Describe a place where you like to study or work
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 where you like to study or work.
You should say:
- where it is
- what it looks like
- what you usually do there
and explain why this is a good place for studying or working.
Ready
1 minute to prepare, then 2 minutes to speak. It switches on its own.
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Band 8 sample answer
261 words · about 2 minutes at a natural pace · Phrases from the vocabulary list are highlighted.
The place where I study best is my own room, specifically the desk next to the window. I rearranged my furniture about a year ago to create a proper study area, and it has made a surprising difference.
The desk is quite large, and I keep it tidy, with only the necessary things on it: a laptop, a lamp, a pen holder and a small plant that my sister gave me. On the wall above it, I have a calendar where I mark deadlines and exams, and a board with a few notes and vocabulary lists. The window faces a quiet courtyard, so I get plenty of natural light during the day, and I can look at the trees when I need a short break. I usually study there in the evenings, after classes, for around three or four hours, doing homework, preparing for tests and, lately, practising for IELTS.
It works well for me for a few reasons. First, it is a quiet part of the flat, because my family knows that when I am at my desk, they should not disturb me unless it is important. Second, everything I need is within reach, so I do not waste time looking for books or chargers. Third, because I have made the space comfortable, I actually enjoy sitting there. I also try to keep my phone in another room, which helps me stay focused. In the past, I used to study on my bed, and I would often fall asleep, so having a separate study corner has definitely improved my habits.
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 |
|---|---|
| free from distractions | without things that stop you concentrating |
| a comfortable workspace | an area arranged well for working |
| stay focused | keep your attention on what you are doing |
| natural light | light that comes from the sun |
| a productive environment | a place where you get a lot done |
| hit the books | start studying seriously |
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
- Your desk in your bedroom, arranged exactly as you like it
- A quiet corner of a cafe with a good internet connection
- A co-working space or university study room
How to spend the two minutes
- 25 swhere it is
- 25 swhat it looks like
- 25 swhat you usually do there
- 45 sand explain why this is a good place for studying or working.
Part 3 questions
In the exam these come straight after your talk, on the wider subject: Study and work environments. Answer each in 3–4 sentences, with your view, a reason and an example.
- What kind of environment helps people to concentrate?
- Do you think students learn better at school or at home?
- Why do some people prefer to work in cafes instead of offices?
- How has remote working changed the way people use their homes?
- Should schools and offices be designed differently from how they are now?
- How important is it to have a tidy workspace?
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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