IELTS Speaking Part 2: IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card.
Describe a place that is special to you.
You should say:
- what place it is
- when you last went there
- what you can do there
and explain why this place is special to you.
[Instruction: You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you are going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.]
Model Answer 1:
First of all, I would like to thank you a lot for such a great topic. I indeed have quite a few places that are special to my heart, but the one I want to talk about is the town in which I spent my teenage years as a high school student.
The town is called (…say the name of a town in your country…). I have visited this town several times after leaving it, but I found it to have changed quite a bit when I visited the place about a couple of years ago for the last time. In fact, this town doesn’t really have many of those open spaces anymore which could easily be found all over the place, and instead, plenty of new buildings can be found to have been built there in order to accommodate a growing population, obviously.
Having said that, however, some of the main attractions of this town are still intact, such as the narrow but long lake, full of many tiny birds, as well as some of the century-old, tall buildings which used to be used and occupied by the then-landlords to handle their official works. Besides, intact can be found in this not-so-big town, an old cinema theatre where I used to visit at least once every week to watch my favourite movies. But, of course, one can’t only swim in that beautiful lake to cool himself or herself down during a hot summer day and visit a movie theatre, he or she can also enjoy some fresh and local foods at some of the old restaurants which are still in operation. Besides, this town is still a good place for those laidback people who want to enjoy a friendly soccer match on a lazy afternoon in a relaxed mood.
Anyway, this place is special to me, mainly because it is in this town and high school that I received a strong foundation in education and intellectual freedom. Besides, it is in this town that I managed to make some life-long friends. This town is special also because it has become a part of me and my teenage memories.
Model Answer 2:
Introduction:
One of the most special places etched in my heart is a cosy corner in my grandfather’s house, a haven of warmth and nostalgia. Thank you for this topic that allows me to talk about this very special place.
What place it is:
This particular spot is a small reading nook tucked away in the quietest section of my grandfather’s living room. It’s adorned with vintage bookshelves, an antique reading lamp, and a well-worn armchair.
When you last went there:
During family gatherings or whenever I seek solace, I make it a point to visit this nook. The last time I sat there was during a weekend visit a couple of months ago.
What you can do there:
The magic of this place lies in its simplicity. Surrounded by leather-bound classics and the faint scent of aged paper, it’s a retreat where one can escape into different worlds through the pages of a good book. The creak of the wooden floor, the distant murmur of family conversations, and the soft glow of the lamp together create an ambience of profound tranquillity.
And explain why this place is special to you:
This nook is special because it encapsulates the essence of my childhood. It’s where my grandfather, a man of wisdom and gentleness, shared timeless stories and imparted invaluable life lessons. Every book on those shelves holds a narrative that weaves together the fabric of my family’s history. This space is not just bricks and mortar; it’s a reservoir of shared stories, laughter, and the enduring love of family.
Sample Answer 3:
Oh, this is a great topic to talk about. Thank you so much for giving me this topic and the opportunity to talk about a place that is genuinely special to me. Well, a small lakeside park near my childhood home is a special place for me, and here, I will talk about it.
It’s not a famous tourist spot or anything glamorous, but it has this peaceful charm that has stayed with me over the years. The lake is surrounded by tall, old trees, and the water always has this slight ripple, as if it’s quietly breathing. There’s a narrow walking path, a few wooden benches, and a tiny dock that stretches just far enough for you to feel like you’re standing in the middle of the lake.
The last time I went there was about six months ago when I visited my hometown. I had a bit of free time one early morning, so I walked down to the lake. Nothing dramatic happened, but that’s exactly what I love about it. Honestly, it’s the kind of place where silence feels meaningful rather than empty. I think I love this place so much because it is a part of my magical childhood.
There’s quite a lot you can do there, depending on your mood. Some people go there for jogging, others bring sketchbooks or fishing rods. I usually just sit by the water, watching the reflections change as the sun comes up. Sometimes I take a book; sometimes I listen to music; sometimes I do absolutely nothing, which honestly feels like a luxury these days.
This place is special to me for a couple of reasons, but the most important one is the connection it holds to my childhood. I spent countless afternoons there with my cousins, feeding ducks or trying to skip stones across the water. It was also the place I went to when I needed to clear my head during stressful school years. Even now, when adult life gets overwhelming, just thinking about that lake gives me a sense of calm. It reminds me of simpler times, grounded me in ways I didn’t understand back then but appreciate fully now.
Idea Generation for this Topic:
This topic requires you to describe a place that is special to you. You should explain where this place is, when you last visited it, what you usually do there, and why it holds such a meaningful place in your life. To develop a strong answer, make sure you connect your emotions to your description of the place and mention specific experiences or memories that make it truly special. Here are a few ideas to help you develop your own response:
My childhood riverside park:
I last visited this riverside park a few months ago when I went back to my hometown for a short break. I can walk along the river, sit under the big banyan tree, or simply watch people fishing at sunset. It feels special to me because I grew up playing there, and every corner reminds me of carefree childhood moments that still calm me today.
My university library’s quiet reading room:
I last went there during my final year when I was preparing for exams. I usually spend time reading, taking notes and enjoying the silence that helps me focus. This place is special because it shaped my academic discipline and confidence, and I still remember the sense of achievement I felt while studying there.
A beach I visit during summer holidays:
I last visited this beach last summer with a group of close friends. I love swimming, collecting seashells and watching the waves roll in at night. It’s special to me because the sound of the ocean always clears my head and reminds me of the best summers of my life, full of laughter and freedom.
My grandparents’ old village home:
I last went there during a recent family get-together. I usually help in the garden, chat with relatives, and enjoy the traditional meals my grandmother cooks. This place is special because it connects me to my roots and gives me a sense of belonging that I never feel anywhere else.
A quiet rooftop café in my city:
I last visited this café a few weeks ago after work. I can sip coffee, read a book and enjoy the peaceful view of the city lights. It feels special because it’s my escape from a hectic routine and the only place where I can think clearly and reset my mind.
A small hilltop viewpoint outside town:
I last went there earlier this year during a weekend trip. I usually hike to the top, take photos, and sit quietly to watch the sunrise. This place is special to me because the peaceful view gives me a sense of clarity and reminds me how important it is to slow down and appreciate nature.
My favourite local bookstore:
I last visited this bookstore last month when I went to buy a new novel. I enjoy browsing through shelves, discovering rare editions and talking to the owner about new releases. It’s special to me because it shaped my love for reading and always feels like a warm, familiar corner of my life where I can escape into new worlds.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
When describing a place that is special to you, using specific vocabulary can effectively convey the atmosphere, your activities, and the emotional connection you share with the location. Thoughtful word choices will help you articulate why it serves as a sanctuary or a source of joy for you, making your response both descriptive and heartfelt. Here are some relevant words and phrases:
Sanctuary: – A place of refuge or safety; a nature reserve.
Example: This garden is my personal sanctuary where I can escape the noise of the city.
Tranquil: – Free from disturbance; calm.
Example: The lake is so tranquil in the early morning; it brings me great peace of mind.
Nostalgic: – Characterised by a sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past.
Example: Visiting my grandmother’s old house always makes me feel nostalgic.
Retreat: – A quiet or secluded place in which one can rest and relax.
Example: The cabin in the woods is our favourite weekend retreat.
Recharge my batteries: – To regain one’s energy and strength by resting and relaxing.
Example: I go there whenever I need to recharge my batteries after a stressful week.
Hidden gem: – A place that is outstanding but not well-known.
Example: The café is a hidden gem tucked away in a narrow alley.
Atmosphere: – The pervading tone or mood of a place, situation, or work of art.
Example: The library has a studious atmosphere that helps me focus.
Sentimental value: – The value of an object or place to a person because of its associations with a memory.
Example: The park holds great sentimental value because I used to play there as a child.
Serene: – Calm, peaceful, and untroubled.
Example: The view from the top of the hill is absolutely serene.
Escapism: – The tendency to seek distraction and relief from unpleasant realities.
Example: Reading by the river provides a healthy form of escapism for me.
Breathtaking: – Astonishing or awe-inspiring in quality, so as to take one’s breath away.
Example: The sunset over the ocean is a breathtaking sight that never gets old.
Vibrant: – Full of energy and enthusiasm.
Example: I love the vibrant energy of the marketplace; it makes me feel alive.
Reminisce: – To indulge in enjoyable recollection of past events.
Example: We sat on the bench and began to reminisce about our school days.
Solitude: – The state or situation of being alone.
Example: I cherish the solitude I find when walking along the beach in winter.
Invigorating: – Making one feel strong, healthy, and full of energy.
Example: The fresh mountain air is so invigorating compared to the city smog.
Attachment: – A feeling of love or strong connection to someone or something.
Example: I have a deep emotional attachment to this place because of the memories I made here.
If you prepare for the topic “Describe a place that is special to you”, you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe a place where you often go.
2) Describe a place you would like to visit shortly.
3) Describe an interesting place in your hometown.
4) Describe a place you visited that has a beautiful view.
5) Describe a quiet place you have visited.
6) Describe a place you have visited and liked.