Taking the IELTS Speaking Part 2 is one of the most dreaded experiences most candidates face. Even the sharpest and most proficient English test-taker cannot help but feel worried and anxious.
Why? It is because this part of the test necessitates you to speak for a longer period about a subject where your knowledge might not be enough, and there will be no questions and interruptions from the examiner.
Furthermore, you have minimal time to prepare. We are here to guide and assist you.
So, on this page, we are sharing with you sample replies to the cue card topic ‘Describe a quiet place at school where you like spending your free time.’ To find out more, please continue reading.
What is the IELTS Cue Card Question?
In the second segment of the speaking section of the IELTS test, the examiner gives you a theme and asks you to talk for one to two minutes about it.
The topic is stated on a card and other subtopics that you should include in your talk. This card is also popularly known as a cue card. You are also given a slip of paper and a pencil to take notes with.
You have precisely one minute to plan and take notes before speaking.
The examiner keeps your time, and you will be notified when it is up. The items on the topic card aid you to think of what to say, and you should try to stay on topic for the full two minutes.
The examiner may ask you a question regarding what you have stated before moving on to the next section.
How to Answer this Specific Cue Card Question: “Describe a Quiet Place at School Where You Like Spending Your Free Time”
Topic/Question
Describe a Quiet Place at School Where You Like Spending Your Free Time
Guidelines to Answer this Specific Question
You should say:
- What and where it is
- Who usually go there
- How often you go there
And explain how you feel when you are there.
- Recall a specific place in school where you like spending your free time. It could be anywhere in school, as long as you would have a lot of things to say, enough to cover the 2-minute duration of your speech.
- Keep in mind that the time allotted is limited. Once you have a specific place to discuss, stick with it. You do not have enough time to reorganize your thoughts if you change your mind.
- Start scribbling notes right away. State what and where this place is. Describe the ambiance and what it looks like. Discuss how many students and who usually go there. Include also how often you go there and with whom. Lastly, explain why you like to spend your free time there and how you feel when you go there.
- Manage your time well. Instead of writing sentences, just write keywords and phrases.
- Use complex and sophisticated language to improve your chances of doing well in this test section. Use complicated grammar structures as well.
- Jot down as many ideas as you can without jeopardizing your capacity to grasp what you have written later on. What and how you write on your notes is unimportant to the examiner. They will evaluate the subject and delivery of your speech.
- Make a point of looking through your notes. It is all right. This is done to ensure that you cover all of the points you want to express in your speech.
Sample Responses: “Describe a Quiet Place at School Where You Like Spending Your Free Time”
Sample Response 1:
“Well, calm settings provide everyone peace of mind, and there are numerous spots where people go to have a peaceful ambiance. Here, I’d like to talk about a tranquil spot that I frequently visited, when I was still a university student. It’s the open field, where most students also went.
This open field was relatively calm in the early morning hours, and I went there because it entices me to spend as much time as possible to relax and prepare myself for my classes. It was relatively quiet and peaceful in the morning because most students arrived at school just in time for their first class in the morning. There are also quite a few students who went there with their friends and classmates, but I preferred being alone. I took advantage of it because anytime I went in the morning, I felt energized for the rest of the day. Apart from that, I adored this location since there are unique flowers, which fascinated me and made me want to spend some time there.
I was thrilled to have such a lovely open field in my university, and I helped to maintain its beauty by joining a volunteer group that planted new plants and flowers there. I believe that one cannot find peace of mind anywhere other than being close to nature because nature is wonderful in and of itself, producing a soothing influence on the mind and body of the individual.”
Follow-up Question 1:
Why do people prefer to go to quiet places?
Response:
“I believe that the main reason why people go to peaceful places is to free their mind from all the stress and noise happening around them. As a student, that’s one of the main reasons why I prefer to go to quiet places. I also need to go somewhere quiet when I have homework to do and exams to study for so that I can concentrate and focus better.”
Follow-up Question 2:
Do older people prefer to be in quieter areas than younger people?
Response:
“I think that because of the plenty of experiences that they have, older people are better aware of the benefits of silence. This is why they choose to spend more time in a peaceful setting than young people. Also, most younger people these days have an active lifestyle, and they tend to be more sociable and be with a lot of people.”
Sample Response 2:
“Several essential aspects influence a student’s success. One of these crucial aspects is the place where one studies. A student’s environment should ideally be serene and quiet to concentrate for prolonged periods without being distracted. Fortunately, I have discovered one such location: the school library.
Our school library offers many books on all major subjects, including science, mathematics, economics, and literature. Some of the books, such as those on local history, are unique. In my leisure time, I read these novels and find them fascinating. There’s also a computer section where I can look up material that’s not available in the books. After my classes, I always go to the library and enjoy my time there. It is really serene, which I enjoy, and I am able to concentrate better, which is especially useful when examinations are approaching.
I made several friends there as well, and we established a study group. We share everything we think will help us with our studies with each other. I really enjoy my time in the library because it gives me the chance to free myself from the noise in the classrooms and canteen where I also spend most of my time. It feels like I’m in my element whenever I am in the library, and I believe that choosing to spend my free time is the main reason why I am acing my exams.”
Follow-up Question 1:
Do you require a peaceful environment to study?
Response:
“When I have the opportunity to work with focus, I give my finest performance. As a result, when I’m studying, I need to be calm. My performance suffers greatly in a noisy atmosphere. So yes, I need to be in a peaceful environment when I am studying.”
Follow-up Question 2:
Do you know someone who prefers to be in a noisy environment?
Response:
“Yes, I do have some friends who like to be in noisy places. They say that they feel more energized when they are surrounded by noise. I myself do not get it, but the fact is we are all different, and what may be good for others may not be good for you.”
Vocabulary List for Answering the Question:“Describe a Quiet Place at School Where You Like Spending Your Free Time”
Below are some words from the sample responses for the cue card topic ‘Describe a quiet place at school where you like spending your free time.’ with their definitions and example sentences to guide you.
| Word | Part of Speech | Definition | Example Usage of the Word in a Sentence |
| ace | verb | To achieve a good grade on a task, such as an exam | “He aced his licensure exam, and his parents are throwing a party for him.” |
| adore | verb | To like a lot | “I adore that dress in the shop we went to last week.” |
| ambiance | noun | A location’s charm and atmosphere | “The spa lounger will create the ideal ambiance for a relaxing session in the comfort of your own home.” |
| approach | verb | To become closer to someone or something in relation to time or distance | “They had to travel through wetlands to approach the fortress.” |
| array | noun | A large display or selection of a specific type of item | “There was a grand array of delicacies on the table.” |
| crucial | adjective | Critical or important, especially in relation to something’s success or failure | “The support of independent voters will just be crucial.” |
| distracted | adjective | Unable to concentrate due to mental distractions | “She’s easily distracted so please, do not talk to her.” |
| energize | verb | To give new life and vigor | “The sun’s thermonuclear processes energize our bodies.” |
| entice | verb | To tempt or attract by giving advantage or pleasure | “Is it possible to entice you with a hot drink?” |
| establish | verb | To create a strong or permanent organization, structure, or set of rules | “She has made a financial contribution to establish a biopharmaceutical facility.” |
| influence | noun | The ability to influence someone’s or something’s character, growth, or conduct, or the effect itself | “Her influence influenced me to become a better person.” |
| serene | adjective | Quiet; pleasant, peaceful, and trouble-free | “I’ve gradually started to feel protected in her serene room.” |
| soothing | adjective | Having a comforting effect on the body | “The evaporation of sweat on the skin produces a pleasant, soothing sensation.” |
| thrilled | adjective | To make someone to feel delighted and happy all of a sudden | “The kids were thrilled to receive their gifts.” |
| tranquil | adjective | Free of agitation; tranquil | “Short hikes through the countryside will lead you to a tranquil landscape.” |