IELTS Speaking Part 2

Describe a foreign country you would like to visit

Describe a foreign country you would like to visit

You should say:

One minute to prepare, then speak for one to two minutes.

How to plan it in one minute

  1. Jot down three distinct aspects of the country to ensure you have enough content.
  2. Use a logical flow starting from general knowledge to personal reasons for visiting.
  3. Include sensory details to make your description more vivid and engaging for the examiner.

Band 8 model answer

If I had the chance to hop on a plane tomorrow, the country at the very top of my bucket list would undoubtedly be Japan. I have been fascinated by its unique juxtaposition of the ultramodern and the deeply traditional for years. From what I have gathered through documentaries and travel blogs, it is a place where you can find neon-lit, high-tech districts like Akihabara sitting just a short train ride away from serene, centuries-old Shinto shrines nestled in quiet, moss-covered forests. I am particularly drawn to the concept of 'omotenashi', the Japanese approach to hospitality, which seems incredibly refined and attentive. During my visit, my primary goal would be to explore Kyoto during the cherry blossom season. I imagine myself wandering through the Arashiyama bamboo grove at dawn, listening to the stalks rustling in the breeze before the crowds arrive. I would also love to indulge in a traditional kaiseki meal, as I am a huge fan of culinary arts and the aesthetic presentation of their seasonal ingredients is legendary. The main reason I am so keen to visit is that Japan seems to offer a sensory experience unlike anywhere else on Earth. I am captivated by the meticulous attention to detail in everything from their urban planning to their craftsmanship. I feel that immersing myself in such a disciplined yet vibrant culture would be genuinely transformative, offering me a fresh perspective on how to balance rapid technological advancement with a profound respect for heritage and the natural world.

250 words, about two minutes at a natural pace. Details are invented; use your own.

Vocabulary from the answer

juxtaposition
placing two things together for contrasting effect
ultramodern
extremely up to date and very advanced
omotenashi
a Japanese term for wholehearted, selfless hospitality
kaiseki
a traditional multi-course Japanese haute cuisine meal
meticulous
showing great attention to detail and accuracy
transformative
causing a marked change in someone or something
aesthetic
concerned with beauty or the visual appearance
immersing
to involve oneself deeply in a particular activity

Part 3 questions that follow this card

Answer each in three to five sentences: position, reason, example, limit. See the Part 3 guide.

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Frequently asked questions

How should I start the cue card "Describe a foreign country you would like to visit"?

Jot down three distinct aspects of the country to ensure you have enough content.

How long should my answer be?

Speak for the full two minutes, about 220 to 280 words at a natural pace. The examiner will stop you at two minutes, which is a good sign, not a problem.

Can I use this model answer in the exam?

Use its structure and vocabulary, not its sentences. Examiners recognise memorised answers and mark fluency down; a shorter answer from your own memory scores higher than a recited one.

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