Describe an unusual holiday you had IELTS Cue Card

IELTS CUE CARD TOPIC

Describe an unusual holiday you had.

You should say:

What holiday it was
Who you were with
What you did
And explain why it was unusual.

Sample 1

Being a travel enthusiast, I regularly go on holidays and have had many experiences; one is unique and hence worth mentioning. I had an unusual holiday to get back and that I had with my friends.

It was after the corona pandemic lockdown since we all remained indoors for an extended period due to the corona pandemic. So when the administration lifted the lockdown, we sighed in relief and immediately planned to spend a holiday together. So we went for a holiday to a remote village in the hills of Himachal and Pradesh.

It was an unusual experience because there was no proper connected route to that village. So we had to climb a hilltop to reach that. Moreover, in the town, there was no electricity. So, everything was made available from the natural resources available nearby.

So we had to light the wood to spend the night in cold temperatures, and the cooking was also done in the wood oven. Now we got to eat some good mouth-watering delicacies like a vegetable called Gucci
mushroom, which is quite expensive and available only in the hills.

So it was an unusual experience because I live in a city amidst traffic congestion and noise pollution. Whereas in that village, there was no vehicle available. There was no traffic, and the air was clean and pristine. Moreover, the only noise was the birds chirping and the cool breeze flowing. So it was altogether different. We all friends enjoyed it a lot, and the good times spent over there will remain etched in my memories.

Sample 2

Holidays can take us beyond our daily routine and offer a different perspective. I enjoy taking holidays regularly and have experienced many of them. However, a specific holiday stands out as it is unique. It was two years ago, during the initial stages of the pandemic.

I was with my family, and due to the lockdown, we were forced to take a two-month break from our regular activities. It was an unusual holiday as it was unplanned and unexpected.

During this time, I indulged in activities outside my comfort zone. I started cooking, and within a month, I had become proficient in preparing delicious meals. I also explored digital marketing and landed three overseas clients.

Lastly, I worked on my fitness and learned yoga, which resulted in a weight loss of 10 kg. I spent quality time with my family, creating memories I will always cherish.

Follow-ups

Here are some examples of follow-up questions that the examiner might ask during your speaking part 3 related to the cue card “Describe an unusual holiday you had ”.

1. Do you think people in your country have long enough holidays?

People in my country do not get enough holidays because, due to fierce competition, people remain busy with work and overtime, so they do not get sufficient holidays for leisure time.

2. Which holidays are important in your country?

In my country, there are numerous holidays which are significant for people. However, festivals like Diwali and Christmas are important holidays. Apart from that, Independence Day and Republic Day also have immense significance in people’s lives.

3. Are there any popular places for holidays in your country?

My country exhibits diversity. Due to that, various hill stations, beaches, and other holiday entertainment spots exist. These places are spread throughout the nation.

4. What are the differences between old and young people when spending their holidays?

As far as older adults are concerned while spending holidays, their central focus is on relaxation. So, they go to places that have solitude. On the contrary, youngsters like noise and crowds. Hence, they go to places with a lot of hustle and bustle.

5. Do you think holidays help people learn about other countries’ cultures?

Yes, having holidays is a prudent approach to learning about the cultures of other places. When we travel to other areas, we come into close contact with the native population. Moreover, we try their cuisine and wear their traditional clothing. This way, we can connect with them and understand their psychology better.

6. Why do some people dislike holidays?

Some people are more workaholics, so they think that holidays can hamper their routine. Moreover, some people hate traveling and love staying in their comfort zone. That’s why they have a particular dislike for holidays.