Speaking Cue Card topic “Describe a foreign country you would like to visit in the future”, along with Part 3 questions and answers. We have written all the cue cards and their Part 3 with sample answers, utilising a properly developed and proven structure that we adhere to at Voxcel. Click here to read them all. We have also written Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking test. Click here to assess them.
IELTS Speaking Topic: Cue Card “Describe a Foreign Country” (Including Part 3)
Describe a foreign country you would like to visit in the future.
You should say:
- What it is
- What you have known about it
- Who you would like to go there with
- And explain why you would like to visit it
Sample Answer –
Today, I’d like to talk about Japan, a country I’ve always been fascinated by. Although there are many amazing places I’d love to visit, like Switzerland or New Zealand, I chose Japan because of its rich culture, cutting-edge technology, and deep-rooted traditions.
For me, Japan is one of the most intriguing countries in the world. It’s got a perfect blend of the old and the new—you’ve got ancient shrines and samurai castles standing side by side with neon-lit skyscrapers and high-speed trains. I think it would be an unforgettable experience to explore such a unique place.
To get into the details, I’ve read a lot about Japan, and it seems like a place straight out of a dream. I know it’s famous for its stunning cherry blossoms, mouthwatering sushi, and, of course, anime and manga. The people are known for their politeness and discipline, which is something I really admire.
Anyway, I still remember when I was scrolling through the internet and came across pictures of Mount Fuji at sunrise—it was absolutely breathtaking. Before this, I had never really thought about visiting Japan, but after that, I started reading about its history, food, and lifestyle, and now, it’s at the top of my travel list.
If I ever get the chance to visit, I’d love to go with my best friend because we both share a passion for Japanese culture. We could explore the busy streets of Tokyo, try authentic ramen in Osaka, and maybe even stay in a traditional ryokan (Japanese inn) to get a taste of their culture firsthand.
Right now, I’m trying to pick up a few Japanese phrases so that when I finally visit, I won’t be completely lost! I’m also following some Japanese travel bloggers to get ideas about the best places to visit.
In the future, I’d definitely love to spend at least a couple of weeks exploring Japan. If I get the chance, I’d like to experience a cherry blossom festival because it seems like a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Also, I think visiting Japan would give me a fresh perspective on life, especially seeing how disciplined and hardworking people there are.
IELTS Speaking Part 3 – Two-way Discussion/Follow-up Questions and Answers
- Opinion Question – Do you think traveling to foreign countries is important?
Absolutely! Traveling broadens our horizons and gives us a fresh perspective on different cultures. When we visit another country, we step out of our comfort zone and see the world through a different lens. It helps us understand diverse traditions, lifestyles, and ways of thinking. For instance, visiting Italy allows people to experience its rich history, from the Colosseum in Rome to the Renaissance art in Florence. That being said, people should make an effort to engage with the local culture—learning a few basic phrases or trying authentic food can make the experience more meaningful.
- Evaluate Question – Some people believe traveling is a waste of money. What’s your take on that?
I don’t really agree with that idea. Traveling isn’t just about spending money—it’s an investment in personal growth. You learn new things, meet new people, and gain experiences that no book or movie can teach you. For example, when people visit India, they get to witness firsthand how spirituality is deeply rooted in daily life, from grand temples to yoga retreats. However, some might argue that money could be spent on other things, like education or investments, which also contribute to personal growth.
- Future Question – How do you think international travel will change in the future?
I think travel will become more seamless with technological advancements. Airports are already using biometric scanners, and I believe in the future, paperwork and long queues will be a thing of the past. A great example is Dubai’s smart airports, where facial recognition is already speeding up immigration processes. If eco-friendly travel options like electric planes become mainstream, we might see a major reduction in flight costs and environmental impact.
- Cause and Effect Question – Why do you think certain countries are more popular among tourists?
A country’s popularity usually depends on its unique attractions and overall experience. Some places offer breathtaking landscapes, while others have deep historical significance or modern marvels. For instance, Thailand is famous for its beautiful beaches, vibrant street markets, and rich cultural heritage, making it a hotspot for travelers. As a result, countries that attract more tourists experience economic growth but also face challenges like overcrowding and environmental damage.
- Hypothetical Question – If you could live in another country for a year, where would it be?
If I had the chance, I’d love to live in Canada for a year. It has a great balance of nature and modern city life, plus it’s known for being one of the most welcoming countries in the world. I’d love to explore the Rocky Mountains in Alberta and experience the multicultural atmosphere of cities like Toronto and Vancouver. That said, adjusting to the freezing winters might be tough, especially for someone from a tropical country.
- Compare and Contrast Question – How does traveling to a foreign country differ from traveling within your own country?
Traveling abroad is usually more of a culture shock because everything is unfamiliar—the language, the food, even simple things like public transport. In contrast, domestic travel feels more comfortable, since you don’t have to worry about communication barriers or major cultural differences. For example, someone traveling within the United States can generally expect familiar customs, but visiting a country like Japan would require a lot more preparation due to the language and social etiquette differences. If more people embraced international travel, they would become more adaptable and open-minded, which could reduce cultural misunderstandings.
- Past Question – How has international travel changed compared to the past?
Travel has become faster, easier, and more affordable than ever before. Decades ago, people had to rely on expensive flights, and planning a trip was much more complicated. Now, with budget airlines and online bookings, anyone can plan a trip in minutes. Take Europe, for instance—before, only the wealthy could afford grand tours, but now, budget airlines like Ryanair allow even students to explore multiple countries affordably. However, mass tourism has also led to issues like overcrowding and environmental damage.
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Disclaimer: We don’t promote cramming. The samples are written to help you form Ideas and understand how speaking is done. At Voxcel, we teach students critical thinking skills and help them naturally prepare for the IELTS speaking test. Thus, every cue card or every question has infinite variations. However, we teach them about the IELTS Speaking Structure, which helps remove the phobia of speaking English and gives them the confidence they need for the exam.
Moreover, Part 3 has seven different question variations that an examiner can ask. We have developed questions on all seven types for each Part 3 of a cue card.
Each sample answer you read on Voxcel is prepared using the structure we teach in our offline and online IELTS classes. Rest assured, you are reading answers developed to the scale of band 9.