Describe a place in another country that you have visited
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 place in another country that you have visited.
You should say:
- where it is
- when you went there
- what you did there
and explain what impressed you most about this place.
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.
A place in another country that I visited and loved is Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. I went there in the summer of last year, together with two classmates, after finishing our second year at university. We stayed for six days in a small hostel in the old town.
We did a lot in that time. Every morning we walked through the historic streets and visited sights such as the Charles Bridge, the castle and the astronomical clock, which is extremely famous. We also took a boat trip on the river, and one afternoon we went to a concert in a beautiful old church. The food was another highlight, particularly the traditional dishes, such as goulash with dumplings. In the evenings, we simply wandered along the riverbank and watched street musicians perform. Since we were on a limited budget, we mostly walked or used the tram, which was cheap and efficient.
What impressed me the most was the beauty of the architecture. Almost every street looked like a postcard, with colourful buildings, towers and bridges. It is also one of the few big European cities that was not heavily damaged in the last century, so you really feel the history. Another thing that struck me was how welcoming and helpful the locals were. Even when there was a language barrier, someone always found a way to help us, usually with a smile. The trip made me more confident about travelling alone, and it left a lasting impression. I would love to return in winter to see the city covered in snow.
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 |
|---|---|
| culture shock | the confusion felt in a very different culture |
| get around | travel from place to place |
| a language barrier | difficulty communicating in different languages |
| foreign currency | money used in other countries |
| try the local cuisine | eat the typical food of an area |
| leave a lasting impression | be remembered for a long time |
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 country you visited for study or a competition
- A city break with friends that went wonderfully
- A trip abroad that made you see your own country in a new way
How to spend the two minutes
- 25 swhere it is
- 25 swhen you went there
- 25 swhat you did there
- 45 sand explain what impressed you most about this place.
Part 3 questions
In the exam these come straight after your talk, on the wider subject: International travel. Answer each in 3–4 sentences, with your view, a reason and an example.
- Why do people choose to travel abroad rather than within their own country?
- What can travellers learn from visiting other countries?
- Do you think tourism helps to build understanding between cultures?
- What are the disadvantages of travelling abroad?
- How important is it to learn a few words of the local language before travelling?
- Is air travel a major cause of environmental problems?
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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