IELTS Speaking Part 2: Describe a place (Idea)

In part 2 of the speaking test, you might have to describe a place. There are several possible questions about places. For example:

• Describe a place you have visited.
• Describe a historic place.
• Describe a holiday.
• Describe a place you would like to visit.
• Describe somewhere you have lived or would like to live.

My advice is to prepare a description of one place that you could use to answer all of these questions. Then search the Internet for some good vocabulary.

For example, here are some ideas I found to describe London:

• Adjectives: it’s exciting, busy, hectic, cosmopolitan, multicultural, unique. It’s historic but modern at the same time, it’s a thriving, prosperous city, it’s fashionable, lively, fun…
• Activities: London is famous for its history, culture, art, museums. Tourists go there to see Big Ben, The Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square etc. You can get a fantastic view of the city from the ‘London Eye’. It’s also famous for its theatres and shows in the West End, its shops, restaurants and nightlife. There are endless things to see and do.
• Negatives: London is expensive, crowded, stressful, polluted. The underground system is dirty, travel is overpriced and unpleasant. The cost of living is high (shopping, house prices etc.), the locals are always in a hurry and can be unfriendly, there are social problems (like you can find in most big cities).