Cue Card Sample: Describe a Place You Visited
Stuck on how to answer the IELTS cue card 'Describe a place you visited'? Here's a Band 9 model answer with vocabulary, tips, and follow-up questions to help you shine in your Speaking test.
One of the most common and versatile IELTS Speaking Part 2 topics is: “Describe a place you visited.” This cue card gives you a great opportunity to showcase your storytelling skills, vocabulary, and fluency. But many students panic — what if the place is too ordinary? What if you forget the details?
Don't worry. Here's a complete Band 9 sample answer with vocabulary and follow-up questions to help you feel confident and prepared.
🎙️ IELTS Cue Card: Describe a Place You Visited
You should say:
- Where it is
- When you went there
- What you did there
- And explain why you liked it
📝 Band 9 Sample Answer
One memorable place I visited was Hoi An, an ancient town in central Vietnam. I went there during my university summer break, around July last year. I had heard about its unique blend of history, culture, and architecture, so I was eager to explore it myself.
As soon as I arrived, I was captivated by the lantern-lit streets, traditional houses, and peaceful atmosphere. I spent my days wandering around the old town, visiting temples, trying local street food, and even taking a cooking class to learn how to make Vietnamese spring rolls. One evening, I took a boat ride on the river under hundreds of colorful lanterns — it was simply magical.
What I loved most about Hoi An was its timeless charm. Despite being a popular tourist destination, it didn’t feel overly commercialized. The people were warm and welcoming, and the entire experience gave me a deep appreciation for Vietnamese culture and history.
💬 Useful Vocabulary
| Word/Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Captivated | Completely fascinated or enchanted |
| Timeless charm | Beauty or appeal that doesn't fade |
| Commercialized | Made primarily for profit, losing charm |
| Eager to explore | Excited or enthusiastic to discover |
| Lantern-lit streets | Streets decorated with glowing lanterns |
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Being too vague: Don’t just say "I went to a park." Add sensory details like sights, sounds, and feelings.
- Repeating simple words: Avoid repeating "nice" or "good." Use more descriptive adjectives (e.g. peaceful, vibrant, breathtaking).
- Pausing too much: Practice speaking fluently. Check our guide on how to speak fluently without pausing.
🧠 Practice Tip: Structure Your Answer
Follow this simple 4-part formula:
- Introduction – Name the place and when you visited
- Description – What it looked like and what you did
- Highlights – What made it special
- Reflection – Why it left a lasting impression
❓ Follow-up Questions (IELTS Speaking Part 3)
After your Part 2 answer, the examiner might ask:
- What types of places do people in your country like to visit?
- Do you think travel can change a person’s perspective?
- Is it better to travel alone or with others?
- Why do some people prefer nature to cities when traveling?
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