Describe a place in your home where you like to relax
IELTS Speaking Part 2 cue card with a full sample answer, a Band 9 model of the two-minute long turn.
The cue card
Describe a place in your home where you like to relax
You should say:
- where it is
- what it is like
- what you like doing there
- why you feel relaxed there
Sample answer
The place where I find the greatest relaxation is undoubtedly my bedroom. Located at the end of a corridor, it offers a cozy retreat away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The room is of average size, seamlessly integrating a comfortable double bed with my dedicated gaming setup. This setup includes a PlayStation 5, a desktop computer, and a gaming chair, making it the perfect spot for me to unwind and indulge in my favorite pastime. On the right side of the room, I have thoughtfully arranged some gym equipment, which plays a significant role in my routine. Although it consists of only one versatile piece of equipment, its multifunctional nature allows me to target various muscle groups effectively. This setup may not look like a traditional gym, but it serves its purpose well. Given my demanding schedule, I often find it challenging to visit a gym after work, so having this equipment at home has been invaluable for my fitness journey. In this space, I enjoy a range of activities that help me relax, from gaming to short workouts. When I feel overwhelmed by work pressures or family issues, retreating to my bedroom offers a sense of escape. The gaming experience, in particular, allows me to dive into immersive virtual worlds, providing a much-needed break from reality. It is this ability to disconnect and explore new adventures that truly rejuvenates my spirit. Ultimately, my bedroom serves as a sanctuary where I can recharge and find solace. The combination of gaming and the opportunity to engage in physical exercise strikes the perfect balance for me. This space not only offers an escape from everyday stress but also allows me to reconnect with myself, ensuring that I leave my worries behind, even if just for a little while.
299 words — roughly 2–3 minutes at a natural speaking pace.
Reading a model answer is not the same as saying one. The sample above shows what a strong Part 2 answer sounds like. What it cannot tell you is how yours sounds — whether you hesitate, repeat the question back, or run out of things to say at forty seconds.
You can record an answer to this exact question and get it marked on fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and pronunciation — the same four criteria the examiner uses.
Common questions
How long should I speak for in Part 2?
Between one and two minutes. The examiner stops you at two, so aim to still be talking at the ninety-second mark rather than finishing early — running out at forty seconds is the most common problem in this part.
What do I do with the one minute of preparation time?
You get one minute and a pencil and paper. Most candidates waste it writing full sentences they then read aloud, which sounds flat. Note a few keywords against each bullet instead, so you have four things to say and can speak naturally from them.
Do I have to cover all four bullet points?
They are prompts, not a checklist, and you are not penalised for skipping one. In practice they are the easiest way to fill two minutes, so covering them is usually the simplest way to keep going.
Does it matter if the story is not true?
No. You are assessed on your English, not on whether the events happened. Inventing detail is fine and often easier than recalling a real memory under pressure.
Model answers written and reviewed by The English All-in-One IELTS team. They are teaching models showing what each band looks like, not real candidate scripts.