IELTS Practice
Can you answer this IELTS Speaking Part 2 question about a place you visited?
Describe a place you visited that isn’t in your hometown
- What was the place?
- How did you know about this place?
- What can people do there?
Sample Answer
I remember my trip to Kyoto, Japan. That place is something else! It's famous for its deep history, amazing temples, and super vibrant culture. I got hooked on Kyoto after watching this documentary on Japanese culture. The beautiful scenes and all that history just pulled me in.
When I got there, wow, just the beauty of it all! You know the Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion? Seeing it with its reflection in the pond and all those lush gardens around - totally stunning. And if you go in autumn, the colours are out of this world. It's like living in a painting.
The sounds there are something you don't forget either. Walking through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, there's this peaceful sound of the bamboo swaying. Add in some distant temple bells, and it's like the best chill-out track ever.
Then there was this tea ceremony I tried. Holding the ceramic tea bowl, and watching the matcha being prepared - it's a whole vibe, connecting you right to Japanese culture.
And the food? An adventure on its own! From this fancy kaiseki meal to just some fresh sushi, every bite was a mind-blower. Especially the matcha desserts - they're like Kyoto in a mouthful.
Oh, and the smell of incense in the temples - it's kind of spiritual. It’s like you're breathing in history and prayers. Really makes you feel connected to something bigger.
So that was a place I visited - and it was absolutely unforgettable.
Follow-up question: What are some reasons why people might visit a place like this?
Top Tips for Answering IELTS Speaking Part 2 Questions
- Take time to think about what you’re going to say before you start speaking. It will help you organize your thoughts and ensure you don’t forget anything important.
- Try to give a detailed answer. The more information you can include, the better.
- Don’t just describe the place physically - try to include a sense of why it’s special.
- Use descriptive language to paint a picture for the examiner.
- Make sure you speak for the entire allotted time. If you finish early, you can always add more information.
Best tips on how to describe a place you visited
When describing a place you visited, it is important to engage all five senses. Doing so will give your listener a vivid picture of the scene and make it more memorable.
- Sight: describe colors, shapes, and movement
- Sound: include ambient noise and any distinct noises you remember
- Smells: be specific about what you smelled and how strong it was
- Taste: mention any distinctive flavors you remember from the food/drink there
- Touch: describe textures and temperatures
By engaging all of the senses, you can create a vivid description of the place that will stay with your listener long after you finish speaking.