The cue card
Describe a historical place that you have visited.
You should say:
- where it is
- when you went there
- what you saw there
- and explain why it is interesting
Band 7 sample answer
I would like to describe the Registan Square in Samarkand, which I visited with my family two summers ago. It is one of the most famous historical sites in Central Asia.
The square is surrounded by three enormous madrasas decorated with blue and turquoise tiles. We arrived early in the morning, so it was not too crowded, and we spent nearly three hours exploring the courtyards and listening to our guide explain how students used to study there centuries ago. In the evening, the buildings were lit up, and the view was absolutely breathtaking.
What makes it so interesting is the combination of art, architecture and history. You can almost imagine merchants and scholars walking across the square hundreds of years ago. The visit made me appreciate our heritage, and I think everyone should see it at least once.
I also bought a small hand-painted ceramic plate from a craftsman near the entrance, and it is now on my bookshelf. Every time I look at it, I remember the colours of the tiles and the sound of the guide's voice echoing in the courtyard, so the trip feels very close.
About 190 words, roughly 1 minutes of natural speech.
Key vocabulary
- heritage — history and traditions passed down
- architecture — the style of buildings
- intricate — with many small details
- landmark — a famous building or place
- breathtaking — extremely beautiful
- guided tour — a visit led by an expert
- well preserved — kept in good condition
Tips for this cue card
- Include time words: “Two summers ago”, “early in the morning”.
- Describe sights and the feeling they gave you.
- End with why the place matters today.
Part 3 follow-up questions
Why is it important to preserve historical sites?
Idea: They connect us to our past, teach identity and attract tourism that supports local economies.
Should entrance fees be higher for foreign tourists?
Idea: It can fund maintenance, but it should be fair and clearly explained.
How can technology help preserve history?
Idea: Digital scanning, virtual tours and 3D models protect information and make sites accessible.
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.