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Describe an island that you would 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

Part 2 · Candidate task card

Describe an island that you would like to visit.

You should say:

  • where the island is
  • what you know about it
  • what you would do there

and explain why you would like to go to this island.

Ready

1 minute to prepare, then 2 minutes to speak. It switches on its own.

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Band 8 sample answer

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

An island I would love to visit is Bali in Indonesia. I have never been to Southeast Asia, but Bali has fascinated me for years, ever since I saw photographs of it on a friend's social media account.

What I know is that it is a fairly small island with a very varied landscape. There are white and black sand beaches, green rice terraces, volcanoes and ancient temples. People say the local culture is very rich, with traditional dances, ceremonies and handmade crafts. Many tourists go to do surfing, yoga or diving, while others simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. If I went, I would probably stay for at least ten days. I would like to spend the first few days at the beach, relaxing and swimming, then travel inland to visit the rice fields, see a waterfall and take a cooking class to learn how to prepare some local dishes. I would also try snorkelling, as I have heard the coral reefs are beautiful.

The main reason I want to go is that I need a real break. For the last couple of years, I have been studying hard and working part-time, and I rarely have time for myself. A tropical island seems the perfect place to forget about deadlines and recharge my batteries. Another reason is my curiosity about a culture completely different from mine. I am particularly interested in the Balinese festivals, which look colourful and full of tradition. Finally, I would like to challenge myself and try new activities. Hopefully I can save enough money in the next two or three years to make this trip happen.

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
a tropical paradisea perfect warm place with beaches and palm trees
turquoise lagoona shallow sea area with blue-green water
snorkellingswimming near the surface with a mask to see underwater life
off the gridaway from modern services and connections
coral reefan underwater structure made by tiny sea animals
get away from it allescape from daily worries and routine

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 tropical island such as the Maldives or Bali
  • A Mediterranean island with history and good food
  • A remote northern island with wild nature

How to spend the two minutes

  1. 25 swhere the island is
  2. 25 swhat you know about it
  3. 25 swhat you would do there
  4. 45 sand explain why you would like to go to this island.

Part 3 questions

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

  1. Why do so many people dream of spending a holiday on a tropical island?
  2. Do people in your country prefer relaxing holidays or active holidays?
  3. How does the tourism industry affect small island communities?
  4. What are the advantages of planning a trip carefully rather than travelling spontaneously?
  5. Do you think holidays are important for people's mental health?
  6. How might holidays change in the coming decades?

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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