IELTS Speaking Part 2: Describe a Place You Visited

Learn how to answer IELTS Speaking Part 2 describe a place you visited. Includes cue card, Band 8+ model answer, vocabulary, and examiner tips.

Introduction to Speaking Part 2

In the IELTS Speaking Part 2, you will be given a cue card with a topic and bullet points. One of the most common topics is: Describe a place you visited. The examiner expects you to speak for one to two minutes, using a range of vocabulary, grammar, and clear organisation.

This guide explains how to answer this task with confidence. You’ll see a sample cue card, a Band 8+ model answer, and tips on vocabulary and structure.

Understanding the Task

When you receive the cue card, you will have one minute to prepare. You can make notes and use them to guide your answer.

Typical Cue Card: Describe a Place You Visited

You should say:

  • Where you went
  • When you went there
  • Who you went with
  • What you did there
  • And explain why you liked or disliked it

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How to Structure Your Answer

  1. Introduction: State the place and when you visited.
  2. Details: Describe the location, activities, and companions.
  3. Feelings: Explain why it was memorable, enjoyable, or disappointing.
  4. Conclusion: Summarise your thoughts in one or two sentences.

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Sample Model Answer (Band 8+)

I’d like to talk about a place I visited last year: Kyoto, Japan.
I went there in the spring, during the cherry blossom season, which is considered one of the most beautiful times of the year. I travelled with two close friends, and we spent a week exploring the city.
Kyoto is famous for its temples, shrines, and traditional gardens. One of the highlights was visiting the Fushimi Inari Shrine, where thousands of bright red torii gates create tunnels up the hillside. We also went to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, which felt magical and peaceful.
Apart from sightseeing, we enjoyed the local food. I tried matcha ice cream and traditional kaiseki meals, which were delicious and very different from what I normally eat.
What made the trip truly memorable was the atmosphere. The combination of history, culture, and natural beauty left a deep impression on me. I felt like I had stepped into another world.
Overall, Kyoto was one of the most remarkable places I’ve ever visited, and I would love to return someday.

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Alternative Sample Answers

To prepare effectively, it’s useful to practise with different examples. Here are two shorter alternatives:

Example 2: A Beach Holiday

Last summer, I went to Phuket in Thailand with my family. We stayed near Patong Beach for five days. The sea was clear, and the sand was soft. We went swimming, tried snorkelling, and enjoyed Thai food in the evenings. What I loved most was watching the sunset every night. It was truly breathtaking.

Example 3: A Historical Site

Two years ago, I visited the Colosseum in Rome. I had studied it in history lessons, so seeing it in real life was unforgettable. I joined a guided tour, which explained how gladiators used to fight there. Even though it’s partly in ruins, it still feels impressive. The visit gave me a strong sense of connection to the past.

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Useful Vocabulary for Describing Places

  • Adjectives: breathtaking, peaceful, vibrant, historic, modern, lively, unique, unforgettable, crowded, tranquil
  • Verbs: explore, admire, enjoy, discover, experience, relax, wander, observe
  • Phrases: “left a deep impression on me”, “felt like another world”, “stood out the most”, “remains in my memory”

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Speaking too briefly: You must speak for 1–2 minutes. Expand with details.
  2. Repeating words: Use synonyms for “beautiful” (e.g., stunning, impressive).
  3. Ignoring feelings: Always explain why you liked or disliked the place.
  4. Memorising answers: Examiners can tell if your answer is unnatural.
  5. Forgetting linking words: Use “because”, “so”, “however”, “in addition” to sound fluent.

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Sentence Starters for Part 2

  • “I’d like to talk about a place I visited…”
  • “Last year, I had the chance to go to…”
  • “The highlight of the trip was…”
  • “What impressed me most was…”
  • “Overall, it was an unforgettable experience because…”

Practice Table: Sentence Examples

Function Example Sentence
Introduction I’d like to describe my trip to Paris last summer.
Detail The highlight was visiting the Eiffel Tower at night.
Feeling I felt excited and amazed by the city lights.
Conclusion Overall, it was a trip I’ll never forget.

Conclusion

The cue card topic “Describe a place you visited” is a chance to show descriptive vocabulary, storytelling, and fluency. By preparing model answers and practising with different examples, you’ll feel more confident in Part 2 of the IELTS Speaking test.

👉 Continue with our IELTS Speaking guides for more cue cards and sample answers.

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Glossary

  • Cue card (noun): a card with a speaking topic and prompts.
  • Impression (noun): the lasting effect or feeling from an experience.
  • Atmosphere (noun): the mood or feeling of a place.
  • Highlight (noun): the best or most memorable part.
  • Unforgettable (adjective): impossible to forget; very memorable.

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Comprehension Practice

Questions

  1. How much preparation time do you get in Part 2?
  2. What tense do you usually use when describing a past visit?
  3. Fill in the blank: “The highlight of the trip ______ visiting the shrine.”
  4. True/False: You should give your opinion in Part 2 answers.
  5. Name one common mistake students make in Part 2.

Answers

  1. One minute.
  2. Past tense.
  3. was.
  4. True.
  5. Speaking too briefly / repeating words / memorising.