corners. The main dome, often referred to as a "onion dome" for its shape, is aesthetically pleasing. The minarets resemble those found in mosques. To date, we know that the building was completed in 1643 and that it cost more over 30 million rupees to construct.
Agra, in the northern portion of Uttar Pradesh state, is where you will find the Taj Mahal. The structure is located on the banks of the Yamuna. The distance to Delhi is about 204 kilometers. This location was also declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1983. Agra has been an important player in India's history. Some Hindu texts and epics, such as the Mahabharata, make reference to the area as well. The Mughal kings Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan all reigned from Agra, making it the imperial capital of the Mughal Empire during the Middle Ages. The city and the Taj Mahal are among the most popular attractions in all of India. The Taj Mahal's location was chosen with great care and is usually peaceful and tranquil, despite being in the middle of a busy city. The position was chosen strategically, but the most essential factor was the palace's view of the structure from Agra Fort.
Soon after its completion in the 16th century, the Taj Mahal became intertwined with Indian history. That's one of the Muslim works of art from India that's gained international renown. There were also a number of noteworthy historical events that occurred throughout the construction phase. The entire complex's completion also took 20 years, which is quite unusual. The most significant fact in history is that the Taj Mahal was built at the height of the Mughal Empire. This is why Shah Jahan has decorated his grave with priceless jewels and ornaments. The Mughal Empire fell into decline after his death and never recovered to its previous glory. Artisans, masons, and other craftsmen were brought in from all over the world, including India, Iran, and Turkey, to create the construction. So, it's clear that this is a significant historical site.
Sample Answer 2
I was just in Venice, one of the world's most beautiful and historic cities. Venice, in the north-eastern corner of Italy, attracts visitors from all over the world. Its history dates back hundreds, if not thousands, of years, to when it was a powerful city state.
Reading about the old spice trade in books piqued my interest in visiting Venice because of its global significance. Venetian merchant aristocracy paved the way for the import of exotic spices from Asia to Europe. The city-state of Venice became extremely prosperous as a result of the, and its rulers used the money to make the city a top tourist destination.
Not only are there no vehicles in Venice, but the city also boasts a remarkably small number of roads. It was constructed on water, and commerce and travel are centered on its canals. The Grand Canal is the longest and widest of these waterways.
I had two days to explore Venice on foot and take in all of its magnificent attractions. I found a lot of motivation in the city's quaint alleys and turquoise canals. All the beautiful architecture and artwork was a huge draw for me. If I had the chance, I would return to Venice in an instant.
Sample Answer 3
Popular tourist spots are among my favorite places to visit when I have the time, and I find particular allure in exploring historic locales. Among the many historical monuments I've seen are Machu Picchu in Peru, the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, the Taj Mahal in India, and the Parthenon in Greece. The beauty and age of these locations has always captivated me. Here I'd like to talk about the Colosseum, also known as the Coliseum and the Flavian Amphitheater, a Roman amphitheater in Rome, Italy. I appreciate you taking the time to hear me out on this.
It's a massive concrete and stone elliptical amphitheater right in the middle of Rome, and it happens to be the largest amphitheater in the entire globe. Starting in 70 A.D. under the reign of Emperor Vespasian, construction on the Colosseum was completed during the reign of Emperor Titus 20 years later.
The Colosseum's amphitheater capacity ranged from 50,000 to 80,000 people. Public spectacles and gladiatorial contests, including mock sea wars, animal hunts, executions, and reenactments of various historical conflicts, are where it gained the most notoriety. The Colosseum was included to the list of the Seven Wonders of the World and named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1980. It is 6 acres in size, with dimensions of 189 meters in length and 156 in width. There is a 48-meter height to the exterior wall. The internal arena of the Colosseum is one of the most visited attractions in Rome, drawing in tens of thousands of visitors annually.
I was utterly speechless upon first seeing this iconic spot, despite having seen and heard so much about it in films and television shows. The enormous designer and the extravagant inside and external decor were flawless. The environment kept bringing to mind stories and events from mythology and history that I had read or heard about. Coming here was like taking a trip through time. Since learning of its historical significance and immense appeal, I've longed to visit this place again.
Sample Answer 4
India, without a doubt, is rich in history and tradition. To complete the circle, you'll come to a crumbling building with fascinating origins. My topic of discussion is not quite a rundown relic, but it is rather old and has deep historical ties. The city of Agra is home to the magnificent Taj Mahal.
The Taj Mahal is a mausoleum on the Yamuna River's southern bank. Mumtaz Mahal's tomb was built in her honor; her legacy lives on through her love and memories. The tombs of both Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan were located beneath the massive dome.
The building's foundation is made entirely of pure white marble. The Taj Mahal, sometimes called the "Crown of Palaces," has massive domes that support the building. Land area is about 42 acres for the entire complex. Mughal and Persian architectural styles were fused in its construction. Inside are graves that have been polished with priceless gems.
It is not known for sure when building began, but most experts agree that it was somewhere in the 1600s at the earliest. Building this stunning tower took around 20,000 people from Turkey, Iran, and India 20 years.
Sample Answer 5
I went to Egypt to view the Pyramids of Giza last month. A positive impression was left on me. My understanding of the area and its history has been greatly enhanced by the revelation of numerous previously unknown facts. For me, imparting what I've learned to you is a wonderful source of satisfaction.
I went to see the Giza Pyramid, which is essentially a giant cylinder. The longest of them is over 480 meters in length. A towering structure, it dominated the skyline for centuries. Although the actual time required to construct the pyramid remains a mystery, most estimates place the total period at around 20 years. It is unclear, however, how the stone construction was constructed. Several hypotheses have emerged concerning the building, but none of them are adequate. Mummies of the pharaohs were also kept in various pyramid rooms after their deaths.
A massive pyramid structure dominates the otherwise desert-like landscape. Some of the casing stones that were used to encase the pyramids can still be seen at nearby excavations. The pyramids are close to the city and can be reached by foot, horse, camel, or any number of other modes of conveyance.
The pyramids are significant to me historically for a few different reasons. They were the tallest buildings ever constructed. The technology used to build the pyramids is also quite endearing. People are still awed by the shape, despite the fact that millions of blocks were used to construct it. Many trips have been taken by archaeologists in search of information about the pyramids that may help us better grasp their historical significance. As a result of these factors, the pyramids can no longer be separated from their historical context.
Your preparation for this topic will help you to talk about the following cue card topics:
- Describe a worth visiting place in your city or country.
- Describe a famous tourist spot you know about.
- Describe a place you have recently been to.
- Describe a famous historic place you know about.
- Describe a popular tourist attraction in your country.
- Describe a place you have never been to.
- Describe a place you have planned to visit in near future.
Final Words
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