IELTS Speaking Part 2

Describe a campsite where you stayed overnight: IELTS cue card with sample answer

An IELTS cue card for Speaking Part 2 with a Band 8 sample answer, the one-minute plan behind it, the vocabulary that lifts it and the Part 3 follow-up questions the examiner can ask next.
  • 263 words
  • A place
  • 1 minute to prepare
  • 2 minutes to speak

The cue card

Describe a campsite where you stayed overnight

You should say:

  • →where this campsite was located
  • →who you went there with
  • →what the surroundings and facilities were like
  • →and explain how you felt about your experience staying there

One minute to prepare, then speak for one to two minutes.

A place

How to answer this cue card: a one-minute plan

  1. 1

    Note the setting and companions (e.g. Scottish Highlands, uni mates).

  2. 2

    Jot down brief sensory details of the scenery and basic amenities.

  3. 3

    Outline your initial hesitation versus your ultimate feeling of relaxation.

Model answer

Band 8 sample answer

Band 8263 words, about two minutes at a natural pace. Details are invented; use your own.

I'd like to talk about a memorable camping trip I took a couple of summers ago to a remote campsite tucked away in the Scottish Highlands, just on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park. I went there with two of my closest university mates because we were desperate to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life for a long weekend.

The campsite itself was fairly basic, which actually added to the charm. It was set in an ancient pine forest overlooking a stunning freshwater loch, surrounded by rugged mountain peaks. Facility-wise, there wasn't much beyond a couple of compost toilets and a single cold-water tap. We had to pitch our tents on a small clearing among the heather and prepare our meals over a small camping stove. There was absolutely no mobile phone reception or electricity, so we were completely off the grid.

To be honest, the experience was slightly daunting at first, especially when the temperature dropped dramatically after sunset and the midges came out in full force. However, once we got a small campfire going and watched the stars come out, it became truly magical. It had been years since I'd seen the night sky without any light pollution, and falling asleep to the gentle sound of the wind rustling through the trees was incredibly peaceful.

Overall, I came away feeling thoroughly rejuvenated. It made me realise how much noise and clutter we tolerate in modern life, and roughing it in the wilderness for a night or two gave me a renewed appreciation for simplicity and nature.

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7 words

Useful vocabulary for this cue card

  • tucked away

    hidden or situated in a quiet, secluded location

  • hustle and bustle

    busy, noisy, and energetic activity

  • off the grid

    not connected to public utilities, electricity, or mobile networks

  • daunting

    intimidating or seeming difficult to deal with

  • light pollution

    artificial light that brightens the night sky and obscures stars

  • rejuvenated

    feeling refreshed, energised, and revitalised

  • roughing it

    living without basic comforts or modern conveniences

5 questions

Part 3 follow-up questions

  1. 1Why do some people prefer camping holidays over staying in luxury hotels?
  2. 2How have people's outdoor leisure habits changed compared to previous generations?
  3. 3What environmental challenges are caused by the rising popularity of eco-tourism?
  4. 4Do you think virtual reality will ever replace real-world outdoor experiences?
  5. 5Should governments invest public funds into developing national parks, or should they be privately funded?

Answer each in three to five sentences: position, reason, example, limit. Read Band 8 answers to these Part 3 questions: outdoor recreation and nature tourism.

Frequently asked questions

How should I start the cue card "Describe a campsite where you stayed overnight"?+

Note the setting and companions (e.g. Scottish Highlands, uni mates).

How long should I speak on an IELTS cue card?+

You get one minute to prepare, then speak for the full two minutes, about 220 to 280 words at a natural pace. The examiner will stop you at two minutes, which is a good sign, not a problem.

How is the cue card scored?+

Part 2 is not scored on its own. Your whole Speaking test gets one band from four criteria: fluency and coherence, vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation. The cue card is where the examiner hears whether you can keep going for two minutes.

Can I use this sample answer in the exam?+

Use its structure and vocabulary, not its sentences. Examiners recognise memorised answers and mark fluency down; a shorter answer from your own memory scores higher than a recited one.

Keep practising

More cue cards: a place

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