IELTS Speaking Part 2 · Places
Describe a park or garden you enjoy visiting
Describe a park or garden you enjoy visiting
You should say:
- where it is located
- what it looks like
- what people do there
and explain why you enjoy visiting this park.
How to plan your answer
Use your 1 minute to jot down key words for each point, not full sentences.
- 1
where it is located
Location: Situated on the eastern outskirts of my hometown near the river.
- 2
what it looks like
Appearance: Features vibrant flowerbeds, lush lawns, weeping willows, and a central pond.
- 3
what people do there
Activities: People jog, practice tai chi, hold picnics, and read under trees.
- 4
and explain why you enjoy visiting this park.
Reason: It provides a quiet retreat to clear my head and recharge.
Sample answer
about 223 words · 2 minutesI would like to talk about a local botanical garden situated on the eastern outskirts of my hometown, just a stone's throw from the main river. It is tucked away in a quiet neighborhood, making it surprisingly peaceful despite being so close to the busy city center. Visually, the garden is beautifully maintained with a wonderful mix of native trees, vibrant flowerbeds, and sprawling lawns. There is a scenic duck pond right at the center, surrounded by weeping willows, and a series of winding stone paths cut through the lush greenery. In the spring, the cherry blossoms bloom, creating a stunning pink canopy. As for what visitors do there, it attracts quite a diverse crowd throughout the week. In the early mornings, elderly residents gather to practice tai chi or go for brisk walks, while fitness enthusiasts jog along the tracks. On weekends, young families set up picnics on the grass, children feed the ducks, and students sit under the shade with books. The main reason I enjoy visiting this place is that it offers a brilliant retreat from my hectic schedule. Whenever I feel overwhelmed by daily stress, spending an hour strolling through the peaceful surroundings really helps to clear my head and recharge my batteries. Ultimately, it is an invaluable green space that allows me to disconnect and reconnect with nature.
A teaching example, not a script to memorise. Say it in your own words.
Useful phrases
a stone's throw from
My favorite coffee shop is just a stone's throw from my office.
tucked away
The cozy cafe is tucked away in a quiet side street.
a diverse crowd
The weekend market always attracts a diverse crowd of visitors.
clear my head
I decided to go for an evening walk to clear my head after work.
recharge my batteries
Spending time in nature helps me recharge my batteries before Monday.
Common mistakes
I am enjoying to go to this park.
I enjoy going to this park.
The verb 'enjoy' must be followed by a gerund rather than an infinitive.
The park has many green trees and colorful flowers and big grass.
The park features lush trees, vibrant flowers, and sprawling lawns.
Using simple repetitive adjectives limits your score for lexical resource.
I go there because it is good.
I frequent the park because it offers a peaceful retreat.
Overusing basic words like 'good' reduces lexical variety and precision.
Tips for a higher band
- Use descriptive sensory adjectives like 'lush', 'vibrant', and 'tranquil' to improve lexical resource.
- Use discourse markers such as 'as for' and 'ultimately' to organize your talk logically.
- Vary your grammar by combining past experiences with general present habits using complex sentences.
Part 3 follow-up questions
After Part 2 the examiner may ask deeper questions on the same theme.
- Do you think public parks are essential for modern city life?
- How can municipal authorities encourage residents to spend more time outdoors?
- Is it better for children to play in natural parks or built playgrounds?
Now try this cue card
1 minute to prepare, up to 2 minutes to speak, then a band estimate and tips for each criterion.
Practice estimate, not an official IELTS score.