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.
Practice it like the exam
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.
Ready
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
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| a laid-back atmosphere | a relaxed and informal feeling |
| freshly brewed coffee | coffee made just before serving |
| a cosy corner | a small, warm and comfortable place |
| catch up with friends | talk to friends you have not seen for a while |
| a regular | a person who visits a place often |
| free Wi-Fi | internet 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
- 25 swhere it is
- 25 swhat it looks like
- 25 swhat you usually order there
- 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.
- Why have cafes become so popular among young people in recent years?
- Do people in your country prefer to meet friends at home or in public places?
- What are the differences between traditional teahouses and modern coffee shops?
- Is it a good idea to work or study in a cafe?
- How do cafes help to build communities?
- Do you think international coffee chains harm local businesses?
Keep practicing
More cue cards: Places
- Describe an island that you would like to visit
- Describe a place near water, such as a lake, river or the sea, that you have visited
- Describe a place in the countryside that you have enjoyed visiting
- Describe a city you have visited and enjoyed
- Describe a restaurant where you had a good meal
- Describe a place in your town or city that has changed a lot over the years
Part 1 topics on the same subject
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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