Describe a park or garden that you like to visit
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 park or garden that you like to visit.
You should say:
- where it is
- what you can see and do there
- how often you go there
and explain why you like this park or garden.
Ready
1 minute to prepare, then 2 minutes to speak. It switches on its own.
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Band 8 sample answer
263 words · about 2 minutes at a natural pace · Phrases from the vocabulary list are highlighted.
There is a big park in my city that I really like, called Central Park, although it has nothing to do with the one in New York. It is about fifteen minutes from my flat by bus, and I try to go there at least once a week, usually on Sunday mornings.
The park is quite large, with long tree-lined paths, a small lake in the middle and several playgrounds for children. In spring the cherry trees are in full bloom and the whole place looks magical. People do all sorts of things there. Some jog or cycle, others play chess at the stone tables near the entrance, and families spread out blankets on the grass for picnics. When I go, I normally walk around the lake twice, then sit on a bench with a coffee and just watch what is happening around me. Sometimes I take a book, but I often end up not reading it because there is so much to look at.
I like the park mainly because it is such a peaceful contrast to the rest of the city. Outside, there are traffic jams and noise all day, but once you step through the gates, it feels like a different world. It is also good for my health, since walking there helps me clear my head after a stressful week at university. Another reason is that it has a friendly feel. Elderly people greet each other, and children run around freely. If I ever moved to another area, I think the park is the thing I would miss most.
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 breath of fresh air | a pleasant change or a refreshing experience |
| well-kept lawns | grass areas that are carefully looked after |
| a tree-lined path | a walkway with trees along both sides |
| escape the hustle and bustle | get away from noise and busy city life |
| a popular spot for picnics | a place many people choose for eating outdoors |
| in full bloom | with flowers completely open |
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 neighbourhood park where you went as a child
- A large botanical garden you visit in spring
- A park where you run or exercise early in the morning
How to spend the two minutes
- 25 swhere it is
- 25 swhat you can see and do there
- 25 show often you go there
- 45 sand explain why you like this park or garden.
Part 3 questions
In the exam these come straight after your talk, on the wider subject: Green spaces in cities. Answer each in 3–4 sentences, with your view, a reason and an example.
- Why are parks important for people who live in cities?
- Do you think there are enough green spaces in the cities in your country?
- How can parks bring different age groups together?
- Should entrance to public parks be free?
- What are the advantages of having plants and trees in a city?
- Will people in the future spend more or less time outdoors than people do today?
Keep practicing
More cue cards: Places
- Describe a place that you would like to visit in the future
- Describe a beautiful place in nature, such as a mountain or a forest, that you have visited
- Describe a tourist attraction in your country that you would recommend to visitors
- Describe a place where you do exercise or sport
- Describe a shopping centre that you have been to
- Describe a cafe or coffee shop that you like to go to
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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