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Describe a crowded place that you have been 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 crowded place that you have been to.

You should say:

  • where the place was
  • why it was so crowded
  • what you did there

and explain how you felt about being in such a crowded place.

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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

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

The most crowded place I have ever been to is a football stadium in Almaty, where I went last year to watch an important match between our national team and a rival from a neighbouring country. I went with two friends from university, and we bought our tickets about a month in advance.

The reason it was so crowded was simple: it was the biggest game of the season, and the stadium was completely sold out. There were more than thirty thousand people, and the streets around the stadium were packed long before the game began. We had to walk almost two kilometres from the nearest metro station, moving slowly with the crowd. Inside, everyone was shoulder to shoulder, singing and waving flags. We found our seats, bought some snacks and spent the next two hours shouting, clapping and, in my case, losing my voice completely. Our team won by two goals, which made the evening even better.

I felt mixed emotions, to be honest. At first I was slightly nervous, especially at the entrance, where hundreds of people were pushing forward and the security staff were trying to keep order. But once we were inside, I really enjoyed the energy. It is hard to describe the feeling of thousands of people sharing the same excitement. On the other hand, leaving was exhausting, and it took almost an hour to reach the metro. I would not like to be in that kind of crowd every day, but for a special event like that, it was an unforgettable experience.

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
packed with peoplecompletely full of people
jostle through the crowdpush gently to move through many people
rush hourthe busiest time on roads and public transport
claustrophobicuncomfortable because there is too little space
shoulder to shoulderstanding very close together
lively atmospherean energetic and exciting mood

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 music festival or football match
  • A busy market or shopping street during a holiday sale
  • An airport, train station or metro at rush hour

How to spend the two minutes

  1. 25 swhere the place was
  2. 25 swhy it was so crowded
  3. 25 swhat you did there
  4. 45 sand explain how you felt about being in such a crowded place.

Part 3 questions

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

  1. Why do some people enjoy crowded places while others avoid them?
  2. What are the problems caused by overcrowding in cities?
  3. Do you think public events such as concerts are too crowded nowadays?
  4. How can authorities keep people safe in very busy places?
  5. Is it possible for governments to reduce the population of large cities?
  6. Do you think people will want to live in less crowded places in the future?

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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