Scorify.uzThe cue card
Describe a place where there are a lot of people.
You should say:
- where it is
- when you went there
- what you saw people doing
- and explain how you felt about the place
Band 7 sample answer
A place that is always full of people is the central bazaar in my city, which I visited last weekend with my mother. It is one of the largest markets in the region, and it opens early in the morning.
When we arrived, the noise was incredible. Sellers were shouting prices, customers were bargaining and children were running between the stalls. There were piles of fruit, spices and bread, and the smell of grilled meat was everywhere.
At first I felt overwhelmed because it was so crowded and I had to hold my mother's arm to avoid losing her. Gradually, though, I began to enjoy the energy of the place.
What impressed me most was the variety. In one corner, a man was selling dried fruits and nuts; in another, an old woman was weaving baskets, and nearby a boy was playing a small drum to attract customers. Everything looked colourful, and I took many photos to remember it.
I think the bazaar is a fascinating part of our culture. It is a bit tiring, but it shows the real life of the city, and I would recommend it to any visitor.
About 192 words, roughly 1 minutes of natural speech.
Key vocabulary
- bustling — full of busy activity
- stalls — small market shops
- bargain — negotiate a lower price
- overwhelming — too much to deal with
- lively — full of energy
- packed — very full of people
- vibrant — bright and full of life
Tips for this cue card
- Use all five senses.
- Show how your feelings changed.
- Use past continuous for the scene.
Part 3 follow-up questions
Why do people like crowded places?
Idea: The energy and the sense of community can be exciting.
Are cities too crowded?
Idea: Many are, which causes pollution and expensive housing.
How can governments reduce overcrowding?
Idea: By developing smaller cities and improving public transport.
More discussion questions with full answers: IELTS Speaking Part 3 topics.
Study guides
How Is IELTS Scored in Speaking and Writing? Criteria, Weighting and Rounding
The short answer first, then the Speaking and Writing criteria tables, how Task 1 and Task 2 combine and how the overall band is rounded.
IELTS Speaking Band Descriptors Explained in Plain English
The IELTS Speaking test is marked on four criteria. Here is what each one means at bands 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, with short examples you can compare with your own answers.
IELTS Speaking Part 2: How Many Minutes to Speak (With a Practice Timer)
How long Part 2 lasts (1 minute to prepare, 1–2 minutes to speak), a practice timer, a four-step structure and a model answer.