Describe a place you would like to visit
Describe a place you would like to visit
You should say:
- Where is this place?
- What do you know about it?
- What would you like to do there?
- Why is it appealing to you?
One minute to prepare, then speak for one to two minutes.
How to plan it in one minute
- Choose a place you can describe using sensory details like sight, sound, and temperature.
- Draft a quick timeline: location first, then activities, then personal reasons for the visit.
- 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
- How has the rise of social media influenced the way people choose their holiday destinations?
- Do you believe that international tourism brings more benefits or drawbacks to local communities?
- In what ways might climate change alter the future of global travel and tourism?
- Should governments place stricter limits on the number of visitors to popular natural landmarks?
Answer each in three to five sentences: position, reason, example, limit. See the Part 3 guide.
Say it out loud and get a band
Record this card with the AI examiner: one minute of prep, two minutes to speak, then a band for fluency, vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation with the words that cost you.
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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.