The topic of describing a location where you like to study is a common one in IELTS Speaking tests. It has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being a popular subject for examiners. This question allows candidates to showcase their ability to describe places, express preferences, and discuss study habits – all valuable skills for the IELTS Speaking test.
Describe an online course that you want to take can be a great way to expand your knowledge on effective study techniques and environments. However, let’s focus on how to excel when describing your favorite study location in the IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask you some general questions about studying. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:
Question: Where do you usually study?
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“I typically prefer to study in my home office. It’s a quiet, secluded space that I’ve set up specifically for focused work. The room has excellent natural lighting from a large window, which I find incredibly conducive to productivity. I’ve also equipped it with a comfortable ergonomic chair and a spacious desk, which allows me to spread out my study materials efficiently.”
Part 2: Long Turn
For Part 2, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic to speak about for 1-2 minutes. Here’s a sample cue card related to the main topic:
Cue Card:
Describe a location where you like to study
You should say:
- Where it is
- How often you go there
- What you do there
- And explain why you like to study there
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about my favorite study spot, which is a cozy coffee shop just a few blocks from my apartment. It’s a quaint little place tucked away on a quiet street, with large windows that let in plenty of natural light.
I try to visit this café at least three times a week, especially when I have important exams or assignments coming up. The ambient noise of the coffee machines and soft background music creates a perfect atmosphere for concentration, without being too distracting.
When I’m there, I usually set up my laptop and spread out my textbooks and notes on one of the larger tables. I often spend several hours immersed in my studies, occasionally taking short breaks to sip on a freshly brewed cup of coffee or nibble on a pastry.
What I love most about studying in this location is the perfect balance it offers between solitude and a social environment. Unlike studying at home where I might be tempted to procrastinate, or in a library which can sometimes feel too quiet, this coffee shop provides just the right level of background activity to keep me alert and focused. The change of scenery from my usual study spaces also helps to refresh my mind and boost my productivity.
Moreover, the friendly staff and the comforting aroma of coffee create a welcoming atmosphere that makes long study sessions more enjoyable. It’s become something of a ritual for me, and I find that just being in this environment puts me in the right mindset for learning.”
Cozy coffee shop as the perfect study spot
Follow-up Questions:
- How does this location compare to other places you’ve studied?
- Have you noticed any improvement in your study habits since you started using this location?
Sample Answers (Band 8-9):
“Compared to other study locations, this coffee shop strikes an ideal balance. Libraries can sometimes be too eerily quiet, making even the slightest noise feel disruptive. On the other hand, studying at home often presents too many distractions. This café provides a happy medium – there’s enough background noise to keep me alert, but it’s not so loud that I can’t concentrate. The change of environment also helps me compartmentalize my study time, making it easier to focus solely on my work when I’m there.”
“Absolutely, I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my study habits since I started frequenting this café. The act of going to a specific location to study has helped me establish a routine and improved my time management skills. I find myself procrastinating less and being more productive during my study sessions. Additionally, being in a public space creates a sense of accountability – I’m less likely to get distracted by my phone or other non-study related activities when I’m in this environment.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some possible questions with sample answers:
Question 1: Do you think the environment affects a person’s ability to study effectively?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I firmly believe that the environment plays a crucial role in a person’s ability to study effectively. The right environment can significantly enhance concentration, boost productivity, and improve information retention. Factors such as lighting, noise levels, temperature, and even the presence of others can all impact one’s focus and learning capacity.
For instance, some individuals thrive in a completely quiet environment, finding that any noise disrupts their concentration. Others, myself included, actually perform better with a low level of ambient noise, which can help maintain alertness and provide a sense of comfort. Similarly, proper lighting is essential – natural light has been shown to improve mood and cognitive function, which can lead to more effective studying.
Moreover, the psychological associations we form with certain environments can influence our study habits. A dedicated study space, whether it’s a library, a café, or a home office, can help trigger a ‘study mode’ mindset, making it easier to focus and retain information. This is why many people find it challenging to study effectively in spaces associated with relaxation, such as their bedroom.
However, it’s important to note that the ideal study environment can vary greatly from person to person. What works for one individual might be counterproductive for another. Therefore, I believe it’s essential for students to experiment with different environments and find what works best for them, ultimately creating a personalized study space that maximizes their learning potential.”
Question 2: How have modern technologies changed the way people study?
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Modern technologies have revolutionized the way people study in numerous ways. Firstly, the internet has made information more accessible than ever before. Students can now instantly access a vast array of resources, from academic journals to educational videos, at their fingertips.
Online learning platforms and massive open online courses (MOOCs) have also transformed education, allowing people to study from anywhere in the world. This has made education more flexible and accessible to those who might not have been able to attend traditional institutions.
Furthermore, digital note-taking apps and cloud storage have made it easier for students to organize and access their study materials across multiple devices. E-books and digital textbooks have reduced the need for carrying heavy physical books, making studying more portable.
However, technology has also brought new challenges. The constant connectivity can lead to distractions, with social media and entertainment always just a click away. Additionally, some argue that digital reading might not be as effective for deep learning and retention as reading physical books.
Overall, while modern technologies have certainly made studying more convenient and resource-rich, they also require students to develop strong self-discipline and digital literacy skills to use these tools effectively.”
Describe an online course you attended could be an excellent way to further explore how technology has impacted modern studying methods.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Conducive to (adjective) /kənˈdjuːsɪv tə/: Making a certain situation or outcome likely or possible.
Example: “The quiet atmosphere of the library is conducive to focused study.”Ambient (adjective) /ˈæmbiənt/: Relating to the immediate surroundings of something.
Example: “The ambient noise in the café provided a pleasant background for studying.”Immersed (adjective) /ɪˈmɜːrst/: Deeply engaged or involved in something.
Example: “I was so immersed in my studies that I lost track of time.”Procrastinate (verb) /prəˈkræstɪneɪt/: To delay or postpone action; put off doing something.
Example: “I try to study in the library to avoid the temptation to procrastinate at home.”Mindset (noun) /ˈmaɪndset/: A person’s way of thinking and their opinions.
Example: “Being in a dedicated study space helps me get into the right mindset for learning.”
Student using technology for effective studying
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing your favorite study location:
Use varied vocabulary: Incorporate a range of descriptive words and phrases to vividly portray your study spot.
Provide specific details: Don’t just say it’s a nice place; explain why with concrete examples.
Structure your answer: Use clear organization in your response, especially for the longer Part 2 answer.
Show enthusiasm: Demonstrate genuine interest in the topic through your tone and expressions.
Practice fluency: Aim for smooth delivery without long pauses or hesitations.
Elaborate on your points: Don’t just list facts; explain your reasons and feelings.
Use idiomatic expressions: Incorporate natural-sounding phrases to demonstrate language proficiency.
Connect ideas: Show how different aspects of the study location relate to each other and your overall preference.
Remember, the key to success is practice. Describe a place where you often go to relax can be a great exercise to improve your descriptive skills, which can then be applied to discussing your study location. Regular practice will help you become more comfortable and confident in expressing your thoughts fluently during the IELTS Speaking test.