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Part 2 cue card · Places · Retained in September–December 2026

Describe a quiet place you like to go.

Describe a quiet place you like to go.

You should say:

  • ·where it is
  • ·how you knew it
  • ·how often you go there
  • ·what you do there

and explain how you feel about the place.

One minute to prepare, up to two minutes to talk. Then Part 3 asks the questions below.

Sample answers

Two answers to the same card

Same story, two levels. Both were written by Ashore, then checked against the public band descriptors in a separate pass. The bands are practice estimates, not official IELTS results.

A simpler answer

Checked at band 6.5 · 153 words

I'd like to talk about a small garden near my apartment. It's behind a public library, about a ten-minute walk from my home. I first knew about it because a neighbor told me about it when I moved into this area. I go there once or twice a week, usually in the evening after work. There are some trees and benches, and it is usually much quieter than the streets nearby.

When I go there, I normally sit on a bench and read a book or listen to music. Sometimes I just walk around slowly and look at the plants. I don't usually stay for a long time, perhaps half an hour, but it is enough for me. I like this place because it is clean and peaceful. I feel relaxed there, and I can forget about work for a while. It is a simple place, but it makes me feel much better.

  • Give the source · “a neighbor told me about it”
  • Explain the feeling · “forget about work for a while”

A stronger answer

Checked at band 7.5 · 217 words

Honestly, my favorite quiet spot is a small community garden just behind the public library, about a ten-minute walk from my apartment. I found out about it shortly after moving into the neighborhood, when a neighbor mentioned it as a nice place to get some fresh air. It’s tucked away from the main road, so you don’t really notice it unless someone points it out.

I go there once or twice a week, usually after work in the evening. There are a few trees and wooden benches, and even when the nearby streets are busy, the garden stays surprisingly calm. I normally sit on one of the benches and read, or put on some music with my headphones. If I’ve had a tiring day, I’ll just take a slow walk around and look at the plants instead. I usually stay for about half an hour, which is long enough to clear my head without taking up my whole evening.

It isn’t a spectacular place, and there’s not a huge amount to do, but that’s part of its appeal. I like how simple and well-kept it is. When I’m there, I feel less tense and stop thinking about work for a bit. It’s a small escape from the noise of the city, and I always leave feeling calmer.

  • Add a specific detail · “a nice place to get some fresh air”
  • Use a conditional · “unless someone points it out”
  • Develop by situation · “If I’ve had a tiring day”
  • Concede and add a point · “but that’s part of its appeal”
  • Use precise phrasing · “a small escape from the noise”
Angles

2 ways to answer it

  1. 1A window seat on the library’s third floor where you read in the quiet afternoons
  2. 2A riverside path behind your neighbourhood for quiet walks after dinner
Expressions

4 expressions that fit this card

clear my head
relax and think more clearly
away from the crowds
far from busy groups of people
a peaceful atmosphere
a calm and relaxing feeling
switch off for a while
stop thinking about daily worries for a while
Part 3

The questions that follow

After the long turn, Part 3 asks bigger questions on the same theme. Each one comes with two points you can build an answer from.

  1. 1

    Is it easy to find quiet places in your country? Why?

    • ·Busy districts can be noisy, though libraries and quieter parks offer alternatives.
    • ·Timing matters: mornings and busy weekends can feel completely different.
  2. 2

    Why do old people prefer to live in quiet places?

    • ·A quiet setting makes rest easier, especially for people who sleep lightly.
    • ·Some older people enjoy busy surroundings, so personal habits matter as well as age.
  3. 3

    Why is more noise made at home now than in the past?

    • ·More appliances, televisions and phones can create noise when used together.
    • ·Small homes or poor soundproofing can make neighbours and family members easier to hear.
  4. 4

    What can cities do to protect quiet public spaces?

    • ·Separating quiet areas from traffic and limiting honking can work better than signs alone.
    • ·Parks could set aside areas without amplified music for people who want some peace.
Stories

One story, many cards

This card fits this story. Prepare the story once and you can bend it to every card listed with it on the season page.

  • A green spot in your city

    A park or riverside you go to: who you go with, what you do there, a rule that keeps it clean or should.

Say it out loud and get a band score