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IELTS Speaking Part 2 & 3 · Current season: 6.25-7.13 Predicted · Updated 2026-07-08

Part 2 Cue Card

Describe a home that you like to visit but do not want to live in

You should say:

  • Where it is
  • What it is like
  • Why you like to visit it
  • And explain why you would not like to live there

You will have one to two minutes to talk about this topic.

Part 3 Discussion Questions

  • Do Chinese people like to visit others' homes?
  • What do Chinese people do when they visit others?
  • What kind of place do people in your country like to live in?
  • What's the difference between homes in cities and those in the countryside?
  • What kind of gifts do people usually bring when they visit others?
  • How often do you visit your relatives or friends?
Full answer demonstrationNotice how the answer develops and connects its details.Listen for pace, sentence stress, linking and small natural corrections.
Read the complete transcript

There’s a weatherboard cottage on the Cornish coast I love to visit but wouldn’t want to live in permanently. It’s about two hours from my city and perches on a windswept cliff with a big view across the bay. The cottage itself is cosy and slightly rustic, with low beams, a wood‑burning stove and a tiny kitchen, and it’s full of mismatched furniture collected over decades. I like visiting because it forces me to slow down and disconnect from email and noise; there are long walks along the sand and the fresh air clears my head. For example, on my last trip I walked five miles along the coast path and felt completely refreshed. But I wouldn’t want to live there because it’s remote and impractical for everyday life — the nearest supermarket is half an hour away and the broadband is unreliable. Also, the cottage is drafty and small, so during winter it’s difficult to work from home or host friends regularly. So it’s perfect for short, restorative breaks but not for long‑term living.

This AI-generated learner demonstration is a practice example, not an official IELTS response.
Visual warm-up

See the topic before you speak

Use the images as idea prompts. Describe what you notice, connect it to your experience, then answer the real question.

Visual speaking prompt 1 for the topic describe a home that you like to visit but do not want to live in
Prompt 1Notice three concrete details, then answer without writing a script.
Visual speaking prompt 2 for the topic describe a home that you like to visit but do not want to live in
Prompt 2Change the viewpoint or example and record a second, more specific answer.
Listen · compare · repeat

Model answers, heard side by side

Start with the simpler answer, switch bands to hear how the same task can be developed, then record a personal response. These are teaching examples, not official answers or score guarantees.

Part 2 — Model Answer

Part 2 cue-card response

Band 6 model

I like to visit my aunt's flat by the lake. It is in a small town about an hour from the city. The flat is small but tidy, with a cosy living room and a balcony that looks over the water. I enjoy going there because my aunt cooks nice meals and we talk for hours. We often sit on the balcony in the evening and watch boats. However, I would not want to live there. The flat is too small for a family and it is a bit far from my work and friends. It is great for weekends, but not practical for everyday life.

Speaking criteria note: The Band 7 answer is lifted by more fluent, varied language, richer detail and clear reasoning, whereas the Band 6 is simpler and more repetitive.

Part 3 — Model Answers

Do Chinese people like to visit others' homes?

Band 6 model

Yes, many Chinese people do like to visit others' homes, especially family and close friends. Visiting is common at festivals and birthdays. People often accept invitations and stay for a meal. It is a way to keep family ties and show respect.

Speaking criteria note: The Band 7 answer considers generational and urban–rural differences and uses more connecting language; the Band 6 gives a simpler, general response.

What do Chinese people do when they visit others?

Band 6 model

When people visit, they usually greet the host, take off their shoes if asked and sit down to chat. They often have tea or snacks and sometimes stay for a meal. Guests may bring a small gift like fruit or dessert.

Speaking criteria note: Band 7 adds cultural detail about shared dishes and etiquette plus modern practices, while Band 6 lists common actions more simply.

What kind of place do people in your country like to live in?

Band 6 model

People in my country like to live where there is good transport and schools. Many prefer a house with a garden in a quiet area. Others want to be close to work in the city and choose flats. Affordability is important.

Speaking criteria note: Band 7 gives a clearer picture of different groups and trade‑offs (space vs. convenience) and uses more precise vocabulary; Band 6 is more general.

What's the difference between homes in cities and those in the countryside?

Band 6 model

Homes in cities are usually smaller and closer together. They are often flats and people have less outdoor space. Country homes are bigger and quieter, with gardens and nature nearby. Services are farther away in the countryside.

Speaking criteria note: Band 7 contrasts practical, social and lifestyle differences and uses comparative language; Band 6 lists basic contrasts.

What kind of gifts do people usually bring when they visit others?

Band 6 model

People usually bring small gifts like fruit, flowers, cake or a bottle of wine. For family visits they may bring homemade food. Gifts show thanks to the host. It is polite to bring something.

Speaking criteria note: Band 7 explains cultural variety and the reasoning behind gift choices; Band 6 simply lists typical presents.

How often do you visit your relatives or friends?

Band 6 model

I visit my relatives and friends about once a month. Sometimes I go more often for special events like birthdays. I also call or message them between visits. Distance and work affect how often I can visit.

Speaking criteria note: Band 7 provides a more nuanced frequency picture, explains variation and mentions alternative contact methods; Band 6 gives a straightforward frequency and simple reasons.

How to answer Describe a home that you like to visit but do not want to live in IELTS Speaking questions

For the Describe a home that you like to visit but do not want to live in cue card, use the preparation minute to build a route through the talk. Choose a clear subject, add two specific moments or details and end with why it matters. Then use the linked Part 3 questions to practise broader explanation and comparison.

Cue-card prompts:

  • Where it is
  • What it is like
  • Why you like to visit it
  • And explain why you would not like to live there
  1. Opening: identify the person, place, object or event.
  2. Development: describe two details or moments in a logical order.
  3. Extension: explain a reason, result, comparison or problem.
  4. Reflection: finish with why the subject is memorable or important.

Question-by-question approach

Practice questionUseful answer move
Do Chinese people like to visit others' homes?Give a direct answer, one reason and a short example without memorising a script.
What do Chinese people do when they visit others?Name the thing first, then describe a specific feature or example.
What kind of place do people in your country like to live in?Name the thing first, then describe a specific feature or example.
What's the difference between homes in cities and those in the countryside?Name the thing first, then describe a specific feature or example.

Vocabulary focus

Useful language already demonstrated in the model answers includes use precise words from your own answer. Learn the meaning and a natural word partnership, then use each item in a different answer instead of copying a complete script.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Giving a memorised response that only partly answers the question.
  • Adding difficult vocabulary without checking meaning or collocation.
  • Restarting after every error instead of correcting briefly and continuing.
  • Reading the model answer before recording your own first attempt.

Describe a home that you like to visit but do not want to live in practice FAQ

How should I use the Describe a home that you like to visit but do not want to live in cue card preparation minute?

Write keywords for an opening, two or three details and a final reflection. Do not try to write complete sentences.

Do I have to cover every cue-card bullet?

The prompts help you organise the talk. Covering them is useful, but a coherent one-to-two-minute response matters more than mechanically ticking off each line.

How are Part 3 questions connected to Part 2?

They develop the same broad theme through reasons, comparisons, social effects or future possibilities, so answers normally need more explanation than Part 1.