Describing a place you recently discovered is a common topic in IELTS Speaking exams. This theme allows candidates to showcase their vocabulary, fluency, and ability to structure a coherent response. Let’s explore how to tackle this topic effectively and aim for a high band score.
Describe a place in your country that you discovered recently can be an excellent opportunity to demonstrate your language skills and cultural knowledge. To excel in this task, it’s crucial to prepare a range of vocabulary and expressions related to places, discoveries, and personal experiences.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about places and discoveries. Here are some potential questions:
- Do you enjoy exploring new places?
- How do you usually find out about new places to visit?
- What was the last new place you visited in your area?
Let’s look at a sample answer for question 3:
Examiner: What was the last new place you visited in your area?
Candidate (Band 7-8 response): The last new place I discovered in my area was a charming little café tucked away in a quiet side street. I stumbled upon it while taking a different route home from work one day. It’s a cozy spot with vintage decor and an impressive selection of artisanal coffees and homemade pastries. What really caught my attention was the friendly atmosphere and the fact that they showcase local artists’ work on their walls, which I found quite refreshing.
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a place you recently discovered
You should say:
- Where it is
- How you found out about it
- What you did there
- And explain why you found it interesting
Here’s a sample response for Band 8-9:
I’d like to talk about a hidden gem I recently discovered in my city – a picturesque rooftop garden that offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the skyline. This urban oasis is located atop a historic building in the heart of downtown, which has been repurposed** into a community space.
I came across this place quite by chance. A colleague mentioned it in passing during a coffee break, and intrigued by the description, I decided to check it out after work. The element of surprise was incredible as I ascended the old staircase, not knowing what to expect.
Upon reaching the rooftop, I was immediately captivated by the lush greenery and the clever layout of the space. I spent a couple of hours there, meandering through the winding paths, admiring the variety of plants, and simply soaking in the atmosphere. The garden also features cozy seating areas where I sat to enjoy a book and a cup of coffee from the small café on-site.
What made this place particularly interesting to me was the juxtaposition of nature and urban life. It’s a tranquil retreat right in the middle of the bustling city, offering a unique perspective on familiar surroundings. The garden also hosts community events like outdoor yoga classes and movie nights, which I found appealing. It’s not just a place to visit, but a space that fosters community engagement and provides a much-needed connection with nature in an urban setting.
This discovery really opened my eyes to the hidden potential of urban spaces and made me appreciate the efforts to create green spaces in cities. It’s become my go-to spot for relaxation and has sparked my interest in urban gardening and sustainable city planning.**
Examiner: That sounds like an interesting place. Do you think more cities should create spaces like this?
Candidate (Band 8-9 response): Absolutely. I believe that creating such spaces should be a priority for urban planners. These green areas not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of cities but also contribute significantly to improving air quality and reducing the urban heat island effect. Moreover, they provide essential respite for city dwellers from the stresses of urban life, promoting mental well-being and fostering a sense of community. In my opinion, innovative use of urban spaces like rooftops for gardens is a smart solution to the challenge of limited ground space in densely populated cities.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: How do you think the way people discover new places has changed in recent years?
Candidate (Band 6-7 response): I think the way people find new places has changed a lot because of technology. Now, we use apps and websites to find interesting spots. Before, we might hear about places from friends or just walk around to discover them. Social media is also important now – people share photos of cool places they visit, and others want to go there too. It’s easier to find information about new places online, like reviews and directions.
Candidate (Band 8-9 response): The advent of technology has dramatically transformed the way people discover new places in recent years. Social media platforms and location-based apps have become instrumental in this process, facilitating a more interconnected and information-rich approach to exploration. Unlike in the past, when word-of-mouth recommendations or serendipitous encounters were primary modes of discovery, we now have access to a vast repository of user-generated content, including reviews, photos, and real-time updates.
This digital revolution has both positive and negative implications. On one hand, it has democratized information, making it easier for people to find off-the-beaten-path locations and tailor their experiences to their preferences. On the other hand, it has somewhat diminished the element of surprise and spontaneity in discovering new places. There’s also the risk of over-tourism at locations that become viral sensations online.
Moreover, algorithmic recommendations on these platforms can create echo chambers, potentially limiting exposure to diverse experiences. Despite these challenges, I believe the overall impact has been largely positive, empowering individuals to explore their surroundings more efficiently and confidently.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
-
Hidden gem (noun) – /ˈhɪdn dʒem/ – A place that is not well-known but is very good or special.
Example: “The small museum was a hidden gem, full of fascinating artifacts.” -
Stumble upon (phrasal verb) – /ˈstʌmbl əˈpɒn/ – To find or meet by chance.
Example: “We stumbled upon a beautiful beach while exploring the coast.” -
Picturesque (adjective) – /ˌpɪktʃəˈresk/ – Visually attractive, especially in a quaint or charming way.
Example: “The picturesque village was surrounded by rolling hills and meadows.” -
Breathtaking (adjective) – /ˈbreθˌteɪkɪŋ/ – Astonishing or awe-inspiring in quality, so as to take one’s breath away.
Example: “The view from the mountain top was absolutely breathtaking.” -
Juxtaposition (noun) – /ˌdʒʌkstəpəˈzɪʃn/ – The fact of two things being seen or placed close together with contrasting effect.
Example: “The juxtaposition of modern skyscrapers against the historic architecture created a unique cityscape.”
Describe a time when you tried something new and enjoyed it could be another interesting topic to explore, especially if you relate it to discovering new places or activities in those places.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a recently discovered place:
- Prepare a diverse vocabulary related to places, discoveries, and personal experiences.
- Practice describing places in detail, focusing on sensory information and personal impressions.
- Develop your responses with examples and explanations to demonstrate depth of thought.
- Use a range of grammatical structures to show your language proficiency.
- Speak fluently and with natural hesitation, avoiding long pauses or repetition.
- Engage with the examiner by maintaining eye contact and showing enthusiasm for the topic.
Remember, the key to success is not just in knowing what to say, but in how you say it. Confidence, fluency, and the ability to elaborate on your ideas will significantly contribute to achieving a high band score.
Describe an interesting job that you have heard about could be a great way to practice expanding on a topic, much like you would when describing a newly discovered place.