IELTS Speaking Part 2 cue card · Places

Describe a place you would like to visit

The full cue card, a one-minute plan for its prompts, a sample answer by Lingo Copilot and the vocabulary for this topic.

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Describe a place you would like to visit.

You should say:

  • where this place is
  • how you know about it
  • what you would do there

and explain why you would like to visit this place.

How to plan your answer in 1 minute

A minute is short. Spend it on keywords for each prompt, in the order of the card:

  1. 0:00–0:10

    Choose your answer

    Decide on a place you would like to visit. Pick something real that you know well, so the details come easily when you speak.

  2. 0:10–0:20

    Where this place is

    Write two or three keywords, not sentences: a name, a place, a time or a detail you can expand on.

  3. 0:20–0:30

    How you know about it

    Write two or three keywords, not sentences: a name, a place, a time or a detail you can expand on.

  4. 0:30–0:40

    What you would do there

    Write two or three keywords, not sentences: a name, a place, a time or a detail you can expand on.

  5. 0:40–0:55

    And explain why you would like to visit this place

    Note one reason and one short example or story. This is the part you can keep developing until the examiner stops you at two minutes.

  6. 0:55–1:00

    Check the order

    Number your notes in the order of the prompts, then use them as a checklist while you talk.

Sample answer

Written for practice. Use it for ideas and phrasing rather than memorising it, then answer about your own experience.

Sample answer by Lingo Copilot · 259 words

So, I want to tell you about a place that's been at the very top of my bucket list for years: the Azores, a remote archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean belonging to Portugal. I first stumbled upon it while scrolling through a travel blog late one evening, and the photographs of its green volcanic craters and deep blue lakes stopped me in my tracks. Since then, my desire to visit this destination has only grown stronger.

If I were fortunate enough to visit, I'd immerse myself in the islands' extraordinary natural diversity. I'd hike along the rim of Sete Cidades, a twin-lake caldera that's nothing short of a feast for the eyes, and I'd soak up the atmosphere in the tiny fishing villages that dot the coastline. Whale-watching excursions are another priority, as the Azores sit along major migration routes and offer unmatched scenery from the open ocean. I'd also love to bathe in the natural hot springs heated by volcanic activity beneath the surface.

What draws me most is the sense of seclusion the islands promise. In an age of over-tourism, the Azores remain truly off the beaten path, a hidden gem where the stunning landscape feels untouched and the pace of life is peaceful. The archipelago's geographic isolation has preserved native plants and wildlife found nowhere else on Earth. Visiting wouldn't only broaden my horizons but also offer the kind of off-the-grid retreat I desperately need after years of hectic urban living. It truly feels like a world apart from anything I've experienced before.

Another sample answer (2 of 3)

Sample answer by Lingo Copilot · 248 words

The place I'm most eager to explore is the ancient city of Petra in Jordan, an architectural marvel carved directly into rose-coloured sandstone cliffs over two thousand years ago. I learned about it through a captivating documentary series on ancient civilisations, and the images of its stunning facades emerging from narrow desert canyons leave a lasting impression that I simply can't shake. During my visit, I'd dedicate an entire day to walking through the Siq, the dramatic narrow gorge that leads to the Treasury, and I'd feast my eyes on the intricate carvings that adorn its towering walls. Beyond the iconic landmarks, I'd venture to the less-visited royal tombs and the monastery perched high on a plateau, accessible only by a steep staircase of eight hundred steps. I'd also spend time with the local Bedouin communities to learn about their rich history and experience a change of scenery from anything my daily routine offers. Sampling the local cuisine under the desert stars during a traditional Bedouin dinner would be a feast for the eyes and the palate alike, and I find it particularly awe-inspiring to imagine. Petra appeals to me because it sits at the crossroads of ancient trade routes linking Arabia, Egypt, and the Mediterranean world. The cultural heritage embedded in every carved surface speaks of cosmopolitan ambitions that went beyond borders millennia ago. This timeless charm is precisely what makes Petra a destination I feel compelled to experience firsthand as opposed to merely admire in photographs.

Another sample answer (3 of 3)

Sample answer by Lingo Copilot · 256 words

If I had to choose one place I'm longing to visit, it'd be the remote Faroe Islands, a windswept archipelago situated between Iceland and Norway that feels like stepping back in time to a world before mass tourism existed. A friend who works as a photographer showed me her portfolio from a trip there, and every single image was stunning, showing mist-draped cliffs plunging into churning seas and tiny grass-roofed villages clinging to hillsides. My plans would centre on exploring the lesser-known hiking trails that connect villages along the coast, where the quiet path leads through landscapes of sensory overload: crashing waves, howling winds, and seabirds wheeling overhead. The scenery would leave a lasting impression on anyone fortunate enough to witness it. I'd also take a boat to the island of Mykines to observe puffin colonies in their natural habitat and visit the village of Gasadalur, where a waterfall tumbles directly off a cliff edge into the ocean. The idea of experiencing the midnight sun during the summer months, when the light paints everything in golden hues, is something that fills me with a deep sense of anticipation. The Faroe Islands captivate me because they represent true seclusion in a world that feels increasingly connected and uniform. The native Faroese culture, with its ancient Viking roots and living traditions of communal sheep gathering, offers an immersive experience that goes far beyond typical tourism. These islands, a stone's throw from the Arctic Circle yet surprisingly accessible, promise exactly the kind of breathtaking, soul-stirring adventure my wanderlust demands.

Useful vocabulary

captivatingadjective
holding one's attention completely through beauty, charm, or fascination
breathtakingadjective
astonishing or awe-inspiring in quality, so as to take one's breath away
immerseverb
to involve oneself deeply in a particular activity, culture, or experience
tranquiladjective
free from disturbance; calm and peaceful in atmosphere
diverseadjective
showing a range of variety in terms of culture, landscape, or experience
awe-inspiringadjective
arousing a feeling of reverential wonder or admiration through grandeur or beauty
unchartedadjective
not yet mapped, explored, or investigated; unknown territory
cosmopolitanadjective
familiar with and at ease in many countries and cultures; internationally diverse
idyllicadjective
extremely peaceful, beautiful, and happy; resembling a perfect rural scene
indigenousadjective
originating naturally in a particular place; native to a specific region
etherealadjective
extremely delicate and light in a way that seems too perfect for the physical world
resplendentadjective
dazzling in appearance; impressively rich or splendid in visual effect
verdantadjective
green with grass or other lush vegetation; suggestive of fertile natural abundance
wanderlustnoun
a deep, innate desire to travel and explore unfamiliar parts of the world
seclusionnoun
the state of being sheltered or screened from the outside world; private and remote isolation

Useful collocations

  • stunning landscape

    The stunning landscape of the Norwegian fjords has been on my travel wish list for as long as I can remember.

  • cultural heritage

    I am fascinated by the cultural heritage of the region, which spans multiple dynasties and religious traditions.

  • bucket list

    Visiting the Galápagos Islands has occupied a top spot on my bucket list for over a decade.

  • local cuisine

    Sampling the local cuisine is just as high on my agenda as exploring the historical landmarks.

  • rich history

    The city's rich history, stretching back over three millennia, is evident in every cobblestone and archway.

  • unparalleled scenery

    The region is renowned for its unparalleled scenery, where snow-capped peaks meet lush subtropical forests.

  • sense of wanderlust

    That documentary ignited a sense of wanderlust in me that I have been unable to shake ever since.

  • off-the-grid retreat

    I envision this trip as an off-the-grid retreat, free from the digital noise that dominates my daily routine.

  • architectural marvel

    The cathedral is an architectural marvel that draws visitors from every corner of the globe.

  • immersive experience

    I am looking for an immersive experience that allows me to participate in daily life rather than observe it from a distance.

  • breathtaking scenery

    The lake district has some of the most breathtaking scenery I've ever seen.

  • panoramic view

    From the hilltop, you get a stunning panoramic view of the entire valley.

  • steeped in history

    The old town is steeped in history, with buildings dating back centuries.

  • bustling marketplace

    The bustling marketplace was full of local crafts and delicious food.

  • tucked away

    There's a beautiful garden tucked away behind the main square.

Part 3 questions on this topic

In the test, Part 3 continues with wider questions linked to your Part 2 topic. Questions from our question bank:

  • Do you think tourism is always beneficial for a country?
  • How has international tourism changed in recent years?
  • Should governments do more to promote eco-friendly tourism?

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