# Describe a place at home where you relax: IELTS Speaking sample answers

Speaking Part 2 - Home

Describe a place in your home where you like to relax.

You should say:
- where it is
- what it looks like
- what you do there
- and explain why you find it relaxing

Source: Sample answers and examiner notes are written by Testmigo.

## Band 7 sample

The place where I like to relax most is a small balcony outside the living room in our flat. We live in the fifth floor, so from the balcony you can see the street below and, in the distance, some hills, which is nice because the rest of the view is mostly other buildings.

It's not very big, maybe two metres by three, but my mum has put a lot of plants there, like herbs, tomatoes in pots and some flowers that hang down from the railing, so it feels quite green and fresh. There's a small round table, two folding chairs, and last year I bought a string of little lights, which look really nice in the evening. We also put a rug on the floor, so it's comfortable to sit on the ground too.

I usually go there in the evening after I will finish studying. Sometimes I just sit with a cup of tea and listen to music, and sometimes I read a book or call my friends. At the weekends I like having breakfast there if the weather is good. And in summer, when it's too hot inside, I sometimes even sleep there on a mattress, which my parents think is a bit crazy.

I find it relaxing because it's kind of separate from the rest of the house. Inside, there's always the TV on or someone asking me to do something, but on the balcony it feels more private and peaceful. Also, being near the plants and getting some fresh air helps me to clear my mind after a long day, especially when I have exams. It's like my own little escape.

**Examiner notes.** This Band 7 answer gives a clear, detailed picture of the balcony and explains its appeal with a sensible contrast between inside and outside. Vocabulary such as "railing", "folding chairs", "clear my mind" and "my own little escape" adds range. Some descriptions are vague ("really nice", "kind of separate"), and there are typical errors: "We live in the fifth floor" (rather than "on the fifth floor") and "after I will finish studying" (rather than "after I finish"). "Sometimes" is also repeated three times. For Band 8, the speaker would describe the space and feelings with more precise, evocative vocabulary and use a wider variety of structures to avoid repetition.

The Band 8 sample is free with an account on the [topic page](https://testmigo.com/ielts/speaking/topics/describe-your-favourite-place-at-home).

## Common questions

### How long should an IELTS Speaking Part 2 answer be?

You get one minute to prepare and then speak for up to two minutes; the examiner stops you at two. Aim to keep talking for the full time, which is usually 220 to 300 words.

### Can I use these sample answers in my test?

No. Examiners are trained to spot memorised answers, and a learned script is marked down. Use the samples to see what each band does, then answer in your own words.