Innovation in Business | REAL EXAM IELTS READING 2025 PDF | PAST EXAM IELTS READING PASSAGE 2025 |

 

READING PASSAGE 3

You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 27-40, which are based on Reading Passage 3 on pages 10 and 11.

Innovation in Business

Innovation describes the way that we develop new ideas, products, and approaches, and it is one of the most vital human endeavors. Over the history of humanity, innovation has made life better in so many different ways. It is part of human nature to recognize the benefits of innovation; however, the majority of us have little comprehension of the processes that actually lead to innovation occurring. This is a frequent topic for discussion in journals and university lecture theatres. However, in company boardrooms across New Zealand, the term is heard far too frequently, and more caution should be applied. Certainly, a recent international survey showed that the idea of innovation is so broad as to appear almost meaningless, with different sectors of the business world—or different divisions inside the same business—often defining innovation in their own way.

While there is an obvious attraction to the new, innovation is not always about large-scale research and development projects or revolutionary business models; it can be on a small, highly localized scale and involve a step-by-step approach. The famous case study of the drinks company Lucozade shows it can be as simple as adding a screw top to a bottle. This carefully managed change in packaging shifted the public perception of the product from a medicine to a sports drink, and Lucozade profited handsomely, clearly showing their approach was successful. So what steps can businesses take to keep ahead in the innovation game?

There seems to be a widespread belief that the world's best ideas are sudden and intuitive. Thomas Edison supposedly invented the light bulb with a sudden moment of clarity, but in fact, the book Edison: His Life and Inventions shows that Edison's own inspiration usually resulted from laborious experimentation, rather than a moment of genius. Thus, business managers are at risk of overestimating the pace of development while underestimating the amount of perseverance needed. This is why we must reject the false assumption that innovation is just a moment of brilliance waiting to strike.

No exploration of innovation is complete without mention of Steve Jobs, the late chief executive officer (CEO) of Apple. No one encapsulated the creative essence of Silicon Valley, the home of many global tech companies, better than Jobs, but he has also been accused of arrogance. Jobs' managerial approach often imitated his co-workers but, in part, it was the fuel for his visionary innovations. He felt it his duty to make society a better place, but his egotistical behavior could have undesirable consequences, too. Jobs' former employees have suggested this type of demanding behavior affects sickness rates and group morale, which in turn may squash creativity and innovation.

In his 2011 TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) Talk, economist Tim Harford made this statement: "Show me a successful complex system, and I will show you a system that has evolved through trial and error." It sounds like common sense, and some commentators have claimed Harford's TED Talk was not persuasive because it was stating the obvious. But he responds that a trial-and-error approach is not all that obvious, because society expects all problems to have a quick and simple solution. Harford is right to point out that both consumers and investors expect consistent and clear breakthroughs. But the value of step-by-step innovation is often underrated, and failure may, in fact, be crucial to eventual success.

Former chief solutions officer at Yahoo, Tim Sanders, believes that innovation is only "little ideas that combine with other little ideas that improve themselves into game-changing ideas." This snowballing effect has similarities to the phenomenon that author and broadcaster Steven Johnson calls the "hummingbird effect" of innovation. This points out that progress in a specific area or discipline can end up triggering small but significant developments elsewhere entirely. A good case to cite in support of this universal truth would be Gutenberg's printing press, which was revolutionary in itself for making books accessible to the masses. However, the press also affected an unrelated industry by causing a rise in demand for reading glasses.

This highlights the wider idea of connectivity, which is an essential component of innovation. When Kode Biotech won a recent innovation award, CEO Steve Henry had this to say: "Most people think innovation is invention, but they don't understand that innovation is the conversion of invention into something useful." This is particularly true when it comes to Kode's highly specialized use of nanotechnology. Henry says that Kode cannot chase all the opportunities it has created. Instead, Kode's approach is to collaborate with similar nanotechnology businesses, which take its innovations and develop them into commodities that can be sold in the marketplace.

Innovation can be hectic and disorganized, but that is the way that radical new ideas sometimes come about. But, for established businesses, the disorderly nature of innovation can seem discouraging. Previously Unavailable, a specialist innovation consultancy, says that while 84% of businesses consider innovation critical to their future, only 6% are satisfied with their innovation efforts. Previously Unavailable uses a process called Black Box, which was developed following a study at Harvard Business School. Black Box was formed to overcome the barriers that prevent innovation in larger organizations. Using this unique system, Previously Unavailable will lease a team of innovation experts on a short-term basis to client organizations to assist with conceiving, developing, and launching new products and business innovations. It seems probable that this sort of innovation consultancy will become increasingly common, just as businesses already employ specialist consultants for legal, financial, or marketing services.

Questions 27-30

Do the following statements agree with the claims of the writer in Reading Passage 3?

In boxes 27-30 on your answer sheet, write:

• YES if the statement agrees with the claims of the writer
• NO if the statement contradicts the claims of the writer
• NOT GIVEN if it is impossible to say what the writer thinks about this

27. Most people understand how innovation happens.
28. The word "innovation" is overused in business in New Zealand.
29. There are many interpretations of what innovation means in business, according to one global study.
30. Research and development projects have a higher priority today than in the past.

Questions 31-35

Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D. Write the correct letter in boxes 31-35 on your answer sheet.

31. What is the writer doing in the third paragraph?
A. Criticizing the conclusions of one publication
B. Praising the contribution of a famous inventor
C. Dismissing one common idea about innovation
D. Suggesting that innovation changes over time

32. What is the writer's main point in the fourth paragraph?
A. Each industry will innovate in its own way.
B. There are pros and cons to strong leaders.
C. Some individuals are more innovative than others.
D. Leadership requires building teams that work together.

33. The writer refers to Gutenberg's printing press in order to:
A. Compare how two different innovations developed.
B. Illustrate an exception to his point about innovation.
C. Show why one approach to innovation was correct.
D. Give an example of a general rule about innovation.

34. What is the writer's main point in the seventh paragraph?
A. Companies should cooperate to turn ideas into products.
B. A company tends to make profits from its own innovations.
C. Science and business can often have common goals.
D. Competition between businesses produces innovation.

35. According to the writer, companies like Previously Unavailable:
A. Have published valuable research about innovation.
B. Help companies recruit people with skills in innovation.
C. Run university courses teaching innovation skills.
D. Can be hired to give businesses advice about innovation.

Questions 36-40

Complete each sentence with the correct ending, A-G, below. Write the correct letter, A-G, in boxes 36-40 on your answer sheet.

36. A book about the life and work of Thomas Edison suggests that
37. People who have worked for CEOs like Steve Jobs claim that
38. Critics of Harford's 2011 TED Talk argue that
39. Steven Johnson's hummingbird effect proposes that
40. Kode Biotech CEO Steve Henry believes that

A. Innovators do not get enough credit for their own ideas.
B. Innovation may influence a completely different field.
C. Expressing what everyone already knows is pointless.
D. Innovation can be enhanced through collaboration with similar companies.
E. Innovation requires a great deal of hard work.
F. Copying ideas that already exist is not true innovation.
G. Certain personality types can limit innovation.

✅ Questions 27–30

(YES / NO / NOT GIVEN)

27. Most people understand how innovation happens.
    ➡️ NO
    (“…the majority of us have little comprehension of the processes that actually lead to innovation occurring…”)

28. The word "innovation" is overused in business in New Zealand.
    ➡️ YES
    (“…in company boardrooms across New Zealand, the term is heard far too frequently, and more caution should be applied…”)

29. There are many interpretations of what innovation means in business, according to one global study.
    ➡️ YES
    (“…a recent international survey showed that the idea of innovation is so broad as to appear almost meaningless, with different sectors…defining innovation in their own way…”)

30. Research and development projects have a higher priority today than in the past.
    ➡️ NOT GIVEN
    (There’s no comparison to “the past.”)

---

✅ Questions 31–35

(Choose A, B, C, or D)

31. What is the writer doing in the third paragraph?
    ➡️ C. Dismissing one common idea about innovation
    (“…we must reject the false assumption that innovation is just a moment of brilliance…”)

32. What is the writer's main point in the fourth paragraph?
    ➡️ B. There are pros and cons to strong leaders
    (Discusses Jobs’ visionary nature but also negative effects on morale.)

33. The writer refers to Gutenberg's printing press in order to:
    ➡️ D. Give an example of a general rule about innovation
    (“…progress in a specific area…can end up triggering…developments elsewhere…”)

34. What is the writer's main point in the seventh paragraph?
    ➡️ A. Companies should cooperate to turn ideas into products
    (“…Kode’s approach is to collaborate with similar nanotechnology businesses…”)

35. According to the writer, companies like Previously Unavailable:
    ➡️ D. Can be hired to give businesses advice about innovation
    (“…lease a team of innovation experts…to assist with conceiving, developing, and launching new products…”)

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✅ Questions 36–40

(Match each sentence to A–G)

36. A book about the life and work of Thomas Edison suggests that
    ➡️ E. Innovation requires a great deal of hard work
    (“…Edison’s own inspiration usually resulted from laborious experimentation…”)

37. People who have worked for CEOs like Steve Jobs claim that
    ➡️ G. Certain personality types can limit innovation
    (“…his egotistical behavior…may squash creativity and innovation…”)

38. Critics of Harford's 2011 TED Talk argue that
    ➡️ C. Expressing what everyone already knows is pointless
    (“…claimed Harford’s TED Talk was not persuasive because it was stating the obvious…”)

39. Steven Johnson's hummingbird effect proposes that
    ➡️ B. Innovation may influence a completely different field
    (“…progress…can end up triggering…developments elsewhere entirely…”)

40. Kode Biotech CEO Steve Henry believes that
    ➡️ D. Innovation can be enhanced through collaboration with similar companies
    (“…Kode’s approach is to collaborate with similar nanotechnology businesses…”)

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📌 Summary Table:

Question	Answer
27	NO
28	YES
29	YES
30	NOT GIVEN
31	C
32	B
33	D
34	A
35	D
36	E
37	G
38	C
39	B
40	D

PASSWORD: 5JULYPASSAGE

 

Crossing the Threshold The renovated Auckland Art Gallery in New Zealand unites old and new, creating an irresistible urge to step inside | REAL EXAM IELTS READING 2025 |

 IELTS Reading Passage: Crossing the Threshold

The renovated Auckland Art Gallery in New Zealand unites old and new, creating an irresistible urge to step inside

Architects are finding it very difficult in today's cultural landscape. The profession faces a three-way threat: a public that apparently doesn’t understand what architects do, developers who couldn’t care less what they do, and overbearing councils micromanaging every single aspect of what they do. According to sources within the architectural profession, the situation is much worse when architects work on municipal buildings, as architects FJMT and Archimedia discovered with their Auckland Gallery makeover, where a vast number of external pressures threatened the project, and with so many bureaucratic difficulties it looked doomed to fail.

The major challenge of the gallery renovation project was that it involved two parts. The first was to restore the heritage building, an elegant brick 19th century villa, which was in a dreadful state of repair, while maintaining the dignity of the former design. The second was to extend the site into an adjacent land occupied by a car park. However, this second challenge was where the team excelled: the result was a bold, contemporary structure of timber and glass that sits harmoniously alongside the original villa. While it is visually striking, the design also satisfies the practical need to bring in natural light. Thanks to this modern wing, Auckland Art Gallery now has a significantly larger space for exhibitions, a varied range of galleries with high-room volumes, intimate rooms, and engaging new spaces.

A second key issue was how people’s understanding of the gallery contrasted with its original intention. For many years it was regarded as a rather old-fashioned institution. The Threshold Test — where young people are monitored for entering, pausing and coming out after only a few moments — confirmed a serious misperception. Fewer young visitors meant fewer families and a continuing downward trend. The renovation needed to tackle this head-on: a new vibrant space, celebrated in a prime location, attracting both tourists and locals. The result: a 50% increase in visitor numbers within the first year and enthusiastic reviews describing the gallery as “world-class.”

The commitment to Maori culture was beautifully handled through artwork. It was appropriate for a city built on the site of early settlements. Another success in the refurbishment of the heritage building, especially the Mackelvie Gallery, lay in stripping back layers of inappropriate earlier work to reveal its original character while upgrading it to modern standards. The new floor level now aligned with surrounding spaces, and visually connected to the rest of the gallery. The sense of flow, light, and openness was much improved.

The project was a collaboration between architects and artists, with artworks integrated into the spaces. One striking example was the entrance canopy by artist Lisa Reihana, which features Maori motifs and welcomes visitors in a culturally significant way. The Auckland Art Gallery has been transformed from a tired institution into a vibrant, modern gallery, while respecting its rich heritage and cultural context.

Questions 27–31
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.

27. What is the writer’s main point in the first paragraph?
    
    A. Criticism of architects by different groups is unfair.
    
    B. The architectural profession is generally well respected.
    
    C. Municipal buildings are more difficult to renovate.
    
    D. Failure to deliver buildings is due to poor communication.

28. The Auckland Gallery project was particularly difficult because
    
    A. the existing building was old and parts of it had fallen down.
    
    B. there was a high number of bureaucratic challenges.
    
    C. it involved removing parts of the building and adding a new one.
    
    D. it needed to satisfy the requirements of three distinct groups.

29. What disturbing information did the architects find out from the survey of young people?
    
    A. They did not visit the gallery because of the way it made them feel.
    
    B. They thought the building’s design was too formal.
    
    C. They disliked the way the gallery was organized inside.
    
    D. They did not like the entrance.

30. What does the writer mean by saying that 50% of the sample group did not know where the museum was?
    
    A. The project was not marketed in general.
    
    B. The gallery was not reaching out to young people.
    
    C. The entrance to the gallery was not attractive enough.

    D. The location of the gallery itself was difficult to access.

31. Maori artists were used on the project to
    
    A. reflect the awareness of conservationists.
    
    B. produce a more modern building than before.
    
    C. connect the design to the cultural heritage of Auckland.
    
    D. ensure that some traditional forms of artwork were used.

Questions 32–36
Do the following statements agree with the claims of the writer?
YES if the statement agrees with the claims of the writer

NO if the statement contradicts the claims of the writer

NOT GIVEN if it is impossible to say what the writer thinks about this.

32. Before the renovation, the Auckland Art Gallery was regarded as an elitist institution.

33. Stephen King’s intervention in the project showed his understanding of the architect’s use of light.

34. The way the building interacts with its surroundings is unique.

35. The glass flooring in the Mackelvie Gallery was retained as a feature.

36. The design of the extension to the Auckland Art Gallery is similar to the design of white cube galleries in other parts of the world.

Questions 37–40
Complete each sentence with the correct ending, A–F.

37. The destruction of Edwardian ornamentation

38. It is extraordinary that it has limited number of photographs

39. The proportion of buildings many floors is small

40. The glass flooring in the Mackelvie Gallery was replaced to

A. resulted in work being done in the opposite direction to that originally planned.
B. uncovered ornamentation and columns that showed the Maori culture.

C. was the cause for rebuilding the Mackelvie Gallery successfully.

D. resulted in the rebuilding of part of the building’s original interior.

E. meant photographs should be used to tell where you are in the old wing or the new one.

F. was the result of earlier attempts to modernise the building.

Answer Key:

27 → C

28 → D

29 → A

30 → B

31 → C

32 → NO

33 → NO

34 → YES

35 → NOT GIVEN

36 → F
37 → C

38 → A

39 → E

40 → F

PASSWORD 
5JULYIELTSONESTOP

Describe a website you often visit | New cue cards 2025 |

 

14. Describe a website you often visit

You should say:

- What it is about

- How you found out about it

- How often you visit it

- And explain why you often visit it

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🎯 Sample Answer

Honestly speaking, I’m someone who loves learning new things and solving problems independently. So, one website that I visit almost every day is ChatGPT by OpenAI.

This website is essentially an AI-powered chatbot that can answer a wide variety of questions — from grammar help to coding queries, or even generating creative content like poems, emails, and essays. I actually came to know about it through a YouTube video, where a content creator was demonstrating how useful it can be for students and professionals alike. I was really impressed by its capabilities and decided to try it out.

Now, I use it almost daily — whether it's to clarify concepts I’m struggling with, practice IELTS speaking questions, or even generate ideas for my social media content. What I really admire is that it gives instant, accurate responses and saves me a lot of time that I would otherwise spend searching on multiple websites.

To sum up, ChatGPT has become an integral part of my daily routine. It's like having a smart, helpful companion available 24/7. I honestly feel it has improved my productivity and helped me become more independent in solving my academic and personal queries.

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🧠 Useful Vocabulary

Word/Phrase	Meaning
AI-powered chatbot	A program that responds using artificial intelligence
Clarify concepts	Make difficult topics easier to understand
Generate content	Create digital material such as text or ideas
Integral part	An essential part of something
Productivity	How efficiently someone works or gets things done

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✨ Idioms & Phrases

• Honestly speaking – a natural way to begin
• Integral part of my routine – something I rely on daily
• 24/7 companion – available all the time
• Impressed by its capabilities – amazed by what it can do
• Saves me a lot of time – helps avoid wasting time

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🔗 Connectors

Connector	Purpose
Honestly speaking	Introduction
I actually came to know	Showing how you found something
What I really admire is	Highlighting a strong point
To sum up	Wrapping up the answer

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🧩 Customizable Template

Honestly speaking, I spend a good amount of time online, and one of the websites I frequently visit is [Website Name].

This website is mainly about [What it offers], and I first came across it [How you found it].

I visit it [Frequency] for [Purpose] — whether it's for studies, work, or general curiosity.

To sum up, it has become a [useful/important/integral] part of my day-to-day life and I highly value it for the convenience and support it provides.

Flower Power | IELTS READING PASSAGE 2025 | REAL EXAM IELTS READING TEST 2025

SCROLL TO THE LAST FOR PASSWORD 




IELTS Reading Passage: Flower Power

Paragraph A
Research at the Department of Psychology at Rutgers State University of New Jersey confirms that flowers are unique among living organisms in their ability to induce changes in our emotional state. As the first part of their research, the Rutgers psychologists studied women in their homes. Each was presented with a variety of gifts such as flowers, fruit, or sweets. The women were unaware that the study was about the effect of gifts on their emotions. They were told that they were simply helping to test the delivery efficiency of a local florist. The results showed that flowers, more than any other gift, elicited a true ‘Duchenne smile’ – the kind of smile that involves the mouth, cheeks, and eyes, and is considered the most authentic expression of happiness.

Paragraph B
In the second study, the psychologists observed participants being handed single flowers or alternative gifts in a constrained and stressful situation – inside an elevator. Both men and women who received flowers were more likely to smile, stand closer, and initiate conversation than those who received other gifts. Some subjects who were given alternative gifts later discovered that flowers were also being handed out and returned to demand one. This response shows that the flowers had a strong, immediate positive effect on mood and sociability, even among strangers in a socially awkward environment.

Paragraph C
The third part of the research involved sending flowers on a regular basis to a sample of men and women. The recipients showed not only elevated mood but also improvements in memory and cognitive function. In some cases, the recipients' emotional responses were so strong that the researchers were surprised. There were spontaneous hugs, enthusiastic phone calls, and even invitations to visit. These reactions suggest that flowers can create significant and lasting emotional benefits that go beyond initial pleasure.

Paragraph D
There are several theories attempting to explain the powerful psychological effect of flowers. One is based on evolution: early humans may have developed a preference for fertile environments with growing plants, as these were more likely to provide food. Flowers, then, could be subconscious signals of safety, nourishment, and successful reproduction. However, this theory has a flaw – the most visually attractive flowers often grow on plants that bear no edible fruits or roots.

Paragraph E
The Rutgers team suggests that flowers impact our emotions through multiple sensory channels: color, shape, symmetry, and scent. These features combine to produce a powerful emotional reaction. Previous studies have shown that certain perfumes with floral elements can reduce depression. It may be that our response to these characteristics evolved to help us detect ripe fruit or safe environments, but over time, flowers became emotionally rewarding in their own right – even when they serve no survival purpose.

Paragraph F
Perhaps flowers have evolved alongside humans, using their appeal to secure a place in our homes, gardens, and rituals. The psychologists propose that this may be a case of plant-human co-evolution, similar to the domestication of animals like dogs. Just as dogs evolved traits that endear them to humans, so too may flowers have developed characteristics that appeal to us emotionally. If this theory is true, flowers are not just passive decorative objects – they may have adapted specifically to thrive by exploiting our emotional preferences.

---

Questions 1–7: List of Headings
Choose the correct heading for each paragraph from the list of headings below.
Write the correct number i–viii in boxes 1–7 on your answer sheet.

List of Headings:

i. A negative reaction to receiving flowers
ii. Some surprisingly strong responses to flowers
iii. A mutually beneficial relationship?
iv. Becoming more open about personal matters
v. Some common social functions of flowers
vi. Sensory appeal versus practical purpose of flowers
vii. Bridging the gap between strangers in an enclosed space
viii. An imperfect theory

1. Paragraph A: ____________

2. Paragraph B: ____________

3. Paragraph C: ____________

4. Paragraph D: ____________

5. Paragraph E: ____________

6. Paragraph F: ____________

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Questions 34–37: Classify the following statements
Classify the following statements as referring to:
A. the first study
B. the second study
C. the third study

Write the correct letter A, B, or C in boxes 34–37 on your answer sheet.

34. The study focused on participants' short-term reaction to receiving flowers. ____________

35. Participants were deliberately misled as to the aim of the study. ____________

36. Receiving flowers had a notable effect on participants' mental capacities. ____________

37. Male and female responses were more uniform than expected. ____________

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Questions 38–40: Summary Completion
Complete the summary of paragraph E below.
Choose ONE WORD ONLY from paragraph E for each answer.

A possible explanation for the appeal of flowers
It has been suggested that our intense response to flowers originates in prehistoric times. The presence of flowers might indicate a potential source of 38. ____________ in a particular location, and primitive humans would search for such signs when looking for a suitable site to raise their 39. ____________. The interpretation of these signs was essential for the survival of our ancestors. However, the problem with this idea is that the plants producing the most attractive flowers do not usually have fruit which is 40. ____________.

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Answer Key:

Questions 1–6: List of Headings

1. v – Some common social functions of flowers

2. vii – Bridging the gap between strangers in an enclosed space

3. ii – Some surprisingly strong responses to flowers

4. viii – An imperfect theory

5. vi – Sensory appeal versus practical purpose of flowers

6. iii – A mutually beneficial relationship?

Questions 34–37: Study Classification
34. B
35. A
36. C
37. B

Questions 38–40: Summary Completion
38. food
39. children
40. edible


PASSWORD: IELTSONESTOP2213 

Describe an argument two of yours friends had | New cue cards 2025 |

 

12. Describe an argument two of yours friends had

You should say:

- When it happened

- What it was about

- How it was solved

- Explain how you felt about it

 

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🎯 Sample Answer

Honestly speaking, I usually try to avoid getting involved in other people’s arguments, but there was one situation between two of my closest friends, Rahul and Karan, that I clearly remember because I was right there when it happened.

This incident took place just a couple of months ago when we were working on a video editing project for a college competition. We were sitting in my room brainstorming ideas, and suddenly a heated argument broke out between the two. The disagreement was about whether to use AI tools to edit the video or to go with manual editing for a more personalized touch.

Rahul, being a tech-savvy person, was in favor of using AI software like Runway or Adobe Sensei because it would save time and give us a polished result. But on the other hand, Karan believed that relying too much on AI would take away the human creativity and make the video look too robotic.

At first, the argument was quite intense and both of them were being a bit stubborn. But eventually, I stepped in to cool things down. I suggested that we divide the project into two parts – one edited manually and the other with AI – and then compare both versions before the final submission. Luckily, they agreed and we ended up combining the best parts from both methods, which turned out really well.

As for how I felt, honestly, I was a bit uncomfortable in the beginning because it’s never pleasant to see friends arguing. But I was also glad that I could play a role in resolving the issue and that we learned to respect each other’s perspectives.

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🧠 Useful Vocabulary

Word/Phrase	Meaning
Tech-savvy	Someone who is good with technology
Brainstorming	Generating ideas together
Heated argument	A very intense or emotional disagreement
Robotic	Lacking emotion or creativity
Polished result	Final output that looks smooth and professional

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✨ Idioms & Phrases

• Stepped in – to intervene in a situation
• Cool things down – to calm people during a tense situation
• Bit stubborn – not willing to change opinion
• Turned out really well – had a good outcome
• Play a role – be part of something important

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🔗 Connectors

Connector	Purpose
Honestly speaking	Natural way to start
This incident took place	Sets the timeframe
On the other hand	Shows contrast between views
Eventually	Transition to resolution
As for how I felt	Transition to personal reflection

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🧩 Template (Customizable Format)

Honestly speaking, I usually try to stay away from conflicts, but there was a situation between two of my friends, [Friend 1] and [Friend 2], that I can’t forget.

It happened [Timeframe], when we were involved in [Project/Activity]. They got into a heated argument over [Topic]. One of them supported [Viewpoint], while the other had a completely different take on it.

The disagreement got a bit intense, but [Your Role/Resolution] helped settle things down. Eventually, we came to a mutual decision and everything was back to normal.

Looking back, I felt [Emotion], but I also learned how different perspectives can actually lead to better solutions when handled respectfully.

Describe a city you have been to and would like to visit again | New cue cards 2025 |

 

11. Describe a city you have been to and would like

to visit again

You should say:

- When you visited

- What you did there

- What is was like

- And explain why you would like to visit it again

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🎯 Sample Answer:

Honestly speaking, I’ve had the opportunity to visit a number of cities in India, but one city that left a lasting impression on me and which I’d definitely love to visit again is Chandigarh.

I first visited Chandigarh around a year ago during my semester break with a couple of close friends. It was a short but refreshing trip, and I still vividly remember the amazing experience we had. We stayed there for three days and made the most out of it.

During our stay, we explored some popular tourist attractions like Sukhna Lake, Rock Garden, and Elante Mall. We also tried some delicious street food at Sector 17 Market. What really stood out to me was how clean, well-planned, and peaceful the city was. Unlike many other Indian cities that are bustling and overcrowded, Chandigarh gave off a calm and soothing vibe.

What made this trip even more special was the quality time I spent with my friends — we clicked photos, shared laughs, and made memories that I’ll cherish forever.

I’d love to visit Chandigarh again not only to relive those moments but also to explore more places that we couldn’t cover last time. I’ve heard great things about places like Rose Garden and Japanese Garden, which are still on my bucket list.

All in all, Chandigarh is a perfect blend of modern lifestyle and natural beauty, and it gave me a sense of peace that I rarely find elsewhere. That’s why it’s definitely on my list to revisit soon.

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🧠 Useful Vocabulary

Word/Phrase	Meaning
Left a lasting impression	Created a strong memory or impact
Vividly remember	Remember something very clearly
Soothing vibe	A calm and relaxing atmosphere
Cherish	To value or treasure emotionally
Bucket list	A list of experiences or goals to achieve

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✨ Idioms & Phrases

• Quality time – meaningful or enjoyable time spent with someone
• Clicked photos – informal way of saying "took pictures"
• Made the most out of it – enjoyed something fully
• Blend of modern lifestyle and natural beauty – good mix of urban and nature
• Relive those moments – to experience a memory again emotionally

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🔗 Connectors

Connector	Use
Honestly speaking	To begin in a natural, honest tone
During our stay	To introduce the time period
What made this trip even more special was	Adding personal emotion
All in all	Conclusion or summarizing remark
Not only... but also	For adding a second positive point

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🧩 Paragraph Style Template (Customizable)

You can use the following template for similar cue cards related to a place/city:

Honestly speaking, I’ve visited several cities, but one that truly impressed me was [City Name]. I went there [Time Period] with [Who], and it was an unforgettable experience.

During my trip, I got the chance to visit [Mention 2–3 Places] and also enjoyed [Activities or Food]. What I loved most was how [Describe atmosphere/ambiance] the city felt.

This trip was more than just sightseeing; it was about spending quality time with [Person/People], making memories, and experiencing something new.

I’d love to go back again because [Reason to revisit].

All in all, this city holds a special place in my heart and is definitely worth another visit.

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