Describe an Aquatic Animal: IELTS Cue Card

IELTS Cue card is a part of IELTS speaking part 2 where one is asked to speak for two to three minutes in front of the examiner. The preparatory time of one minute is assigned to the candidate to think and frame their responses on the topic. In this article, some sample responses are provided to help you frame your own responses.

Describe an Aquatic Animal: Sample 1

My first encounter with Dolphin- a humanoid mammal, was during my jaunt to the Dolphin Marine Conservation Park in Sydney. I got a chance to not only gaze at Dolphins but to closely encounter and touch the beautiful mammal through the Ultimate Dolphin experience program rendered by the park. I was bestowed with 20 Minutes to swim with the joyful animal. Those 20 minutes were one of the most electrifying experiences of my life.

That close strike with the Dolphins was amazing as all I could feel was the smoothness of the dolphins’ skin. The show’s USP- the kiss by the Dolphin, was a remarkable and unforgettable experience. Most of the dolphins are of grey, white and black color but there were one rare species of Dolphin in Pink that mesmerized me. The Dolphins have curved mouths, due to which they can be figured as mammals with permanent smiles, representing them as extremely friendly and euphoric creatures.

 I have found these mammals spellbinding because, upon deep digging into Dolphins, I found some very interesting similarities of them with humans which amused me the most. Likewise, humans, Dolphins have developed a special kind of communication in the form of a “signature whistle”, which is a way for other individuals to distinguish them from other creatures. They are referred to as mammals, because they don’t breathe through gills, but rather use lungs like us humans. I was quite astonished after knowing that Dolphins can jump as high as 20 feet out of the water. This fact is also not hidden that Dolphins are altruistic by nature.

Being playful creatures, also used as a source of entertainment across the Globe, Dolphins possess all qualities to be referred to as the prime loved aquatic animal.

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Describe an aquatic animal: Sample 2

I learned about numerous aquatic animals through informative sources such as National Geographic and found the Manta-Ray fish one of the most unique aquatic animals.

Manta Rays, famously known as the ‘sea angels’ are one of the largest aquatic animals. They are large diamond-shaped fishes with wide mouths, laterally-placed eyes, and winged pectoral fins. Mantas are filter feeders and feed on plankton. They belong to the genus Mobula and are found in warm, temperate, tropical, and sub-tropical waters.  What’s fascinating is that Manta’s brain is ten times larger than any other fish and also relatively larger than its own body. It is developed for communicating, problem-solving, and learning.

Another interesting fact about Manta Rays is that they are one of those few species that can recognize themselves in a mirror rather than ignoring the reflection or attacking it. When they see another species or individual the white coloration on their back and head intensifies. But this doesn’t happen when they look in the mirror.

Manta Rays are often mistaken for their notorious cousins Sting Rays, which are extremely dangerous. Mantas on the other hand are harmless creatures known for their calm interactions with humans.

There is a lot to learn from Manta Rays in the way they live, behave and carry out the necessary life activities. These exquisite creatures are a symbol of balance and grace which reflects in the way they swim. Their versatility and adaptability are evident in their ability to swim in deep as well as shallow waters and how comfortably they adapt to sudden and intense temperature changes.

I wish to visit Hanifaru Bay in the Maldives once in my lifetime to swim with the mesmerizing Mantas.