I’d like to talk about the bustling central market in Bangkok, specifically the Chatuchak weekend market, which is easily one of the most cacophonous places I have ever visited. I went there about two years ago while backpacking through Thailand with a couple of university friends. From the moment we stepped off the skytrain, we were hit by a wall of sound that felt almost physical. It is incredibly noisy because it is a massive, sprawling labyrinth of thousands of stalls crammed into a relatively small area. You have vendors shouting out their prices, street performers playing percussive music, the constant hum of industrial-sized fans trying to combat the tropical heat, and the incessant chatter of thousands of tourists bargaining simultaneously. Every corner you turn offers a different auditory assault. Initially, I found the experience quite overwhelming and a bit draining. I consider myself someone who enjoys a lively atmosphere, but the sheer intensity of the noise made it difficult to even hold a conversation with my friends. We were constantly shouting at each other just to be heard over the background din. However, as the afternoon wore on, I found myself strangely energised by the chaotic energy of the place. It felt like being at the heart of a living, breathing organism. While I certainly wouldn't want to live in such a deafening environment, I felt a sense of exhilaration being immersed in that vibrant, uninhibited atmosphere, which was a stark contrast to the quiet, predictable office life I was used to back home.
The cue card
Describe a noisy place
You should say:
- →Where this place is
- →When you went there
- →Why it is noisy
- →And explain how you felt about being in this noisy place
One minute to prepare, then speak for one to two minutes.
A place
How to plan it in one minute
- 1
Choose a place you can vividly describe using both sight and sound.
- 2
Use the bullet points to create a logical chronological flow in your talk.
- 3
Focus on your personal reaction to show emotional range and depth.
Model answer
Band 8 model answer
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Vocabulary from the answer
cacophonous
Involving a mix of loud and harsh sounds.
sprawling
Spreading out over a very large area.
labyrinth
A complicated network of paths and passages.
incessant
Continuing without pause or interruption for long.
auditory assault
A sudden, intense experience of loud noise.
background din
A loud, unpleasant, and prolonged noise.
exhilaration
A feeling of intense excitement and happiness.
uninhibited
Expressing feelings or behaviour without any restraint.
5 questions
Part 3 questions that follow this card
- 1What role does society play in shaping our attitudes towards this?
- 2Has the way people view this changed over the years?
- 3How do you think it will develop in the future?
- 4What are the benefits and drawbacks?
- 5Do you think the government should be involved in regulating this area?
Answer each in three to five sentences: position, reason, example, limit. See the Part 3 guide.
Frequently asked questions
How should I start the cue card "Describe a noisy place"?+
Choose a place you can vividly describe using both sight and sound.
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.
Keep practising
More cue cards: a place
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- Describe a boring place
- Describe a busy outdoor swimming pool
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- Part 3 questions and answers
- Pronunciation practice
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