Describe a place you would like to visit
The full IELTS Speaking Part 2 cue card, a band-8 model answer you can learn from, the Part 3 questions that follow, and examiner strategy. Free, no sign-up.
Describe a place you would like to visit in the future.
You should say:
- where this place is
- how you found out about it
- what you would do there
- and explain why you would like to visit it
You will have one minute to prepare and should then speak for one to two minutes.
Band-8 model answer
The place I'd most love to visit is Kyoto, in Japan. It's a former imperial capital in the west of the country, famous for its temples, traditional wooden houses and beautiful gardens. I first came across it a few years ago when I stumbled on a travel documentary late one night, and I was completely captivated by these images of misty bamboo forests and streets full of people in kimonos. If I ever got the chance to go, the first thing I'd do is visit the temples early in the morning, before the crowds arrive, because I've heard the atmosphere is incredibly peaceful. I'd also love to try a traditional tea ceremony and just wander through the old districts on foot. The main reason it appeals to me so much is the contrast it seems to offer: it's a modern country, yet Kyoto has somehow held on to centuries of tradition. As someone who's fascinated by history, I think being surrounded by that would be genuinely moving, and it's honestly been at the top of my travel list ever since.
Why this answer scores band 8
- ✓Strong descriptive language: 'misty bamboo forests', 'completely captivated'
- ✓Conditional forms handled fluently ('If I ever got the chance…, I'd…')
- ✓A clear personal reason tied to the speaker's identity ('As someone who's fascinated by history')
Part 3 follow-up questions
After the cue card, the examiner discusses the topic in more depth. Practise these aloud too — Part 3 is where the highest bands are won or lost.
Examiner strategy for this cue card
Practise this answer out loud in a real Speaking test
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Describe a place you would like to visit — FAQ
How do you answer the 'Describe a place you would like to visit' IELTS cue card?
Spend your one minute of preparation noting a few keywords for each prompt (where this place is; how you found out about it; what you would do there; and explain why you would like to visit it), then speak for the full two minutes. Cover each point briefly but give most of your time to the final 'explain why' prompt, where the marks are. A full band-8 model answer is shown on this page.
How long should the IELTS Speaking Part 2 answer be?
You should talk for up to two minutes without stopping. It is better to keep going and cover the topic in depth than to finish early — the examiner will stop you when the time is up.
What Part 3 questions follow 'Describe a place you would like to visit'?
Part 3 broadens the topic into a discussion. For this cue card, expect questions such as: Why do people enjoy travelling to other countries? Has tourism changed the places people visit — for better or worse? Do you think virtual reality could ever replace real travel?