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IELTS Speaking Part 2 · Places

Describe a quiet place you like to go to

Describe a quiet place you like to go to

You should say:

  • where it is
  • how often you go there
  • what you do there

and explain why you like going to this quiet place.

How to plan your answer

Use your 1 minute to jot down key words for each point, not full sentences.

  1. 1

    where it is

    A cozy wooden pavilion tucked away inside a local botanical garden.

  2. 2

    how often you go there

    I visit about twice a month, usually on calm Sunday mornings.

  3. 3

    what you do there

    I read novels, do journaling, and listen to ambient nature sounds.

  4. 4

    and explain why you like going to this quiet place.

    It serves as a mental sanctuary that helps me recharge fully.

Sample answer

about 273 words · 2 minutes

I would like to talk about a wonderfully peaceful spot that I love visiting whenever life gets a bit hectic. It is a small wooden pavilion hidden away in the corner of a public botanical garden, just about a fifteen-minute walk from my apartment. Because it is tucked away behind a thick hedge of bamboo, most visitors to the garden completely overlook it, which makes it feel like my own secret hideaway. I tend to head there roughly twice a month, typically on Sunday mornings when the rest of the city is still fast asleep. I find that going early in the day is best because the sunlight filters through the leaves in a really beautiful way, and the air feels crisp and fresh. When I am there, I usually sit on one of the wooden benches and dive into a good novel. Without the constant pings of my phone or the roar of traffic, I can concentrate deeply. Sometimes I do not even read; I just bring a hot flask of tea, sit back, and do some journaling or listen to the soft rustle of trees and birds chirping. It is rare to find a place where you can just sit with your thoughts without any distractions. The main reason I am so fond of this quiet place is that it acts as a mental sanctuary for me. Living in a bustling city can be overwhelming at times, and spending an hour or two in total tranquility helps me clear my head and recharge my batteries. Whenever I leave the pavilion, I feel noticeably calmer and ready to tackle the week ahead.

A teaching example, not a script to memorise. Say it in your own words.

Useful phrases

  • hidden away in the corner

    There is a charming cafe hidden away in the corner of the historic district.

  • fast asleep

    I like to go for a run while the rest of the household is still fast asleep.

  • dive into a good novel

    On rainy afternoons, my favorite pastime is to dive into a good novel.

  • sit with your thoughts

    Taking long walks allows you to sit with your thoughts and reflect on your goals.

  • recharge my batteries

    A weekend trip to the mountains was exactly what I needed to recharge my batteries.

Common mistakes

I am going to there very often.

I go there very often.

Avoid continuous tense for habits and do not place 'to' before 'there'.

There are very quiet place with no many people.

It is a very quiet place with few people.

'Place' is singular and count nouns like 'people' use 'few' instead of 'no many'.

I like this place because it makes me to relax.

I like this place because it helps me relax.

'Make' requires a bare infinitive without 'to' after the object.

Tips for a higher band

  • Use expressive descriptive adjectives for atmosphere and sound rather than constantly repeating the word 'quiet'.
  • Maintain a steady flow by using conversational connectors like 'I tend to', 'typically', and 'whenever' instead of rigid academic linkers.
  • Vary sentence structure by combining background details with personal reflections to show flexible grammatical range.

Part 3 follow-up questions

After Part 2 the examiner may ask deeper questions on the same theme.

  • Why do you think some people find it challenging to spend time in complete silence?
  • Do you believe modern cities are becoming too noisy for people to maintain a healthy lifestyle?
  • In what ways might a lack of quiet environments affect children differently than adults?

Now try this cue card

1 minute to prepare, up to 2 minutes to speak, then a band estimate and tips for each criterion.

Practise this cue card

Practice estimate, not an official IELTS score.

Practise this cue card
Describe a quiet place you like to go to (IELTS Cue Card & Sample Answer)