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IELTS Speaking Part 2 · Travel

Describe a place you would like to visit in the future

Describe a place you would like to visit in the future

You should say:

  • where this place is
  • how you learned about it
  • what you would do there

and explain why you want to visit this place.

How to plan your answer

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

  1. 1

    where this place is

    A quiet highland village nestled in a mountainous valley far inland.

  2. 2

    how you learned about it

    Discovered it through a travel documentary focusing on traditional rural lifestyle.

  3. 3

    what you would do there

    Hike scenic trails, sample local cuisine, and photograph classic wooden architecture.

  4. 4

    and explain why you want to visit this place.

    I want to escape urban noise and experience a truly tranquil atmosphere.

Sample answer

about 235 words · 2 minutes

A place I've been dying to visit for a while now is a charming highland village situated in a remote mountainous valley. It is tucked away in the northern region of a country famous for its stunning natural landscapes, far removed from any bustling metropolitan cities. I first stumbled upon this location a couple of years ago while watching a travel documentary on streaming television. The show highlighted off-the-beaten-track destinations, and this particular village immediately caught my eye because of its idyllic scenery and preserved wooden houses that seemed completely untouched by modern times. If I ever get the chance to go there, the first thing I'd do is explore the surrounding hiking trails. I'm a big fan of trekking, so wandering through the misty forests and climbing up to panoramic vantage points would be absolute bliss. Besides that, I would love to try the local seasonal dishes at a family-run eatery and take photographs of the unique traditional architecture scattered across the valley. The main reason I'm so keen on visiting this place is that I really need a break from the fast-paced nature of urban life. Living in a noisy city can be quite overwhelming at times, so spending a few peaceful days immersed in nature sounds ideal. All in all, experiencing that kind of tranquil atmosphere firsthand is something I sincerely hope to cross off my bucket list in the near future.

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

Useful phrases

  • stumbled upon

    I stumbled upon a quaint coffee shop while exploring the city.

  • off-the-beaten-track

    They prefer visiting off-the-beaten-track places instead of crowded resorts.

  • untouched by modern times

    The ancient village looked entirely untouched by modern times.

  • vantage points

    We climbed to higher vantage points to get a clear view of the bay.

  • cross off my bucket list

    Seeing the northern lights is something I want to cross off my bucket list.

Common mistakes

I am wanting to go there since three years.

I have wanted to go there for three years.

Use the present perfect simple with 'for' to describe continuous duration up to now.

I will visit there if I will have enough money.

I will visit there if I have enough money.

In conditional clauses referring to the future, use the present simple after 'if'.

The place is very beautiful with many beautiful views.

The place is breathtaking with panoramic scenery.

Avoid repeating basic adjectives like 'beautiful'; use rich, precise vocabulary instead.

Tips for a higher band

  • Use conditional structures like 'If I were to go there, I would...' to show grammatical range when discussing future plans.
  • Vary your vocabulary when describing scenery rather than relying on repetitive adjectives like 'nice' or 'beautiful'.
  • Maintain natural pauses and stress key content words to enhance your pronunciation score without sounding robotic.

Part 3 follow-up questions

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

  • How have people's holiday preferences changed over the last few decades?
  • Do you think tourism always brings positive benefits to local communities?
  • What impact does social media have on the choices people make when selecting travel destinations?

Now try this cue card

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

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Practice estimate, not an official IELTS score.

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