IELTS Speaking Part 2

Describe an important river or lake: 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.
  • 258 words
  • A place
  • 1 minute to prepare
  • 2 minutes to speak

The cue card

Describe an important river or lake

You should say:

  • →What river or lake it is
  • →Where it is located
  • →Why it is important
  • →And explain if you have visited it or not

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

    Choose a location you can vividly imagine to make your descriptions more natural and authentic.

  2. 2

    Use the bullet points to create a linear narrative flow from location to personal experience.

  3. 3

    Focus on sensory details like sounds or sights to reach the two-minute time requirement.

Model answer

Band 8 sample answer

Band 8258 words, about two minutes at a natural pace. Details are invented; use your own.

I would like to talk about Lake Windermere, which is the largest natural lake in England, situated right in the heart of the Lake District National Park in Cumbria. I first visited this breathtaking spot about three years ago during a hiking holiday, and the sheer scale of the water set against the rolling, emerald-green fells left a lasting impression on me. It is a glacial ribbon lake, long and narrow, and the way the light dances across the surface during the golden hour is genuinely mesmerising. The lake holds immense importance for the region, serving as a vital hub for both the local tourism industry and the broader ecosystem. It supports a diverse range of freshwater species and provides a peaceful sanctuary for those looking to escape the relentless pace of urban life. Beyond its environmental value, it has a rich cultural history, having inspired countless poets and writers who were drawn to its tranquil atmosphere. I spent two days there, renting a small rowing boat to explore the quieter inlets away from the bustling piers of Bowness. The crisp, clean air and the rhythmic sound of water lapping against the hull created a sense of profound stillness that is hard to find elsewhere. I find it significant because it represents a perfect harmony between human recreation and natural preservation. It is not just a destination for sightseers; it is an essential part of the British landscape that reminds us of the necessity of protecting our wild spaces for future generations to enjoy just as I did.

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8 words

Useful vocabulary for this cue card

  • glacial

    Relating to or formed by the action of ice.

  • ribbon lake

    A long, narrow lake found in a glacial trough.

  • fells

    High, barren, hilly areas found in Northern England.

  • mesmerising

    Capturing one's complete attention as if by magic.

  • sanctuary

    A place of refuge or safety for wildlife.

  • relentless

    Constant, intense, and showing no signs of stopping.

  • inlets

    Small, narrow areas of water leading into land.

  • lapping

    Water washing gently against a surface with sound.

5 questions

Part 3 follow-up questions

  1. 1What role does society play in shaping our attitudes towards this?
  2. 2Has the way people view this changed over the years?
  3. 3How do you think it will develop in the future?
  4. 4What are the benefits and drawbacks?
  5. 5Do you think the government should be involved in regulating this area?

Answer each in three to five sentences: position, reason, example, limit. See how to answer IELTS Speaking Part 3.

Frequently asked questions

How should I start the cue card "Describe an important river or lake"?+

Choose a location you can vividly imagine to make your descriptions more natural and authentic.

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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