The cue card
Describe a place in nature, such as a lake, mountain or forest, that you have visited.
You should say:
- where it is
- when and how you went there
- what you saw and did there
- and explain why you liked it
Band 7 sample answer
A natural place I really enjoyed visiting is Charvak Reservoir, which is a large mountain lake about eighty kilometres from Tashkent. I went there last spring with three friends from university.
We took a shared taxi early in the morning, and the road became more beautiful with every kilometre. When we arrived, the water was a deep turquoise colour, and the snowy peaks reflected on the surface. We rented a small boat for an hour, then walked along a path on the shore, taking photos and listening to the water. For lunch, we cooked shashlik on a small grill and drank tea from a flask.
I liked it because it was so different from the city. There was almost no noise, the air was clean, and I could see the stars clearly when we stayed until evening. It also made me realise how important it is to protect nature. Unfortunately, I noticed some plastic bottles and rubbish near the picnic areas, so we collected what we could carry.
The only difficulty was the cold wind, so I suggest bringing a warm jacket even in spring. I hope to return in the autumn, when the trees turn gold, and to try hiking higher into the mountains. What struck me most was how quickly I forgot my phone. For almost the whole day, none of us checked messages, and we just talked and laughed. That kind of digital break is something I clearly need more often in my daily life.
About 248 words, roughly 2 minutes of natural speech.
Key vocabulary
- breathtaking scenery — extremely beautiful views
- unspoilt — not damaged by humans
- tranquil — very quiet and calm
- a nature reserve — protected natural area
- fresh air — clean outdoor air
- escape the city — leave urban life for a while
- litter — rubbish left in public places
Tips for this cue card
- Use colours, sounds and weather to paint a picture.
- Mention one activity you did there.
- Add a thought about protecting nature if it fits.
Part 3 follow-up questions
Why do people enjoy spending time in nature?
Idea: It reduces stress, offers exercise and gives a break from noise and screens.
Should entrance fees be charged for national parks?
Idea: Small fees can fund protection and cleaning, but prices should stay fair for local families.
How can people protect natural areas?
Idea: By not littering, following rules, supporting conservation and limiting visitor numbers.
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.