IELTS Speaking Part 2

Describe a place you would like to visit

Describe a place 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. Choose a place you can describe using sensory details like sight, sound, and temperature.
  2. Draft a quick timeline: location first, then activities, then personal reasons for the visit.
  3. Use descriptive adjectives to paint a mental picture for the examiner during your talk.

Band 8 model answer

If I had the opportunity to travel anywhere in the world right now, I would head straight to the Lofoten Islands in northern Norway. It is an archipelago situated well above the Arctic Circle, known for its dramatic landscape where jagged, snow-capped mountain peaks rise directly out of the deep blue Norwegian Sea. I have spent hours scrolling through travel blogs and photography forums, and I am fascinated by the contrast between the harsh, icy climate and the cosy, red-painted fishing cabins, known as rorbuer, that dot the coastline. My primary goal would be to go sea kayaking in the Reinefjorden, as the silence of the water surrounded by towering cliffs sounds incredibly meditative. I would also love to hike up the Reinebringen trail to catch that iconic, panoramic view of the islands scattered like pebbles in the ocean. Beyond the physical activity, I am desperate to witness the Aurora Borealis in person. The idea of standing in the crisp, freezing air watching ribbons of emerald and violet light dance across the sky is something I find profoundly moving. This destination appeals to me so strongly because it feels like a genuine escape from the frenetic pace of urban life. There is a raw, untamed quality to the Arctic wilderness that is increasingly rare to find. It is not just about ticking a location off a list; it is about immersing myself in a landscape that makes human concerns feel small and insignificant. The combination of the ethereal night sky and the rugged, elemental beauty of the terrain is simply captivating to me.

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

Vocabulary from the answer

archipelago
a large group or chain of many islands
jagged
having rough, sharp points or uneven edges
frenetic
fast, energetic, and often wild and uncontrolled
ethereal
extremely delicate and light in a heavenly way
elemental
relating to the basic forces of nature
captivating
capable of attracting and holding one's interest
meditative
involving or absorbed in deep, quiet thought
iconic
widely recognised and representing a specific style

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 place you would like to visit"?

Choose a place you can describe using sensory details like sight, sound, and temperature.

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.

More cue cards: a place