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Describe a cafe or coffee shop that you like to go to

Try the card on the exam timer first, then read the band-8 sample answer and the Part 3 questions that follow it.

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Part 2 · Candidate task card

Describe a cafe or coffee shop that you like to go to.

You should say:

  • where it is
  • what it looks like
  • what you usually order there

and explain why you like going there.

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1 minute to prepare, then 2 minutes to speak. It switches on its own.

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Band 8 sample answer

254 words · about 2 minutes at a natural pace · Phrases from the vocabulary list are highlighted.

There is a small cafe near my university called Bean There, which has become my favourite place to meet friends. It opened two years ago, and I think I was one of its first customers.

It is located on a quiet side street, so it is not easy to find unless you know about it. Inside, the room is small, with exposed brick walls, wooden tables and lots of plants hanging from the ceiling. There are a few armchairs by the window, and that is where my friends and I like to sit. The owner is a young man who used to be a barista in Germany, and he is passionate about coffee. I usually order a flat white and a slice of carrot cake, which is homemade and absolutely delicious. My friend Aida prefers the lemon tea, and our other friend always gets hot chocolate, whatever the weather.

I like going there because of the relaxed, friendly atmosphere. The music is soft, nobody is in a hurry, and the staff remember our names and our usual orders. It is also a convenient place to study, since the Wi-Fi is free and fast, and there are sockets near the tables. Sometimes we come in the afternoon, stay for two hours and finish a whole group project. Another reason is the prices, which are reasonable for students. Compared with the big international chains, it feels more personal, and I like supporting a small business. I would say it is my little escape from university stress.

What to notice

  • It takes the points on the card in order, so the examiner can follow it.
  • Each point gets a specific detail or a short story, which is what keeps a talk going for two minutes.
  • The "explain" line at the end gets the most time, because that is where you give an opinion and show your range of language.

We wrote this answer for practice; it does not come from IELTS. Take its structure and phrases and tell your own story, because examiners notice memorised answers.

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Useful vocabulary

PhraseMeaning
a laid-back atmospherea relaxed and informal feeling
freshly brewed coffeecoffee made just before serving
a cosy cornera small, warm and comfortable place
catch up with friendstalk to friends you have not seen for a while
a regulara person who visits a place often
free Wi-Fiinternet access offered without charge

Plan it in one minute

Choose what to talk about in the first ten seconds, then write two or three key words for each point. Full sentences take too long to write and to read back.

Who or what you could talk about

  • A small independent cafe run by a young owner
  • A cafe near your university where you study with friends
  • A traditional teahouse that older people visit

How to spend the two minutes

  1. 25 swhere it is
  2. 25 swhat it looks like
  3. 25 swhat you usually order there
  4. 45 sand explain why you like going there.

Part 3 questions

In the exam these come straight after your talk, on the wider subject: Cafe culture and socialising. Answer each in 3–4 sentences, with your view, a reason and an example.

  1. Why have cafes become so popular among young people in recent years?
  2. Do people in your country prefer to meet friends at home or in public places?
  3. What are the differences between traditional teahouses and modern coffee shops?
  4. Is it a good idea to work or study in a cafe?
  5. How do cafes help to build communities?
  6. Do you think international coffee chains harm local businesses?

Frequently asked questions

How should I describe a place in an IELTS cue card?

Choose a place you have actually been to. Give its location quickly, then describe it with your senses: what you saw, heard and did there. Close with how you felt or why you would go back. A real visit gives you details that sound natural.

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