Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe an Interesting Place You Recently Visited

The topic of describing an interesting place you recently visited is a common one in IELTS Speaking tests. It has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being a popular theme in future tests. This topic allows examiners to assess your ability to describe locations, express personal experiences, and use relevant vocabulary effectively.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask you some general questions about places you’ve visited. Here are some possible questions and a sample answer for one of them:

1. Do you enjoy visiting new places?
2. What types of places do you find interesting?
3. How often do you travel to new places?
4. What was the last interesting place you visited?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the last question:

Examiner: What was the last interesting place you visited?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“The last interesting place I visited was a charming little coastal town called Hoi An in central Vietnam. It’s renowned for its well-preserved Ancient Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. What struck me most about Hoi An was its unique blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese architectural influences, evident in the colorful lantern-lit streets and traditional wooden buildings. The town’s vibrant atmosphere and rich cultural heritage made it a truly captivating destination.”

This answer demonstrates a good range of vocabulary, uses descriptive language effectively, and provides specific details about the place visited.

Describe a crowded place you’ve been to can be another interesting topic to explore in IELTS Speaking, as it allows you to showcase your ability to describe busy environments and your personal experiences in them.

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

For Part 2, here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:

Describe an interesting place you visited recently

You should say:
- Where it was
- When you went there
- What you did there
- And explain why you found it interesting

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):

“I’d like to talk about a fascinating place I visited last summer – the ancient city of Petra in Jordan. I went there with a group of friends as part of a Middle Eastern tour.

Petra is known for its rock-cut architecture and water conduit system. We spent two full days exploring the site. The highlight was definitely walking through the narrow canyon called the Siq to reach the famous Treasury building. We also hiked up to the Monastery, which offered breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

What made Petra so interesting was its incredible history and the mystery surrounding its construction. The fact that this entire city was carved into rose-colored rock over 2000 years ago is simply mind-boggling. The blend of Nabataean and Greco-Roman architectural styles was also quite impressive.

I found the experience of walking in the footsteps of ancient civilizations to be both humbling and awe-inspiring. The sheer scale of the monuments and the ingenuity of the ancient Nabataeans in creating such a sophisticated city in the middle of the desert left a lasting impression on me.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to share my experience of visiting the awe-inspiring Cappadocia region in central Turkey, which I had the pleasure of exploring just a couple of months ago. This otherworldly landscape is renowned for its distinctive “fairy chimneys” – tall, cone-shaped rock formations that dot the entire region.

My journey to Cappadocia was part of a solo adventure I embarked on to immerse myself in Turkey’s rich cultural tapestry. The highlight of my visit was undoubtedly the hot air balloon ride at dawn, which offered a breathtaking panoramic view of the surreal, lunar-like terrain below. The sight of hundreds of colorful balloons floating silently above the ethereal landscape as the sun rose was truly mesmerizing.

During my stay, I also explored the intricate underground cities, which were carved into the soft volcanic rock by early Christians seeking refuge from persecution. The ingenuity and architectural prowess displayed in these subterranean networks left me in awe of human resilience and adaptability.

What made Cappadocia particularly interesting was its unique geological features combined with its rich historical significance. The region’s distinctive topography, formed by volcanic eruptions and erosion over millions of years, has been ingeniously utilized by various civilizations throughout history. From the rock-hewn churches adorned with intricate Byzantine frescoes to the contemporary cave hotels that offer a blend of modern luxury and traditional troglodyte living, Cappadocia presents a fascinating juxtaposition of nature’s artistry and human creativity.

The experience was not just visually stunning but also deeply enlightening, offering insights into the geological processes that shape our planet and the innovative ways in which humans have adapted to and thrived in challenging environments. It was a journey that broadened my perspectives and left me with a profound appreciation for the wonders of both nature and human ingenuity.”

Hot air balloons floating over Cappadocia at sunrise

Follow-up questions:

1. Did you face any challenges during your visit?
2. Would you recommend this place to others? Why or why not?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9) for question 1:

“While my visit to Cappadocia was largely seamless, I did encounter a few minor challenges. The most notable one was adapting to the early morning schedule for the hot air balloon rides. As someone who’s not naturally an early riser, waking up well before dawn was initially quite daunting. However, the spectacular sunrise views more than compensated for the early start.

Another challenge was navigating the vast, complex network of underground cities. These ancient structures can be quite labyrinthine, and at times, I found myself feeling a bit claustrophobic in the narrow passageways. However, this experience also gave me a profound appreciation for the ingenuity and resilience of the people who built and lived in these underground sanctuaries.

Lastly, the popularity of Cappadocia as a tourist destination meant that some areas could get quite crowded, especially during peak season. Balancing the desire to see all the major sites with the need for a more peaceful, authentic experience required some careful planning and flexibility in my itinerary.

Despite these challenges, I found that they actually enhanced my overall experience, adding an element of adventure and personal growth to my journey. They pushed me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to develop new skills, such as adaptability and problem-solving in unfamiliar environments.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In Part 3, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic of interesting places. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:

Examiner: Why do you think some places become popular tourist destinations while others don’t?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“There are several factors that contribute to a place becoming a popular tourist destination. Firstly, unique natural or cultural attractions play a significant role. Places with stunning landscapes, historical monuments, or distinctive cultural experiences tend to draw more visitors. Secondly, accessibility is crucial. Destinations that are easily reachable by various modes of transportation are more likely to attract tourists.

Additionally, infrastructure and amenities are important. Places that offer comfortable accommodations, good restaurants, and efficient local transportation systems are more appealing to tourists. Marketing and promotion also play a vital role in putting a destination on the tourist map. Effective campaigns can create buzz and generate interest in a place.

Lastly, word-of-mouth recommendations and social media influence have become increasingly important in recent years. Places that are photogenic and offer ‘Instagrammable’ moments often gain popularity rapidly among younger travelers.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“The factors that contribute to a place becoming a popular tourist destination are multifaceted and interconnected. At the core, I believe it’s about a destination’s ability to offer a unique and compelling experience that resonates with travelers’ desires and expectations.

Distinctive natural or cultural assets are often the primary draw. This could range from awe-inspiring natural wonders like the Grand Canyon to iconic cultural landmarks like the Eiffel Tower. These attractions provide a tangible focal point for tourism and often embody the essence of a destination’s appeal.

However, the mere presence of attractions isn’t sufficient. Accessibility plays a crucial role in determining a destination’s popularity. This encompasses not just physical infrastructure like airports and roads, but also factors like visa policies and language barriers. Destinations that strike a balance between being exotic and accessible often see the most success.

The quality and diversity of tourism infrastructure is another critical factor. This includes accommodations, dining options, and local transportation, but also extends to less tangible aspects like the friendliness of locals and the overall atmosphere of a place. Destinations that can cater to a wide range of preferences and budgets tend to have broader appeal.

In the digital age, marketing and online presence have become increasingly important. Effective branding can create a strong identity for a destination, while strategic marketing campaigns can raise awareness and generate interest. Moreover, the power of user-generated content on social media platforms has revolutionized how destinations gain popularity. A single viral post can put a previously unknown location on the global tourism map overnight.

Lastly, I believe there’s an intangible quality – a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ – that some destinations possess. It’s a combination of authenticity, charm, and the ability to offer transformative experiences that can’t be easily replicated elsewhere. Places that can provide this emotional connection often become enduringly popular, as they offer something beyond mere sightseeing – they offer the potential for personal growth and memorable stories.

In essence, the most popular tourist destinations are those that can weave together these various elements to create a compelling narrative that captures the imagination of travelers and keeps them coming back for more.”

Tourists admiring the Eiffel Tower in Paris

Describe a tourist attraction that is popular in your country can provide additional practice in discussing popular destinations and their appeal to visitors.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

Here are some key vocabulary items and phrases that can help you achieve a high score when describing interesting places:

1. Awe-inspiring (adjective) – /ɔː ɪnˈspaɪərɪŋ/ – extremely impressive or daunting; inspiring great admiration
   Example: “The Grand Canyon is an awe-inspiring natural wonder.”

2. Breathtaking (adjective) – /ˈbreθteɪkɪŋ/ – astonishing or awe-inspiring in quality, so as to take one’s breath away
   Example: “The view from the mountain top was absolutely breathtaking.”

3. Rich in history (phrase) – having many important past events associated with it
   Example: “Rome is a city rich in history, with ancient ruins at every turn.”

4. Off the beaten track (idiom) – /ɒf ðə ˈbiːtn træk/ – in or into an isolated place; away from frequently traveled routes
   Example: “We discovered a charming village off the beaten track during our road trip.”

5. Cultural melting pot (phrase) – a place where different cultures, styles, or ethnicities mix together
   Example: “New York City is often described as a cultural melting pot due to its diverse population.”

6. Steeped in tradition (phrase) – /stiːpt ɪn trəˈdɪʃn/ – having a long-established history or cultural practice
   Example: “Kyoto is a city steeped in tradition, known for its ancient temples and tea ceremonies.”

7. Picturesque (adjective) – /ˌpɪktʃəˈresk/ – visually attractive, especially in a quaint or charming way
   Example: “The picturesque coastal town was a favorite among landscape painters.”

8. Immerse oneself (phrasal verb) – /ɪˈmɜːs wʌnˈself/ – to involve oneself deeply in a particular activity or interest
   Example: “Traveling allows you to immerse yourself in different cultures and ways of life.”

Using these words and phrases effectively can help demonstrate your language proficiency and ability to describe places vividly.

Tips from an Examiner

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing interesting places:

1. Use a variety of descriptive language: Incorporate adjectives, adverbs, and vivid imagery to bring your descriptions to life.

2. Structure your response: Organize your thoughts logically, using discourse markers to connect ideas smoothly.

3. Provide specific details: Don’t just say a place was “nice” or “interesting” – explain why with concrete examples.

4. Show enthusiasm: Use your tone of voice and facial expressions to convey your genuine interest in the topic.

5. Practice regularly: Describe places you’ve visited to friends or record yourself speaking about different locations.

6. Expand your vocabulary: Learn new words related to travel, architecture, culture, and geography.

7. Be prepared to elaborate: Be ready to answer follow-up questions and provide additional information about the place you’re describing.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is to communicate effectively and demonstrate your language skills confidently.

Describe a memorable event that happened in your city can be an excellent way to practice describing not just places, but also significant occurrences associated with them, further enhancing your descriptive abilities.