IELTS CUE CARDS: Describe an important plant in your country
You should say:
- What it is
- What it looks like
- Where and how it is grown
- Why you like or dislike it
- And explain why it is important
I’m going to tell you about an extremely widespread plant in my country, the coca leaf. Although it’s controversial in other countries, as this plant is used to produce cocaine, it’s said to heal the symptoms of altitude sickness and give you a boost of energy while climbing the high Mountains. Actually, it’s considered a sacred plant in my country due to its healing tendencies. Let me tell you more about it!
It’s a green color and not very large in size. I’d say each individual leaf is about 4-5 cm in length and 2-3 in width. This plant is native to western South America, meaning Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, Argentina, and Ecuador, cultivated in both the lowlands and highlands of the Andes mountains. Moreover, people can also grow this plant in the comfort of their homes with seeds. It’s recommended to keep the plant inside in a warm, sunny environment.
I really cherish (appreciate) the coca leaf because I believe it carries medical value. I really believe that it cures the headaches, nausea, and light-headedness associated with altitude sickness. Furthermore, it’s what I turn to when I get any type of headache, not associated with altitude sickness and I feel that it’s a healthy alternative to drinking coffee. All in all, I feel it’s better to use something natural rather than a manufactured pill.
Coca is important to the people of my country for several reasons. Firstly, it is a cash crop. Secondly, this plant is regarded as a sacred plant, so they play an important role in our offering ceremonies to Mother Earth. Lastly, it cures a multitude of illnesses! As you can see, we love this plant.
Extremely (Adverb): exceedingly, much, vastly, plenty, enormously (to a very great degree; very.)
this is an extremely difficult thing to do
Widespread (Adjective): Extensive, universal, Global (found or distributed over a large area or number of people)
Controversial (adj.) causing disagreement or discussion:
a controversial issue/decision/speech/figure
The book was very controversial.
Sacred (adj.) Holy, Blessed ( connected with God or dedicated to a religious purpose and so deserving veneration)
Cows are regarded as sacred animals in my religion.
However, if life is seen as something valuable and sacred, to destroy an embryo is unethical and morally wrong.
Healing (noun) the process of becoming well again, especially after a cut or other injury, or of making someone well again :
This herb has been used in healing for centuries.
IELTS Speakng: Follow-Ups
1. Do you keep plants at home?
Yes, there is a garden in the back of my house. I grow some herb, brush and trees, like petunia, lavender and lemon trees. There is also a big lawn in the centre of garden. I really enjoy the gardening work which can help me relieve my work stress.
2. What plant did you grow when you were young?
When I was a kid, my grandfather gave me a little Neem. I planted it in a pot at home. It was really a rough plant as I did not know how to look after it, but it was booming beautifully every autumn.
3. Do you know anything about growing a plant?
Yes, I think I am a green hand now. I know how to plant the seedlings, water and feed them with fertiliser, prune them after booming if necessary. Anyway, different plant needs different care, so I need to read the instruction before planting them.
4. Do Indian people send plants as gifts?
Yes, the different plant has a different meaning in India. For example, people like to send Tulsi and Ashoka plant to other families, hoping they would be wealthy and lucky; while, when attending a wedding, red roses are the most welcome because they indicate romantic love.
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